Just got my first Ipad (Air 11") - primary use is just to watch on planes. Need a case for protection and to angle the screen, and there's a lot out there... Is Zugu the way to go or are there any other suggestions?


Also any tips or must have accessories would be very appreciated. Is the pen worth getting?

Yes, the pen is worth getting. Get one with your name engraved. I don't think it costs any more.

I have had 2 cases with my most recent iPads (I currently use 3 for various things): the ProCase is a fairly thin case with a cover. The device goes into the plastic backing and is fairly secure with the 3 fold cover going on top of it. You can set your device to awake when the cover is opened or, like I do, turn that off and wake it manually. This case is on my Pro 12.9 and the latest mini.

The other case I've used on my Pro and what's currently on my Air is the Poetic Turtleskin case. This case doesn't have a cover but is a heavier duty case with more protection around the edges. I've paired that with the Urban Armor sleeve bag for the utmost in protection when carried.

I have this case and I really like it. It has Auto Wake/Sleep function. It also rotates and there are two slots in the "base" for different viewing angles. I have a 3rd party pen but don't really use it, so far.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MDS515X?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I bought this one at the beginning of last year. I love it.

https://a.co/d/iZYWjGS

Most stands aren't going to be able to raise the tablet to anywhere near eye level on a plane tray table. It gets very uncomfortable looking down for long periods of time.

The one I does will allow you to raise it. The magnet is pretty strong. I just don't use that feature much with my setup at work. But I have used it raised on a plane and it's been great.

What are use cases for the pen? Note taking?

Never been able to find a reason to get one since my use case is surfing the internet, email, and watching stuff.

I work in construction and use the pen to mark up plans using the PlanGrid app. I don't really use it for just taking notes per se.

As a designer I do tons of sketching.

If you use the pencil a lot a screen protector that gives the screen a bit of bite is really nice, also helps keep it much more smudge free. The good ones will run you about 50 bucks though, I like the RockPaperPencil screen protector from Astropad. That one is also magnetic so it's much easier to affix on your iPad correctly.

AgsWin2011 said:

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The one I does will allow you to raise it. The magnet is pretty strong. I just don't use that feature much with my setup at work. But I have used it raised on a plane and it's been great.

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I wish I could be happy with raising it up 3-4" like that, but it still would annoy me. I want something that would raise it to the same level as the screens that used to exist on the back of the headrests (literally eye level). The only way to do that is to bring a tall tripod or to mount it to the back of seat in front of you. I actually have a phone stand that raises the phone up about two feet, but I haven't taken it on a plane yet.

This has been my favorite. I use it or the Magic Keyboard case depending on my use that day.

https://a.co/d/fcOhfjI

Have to add that after going through 3 or 4 different keyboards, the stupidly overpriced Magic Keyboard is unfortunately by far the best one on the market.

Thanks for the input. Going to try the ESR due to the elevated mounting ability. Have an international trip in three weeks so we'll see how it does.

Another thumbs up for the ESR, I use it on my 11" pro. the elevated position is a bit flimsy, but fine for an airplane. Unless you're legit talented at graphic design and drawing and junk, don't sweat getting an Apple Pencil. 3rd party pens work just fine for note taking, i use one I think I got for 11 bucks. Still works with palm rejection, etc. I also have a slim bluetooth mechanical keyboard that I can use with it if I'm needing to type a bunch. altogether such a setup bulkier than a Magic Keyboard but cheaper and I prefer not having to mess with switching cases out and junk.

Don't be dumb like me and leave the pencil laying around - since the battery is so small, if it's left uncharged/unused for a prolonged period of time it'll die and you won't be able to charge it anymore.

So even if you aren't a heavy user of it, try to mess around with it every once in awhile.

I am very close to buying iPad Pro 13 for music purposes and have been looking at cases I would pair with it. Before consulting Texags I was leaning towards ESR shift. It seems to be very versatile including being able to turn into portrait mode as well as being magnetic. Seems like this is where some of y'all are leaning towards. Thanks!

fig96 said:

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As a designer I do tons of sketching.

If you use the pencil a lot a screen protector that gives the screen a bit of bite is really nice, also helps keep it much more smudge free. The good ones will run you about 50 bucks though, I like the RockPaperPencil screen protector from Astropad. That one is also magnetic so it's much easier to affix on your iPad correctly.

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How is the glare reduction. Does it interfere with protective case like ESR?