By Frank Petrie

There is conservatively five trillion iPad cases and sleeves on the market. OK, OK. Maybe more. And they're all pretty much the same, just different, colors, and fabrics. But this case was developed by Quirky, a social development company.

Basically, people come up with ideas and the community votes on whether to pursue it or not. Then your invited to suggest extra features, the product's name, etc. Quirky then works out the engineering and builds prototypes, then markets the product. Everyone who contributed then gets a percentage of the sales, according to the percentage of their input. But, I digress.

"Protect -- and prop up -- your Apple iPad with the Quirky Cloak (http://www.quirky.com/products/30-Cloak-iPad-Case), a sleek, sturdy case that doubles as a convenient, versatile stand! With Cloak you can finally take your iPad out of your lap and use it comfortably and safely in any situation.

"To insert your iPad, just pop it into the front of the case. Cloak comes in four colors: black, pink, blue, and green."

So, did the masses out perform the manufacturing community?

The Juice

Cloak (US$54.99) covers all the necessary bases; position your iPad in landscape, portrait, or laptop mode. The cases are made of slip resistant silicone so you don't accidentally drop your new electronic 'must-have.' The side that houses the iPad, is a silicone sleeve that you pop you iDevice into. The opposite side, naturally is rigid so as to protect the screen.

The Pulp

As with all silicone holders, I'm weary as to their viability over time. Will they stretch and not hold the iPad in place?

I am impressed, however, with the device's hinge. Instead of two sides held together by the case's skin, the Cloak has an actual hinge. I can see this holding up to wear and tear much better.

The Rind

Other than my concern over the silicone issue, I wish they had made the portrait mode leg twice as thick. It seemed to me to be a bit flimsy. It'll work but I would feel more confident in it's ability to support my iPad if it was a bit sturdier. Otherwise, this is one of the times that something was actually properly designed by committee.

Summary

Cloak is a product that I would confidently recommend, regardless of the portrait leg. On a side note, I suggest that you go towww.quirky.com and check out their program. It really is fascinating. Perhaps you could either propose an idea or help tweak one and make a little dosh on the side.

As for me, I'm going to keep submitting ideas for flying cars. With integrated iPads.