Thule Atmos X3 iPad Air case earns raves

Everybody makes an iPad case, it seems, but how well the features have been thought out is normally another matter. I’ve tested numerous cases over the years, and there have certainly been plenty of pretty good ones. With each one, however, quibbles and frustrations have arisen – too heavy, too bulky, a complicated or insecure lid latch, or what to do with a separate or floppy lid when the case is open, among others. There have been enough that I’ve continued my search for that one case to become my go-to, my favorite in all but wet conditions for my iPad Air. And I’ve finally found it – the Thule Atmos X3 iPad Air case ($70).

Made of polycarbonate, the dual-density case provides an amazing level of anti-shock drop protection with minimal added bulk and weight (approximately 3/4 of a pound). A sleek and light case is important because, after all, what’s the point of owning a tablet if your case makes it feel like a brick?

Even with the Thule’s outer shells nested together flat, either for use or storage, the engineers thought through the design very well. In either state, it remains a sleek packet that still allows full access to the camera as well as the power and earphone ports. Control buttons on the Thule Atmos X3 are precise and a dream to use – unlike other cases I have tested where rubberized covers for buttons made it hard to turn it on or off or adjust the sound levels.

I especially love the rubberized inlay around the entire case. Even with sweaty palms, I never feel as if I might lose my grip. A secure hold is important when I am trying to quickly check an email or sketch a scene — and need to focus less on a slippery case than on the action. The rubberized inlay also ensures the case will stay put on smooth surfaces such as train or airplane tables.

There are several features I absolutely love about the Thule Atmos X3. A rubber tab makes it supremely easy to flip from closed to open and ready to use in one quick motion. It is also easy to adjust viewing angles, which also don’t slip about once placed. Perhaps best of all, the cover quickly folds around and nests onto the back of the iPad, creating an absolutely flat, secure, yet still protective case. No more flopping lids that just get in the way that make taking photos or, in my case, drawing and painting, an absolute dream. Just like holding a sketchpad – or camera.

My only quibble — and it is a small one — is that there is no built-in feature that will put the iPad to sleep with the lid shut. You must push the on-off button. This is not a must-have, but certainly would be a nice-to-have. There have been several times I forgot to push the button to put my iPad into sleep mode, meaning it continues to draw down the battery.

Thule feels so strongly about the quality and durability of its Atmos X3 iPad Air case that it also comes with a 25-year warranty. Even with my small quibble, I feel so strongly about how good this case is it simply has to receive our HITT Seal of Approval for product excellence.