The AirWave case like its big brother the Ekto+ is designed with a rib & cell construction to protect your iPad mini from falls from waist height. The array of ribs on the interior of the case absorb shocks and also channel sound to the front of the case for louder & clearer audio. The AirWave case is 5/8" thick allowing you to hold it comfortably and yet it only weighs 6 ounces. The exposed back allows you to place asset tags on your iPad and still be able to scan them with the case on.