With the increasing interest in tablets as alternative mobile computing devices, we expect in the future that more airsoft players would be bringing one in one form or another. While we had the Archos 9 as the first tablet for Popular Airsoft, we were extremely disappointed with its performance. We were intent on having an Android-based one, but then the releases are just coming in, so we have to content ourselves with having an iPad for having a tablet in the field.

Why bring such a gadget to the skirmish field? A tablet computer is more mobile and flexible than a laptop, easily stored in your bag, and a lighter tool. A mobile phone is also a good one, but you are limited by the screen size. The tablet is the best compromise. As airsoft events get more complex, especially large-scale ones, a tablet can bring some benefits:

1. As a map tool and with applications such as Google Maps, you can have an interaction with the map, putting pins as marker tools with regards to objectives, create waypoints, and share such information to other teams;
2. As a communications tool, though a mobile phone is much better for this. But then you can type more information with a tablet faster than with a mobile phone. Either you use twitter to provide updates to other teams, or have a special application for airsoft events communication. Or you can check emails while on the field; and
3. Get updates on the web, or even update your Facebook status during skirmish breaks. Better yet, read the latest Popular Airsoft news and stories while in the field. Or watch porn, er movies, inside your tent *shrug*.

You can do much more if some airsoft players who are also applications developers get more creative in making applications for airsoft players to use. Battletac, can you hear us?  Just make sure you have good mobile broadband coverage where you play at or else you'll just have to rely on the good `ole PMR/FRS radios.

However, consumer tablets were not built as hardened gadgets intended for the battlefield. There are special computers for that and they do cost a lot, such as the toughbook, or slate computers used by field logistics personnel. And you don't want to risk your precious investment in such an environment, as the larger screen is a bigger target for a wayward BB, or especially a sniper who wants to really ruin your day. You'll need to protect your tablet, in this case, your iPad, from shocks, drops, and the elements.

Which leads us to the Otterbox Defender Case for the iPad. While it's not the sexiest of accessories to protect your iPad, it was not intended to be a fashion statement. But then it will make your iPad look like it's built like a tank, sorta, which is exactly what you will need when bringing your iPad to the field.

It's not cheap, but then whoever said protection is cheap? It costs US$90/£60 and what you get are the following:

1. Self-adhering clear protective film
2. High-impact polycarbonate shell
3. Durable silicone skin

That means you get three layers of protection. It's actually easy to install as it's a well thought-out package. However, we struggled putting on the clear protective screen, but the package comes with a cardboard piece for you to remove the bubbles created by screen. We were able to install the package within 5 minutes, and we love what we saw. It will not win us points among girls (or men for the ladies) at a coffee shop (well, you know the research about iPhone users, which we assume also goes for iPad users. Unless we are wrong). But you would get nodding approvals from your mates in the airsoft skirmish field.

The polycarbonate outer front/back cover protects the screen when not in use. Once put on the screen, the shell snaps quickly and protects it in case a stray bb finds its way to the iPad or you get to drop it. There's some space between it and the screen allowing for some shock absorption.

The shell also acts as a built-in stand so you can raise your iPad when reading, watching a movie or typing something in. As the shell has silicon grip pads at the bottom preventing any slipping of the stand. Either you use it on a landscape or portrait orientation, but we recommend landscape mode as the iPad tends to slip out of the stand while in portrait since it's narrower in that orientation and the shell's tabs won't be able to stop any slipping. That's one thing that needs to be added, additional tabs as stoppers while in portrait mode. But more tabs for you to work on when putting the shell to cover the screen or act as grip for the bottom.

For the iPad body itself there are two protections, which you think these were one looking at the photos. The first is the hard shell which you insert the iPad into and the softer outer silicone shell thaat wraps on all the sides and the bottom/back area of the iPad. Do not worry about the inner hard shell scratching your iPad's back, there's some felt padding inside the hard shell to prevent that. Both of these shells provide a tight fit and look adequate enough to prevent water seeping inside. But they do not make the iPad totally waterproof, just water resistant to light rain, and almost dust-proof. The combination of these shells also protect your iPad from scratches, bumps, and drops.

The only concession that the Otterbox Defender for the iPad gives to you so you can show to others that you are an iPad user without shouting that you are is a hole that reveals the Apple logo, but the iPad body is not at all exposed as there's a thin transparent film covering it. Just make sure that it doesn't become a bulls eye for OPFOR. So at least you can score some points at the coffee shop since people can still notice that you're using an iPad.

At the bottom, there's a panel that you can slip out to reveal the docking port. Thus, this panel protects the docking port when inserted back in.

Of the buttons and ports of the iPad, which are protected and not protected?

The speakers at the bottom are not protected for obvious reasons. You don't want to watch a movie or listen to music with a muffled sound.

The volume control is protected and easy to press and the display orientation (portrait/landscape modes) lock switch is recessed and you can remove the cover to reveal the lock when you need to change orientation. Both of these are located near the upper right corner of the iPad.

The On/Off button also located at on top of the upper right corner is pretty much well covered. No hassles in pushing the button in case you want to reset the tablet.

On top of the upper left corner you will find the microphone and audio port. The microphone, just like the speakers at the bottom, is not covered and again for obvious reasons of not having your voiced muffled when recording something or speaking to someone via a VOIP app. The audio port is well protected, and you can remove the cover when you need to plug-in a headphone jack.

There you go, an iPad that you can actually bring into the middle of a firefight. One thing that you would notice is that you get extra weight to an iPad that won't allow you to handhold it with just one hand for a long period. But it's not a problem for any airsoft player who is used to carrying heavier loads. The sliding panel covering the docking port is also stubborn to pull out as it's not smooth to slide in or out. The pop-up stand on the cover also takes a little more effort to pull out when you want to use. But I am just nitpicking here as it's really hard to find fault with this design.

The thing that I might want to suggest is to cover the exposed speakers and microphone when not in use. If the next iteration of the Otterbox Defender Case for the iPad achieves this, then you might have an all-weather iPad that is much more protected than your airsoft gun from the elements.

Highly recommended to gadget freaks who want to bring their iPad to airsoft events. Frequent travellers will love this. Fashionistas, do keep your distance, it's an iPad casing for the tough guys and gals.

To end this, here's a video review from Insanely Great Mac: