We gathered the most promising prospects from the first round of iPad cases and tested them mercilessly to determine which ones reliably protect your precious.

Less than an hour after the iPad was announced back in January, we began getting press releases for protective cases and sleeves for Apple’s then-unreleased tablet. We tested many of that first round of protective accessories, and these were some of the most interesting options. For its minimal weight and good overall protection, we liked the LA robe iPad Allure from be.ez best, but there are as many iPad sleeves and cases as there are ways to use an iPad. The array of iPad protection shown here covers plenty of different uses and styles, and our ratings will help you balance form with function to select the one that’s right for you.

Click to embiggen and view callouts.

1. Pixelshield

COMPANY: Speck
CONTACT: www.speckproducts.com
PRICE: $39.95
REQUIREMENTS: iPad

Soft neoprene material offers bump protection. Available in black-and-gray or red.

Everyone we asked thought the handle was useless because they’d carry the PixelShield in another bag anyway.

2. 1337

COMPANY: Incipio
CONTACT: www.myincipio.com
PRICE: $34.99
REQUIREMENTS: iPad

Molded grips are perfect for iPad gamers. Comes in three colors. Can charge in sleeve.

Too heavy for everyday use (10.8 oz). Rotation-lock switch is hard to operate with sleeve in place. No screen protection.

3. La Robe iPad Allure

COMPANY: be.ez
CONTACT: www.be-ez.com
PRICE: $29.99
REQUIREMENTS: iPad

Snug fit doesn’t waste any space in your bag. Foam material absorbs bumps. Available in four different colors. Cool striped pattern. Lightweight (4.5 oz).

Zipper may scuff the edge of your iPad.

4. Boa Skin XS

COMPANY: Booq
CONTACT: www.booqbags.com
PRICE: $29.95
REQUIREMENTS: iPad

Super compact. Hard backing provides additional screen protection. Stretchy fabric secures iPad without requiring a zipper. Three colors.

Leaves one edge of iPad exposed. Minimal padding.

5. Bubble Sleeve

COMPANY: Hard Candy Cases
CONTACT: www.hardcandycases.com
PRICE: $49.95
REQUIREMENTS: iPad

Well-padded protection. Cool design. Three colors.

Rubber “corners” mounted inside with weak, extremely sticky adhesive that got all over the inside of the case. Corners don’t actually provide the intended snug fit. Bulky.