The hottest new tablet around is the Nexus 7, powered by Google’s Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean and built by Asus, and while not it’s not super susceptible to damage from the typical drop, it has been known to stain pretty badly on it’s soft-touch backing. So after purchasing your new 7-inch Tegra 3 toy, take a look at these great cases to keep it nice and pretty.
The list compares protection, usability, productivity, and style of the case, and it will include variability in color, a link to the site you can pick one up from, as well as pricing.
Let us know which case you’re going to pick up and why.
10. Timbuk2 Plush Sleeve
This is a very simplistic case that’s more for transport protection while in a bag rather than usability. The memory foam inside is great for keeping your Nexus clean and protecting it at the same time. The sleeve stays closed via Velcro and is TSA approved, so it can stay in the case while going through security before your next flight.
Availability:
Colors: Black, Gray, Green, Blue, and Brown
Price:
$19.00
9. Official Nexus 7 Cover
The official Nexus 7 is also built by Asus and it definitely not the most stylish case out there. However, it is functional, as it surround the back and sides with a flap to cover the screen when needed. It has a soft matte-finish, which is quite a step back from the leather-like feeling of the back without a case. It has yet to be release but there are rumors a Smart cover type use after magnets were discovered in the bezel of the Nexus 7.
Availability:
Gray only
Price:
$19.99
8. GelaSkin
Now if you’re a more creative type and not really afraid of severe damage, then you may be looking for a skin instead of a case. GelaSkin provides a great variation of skins that will protect your little Nexus from scuffs and scratch while in use. The skins cover the back and bezel, and you can even download wallpaper to complete the skin on the screen for free. At less then 1mm thin with easy application and removal, it’s the perfect choice to show your friends how unique your Nexus can be.
Availability:
There are 90 different skins to choose from: flags, paintings, abstract, and nature
Price:
$29.95
7. BeachBuoy Waterproof
This is a case for a real adventurer, or a very clumsy person, because the BeachBuoy is 100% waterproof for up to 5 meters (or 16ft for the non-metric readers). It has a transparent front and back with the ability to use the touch screen while immersed. It includes a neck strap for travel, and makes it perfect for keeping track of it while snorkeling or hanging out in the pool.
Availability:
Black only
Price:
£16.95 ~ $26.50
6. TreeGloo Book Case
Protective, simplistic, and stylish, the TreeGloo for Nexus 7 is a sustainable wood and cloth case. The tablet clips right into the lightweight folio and creates the illusion of a small notebook you can stick into your backpack or purse. It can act as an 85 degree stand and is held shut by a tight piece of elastic.
Availability:
Varying choices of Frame Finish, Cover Color, Elastic/Kinetic Latch, Liner Type/Color/Print
Price:
From $34.95 to $74.95
5. KHOMO Carbon Fiber Folio
Carbon Fiber is always a classy look and has a history of staying quite durable time and time again, and the KHOMO Carbon Fiber Fiber is no different. It’s a sleek and lightweight portfolio to hold your Nexus 7 to the highest standards. You will enjoy pulling it out of your bag and flipping it open to enjoy a book, movie, or Tegra 3 game.
Availability:
Black only
Price:
$6.99
4. Dauphine Candy-Striped Folio
This canvas folio is great for you who want something a little more colorful than the continuous neutrals you see in so many of the tablet cases. The candy-striped pattern looks good enough to eat and the nifty handle on the inside of the case makes it great for usability. The case stays shut by magnetic latch, so you’ll never worry about your beautiful device slipping out unexpectedly.
Availability:
Candy-Striped
Price:
$19.99
3. FocalCase Leather Folio
If you’re looking a premium leather case at an affordable price, then look no further than the FocalCase Leather Folio. Just slide your Nexus right into the soft slot design perfectly for it’s form factor and enjoy the multiple landscape viewing angles. It is unfortunate the Nexus 7 homescreen does not rotate to landscape mode but the rest of your apps should be fine.
Availability:
Colors: Black, White, Purple, Magenta, Light Red, and Light Green
Price:
$15.99
2. FocalCase 360 degree Rotating Leather Folio
If multiple landscape views just isn’t enough and you’re starting to miss that smooth portrait style then the FocalCase Rotating Leather Folio should suit you just fine. It is essentially the Leather Folio of #3 but with the ability of 360 degree rotation. You still have your multiple angles so there’s no downside to this upgrade.
Availability:
Colors: Brown, Black, White, and Pink
Price:
$19.99
1. FocalCase Leather Keyboard Case
For anyone looking to use the Nexus 7 as PostPC device and do work on the go then the FocalCase Leather Keyboard Case should definitely be your next purchase. It boasts 100 days of standby time or 90 hours of uninterrupted use after just 4.5 hours of charging, and you can still have the comfort of the premium leather to carry your tablet in. It connects via Bluetooth 2.0, and is dust and spill-proof for you messy typists. It will automatically re-connect after the first connection every time you turn it on.
Availability:
Black only
Price:
$55.99
