Connect with us

Mobile

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Accessories: Slip Cases, Covers, and Keyboards

Published

on

Of all the accessories mentioned at Samsung’s Galaxy Tab event today, the most exciting (and most useful) are the cases and covers. They don’t quite reach the heights of the magical Smart Cover for the iPad 2, but they do nicely blend good looks, light weight, and functionality.

Book Cover Case — $59.99

This is the case I use for my Galaxy Tab, and I like it because it’s light and thin and fits snug around the device. I will admit to having an affinity for cases that open like a book.
Samsung Galaxy Tab Book Cover

The case doubles as a stand with multiple angles for watching media or typing,  and closes securely thanks to a magnet in the flap. It would be nice if opening and closing the cover could trigger wake and sleep — alas, maybe in the next generation.

Samsung Galaxy Tab Book Cover

Though it surrounds the top and bottom of the Tab, there are cut outs for the headphone jack and camera/flash. The sides are open, so nothing covers the speakers. On the Wi-Fi version the power button and volume rocker are covered when the case is closed. On the 4G version these buttons sit on the side, so they’re accessible at all times. I prefer the former arrangement as it cuts down on something accidentally hitting the power button while it’s in my bag.

I like the feel of the Book Case as well: matte with a cloth-like/dimpled feel so you can get a good grip on it.

Overall, a really well-designed case that doesn’t add much bulk or weight to the Galaxy Tab.

Samsung Galaxy Tab Book CoverSamsung Galaxy Tab Book Cover sideSamsung Galaxy Tab Book Cover

Premium Protective Case With Bluetooth Keyboard — $149.99

Galaxy Tab Bluetooth Keyboard Case

As I mentioned in my other post, the Galaxy Tab keyboard dock isn’t exactly mobile-friendly. Sure, you could carry it around, but it’s awkward and a bit heavy. Enter the Bluetooth keyboard case, which I got my first glimpse of today. It’s similar in style to the Book Cover but with a keyboard plus more versatility on standing angles. I like the look of the keyboard case much more than the dock (possibly because white plastic has never enchanted me).

Galaxy Tab Bluetooth Keyboard Case Galaxy Tab Bluetooth Keyboard Case

In my very short hands-on time with this case I noticed decent tactile feedback and well-sized keys. The case itself isn’t too heavy, and maintains a slim line when closed. I’m looking forward to trying it out, especially as most iPad Bluetooth keyboard cases I’ve tried have been major let downs. I’d like to see what Samsung can do with this.

The case will be out in the next couple of months.

Leather Pouch — $29.99

Samsung Galaxy tab 10.1 leather slip case

For those who don’t want a cover but just a slipcase for protection, the Leather Pouch offers some understated style. It doesn’t have any special powers or hidden functionality to wow you. That’s all right, though. After all, even the conservative amongst us needs tablet protection.

9 Comments

9 Comments

  1. franz

    08/04/2011 at 3:30 am

    good info….. thanks…

    gadget

  2. Tablet Cases

    08/04/2011 at 6:24 am

    cant say that anyone of them actually looks pretty. samsung doesnt compromise on the looks eh :)

  3. Anonymous

    08/04/2011 at 2:20 pm

    I can’t help but notice that while there is a cut-out for the camera on the back, you can’t use it if the cover is on; and how would you use it when the cover is open?  Actually surprised that none of the reviews mention this.

    • JM_66 fan

      10/25/2011 at 5:09 am

      It can be used with the cover opened. It is opening on the bottom of the tablet and the upper part where is the camera is not covered by nothing. Take a better lock

  4. Anonymous

    08/04/2011 at 3:16 pm

    The look of that flap on the keyboard cover is not good.
    Seems like it would be rubbing against my wrists or arms. 
    Not a problem maybe for a quick e-mail or two but it’s the kind of thing that would drive me wild during an extended typing session.

    With the first case, it seems like the area which rests upon the table when open is the same area which goes against the screen when closed ??
    I don’t like that idea at all.

    Would be very curious to know how much size/weight the keyboard cover adds in contrast to something like the asus transformer dock.

    For that matter it would be good to know the exact numbers and weight for any of these.

    A lot of tablet reviews make a big deal of 10mm or a third pound weight difference tablet to tablet.
    How much of this gets washed away when you add a necessary cover, and how noticable the difference is once added to a bag of stuff are always what I am thinking.

    Smaller is better generally – but I often think too much emphasis is unduly placed there.
    Still – like megapixels, it is what sells I suppose.

  5. Alain Chappaz

    08/05/2011 at 9:47 pm

    Not impressed. I’m keeping my fingers crossed, hoping for the rumoured refresh of the 7-inch Tab.

  6. Alain Chappaz

    08/05/2011 at 9:47 pm

    Not impressed. I’m keeping my fingers crossed, hoping for the rumoured refresh of the 7-inch Tab.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.