Since its market launch last year, the iPad mini has also enjoyed growing popularity among sailors. In a recent test of navigation apps by the editorial team (more in YACHT No. 15/2013), the dwarf was surprisingly convincing as a mobile navigation solution in the cockpit despite its small and somewhat darker display. This makes the question of how to protect the valuable device (with GPS, Wi-Fi and 16 GB memory it costs 459 euros) from water and fall damage all the more urgent.
Our app test was carried out without a waterproof case, as the market has so far only offered soft cases for the iPad, in contrast to the cases for its big brother, the normal iPad. However, manufacturer Lifeproof has now introduced a new waterproof case for the Mini, which is also a very robust protective cover. During the presentation in Hamburg, a running iPad mini was roughly thrown onto the floor several times and sunk into an aquarium without the tablet sustaining any damage. The connections for the charger and headphones are protected against water, but are also easy to open to charge the device or listen to music without always having to unpack it. The speakers also work quite well in the case, as the waterproof membrane film protects the speakers and still lets enough sound through.
The Lifeproof product for the large iPad (Nüüd model, 121 euros) was recently tried out by the editorial team during the test cruise. There too, the device survived two falls from the cockpit bench without any problems and was extremely well protected against slipping thanks to the rubber coating.
The iPad mini case called Lifeproof fré will be available from August directly from the website free of charge or from some sporting goods retailers such as Globetrotter and probably also Intersport. It costs 89.90 euros, is available in black and white and also has a carrying strap. Lifeproof also manufactures cases for the iPhone 4 and 5, and other products for Samsung are in preparation and will be launched on the market in the coming months. Info at http://www-lifeproof.com.
Andreas Fritsch
Editor Travel
