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Acase Leather Flip Book Jacket/Folio for Apple iPad Tablet WiFi/3G, Black by CTCS
Digital product summary informationManufacturer: CTCS Brand: Acase Edition: Electronics Publisher: CTCS Studio: CTCS Music Label: CTCS Product features: - Durable leather construction with secure closure
- Custom cutouts for direct access to all device features
- Converts from case to stand with multiple viewing angles
- Interior suede lining for scratch protection
Digital camera reviews of Acase Leather Flip Book Jacket/Folio for Apple iPad Tablet WiFi/3G, BlackDigital camera Review: "Real" version is great. Beware apparent knockoffs. Summary: 4 Stars
First off, having now perused the reviews for this item, I note a huge discrepency between the postive and negative reviews. Those that received the "smelly plastic" version, which comments here indicate are a cheap "knockoff," are understandably displeased. These apparently smell bad, fall apart, don't stand up properly in the low-angle typing position, and may have some kind of unpleasant plastic snap closure instead of the "leather" tab on the better version. I got mine from Digital Media Source. Another poster here indicates CTC Store may also carry the "real" version. Good or "real" models are either leather or a very high grade synthetic. They *may* have "Acase" embossed on them, although mine does not. So beware your vendor, or you could have a very different experience than those giving the 4 & 5 star reviews have had.
Now on to the main review.
As soon as I received my supercool Ipad, I realized it needed a case. It's beautiful, but rather naked in its native state, with nothing to protect the screen or case, to the point where I hesistated to put it down anywhere except back in its shipping box (I know others who had the same reaction). I wanted some general protection, particularly for the screen, a bit of padding, and, ideally, a way to prop up the Ipad for hands-free viewing and typing. At the time I got my Ipad, there were few options, and Apple's case was backordered for weeks. Then I found the Acase here on Amazon, and it looked like exactly what I wanted. I've had it now for about four months, and couldn't be more pleased.
The Acase Leather Flip Book is the best overall case for my purposes. I didn't want a sleeve, where I'd be taking the unit out and putting it back in all the time, or a permanent hard case that basically just keeps you from touching the unit. And I wanted a "stand" arrangement of some sort, like Apple's own folio case. The leather Acase fits the bill. It fits the Ipad perfectly, with an arrangment of black elastic bands that secure the unit by the corners. It feels very solid, and while the case can be easily removed, it doesn't seem likely that would happen by accident, as the straps are strong and do not slip off without being affirmatively pushed aside. The case leaves the edges of the Ipad almost entirely unobstructed, which I like.
As for the "leather / not leather" issue, I think that also goes to the knockoff / genuine article situation. My case looks, smells, and feels like leather, although I suppose it could be a high-grade synthetic. However, it is supple and durable (looks like new after four months of daily use)and is certainly not the foul-smelling, cheap vinyl described in the 1 & 2 star reviews. It never "outgassed" as some have noted with the apparent "other" version. Mine looks terrific, and is nicely padded, providing a good amount of protection without adding bulk. I haven't used the car headrest strap, but it's nice to have, and you can also slip your hand through it for extra security in some situations. Best, though, is the remarkably simple, yet effective "stand" arrangement, by which you can prop the Ipad up on any of a series of small stops or nubs built into the folio, to hold it at a shallow angle (maybe 20 degrees) that's great for typing, or at higher angles for tabletop viewing. I also like the snap closure, which seems sturdy and can be used to keep the unit a little more secure when traveling.
As for the all-important propping up arrangment, there are four different "settings," (i.e., sets of nubs) although in my opinion, the most upright position, which is nearly perpendicular, is not useful. The stand functions only in landscape (horizontal) mode, but I find that is the only orientation I want to use. Standing the unit vertically would be too unstable, and just not useful for most things, like viewing videos or reading, in my opinion. You do have to be careful to put the Ipad on a *firm, flat, stable* surface, because the little "nubs" that you use to prop it have to be firmly supported so they don't flex, which could cause the Ipad to slip out of its propped-up position. I haven't had any trouble preventing this, and think a reasonably careful person won't have any trouble keeping it from slipping. Minor vibrations and so forth will not cause it to slip.
I've found I use the Ipad on a tabletop constantly, while my fiancee sits nearby using her MacBook Pro. I love propping it up to read a book while enjoying a coffee or whatnot. Just tap the screen to turn the page, lean back, and enjoy. If I tire of that, the Acase is easy to pick up and fold to hand-hold the Ipad in any position. The case creates a comfortable, grippable way to hold the unit and as noted, does not add any awkward bulk.
As for drawbacks or frustrations, I have found only one, which is that if you orient the Ipad in the more logical-feeling way, with the home button on the bottom when you open from the "front" (strap side) of the case, the straps holding the Ipad in place partially cover the volume rocker, and completely obscure the screen "lock" switch. You can easily turn the volume down, as that part of the button is not covered, but to turn the volume up with the switch, you must push the strap to the side, which takes a bit of fiddling. If you orient the Ipad the other way, so that the home button is on the top when you open from the "front," there are cutouts that free up these buttons. This is a minor issue and has caused me no real problems, but it's clearly a manufacturing oversight -- looks like someone thought the "home" button went on top (you *can* use the Ipad that way of course, it just feels unnatural to Iphone / Ipod users).
Overall, I am extremely pleased with this Ipad case, and have no plans to replace it with anything else. My fiancee and other people I've shown it to have been impressed with the looks, quality and the way the folio functions. If you want a folio-style Ipad cover with a good option for propping the Ipad up horizontally, I highly recommend the Acase. Four stars only because of the button / orientation issue.
Summary of Acase Leather Flip Book Jacket/Folio for Apple iPad Tablet WiFi/3G, BlackA must-have for your iPAD! Designed to convert into a stand with multiple viewing angles, the Convertible Book Jacket secures your iPad both during travel and when on display in landscape position. Its secure elastic closure ensures your iPad Multi-Touch screen stays protected when you're on the move. The case also provides a luxury book-style reading experience for your favorite publications in portrait mode, and sports a stylish high-quality leather cover to protect your ipad screen from nicks and scratches. Don't settle for less, get the best of everything with this multi-view Case with stand for your iPad. Check out our other colors for this case, Brown and Red. Also, take a look at our new premium leather options available for this case. Search ASIN: B0045VIC1O and ASIN: B0045VJGI2
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