Dress up and protect your iPad mini and Pencil with durable sleeves

By

This folio case shown has the clasp. Another version does not.
This folio case shown has the clasp. Another version does not.
Photo: Elago

You’d probably no sooner carry around your iPad mini in public without a case than you would your MacBook Pro. But you can keep the slim form factor and terrific portability of your tablet while keeping it safe by slipping it into an Elago Smart Folio Case.

And what’s more, Elago just put out a new product that goes with iPads and the Apple Pencils that work so well with them. The Elago Apple Pencil Holder is a super-secure and protective sleeve for a stylus that fixes strongly to a tablet or its case.

And best of all, two versions of the folio are a great deal in the Cult of Mac Store, as is the Pencil holder — all detailed below.

Elago Smart Folio Case with or without clasp for 2021 8.3-inch iPad mini

Unlike some other makers’ generic, mass-produced cases, Elago’s cases are designed in house from scratch and built with attention to detail. That helps ensure you’ll get a case that fits perfectly, protects your gear from everyday use and looks great.

Two advantages of the Elago Smart Folio are that it’s made of soft synthetic leather and has a slim design. The cover is designed to protect your tablet during everyday use, combatting dirt, oils and scratches.

The folio adds a layer of protection without sacrificing functionality. With the folio on the device, you still have full access to all functions.

One version of the folio includes a clasp to ensure the flap stays securely closed. The other, more streamlined version skips the clasp for those who prefer an even slimmer product that lays completely flat on either side.

And Elago has released a new product that goes with your iPad and the all-important Apple Pencil you might use with it — the Elago Apple Pencil Holder. See more about it below.

Please note: Elago products ship to the U.S. only.

Folio prices: $18.99 with clasp, $17.99 without

Where to buy: Cult of Mac Store

The Elago Apple Pencil Holder affixes securely to your iPad or its case.
The Elago Apple Pencil Holder affixes securely to your iPad or its case.
Photo: Elago

Elago Apple Pencil Holder

Elago has added a new product line compatible with Apple Pencil and other brands of stylus, as well as the tablet they go with. It’s the Elago Apple Pencil Holder.

The new sleeve holds your Pencil tightly so it doesn’t fall off your iPad, which can happen with one simply held magnetically. Strong adhesive allows you to place your sleeve anywhere you want. You can affix it to the back of your iPad or to the device’s case, for example.

The company fashioned the sleeve’s interior out of soft Lycra to ensure the Pencil fits snuggly in place and doesn’t get scratched.

Elago said it used high-quality materials in the sleeve to make sure the product lasts longer than others of its kind. And if the sleeve does manage to break, the company urges you to contact its customer service department.

The holder is compatible with Apple Pencil 1 and 2, and it can work with other styluses of similar size.

Note, however, that it won’t work with a silicone case covering the Pencil.

Price: $10.99

Where to buy: Cult of Mac Store

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.