NewerTechnology NuGuard iPad Snap On Case Review

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newertechnology nuguard 00The NewerTechnology NuGuard is a minimum bulk snap-on case for the iPad that provides a hard shell backing in a one-piece design.  Let’s take a closer look.

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NuGuard in it's original packaging

According to NewerTechnology, the NuGuard consists of an “impact-resistant plastic with a bycast leather back”.  I wasn’t quite sure what to make of the leather bits till I opened it up.

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NuGuard interior
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Full view of the back, leather surface
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Closeup of the leather backed surface

It seems the back is covered in a thin layer of some kind of leather.  If it’s not real leather, then it’s a pretty good simulation.  It DOES have an odor to it.  Feels smooth and buttery.  Very pleasant to the touch.

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The corners fit right under the flush surface of the iPad.
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The case is barely visible from the front.

Although the NuGuard makes a very sleek covering, there is one thing I noticed:  The back doesn’t sit totally flush with the iPad.  I was easily able to slip a piece of paper behind the iPad.  The paper moved freely.

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I could squeeze the NuGuard and iPad together, and the gap is readily visible.

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Now you see the gap...
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...now you don't

I phoned NewerTechnology about this, and the only reasonable explanation they gave was that it was “designed” that way to allow greater shock impact resistance.  I would have preferred tighter tolerances, personally.

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iSobot shows off the NuGuard

If you are looking for a quickly detachable case to protect the back and corners, the NuGuard may be just the thing.  It may not protect the screen or sides- or fit snug- but the overall construction is good and won’t come off accidentally.

 

Product Information

Price:$24.99
Manufacturer:NewerTechnology
Pros:
  • Effortless installation, minimal bulk, nice leathery grip on the back
Cons:
  • Case does not fit flush with iPad

8 thoughts on “NewerTechnology NuGuard iPad Snap On Case Review”




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  2. I’m surprised no one has come out with a snap on protector case that also has grab handles on the sides. These things seem awfully “slippery to hold with the tapered backs and I think adding some hand grips onto the edges would help.

  3. @Andy – Now I understand why you asked about if my review about the clear case was flush with the iPad, which it is! Maybe the mold for the leather case was off?

  4. I tried the cover backwards… covering the screen… and it works.

    To check for grip, I grabbed the edges and the iPad would not fall out. Cover pops off again by gently prying one of the corners.

    Fine. It’s a 2-in-1 cover. Cover your back, cover your front.

  5. Is this thin enough to still fit a leather case? I have the Incase folio-style leather one and I want to protect the exposed corners of my iPad. Will this work in that scenario?

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