Tech Review: G-Form Extreme Edge

 
The word ‘extreme’ has been so overused in the past decade that it has lost some of its meaning, but G-Form have done a great job of reviving its true meaning with their Extreme Edge open-face case.

Continuing to keep their “Edge” when it comes to tablet covers, G-Form have cut their teeth perfecting their RPT technology in knee, elbow and shin pads for Skateboarders and Bicyclists. RPT, or Reactive Protection Technology, is designed to absorb over 90% of energy upon impact. Normally this type of protection would come in a bulky package, but the folks over at G-Form have found a minimalist way to provide top notch protection to the iPad and any other 10 inch tablet on the market.

G-Form first caught my attention with their extreme torture tests, which included dropping an 8 pound bowling ball from three feet high onto an iPad in one of their cases; running over a G-Form encased iPad with a sedan, and just when I thought they were crazy, they proceeded to drop an iPad 60ft in one of their cases with the same successful results – no harm to the iPad! The new G-Form Extreme Edge provides protection while still allowing you to use your tablet.

When I first pulled the Edge out of the mailing envelope, I was surprised. I wasn’t sure what to expect and G-Form’s design choice was surprisingly effective on most fronts. One of my big complaints about the Extreme Sleeve for the iPad was its bulk. The Extreme Sleeve effectively triples the thickness of the iPad. The new Extreme Edge cuts away much of that bulk while still providing outstanding protection. This protection does come at a cost.

The Edge provides protection as well as functionality, but there is a cost. No product is perfect and the Extreme Edge sacrifices some tablet functions to achieve the Ft. Knox-like protection that it boasts. G-Form advertises that there is a cut out for the camera and it is true, but only for the front facing camera. This allows the tablet’s camera to still function for video teleconferences, but the rear facing camera is covered in the embrace of RPT goodness. Losing the ability to take pictures with the iPad 2’s camera could be a deal breaker for some customers. I was unhappy with the inability to use the rear facing camera as I use it as my primary camera when traveling.
The other major drawback about the Extreme case is the inability to use the physical buttons (power, volume and the screen rotation rocker). To provide all around protection, those buttons are covered. I don’t use these buttons often, but I like to know I can use them when I get the urge. My workaround for the physical buttons was to press the outside of the case in which was successful after a few tries. It wasn’t a big deal.

Based on the design, the home button and the front facing camera are still easily useable. The open front face allows functionality but would not provide great protection if your tablet landed screen down on an uneven surface. All of the amazing tests are conducted on flat surfaces like parking lots and roads. I still think G-form should add some D-rings on the sides of their cases and sleeves so that the user could attach a strap to them for ease of transportation.

The amount of protection combined with the functionality this case offers make it a good buy specialized situations. I could see this case being perfectly suited for someone who is using a tablet on an industrial work site and even for most construction sites. I would recommend combining this case with a good screen protector to keep your tablet as safe as possible. G-Form continues to listen to their customers and shows a willingness to develop or change products to meet customer requests. They have even released their Extreme Sleeve, Portfolio, and of course the Edge for the Kindle Fire and other 7 inch tablets. If you have friends or loved ones who have tablets, G-Form has cases that would make useful holiday gifts: their products are top notch and their support is even better. You don’t have to be extreme to see how well made and useful these products are.
 

About Cape Rust

Cape Rust is an international man of thespionage. Born and raised in San Antonio Texas, he joined the U.S. Army where he served 12 years six as a Military Policeman and six as an all source Military Intelligence Analyst. Being a fat, bald version of James Bond, his geek interests are wide (like his belly) and varied. His collection of gadgets (electronic and travel related) are only rivaled by the amount of pockets found on most items of clothing he wears.

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