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Product: Leather Case for iPad (#32878)
Product: Aluminum Lined Leather Case (Apple iPhone 4) (#33929)
Which are part of their range of Apple products (cases, mounts, adaptors, etc). The cases came plastic bag wrapped and on removing the outer packaging the cases in black and beige leather are revealed.
The beige colouration contrasts well with the black leather to give a stylish and contemporary look.
The edges of both cases are finely stitched, the iPhone case in white stitching the iPad in black. The iPad case has a doubly reinforced hinge portion that allows the case to open book style and initially allows the iPad to be slipped into position.
Once in position the case can be closed to give a decent level of protection to the front on the iPad. There is no closing fastener on the cover but the padding adds a decent amount of weight to hold the case closed. As the iPad is likely to spend a goodly amount of time either in a brief case or on the desk this should suffice in most situations.
The case uses basic friction to hold the iPad in place within the case, and it can be removed at any time by gently pushing the screen sideways. A bonus as with the official Apple leather case the rubber holds it to tightly to easily remove the iPad!
Looking at the 'front cover' of the case one notices a black band stitched into the leather on the outer side, and held in place near the hinge by a medium sized press stud. More on this later.
Below the band is an integral pocket which can be used for holding business cards, A5 paper, etc. Useful.
When within the case access is granted to the iPads connection and speakers via stitched openings in the base of the case. Remember though that (as with the Apple case) you'll not be able to use the iPad with the official iPad dock as the case prevents the connector engaging.
Again there are additional openings in the right hand side of the case to allow access to the volume and orientation controls.
With the top corners of the case relieved to allow access to the headphone socket and the power switch.
The only drawback with the openings in the case is that due to the 'book' style design those on the top and right hand side of the iPad are open to anything that might be floating loosely in the brief case.
Back to that black strap mentioned earlier. In the press stud fastener is unpopped the strap and be bent backwards (taking the cover with it) and pressed against a secondary stud located on the rear of the case. This revamps the case into an 'A' section and allows it to act as a stand for the iPad. Again a useful feature as a free desk mount can be a boon when working at the desk!
In contrast the the iPad case the model for the iPhone is a flip style where the front cover flips open to reveal the iPhone.
The leather of the iPhone case is softer and less rigid than that of the iPhone, possibly by design to as not to cause any harm to the glass housing on the iPhone 4, however this also adversely affects the look of the case. Once the iPhone has been placed in position the screen opening tends to gape open somewhat which gives a false impression that the case is not well constructed.
As with the iPad case the left hand side of the case is relieved to allow access to the silent switch and the volume control buttons.
However unlike the iPad the case is not supported at the top by additional leather and this means that the front face of the case can flex upwards easily due to the thinness of the leather at both sides.
The right hand side of the case covers most of the housing of the iPhone 4 as there are no controls requiring access.
The base of the case, against which the iPhone 4 nestles comprises of only two thin leather strips, which do allow access to the connector, but also occlude the speakers to some degree and also serve to offer little protection to the base of the iPhone.
The top of the iPhone is protected by the flip when the case is closed and again the flip itself is cut back to allow access to the headphone socket.
The power switch is hidden safely away by the flap to help prevent accidental operation. One additional level of protection is given to the iPhone by the flap as it is lined with a piece on thin aluminum sheeting which should prevent screen damage from impacting external objects.
Conclusion - Leather Case for iPad
The case is well constructed from good quality leather with fine 'tight' stitching with no loose ends. The iPad is held safely and securely and the case will suit the professional user who will tend to carry the iPad with a bag or brief case. The added desk mount is as welcome bonus but as the sides are used to form the feet of the 'A' shape it can tend to slide across the desk if any sharp pressure is applied to the screen.
Quality leather Stylish design Good level of protection for critical areas on the iPad Paper holder in cover Integral desk stand
Will not fit the iPad dockConclusion - Aluminum Lined Leather Case
The case is well constructed from good quality leather with fine 'tight' stitching with no loose ends. The iPhone is held firmly in position but the reduced width of the leather at the sides of the screen and on the base can result in the 'fit' looking poor or a lack of protection being offered. In many cases of this type there is an option to belt mount the case, there is no such option available here.
Quality leather Stylish design Aluminum lined flap Will not fit the iPad dock Lack of sturdiness in some aspects of the construction Speakers partially obscured No belt mount[All images in this review have been processed by Snagit by Techsmith]
