There’s a new X-Naut in town. The California-based company has been producing cooling cases for Apple iPads for some time—they are built for specific generations of iPads from the Mini through the Pro 11, and can be powered by either internal AA batteries or via a USB connection. Because we all know iPads get cranky when hot.
New at AirVenture this year is the Pilot Pro, which uses a lithium-ion battery pack, charged by USB, to power the four fans. For now, the Pilot Pro is sized only for the larger iPad Pro 11-inch device but one is in the works for the 12.9-inch iPad. It’s powered by a stronger USB-C bus (the previous X-Nauts use USB-A) and can provide up to 12 hours of run time. A small button turns the fans on when the iPad is inserted into the case.
X-Naut has also redesigned the case so that the backing section could be shared with future iPads even if Apple subtly changes the form factor. The edges of the case that grip the iPad are screwed on and can be replaced to accommodate newer iPads as needed.
The Pilot Pro will be on the company’s website soon, priced at $329. X-Naut’s standard cases run $179 to $199.
More information: www.x-naut.com
