Slip your iPad or iPad into the Summit from iSkin (http://www.iskin.com) and it looks as if it's ready to go mountain climbing -- or perhaps double as an extra in "Cliffhanger 2." That, I guess, is the inspiration of the name.

I love the Smart Case that Apple released along with the iPad 2. However, it only protects the screen of the tablet. The Summit is designed to hold an iPad with a Smart Cover attached and protect ALL of the device. Or you can use it with similar-sized notebooks and tablets (the Summit measures 8.24 x 11 x 3 inches).

The iSkin product offers some serious protection. It's as well cushioned as any iPad case I've used due to its padded and quilted design -- which keeps it light but durable. It also has a shoulder strap for portability.

That said, I don't find the Summit particularly attractive. It looks as if my iPad is enclosed in black bubble wrap (though the case is also available in red, green, teal, purple and white). On the other hand, you may find the Summit sexy in a space age-y sort of way.

It's also rather costly at US$95. The high price tag is because the Summit is made in premium Italian nylon with a zipper that seals to keep your iPad safe inside.

If you need a heavily padded but lightweight case, can handle the price tag, and don't mind a case that looks as if it's been inflated, the Summit -- which others have described as looking like a sleeping bag -- can keep your iPad 2 and its Smart Cover protected.

Rating: 7 out of 10

-- Dennis Sellers