iPad case - Highly Recommended...

[Higuma]

After ordering my iPad here in Japan on the 10th I set about searching the web to find a suitable case and asked myself what type of case do I really need ???

I guess I need one for everyday kicking around - plenty of neoprene & soft sleeves out there to choose from so finding something locally shouldn't be too much hassle..

BUT - the dilemma arose when looking to attend a business meeting with upper-end clients or potential clients where I wanted to use my iPad as an Electronic Photographic Portfolio / note taker / scheduler / album knock-ups etc., & all around professional business tool...

After looking far and wide I decided to "pre-order" a Sena "Folio" case... As a pre-order I saved $20 and that put the price at 79.99 + 9.99 Intl. Fed-ex Shipping... Their website said that a pre-order would ship on the 20th and true to their word it did - arriving today the 24th here in Japan...

To be up-front - I have not et received my iPad ( 28th delivery ) - but I got to say that this case is a work of ART - Amazing leather - Fantastic quality stitching - great design with the landscape prop... This thing will hold it's own to any discerning customer and look very Professional doing it...

I can't attest to the "fitment" just yet but assuming that the iPad fits as good as it would appear in the website shots this is going to compliment the iPad VERY well...

If you are looking for a ( not cheap ) but HIGH quality case for your iPad I would strongly recommend taking a look at this or any of the other Sena cases - don't think you could go wrong as long as it's within your budget...

You know that you've bought some high quality leather when the first thing you smell when you open the box is a slight hint of freshly polished patent leather shoes...

http://www.senacases.com/apple/apple-ipad-cases/folio-cases/



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Cheers...

 

[kapalua]

Thanks for posting that information. While I have only the InCase portfolio version which does a good job of protection, it does not have the feel or looks of "real" leather. Is that case very heavy?

 

[Corkcampbell]

bought a nice leather one at J&R that opens like a book and lets you use the iPad in the case. It looks like the case in the first post, except it opens from the bottom. Very professional. I also bought the leather envelope-style case from Fossil - check it out on their website; search for "tablet". It's $40. You must remove the iPad from the case to use it. I think it's very tasteful.

Both are nice and both are made from good leather.

Advice: Before giving a "highly recommended" to a case, perhaps you should actually have tried it with an iPad. I say that because many cases were designed from the specs given by Apple, without access to an actual iPad. Also, the 3G is a little thicker than the WiFi only model. So, both of my cases will sometimes turn on the iPad if you hold them a certain way and the tight fit depresses the power button. How do you know the case referenced doesn't do the same thing?

 

[Higuma]

Thanks for posting that information. While I have only the InCase portfolio version which does a good job of protection, it does not have the feel or looks of "real" leather. Is that case very heavy?

I don't have a professional / legal scale that goes that low but my kitchen scale says that it is around 200g...

It does not feel heavy in the hand whatsoever - less than a legal notepad...

I am sure that the major determining factor will be how heavy it feels with an iPad in it - but for the look and feel I would gladly put up with a few grams more...

Sena has a few other high end cases on their site now - quite a wide variety in fact...

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Cheers...

 

[Higuma]

Using an iPad to take notes at a meeting...I'd like to see that..

Here you go.. Here's just one of many ways to accomplish it... Make sure to buy a couple of touch type pens on Ebay for about $ 1 each rather than the $ 10 ones at your local box store...

PENULTIMATE app for iPad...

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/penultimate/id354098826?mt=8#

Advice: Before giving a "highly recommended" to a case, perhaps you should actually have tried it with an iPad. I say that because many cases were designed from the specs given by Apple, without access to an actual iPad...

Email exchanged with the maker told me that they waited for the 3G models to be released to make sure the fit and finish was second to none with an actual "working" model... This is why they waited until May 20 to release this product to the public - for the price and their reputation they wanted to no be caught out with a poor fit...

They went so far as to say that they guaranteed my satisfaction with the fitment or they would exchange or refund the purchase - they appeared VERY serious about the quality of the product when we exchanged email and now that I have received it I completely understand why...

Also, the 3G is a little thicker than the WiFi only model.

Someone should tell Apple so they can update their website They are under the impression that both models are the same size ???

So, both of my cases will sometimes turn on the iPad if you hold them a certain way and the tight fit depresses the power button. How do you know the case referenced doesn't do the same thing?

I don't so we'll just have to see I guess - perhaps you get what you pay for ???? I'll be sure to report on that early next week...

You may also be able to answer your own questions by looking at the various gallery of shots ( 14 I think ) referenced in my OP linked to the makers site - they seem to do a good job of showcasing the features and fitment with a real working model inserted...

--
Cheers...

 

[djones]

After ordering my iPad here in Japan on the 10th I set about searching the web to find a suitable case and asked myself what type of case do I really need ???

I guess I need one for everyday kicking around - plenty of neoprene & soft sleeves out there to choose from so finding something locally shouldn't be too much hassle..

BUT - the dilemma arose when looking to attend a business meeting with upper-end clients or potential clients where I wanted to use my iPad as an Electronic Photographic Portfolio / note taker / scheduler / album knock-ups etc., & all around professional business tool...

After looking far and wide I decided to "pre-order" a Sena "Folio" case... As a pre-order I saved $20 and that put the price at 79.99 + 9.99 Intl. Fed-ex Shipping... Their website said that a pre-order would ship on the 20th and true to their word it did - arriving today the 24th here in Japan...

To be up-front - I have not et received my iPad ( 28th delivery ) - but I got to say that this case is a work of ART - Amazing leather - Fantastic quality stitching - great design with the landscape prop... This thing will hold it's own to any discerning customer and look very Professional doing it...

I can't attest to the "fitment" just yet but assuming that the iPad fits as good as it would appear in the website shots this is going to compliment the iPad VERY well...

If you are looking for a ( not cheap ) but HIGH quality case for your iPad I would strongly recommend taking a look at this or any of the other Sena cases - don't think you could go wrong as long as it's within your budget...

You know that you've bought some high quality leather when the first thing you smell when you open the box is a slight hint of freshly polished patent leather shoes...

http://www.senacases.com/apple/apple-ipad-cases/folio-cases/



--
Cheers...

 

[Bill T 248]

In looking at the 12 photos on the web site it appears the controls are covered. Certainly based of pics, the volume and screen orientation lock buttons on upper right are blocked by leather.

6 weeks into the Apple case, I am pleased with its feel, function and accessibility.

2 downsides, the case is not imho stable enough to use as a frame for slideshows. It works great for typing or viewing landscape orientation on lap however. And it does gather dust on outside.

So many cases, so many perspectives, no wrong choices . . . go iPad!

 

[Higuma]

But my OP was a recommendation based on all the facts that I have at hand with a self-confessed caveat that I cannot attest to fitment...

That being said I addressed the issue of fitment in above reply to Cork...

Sorry to offend anyones delicate sensibilities - - - but at least my recommendation is actually based on a HANDS ON inspection instead of just a picture - like 75% of professional review sites out there giving opinions & buying recommendations on not-yet-released products....

Take it for what you will - My recommendation stands as this is IMO a superiorly crafted and constructed folio that is made from top quality leather...

Provided that the iPad fits as well as the maker is prepared to warrant then it will be worth every penny paid for it... But then that is just my opinion...

--
Cheers...

 

[Higuma]

In looking at the 12 photos on the web site it appears the controls are covered. Certainly based of pics, the volume and screen orientation lock buttons on upper right are blocked by leather.

I re-reviewed the shots on the Sena site and you are quite correct... the pictures there appear to be of an early mock-up model that doesn't include any of the required ports for any controls, speakers, switches or ambient light sensors...

I can attest that they are not omitted on the shipped version - there is in fact a slotted "port" there for the volume & orientation lock at the top right

As well there is 2 openings on the bottom for both the doc connector as well as to reveal the built in speaker...

On the top the leather fully covers the areas between the microphone and the sleep / wake button but doesn't impede their functionality by the looks of it...

6 weeks into the Apple case, I am pleased with its feel, function and accessibility.

Most comments I have both watched and read suggest the same level of satisfaction with the only common caveat being that although most found the case extremely functional many people seem to be suspect of it's longevity...

Coupled with the EXTREME short supply in the US and abroad - 3 to 4 weeks being quoted here - the Apple iPad case was not an option for me & may not be for others as well...

2 downsides, the case is not imho stable enough to use as a frame for slideshows. It works great for typing or viewing landscape orientation on lap however. And it does gather dust on outside.

I have heard this as well - good feedback from a real user - Thanks...

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Cheers...

 

[kissdadookie]

I've tried multiple covers already for my iPad (had it for over a month now). I've had the nCase Folio, I've had a Marware one, I've had a nCase sleeve, and finally, I have and kept the official Apple branded case. Out of all these cases, I would have to say that the most versatile and practical case to get for the iPad if you are planning on using the iPad on the go (standing on a subway car, standing on a train platform, on the bed, lying around, etc.), the Apple branded case is by far the best one. The nCase Folio as well as the Marware case are very similar to the Sena one except with less expensive materials. From a protection standpoint, they are great but it adds considerable heft to the iPad. Unless you expect to use the iPad sitting on some sort of surface and you are not going to be holding it in the hand(s) without a table/lap/surface, even the relatively light portfolio type cases quickly becomes unwieldy. A lot of people have made comments about how the Apple branded case is overpriced for what it is, they fail to understand that the Apple branded case is next to impossible to wear out from normal use. They also have barely any weight to them at all thus there's no discernible difference in weight with or without the case. The Apple branded case is so good in fact that I bought two of them, but after weeks of use, hours a day (the iPad has taken over for the bulk of my computer usage), the Apple case is just as good as when I first took it out of packaging. The backup I purchased has now gone to one of my friends since I don't see how my first one will ever really wear out. It might possibly outlive the iPad itself.

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Typed from my iPad.

 

[Corkcampbell]

keyboard for note-taking, not an app like you pointed out. Interesting...and I'll check it out. Also noted your research on the case.

 

[Sal Baker]

I have to agree. I bought the Apple branded iPad case thinking I would eventually move up market. If most of my usage was for displaying photos to clients I would probably get the leather folio for just those occasions (it looks VERY nice). But for everything else Im completely sold on the Apple case. It's practically indestructible. No matter how much I scuff it or get goo on it, it always cleans up like new with a damp cloth. It's lightweight yet strong and great for hand-held web browsing. Most importantly, I love the landscape mode typing support (the wedge). I can type very quickly at that angle. Certainly a bargain!

 

[kapalua]

Just bought one of the Sena Portfolio cases yesterday. They're back in stock. I'm looking forward to the smell of quality leather!

 

[Corkcampbell]

out, read the reviews, and purchased it. I haven't synced my iPad yet to try it, but I don't think I've seen an app with so many positive reviews. Should be very handy for me.

 

[Sal Baker]

Has you iPad arrived yet? If so, are you still happy with the leather case? Thanks.

Sal

 

[ryan2007]

You really have to check the bags from Waterfield. High quality, very nice for many applications. Ipod, Ipad, laptops etc...

Great customer service. When you give them the specs of what you want to do listen to the suggestion they have been 100% dead on every time!

http://www.sfbags.com/

 

[Higuma]

Sorry - Just got back home to Sapporo last night from the 3-day Wedding I was doing in Tokyo... Very tired ( 3200 frames / 55gb later ) but not too tired to play with the iPad that was waiting for me...

Haven't had much time with it but I am going to play with the camera connection kit soon enough today to see what that offers...

The good news is that the USB port next to the mag safe card on my 15" pre-unibody MBP has enough wattage to charge and sync at the same time .....

NOW - on to the SENA case...

I realized after second and third looks at the Sena website that the final production product is SOMEWHAT different from the pictures posted on Sena's site - - mostly in the detail of how the iPad pocket is constructed...

The production model is very well thought out and it holds the iPad quite securely without ANY obstructions to the operation of switches or functionality of ports... The iPad now slips into place from the left side of the pocket ( binding side ) and is fixed in place snugly with a snap closure leather strap... The picture stand type closure works VERY well to stand up the iPad for Landscape viewing or movies and the over-all fit and finish with the iPad inside is like a new pair of slightly tight leather shoes - just enough room to stretch into after some use so that it fits like a second skin....

In short - MY expectations have been exceeded ( and they were already high )....

It's possible that if you look hard you may find a case ( in the high-end leather realm ) that is as good - BUT not any better I think...

I will try to get a few shots off in the next day or so and post them here for you to look at - you won't be disappointed though if you like "FINE" things - this combination REALLY looks high-end PRO...

I think that people will be quite surprised to see this case opened to reveal an iPad inside - it just doesnt seem possible until you handle it...

As a secondary reviewer - My wife is typical(?) Japanese Consumer with a very discerning taste for products - brand & quality conscience gal who has been the Private Executive Secretary to the President & CEO of a large Japanese Optical company for over 25 years - she has seen many Executives come and go through her office over the years so I tested the iPad / Sena case combination by handing it too her a few minutes ago ( first good look for her ) and asking her "What do you think ?"

Her overall impressions where that it was a very high-end combination that had a synergy so to speak - the iPad went from looking just iPad - HIP to a extremely professional looking business tool...

To her the iPad - in of itself - looks like a HIP gadget but in the case it looks "completely different" & "sends a totally different message about the person holding it"... She said that if she didn't know in advance - she would be very surprised to learn that there was an iPad inside...

FWIW anyways - that's her perspective - - and BTW there is a LOT of my "stuff" that she "just doesn't GET"....

I'll let you know when the photos are up...

--
Cheers...

 

[Sal Baker]

Thanks forth thorough review!

What I can't tell from the photos is: does the Sena case have a strap that firmly holds the iPad at a slight angle when using in landscape mode for typing on a desk, like the Apple case? In my office I mostly keep the iPad in that position. Thanks again.

Sal

 

[PatrickD50]

This case looks pretty nice and well-constructed, but a little too "office-organizer"-looking for my tastes. I have been waiting for my DodoCase to arrive. They are practically hand-made using moleskin book-binding techniques, and in my opinion, look amazing. It is a unique-looking case that maintains the ipads sliim profile while providing complete access to all ports Hopefully the quality shines through as since a few favorable reviews, they have been slammed with orders. It is taking about six weeks for orders to ship.

Check it out-
http://www.dodocase.com/

They have quite a busy Facebook page loaded with people (like myself) anxiously awaiting their case to arrive. Love seeing a small business succeed with a great idea like this.
--
Patrick

 

[Sal Baker]

This case looks pretty nice and well-constructed, but a little too "office-organizer"-looking for my tastes. I have been waiting for my DodoCase to arrive. They are practically hand-made using moleskin book-binding techniques, and in my opinion, look amazing. It is a unique-looking case that maintains the ipads sliim profile while providing complete access to all ports Hopefully the quality shines through as since a few favorable reviews, they have been slammed with orders. It is taking about six weeks for orders to ship.

Check it out-
http://www.dodocase.com/

They have quite a busy Facebook page loaded with people (like myself) anxiously awaiting their case to arrive. Love seeing a small business succeed with a great idea like this.

Thanks for the link, I checked it out. If you're considering that case you should take a good look at the Apple iPad case. It's lighter, less expensive, has more corner reinforcement, and appears to be made out of more durable materials. Unfortunately it's quite popular too and is on a 4 week pre-order.

What seems not so great about the Dodoocase, from my point of view, is it's made with balsa wood, and the number of warnings and disclaimers are alarming for a case you would knock around with every day (from their website):

Avoid leaving your case in direct sunlight or overheated environments...if wood is left in direct sunlight it can cause the natural moisture to escape and may cause unwanted warping or cracking.

NO ROUGH HOUSING

Take care to use the right technique when inserting and removing your
iPad.

Your DODOcase is NOT drop proof and will NOT protect your iPad from
falls or drops. If you drop your DODOcase there is a chance that both
your case and iPad could be damaged.

These materials (wood, fabric) are great but
require a little bit more care.

It sounds like the case is more fragile than the iPad.

Sal