Many companies have discovered the power of an iPad as a tool for their workforce. American Airlines has switched to iPads (and iPhones) for many frontline employees. The MLB has had iPad Pro’s in dugouts for several years. K12 schools deploy hundreds of thousands of iPads for student use. A common thread for these deployments is a case. Deploying with a well-made case can make a difference in several ways. The residual value at end-of-use is just one of them.
Limit Repairs
Keeping technology continually functional makes a deployment cost effective. Having to have back-up units just adds to your costs. Repeatedly repairing a device can double the cost of the device. A good case increases functionality, decreases your dependence on back-up units and the need for extended warranties like Apple Care. In some instances warranty companies will discount policy costs if the device is deployed in a good case.
User Experience
Sometimes technology is customer facing. Asking a customer to use a worn iPad is not optimal. A heavily scratched device or one with dent or worse yet cracks in the hands of an employee or customer is far from ideal. A good case can solve these issues.
Will Any Case do?
Most definitely not. Look for a case that passes the Military Standard Drop Test. 48 drops from 4 feet is a good test. UAG Scout Series or Metropolis series cases pass the drop test and some have a built-in hand strap. A hand strap can reduce the number of drops in the first place. Less drops, less chances of screen breakage. Brenthaven has a good name in the K12 environment. Kids are pretty tough on devices, so that could be a good gauge for you too.
A Little TLC
We have found periodic cleaning of a iPad correlates to the condition of the devicel. You may have removed a case and found grit and grime inside. In time this can act like sandpaper and scratch your device. If your device is too difficult to remove you won’t do it. If you wait until you are trying to sell your device it will have scratches and be worth less than you hoped.
Residual Value
A simple fact is that the better condition an iPad is in has a direct correlation to its value. The fewer scratches and dents the higher the value. Cracked screens are expensive to repair and crater the value of the device. Damage to ports and buttons is more frequent in devices with poor cases or no cases at all. Again, the residual value plummets. After 3 years of use a typical iPad in good condition retains 50% of its original value. So, a good case can pay dividends.