I’m a nut-case for cases. More accurately, I just love a well-designed case and when it comes to mobility and ease of travel. Even for short business excursions around town, I’m very picky about what I carry and how I carry it. I’m also author of The iPad Executive, a technology and news advisory service for executives and a complementary line of executive training sessions that help executives make a lasting impression with iPad and cases matter to this select group of users.

WaterField Designs, a San Francisco manufacturer of custom laptop sleeves, bags and cases for digital gear sent me one of their newest innovations – the iPad Wallet – a lightweight, sophisticated case for the iPad designed to neatly bundle up the Apple Wireless Keyboard and important accessories. When I first read about this case, the additional ability to tote the aluminum wireless keyboard piqued my interest since I do a fair bit of writing for iPadCTO and iPhoneCTO with iPad.

I’ve been using a really nice soft-side messenger bag from Targus which is just the right size for iPad’s dimensions with the standard Apple flip case or with the beefier leather incase. It has plenty of room for my iPad and Bluetooth keyboard with pockets and space for accessories such as the VGA adapter and USB cable and power adapter. The Targus case doesn’t [however] offer a good solution for credit cards or my corporate Starbucks card, key mobility requirements when out of the office. The Targus does have an outside zipper pocket embedded in the cover flap, but it seems to swallow up anything you drop into it, making it almost impossible to find stuff without emptying the entire pocket.

Waterfield’s iPad wallet provides magic-tablet-toting executives the ability to carry and protect a near-complete mobile office in a compact, stylish form-factor either under the arm, in another bag or—with the optional shoulder strap—as a stand-alone bag. As founder Gary Waterfield accurately points out,

“Most iPad users prefer using the Apple Wireless keyboard in conjunction with the iPad to type more easily and efficiently.”

More than a thin case, yet smaller than a messenger bag, the iPad Wallet embraces the hyper-portability of the iPad and the highly productive wireless keyboard. The only case I’ve found that turns on a dime and is ready for use quickly and with little effort, is the Apple-designed basic portfolio case. iPad wallet is not so agile – the zipper borders only two sides of the case making it a bit difficult to quickly access contents. As my mini-study on the impact of iPad’s agility demonstrates (iPad Agility Creates Surprising Increase In Productivity Over iPhone and Laptop), one of the greatest benefits of this revolutionary device is its ability to steal fleeting moments of idle business time to actually get work done. iPad Wallet doesn’t enhance iPad’s agility to tackle simple tasks, but of course, it’s really optimized to protect your device and conveniently carry the keyboard for extensive [mobile] typing projects.

What’s Missing

• I wish there was a pocket designed specifically for credit cards, stylus, and business cards.
• Generally, when I carry a keyboard for iPad, I also typically need the dock stand and power adapter; a pocket or secure place for these bulky accessories would be nice.

Scratch-free pockets, foam lining, and impact-resistant dividers separate the keyboard and tablet. A soft, scratch-free internal pocket and a stretchy outside back pocket conspire to snuggly transport cables, cell phone and other small necessities. I noticed my screen is either being cleaned by the internal fabric or it’s simply a cleaner environment to carry your device.

Available in a choice of six panel colors, each iPad Wallet is flanked by eco-friendly, distressed leather trim. YKK self-locking zippers seal the deal for this rugged and very protective case. Users can opt to add D-rings and a strap to convert the innovative iPad Wallet into a pretty nice stand-alone hands-free bag.