Reviews by The Church of Apple

Tag: case

  • Snugg iPad 2 Executive Case and Stand in Black PU Leather

    The Snugg iPad 2 Executive Case and Stand in PU Leather is exactly what it’s long title suggests. It is an iPad case! It is generally known that iPad cases for iPad 2, iPad 3, or iPad 4 will fit with iPad 2, iPad 3 or iPad 4 interchangeably but if you are still worried that the iPad 2 Executive case won’t fit your iPad 4, don’t worry, Snugg sells the iPad 4 executive case. It’s the same case but if you’re ODD about it, Snugg has got you covered (which is okay, I get that way too sometimes). Anyways, the Executive case is available from Snugg for $39.99 direct. Let’s see if it can match it’s five star brother.

    Form

    The form of the case is very similar to it’s sibling that I reviewed earlier, the Snugg iPad 4 case. It has the same nice stitching, the same out of the way features such as the stylus holder and the strap. The front has the same out of the way branding and bifold. The inside is even nicer in this case than the other Snugg case. There are a few differences in the two cases, however. First, the feel of this case isn’t as soft as the other Snugg case I reviewed. Despite that, the case is very comfortable and it feels like it is still very sturdy, just as the other case is. Another difference is that this case has another cool feature that the other regular case did not have. This case has four really nice pockets built in. One is for bigger things such as paper, money, paper pad, pencils, pens etc. The other three pockets are for pens, slips of paper such as business cards, pencils and any other little object that fits. The pockets again are out of your way and are really useful when you use them. Once again, the form of a Snugg case aces.

    Function

    The case, like it’s sibling that I reviewed, is very good at protecting the iPad. It keeps the iPad snug inside while preventing it from breaking when dropped. It does a great job keeping it from getting scratches, big or small. The case, again like it’s equivalent, has a sturdy stand and puts the iPad at both a comfortable ergonomically correct typing angle and a comfortable widescreen, landscape view. The strap, again, is very handy and I really like the ability to carry the iPad around with one hand comfortably. The additional feature of the case, the added pockets really do come in handy and I’m sure that businessmen and women really appreciate this added feature, as well as doctors, lawyers and other professionals. The pockets do go a long way especially when you use them a lot. It adds a business side to the iPad case while still keeping it practical and light.

    Conclusion

    Pros

    -Great aesthetics
    -Great design
    -Great protection
    -Great stand
    -Great strap
    -Great pockets

    Cons

    -For the third time, there is nothing that fits this category.

    Snugg has really delivered. They sent me three cases to review, two of the last case I reviewed and this one and all three are excellent cases. I mentioned in my last Snugg case review that I had used a Snugg case for a year or so. I will continue to use Snugg cases for as long as the ones I have received last and once they fall apart, if I don’t find an even better case than this, I will buy another. As with my last case, it is still at work, providing the same protection it provided me for my iPad now for my friend’s iPad and I expect it to last awhile longer. Great job Snugg on all the cases you sent me, keep doing what you’re doing, it’s working well.

    Thanks for reading,

    Joe

  • Snugg iPad 4 Case Cover and Flip Stand in Blue PU Leather

    Here we have the iPad 4 Case Cover and Flip Stand in Blue PU Leather available from Snugg for $34.99. The case is actually the successor to a case that I used for my iPad 2 from when I first got the iPad 2 in 2011 until just recently. The case has changed for the better. Let’s see if it’s the iPad case for you for the price.

    Form

    For starters, before we even open the the case, it has a very nice feel to it. It feels soft to the touch even though it would protect it in a fall. The front of the case, of course, features the brand very cleanly and out of the way. From the get go, you can tell the case has a bi-fold, which I think tend to be better than tri-fold cases because of it being more easier to manage. The stitching also looks as though it was well done, just as your grandma would have it on the best sweater she ever made. It doesn’t have any loose ends and appears to be complete (I can’t say the same about the last iPad 2 case I had). Moving on to the back, you have a little fold that holds the cover to use as a stand, we’ll discuss that in a little more detail in the Function paragraph. Of course, that piece also has very well done stitching. There is a hole for the camera which does it’s job and nothing else, just as a camera hole should. When you open up the case, you have a left part, a center part, and a right part. The left part has a handle, held in nicely by an elastic material. It is useful should you want to hold it by one hand. The middle part is actually very important because it either lifts up the iPad when in typing stand mode (landscape), or it will be the stand that stands up the iPad in portrait stand mode. In addition, you have the right side which is the part that holds the iPad, which makes the appropriate cuts for the camera, home button and volume and brightness switches. All parts, of course, have the wonderfully done stitching, Grandma would be proud. There is one thing I haven’t mentioned yet. The case has a good blue color to it, not dark blue to where it’s almost black and not bright blue where it’s blinding my eyes. It’s just right, at least in my opinion on colors. Overall, the case is made very well.

    Function

    The case is a very well thought-out representation of the brand name, Snugg. The iPad is very “Snugg” inside the case. It’s comfortable for the iPad, while protecting against very hard floors that seem to attack it when it’s unprotected. Keep your iPad in the case and it will protect it against any reasonable fall (no, it probably won’t survive a 15 story fall but at that case the fault goes to the user, not the case). The case definitely does it’s job in it’s primary target. The stand also is very strong. The stand can be used for a typing angle or a watching a movie/widescreen view angle. It holds up no matter the surface, which is good considering that it is on my lap sometimes and I don’t want the stand un-standing when I am using it, unless of course I “un-stand” it. The strap that allows you to strap the case (and the iPad for that matter) to your hand is very functional. If you can’t hold it, strap it. Of course, you must have it standing upright and not down to your side for it to work, or it might slide off your hand. Of course, any practical person would not do this anyway so it is understood that this is not the case’s fault. There is one neat feature about this case that I like. If you own a stylus, which I do, you can attach it to the top of your iPad onto a tab that comes out of the case that folds in when not in use. Therefore, if you don’t use it, keep it tugged in and it won’t get in your way. Also, even if it’s not tugged in, it won’t get in your way. If you don’t own a stylus, it will fit a pen too. There is a beauty to the case, it’s simple and nothing gets in your way. If you don’t want to use the extra strap to strap it to your hand or you don’t want to use the stylus/pen holder, you can tuck it away while still being there anytime you want it to be. They are hidden but still there. Overall, the case excels in this category.

    Conclusion

    Pros

    -Great aesthetics
    -Great protection
    -Great stand
    -Included stylus/pen holder works and can be hidden when you don’t want it
    -Included strap to strap the iPad to your hand works well, there is also a headrest mount that is sold seperately that this will attach to

    Cons

    -For the second time ever, there is nothing that fits this category

    I have had a very positive experience with Snugg. I have owned their previous iPad 2 case and it lasted me more than a year, and it would have lasted me more than that had I not given it away to a friend recently (he is enjoying it throughly). It beats out the case that I have been using and it will last me a long time. I know that the case will protect my iPad for another year or hopefully longer this time. This case is a very nice case and it will serve you well. As you read above, I have nothing but good things to say about this case, therefore it is easily given 5 stars. Plus, it’s $34.99, which I think is a great price for this case. Great job Snugg on this awesome case!

    Thanks for reading,

    Joe

  • Nutkase Genuine Leather iPhone Wallet

    The Genuine Leather iPhone Wallet is exactly what you would guess it would be, a leather wallet that houses your iPhone inside. The wallet is available from NutKase for $34.99 direct. It is a great iPhone wallet and a must have for anyone who wants to put two of their going out must-haves into one. Let’s find out if it is best for you.

    Form

    The first thing that struck me about the wallet is that it is made out of very nice leather and it looked like it truly was genuine leather. According to Nutkase, it IS genuine leather. That is a huge plus in the Form category because that means it doesn’t get damaged very easily and it will not fall apart like fake leather tends to do after a while. The wallet comes in black or red leather, both are very good looking colors, at least in my opinion. Something that struck me about the wallet, before even getting into the it, is that there is no zipper. The wallet is held close by a strap or a magnet (this depends on whether you get the black or red model respectively) that binds the two sides of the bifold. It actually is a great idea to use this strap instead of a zipper, because after awhile zippers fall apart, they break after a short amount of time. The strap, however, dangles and becomes a nuisance when using the iPhone, it dangles on your hand and it becomes annoying. On the back, you’ll notice the cool Nutkase logo which is an acorn with a bite into it, like the bite in the Apple logo. Another thing you’ll notice is the hole one the top left for the camera, so you don’t have to take the iPhone out of the wallet to take a picture. Another thing you’ll notice when it is closed is that it’s lengthwise exact to an iPhone 4 and 4S so as a wallet it is a little awkward but once you use it for a little while, you’ll get used to it. The form makes it that you can’t put a dollar in longways, you have to fold it, but that is okay anyway since most cashiers like to give you cash back folded. Of course, if you could put a dollar in it longways, it would be a very awkward wallet so it is better actually that you just fold it. Going inside the wallet is two parts, made out of genuine leather of course. There are three pockets, one for ID and two for any cards you have. Also behind these pockets is the cash pocket to store folded cash. On the right, there is the iPhone holder which, you probably guessed, holds your iPhone. Behind this, is a part that comes down, unveiling a little stand so that it can stand on your desk or a flat surface while you watch a video. Also, I’ve noticed the stitching on the product is very well done and it should be known that the product is made in Italy, which is known for it’s great leather, which this product is made out of. Out of all the leather cases I have seen, this one steals the show, it is very nice.

    Function

    Of course, the function of the case is very important which this product delivers in as well. The fact that you cant put bills in long ways is a downside but it would make the wallet really awkward so it is a trade-off. If I’ve used case instead of wallet throughout the review, that’s for a reason. The leather wallet is also a case. It does a fairly good job at protecting the iPhone and I would feel safe with my iPhone in it. It is big enough to fit enough stuff in it, but not too big where it’s awkward and doesn’t fit in my pocket. It’s a great size. Another feature that I like a lot about the case is the stand, allowing you to watch videos or what not on it without holding it. In order for the the other side to not get in the way, you can fold it back. This makes it that one of the sides doesn’t get in the way of the viewing experience. However, the stand may not work as well if you have stuff inside that other side, such as cards or coins. It can make it bumpy which would cause it to not be as straight as it would be if there was nothing in it. That is not a huge problem and can not really be controlled, just be aware of it. I’m just glad they added the stand, it is a nice feature, unique to even standalone cases. The wallet is held by a strap which holds the two parts of the bifold together so the wallet will stay closed when you want it to stay closed. Also, the red wallet is not held by a strap but a magnet. I am more of a fan of the strap since a magnetic connection can always be broken. Like I mentioned before, there is an annoyance with the strap but it generally works well. It just is annoying. However, despite the few flaws it has, this case is a solid piece of work, well worth it’s price.

    Conclusion

    Pros

    -Genuine leather
    -Made in Italy, best of the best
    -Nice design/brand and good form factor
    -Available in two very nice colors
    -Strap/magnet instead of destined-to-break zipper
    -Protects iPhone
    -Holds business cards, credit cards, IDs and cash
    -Stand, some iPhone CASES don’t have stands so this is real cool

    Cons

    -Not big enough to fit longways bills, there is a tradeoff to this though, it would definitely be awkward if it did
    -Red wallet can be opened due to it be magnetic and not strapped, as you can tell, I prefer the strap and I think that it should be adopted across the board
    -Strap can be a nuisance

    As you can see, there are many pros and few cons. That’s for a reason. The wallet does a great job at many things and a not-so-good job at a few things. There is always improvement to be done in products but this wallet did exceptionally well. It’s a wallet, a case, a stand and it’s in genuine leather. What else can you want in an iPhone case/wallet? The ideas are great, and most are executed very well. A few can be improved therefore it is with that the NutKase Genuine Leather iPhone Wallet receives 4 and a half stars. Great job NutKase, you did exceptionally well with this wallet, the first iPhone wallet I’ve seen and I’m glad that I did see it.

    Thanks for reading,

    Joe

    Image courtesy: Nutkase

  • Hammerhead Capo iPad Case

    The Hammerhead Capo Case is a case for the iPad 2,3 and 4. The case is available for $39.99 direct from Hammerhead. Personally, this is the case I use everyday. Allow me to explain why.

    Form

    The case does not excel in the form section of this review. The case is available in 5 two-toned colors. All cases feature black trim. The available colors are as follows: White, orange, blue, red and black. The black case is all black with no color, including the trimming. The case is a one-fold that flips around the back and the clip attached goes into one of the holes on the back to form a very functional case. The case is also comfortable on the hands. In terms of colors, I think the two-toned color scheme is nice. It gives the case a uniqueness, unlike many uni-colored cases on the market. The case provides a lot of protection for your iPad but it still is light and thin. However, there are a few issues cosmetically with it also. The case sent to me (this may not apply to all cases) was not completed, in my opinion. The white part on the case was not pressed in all the way, forming raised parts where the white part was not pressed in all the way. After a short time of using this case, I was already getting loose string hanging on the case, something that happened to my last case a year or more after I received it. Also, while I appreciate the black part of the case, I do not appreciate the fact that it is painstakingly clear that it is metal. The bi-fold on the case that folds back is metal (it’s the black bar that goes across about 1/3 the case). It’s not the bar itself that bothers me, but it’s the fact that you can see the metal of it (little bolts that hold it together, the line that separates the two pieces). To me, it is a little tacky. Despite these tacky issues the case still does what it is meant to do, protect.

    Function

    This case does what it is meant to do, protect. Despite it’s light and thin profile, this case provides the most protection I have seen out of any case this form factor. The case is made out of polyurethane material which always does a great job in protection. The case is a hard-shell case that will protect against falls. The case holds onto the iPad extremely well, probably one of the best grasps I have see on an iPad case thus far. The case also protects the ports better than any case I have reviewed thus far. There is only an opening to put the ports into and thats it, and even the case that surrounds the port is raised. It is very port protective. The case also has the best stand out of the cases I have reviewed so far. The case has a stand with five different options. Three, tall landscape stand options (more choices than most cases, allowing you to choose your perfect viewing angle), one for typing (which has been placed at the perfect angle), and one for a upright portrait stand. The case of course has the standard auto lock/unlock feature that would be a bad thing not to have. There is one thing that I like and dislike about the case. The case has a clasp that holds it closed. While the clasp ensures that the case will not accidentally open, there are some people who won’t be able to open the case. The clasp is the reason why people who have arthritis in their hands will not be able to use the case. It is a great case, but it’s a great case for people who can open it. For me and anyone else without weak hands, it’s great but I would not recommend it for a person with weak hands only because of the difficulty of opening the case. Despite this flaw, the case is still probably one of the best I have reviewed thus far.

    Conclusion

    Pros

    -Very durable
    -Thin and light
    -Best stand on a case I have reviewed
    -Clasp keeps case closed
    -Colored nicely
    -Comfortable to the hands to hold

    Cons

    -Case would be difficult to open for anyone with weak hands, especially senior citizens
    -Some tacky aesthetics

    The reason people buy a case is not for it to be the nicest case ever, but to be durable, light, thin and functional. This case passes all those and more. It delivers on it’s protective abilities and stand. The case I mentioned earlier was the case that I have been using for a long time and it is the case that was replaced by this one. I use this case on a daily basis; it is my primary case. Considering the pros and the cons, this case receives a 4 and a half star rating from me. Great job Hammerhead!

    Thanks for reading,

    Joe

  • Switcheasy CoverBuddy

    The Switcheasy CoverBuddy is a backing for the iPad that has an Apple Smart Cover attached to it. It literally is a “buddy” for an Smart Cover equipped iPad. It is available from Switcheasy for $24.99 and I will tell you why that would be $24.99 well spent for anyone with a Smart Cover equipped iPad.

    Form

    The product is simple. It’s a backing for a Smart Covered iPad. Despite this over-simplisity, the case can still be reviewed very positively. The CoverBuddy is made out of tough polycarbonate material. The case’s material is very smooth to the touch and almost a gift to hold. The protection of the ports, aside from the port protectors, is excellent and I feel that nothing will end up hitting the port while still leaving enough room to actually put the cable into it. The CoverBuddy has a very light and thin profile and adds virtually no weight or thickness to the iPad. Despite this profile, the SmartCover protects the iPad pretty well. Despite the fact that, by itself, it doesn’t provide enough protection, I would rather use it by itself than some full-fledged cases I have seen in the past.

    Function

    The function of the cover is simple. The CoverBuddy provides protection for the back of an iPad that has a Smart Cover attached to it. The case has polycarbonate material which is known to be pretty protective. The backing provides protection for the speaker grill and ports. It lacks a stand but that is taken care of by the Smart Cover so it doesn’t matter. Again, like the other Switcheasy cases I reviewed, it has it’s disadvantages. Like the others, it has the annoying port protectors that are not attached to the case through physical attachment or a pouch. It is my (strong) recommendation to Switcheasy to either attach the port protectors to the case, whether it be physically attached or in a pouch, or abandon the idea altogether. However, despite this disadvantage, the CoverBuddy is still very protective and practical for someone who has an iPad with a Smart Cover.

    Conclusion

    Pros

    -Very protective of the back
    -Protects ports well without the port protectors
    -Very smooth and easy to the skin
    -Comes in many colors so you can personalize to your favorite color

    Cons

    -Port protectors

    The Switcheasy CoverBuddy is easily one of the best back covers for the iPad. I fear that the need for this product will diminish with the Smart Case bound to take over the Smart Cover completely. But until then, if you have a Smart Cover or buy one before they are pulled from the shelves, make sure to remember the 5 star reviewed CoverBuddy because it will compliment your Smart Cover well.

    Thanks for reading,

    Joe

  • Switcheasy Pelle case

       The Switcheasy Pelle case is an iPad 2/3 case that is available directly from Switcheasy for $59.99 direct from the manufacturer. The case is made out of very durable material and has a slide lock for the stand, which in myopinion is a good idea and I’ll explain in a bit. Again, switch easy made the same color error they made with the exec case. As you all know, my name is Joe and I am a guy. They sent me a blueish green case with little “diamonds” on it. Unless I want to have “bling” on my iPad case, this isn’t exactly my choice but I’ll tell you why it might be your choice, that is if they send you a color you like.

    Form:

    The design of the case is simplistic yet elegant. The case features a bifold Polyurethane Faux Leather front cover and a tough polycarbonate backing. The front cover of the case comes in five colors, two with the “bling”, three without. It has pink and blue-green with sparkles, and red, blue and black without them. The backing is set to whatever front color you get. There is a light brown that goes with the pink, blue-green and red cases. There is a light blue backing for the blue case and a black backing for the black case. The little diamonds are located on a metal “lock” that locks and unlocks the bifold. The lock is used so that if you want to use the stand, you can pull out the bifold and use the stand and if not, you can lock it in so it isn’t slinging about, which is a really nice form and function of the case.  The material of the case is very soft to the hand and is not sharp. Despite it’s slim and lightweight form factor, the case provides very good protection from wear and tear and three story falls alike. All the ports are adequately protected and I like the quilt-like hole pattern they use to cover the speaker. I have found that the quality of the speaker is not reduced by the protection so that is nice (the iPad speaker is already not good as it is, we don’t need something completely blocking out the sound).  The stitching that went into the case is solid and there are no loose strings. I think the case definitely aces the “form” section of the review, but of course the real question is “Is it sufficient?”

    Function:

    In short, the answer to that question is mostly yes. The case does very well at doing what it is made to do. It protects the iPad should it fall out of your hands. It has the auto lock/unlock feature that just about every iPad 2/3 case has and while in itself isn’t a thing that will give it a higher prestige than other cases, it is one of those things that if it didn’t have it, it would be a big negative. I am a fan of the lock and unlock of the bifold since when I am not using the stand on the case, I don’t want something dangling down and annoying my hand or flopping around, so it is an appreciated feature. Again, as I mentioned the case does have good protection of the ports. There are a few things I am not pleased with, however. The case lacks protection for the screen when it is open. Therefore, should you drop the iPad while the front cover is open and it lands on the screen face down, the case will provide no protection should it fall face down. Another thing, as with the previous Switcheasy case I reviewed, the exec, the case has the annoying port protectors that aren’t attached nor can be stored in a pouch. The protectors would have worked if they pulled a Ottorbox case idea where the protectors are part of the case. They do provide purpose in everyday use but they are weakly implemented and need to be improved. On a brighter note, the stand on the Pelle is better than the one on the exec case. It was a bit difficult to figure out but once I did, it provided a much better stand than the exec did, the entire iPad is still protected and it provides a better, more ergonomically correct angle. This one isn’t too high and isn’t too low. It also provides an adequate upright stand which the exec didn’t provide as well as the Pelle did. In all, the case does what it’s supposed to do, protect.

    Conclusion:

    Pros:

    -Provides adequate protection

    -Made out of strong material

    -Auto lock/unlock feature

    -Lock and unlock bifold minimize “dangling”

    -Adequate stand both landscaper and portrait

    Cons:

    -When the front cover is open, the screen of the iPad is completely unprotected. This is my biggest issue.

    -Port protectors not integrated with the case and can easily be lost

     

    As you can see there are a lot more Pros in this case than Cons. The one thing this case does best is provide protection but one thing it does worst at is provide protection (when the front cover is open). The case is very protective and grips the iPad in a death grip, so there is no possibility of it falling out. As a lot of iOS screens are getting damaged these days, it is important for cases to provide protection on the front of it and this case does not do so. However, I will say this. I have not seen a lot of iPads with broken screens but a lot of iPhones and iPods with broken screens. iPads tend not to get screens broken but it is possible. Despite the fact that the front isn’t covered at all when the front cover is open, it is still a really good case. It provides adequate protection when closed (when most falls happen) and provides an adequate stand, something the exec case lacked. The areas around the ports are protected by the case efficiently and that is part of the reason why I see no point in the port protectors. The case has its pros and cons and despite one major con, the major pros block it out mostly and give the case a 4 star rating.

     

    Thanks for reading,

    Joe

  • Switcheasy exec iPad case

    The Switcheasy exec case is an iPad case that is available from Switcheasy for $59.99 directly from the store. The case is available in 5 colors, black, orange, blue, green or pink. The case is made out of very durable materialand offers a stand and protectors for the different ports (we will discuss these in a minute). The case they sent me was pink (not entirely sure why, my name is Joe, how much more obvious could it get?) so I won’t be using it but I’m going to explain why it might be for you, just make sure you get it in the right color.

     

    Form:

    The exec case is made out of very durable polycarbonate and PU material. It is some of the strongest case material on the market making this one very protective case. The case comes in 5 stunning colors (even the pink looks good), black, orange, blue, green, or pink, my favorite being the black one since it matches well with a white iPad. Speaking of iPad, it fits the iPad 2 and the new iPad perfectly, using a very durable snap frame to lock into place. In fact, it grips it so tight, there is a certain way you have to put it on or it won’t even go on. The way to put it on is simple but it definitely is comforting to know this case is as attached to the iPad as an alcoholic is to his bottle. The stand is set up to where the front cover have groves in it, the one side of the iPad comes out and goes into the groves as a stand. It works well as a stand to make the iPad tall, but isn’t very ergonomically correct to type on. The texture on the case is very smooth and is “kind” to the touch. Again, it is very durable and does not bend but yet the case adds little weight. It does add a bit of thickness to it but that’s a tradeoff for one really protective case, perhaps one of the most protective on the market. The form of this case is perfect and should not be changed one bit (with the exception of the stand, I’ll discuss this in a moment). The case is attractive and appeals to the eye while still being made out of the materials to protect it from the worst of falls.

    Function:

    As made apparent in the previous paragraph, this case is very protective. It will protect it against falls that most cases would give little protection to. This is the main purpose of the case and it it exceeds it well. Also, as with most iPad cases these days, the case has the auto wake feature which in itself doesn’t make a case better than others but a lack of it certainly makes it worse, so I’m glad this case has it. All the ports and buttons are easily accessible, something that is a little harder to find in cases. However, despite it serving it’s main purposes, the case does has it’s flaws. For one, the port protectors are useful, but only if the iPad will sit and collect dust. The protectors are not attached to the case and that’s a huge flaw because you only have two sets of these things, once you lose them (which is very easy to do since there is no pouch or anywhere to put it), they’re gone and if you want them back you need to buy more. This, in my opinion, was a big flaw. The protectors, in order to prove useful, should have been attached to the case, just are the protectors are for the Otterbox cases. The protectors on those is probably what the company was striving for but missed it. In fact, I’d rather them not give them to you at all. Also, another thing was the stand. While it was a positive in my view that it had one, the case has a flawed stand. To put the iPad in a typing position, it could be done, very easily too,  but it was a little low for me. I would have preferred it a bit higher, and this isn’t such a big deal as compared to the “stand tall” stand. In order to have a tall iPad, you will need to take out half the iPad to put into a grove on the front cover of the case. There are a few issues with this. One, you need a flat surface because the front cover needs to be flat. Two, half the iPad is uncovered, should it fall while “standing” you might be in trouble, especially on high surfaces. Three, I found it a bit difficult to get the iPad out of the side to put it into a grove. While this isn’t necessarily a problem with me, people with weak hands won’t be able to get it out to make a stand. I feel that the stand is poorly implemented and needs improvement. I feel that if I were Switcheasy, I would make the front cover go into a slit in the back and make a stand out of that. Of course, I am not reviewing a stand, I’m reviewing a case, and as a case it does very well. However, because the case comes with a stand, it would not be fair not to include it.

    Conclusion

    Pros

    -Very protective

    -Auto-on function

    -Comes in great colors

    -Made out of smooth-to-the-touch, protective material

    Cons

    -Doesn’t need the I/O protectors

    -Poor stand

     

    As you can see the pros outweigh the cons and the case performs its main function of protecting the case but unfortunately doesn’t provide a sufficient stand. Therefore, if you don’t mind it having a not-so-good stand, then this case is perfect for you. If you want a stand, I would look somewhere else but I wouldn’t look far, this company has other great cases that may be for you, I have a few other cases from this company I think you’d really enjoy. As a stand-alone stand, it clearly earns a 5/5 but as a case with a stand I would give it a 4/5 with the power of the protection of the case saving it from a 3.5. I feel I should rate everything that it comes with so, with that,  the score is a 4/5.

    Thanks for reading,

    Joe

  • Lioncase NYHK Folio Shield Case

    The NYHK Shield case by lioncase is a Smart Case-like case that is thin and light. Direct from lioncase, the case is $42.95. The company is based in China and will also ship it’s product to you from China so it may take a little whileto get it. I actually didn’t wait long at all, not even a week, but it is my belief that it was an expedited shipping. Let’s dive right into the details and see if this case is for you.

     

     

    Form:

     

    The cool NYHK branding-one of the only good things about this case

    I have mixed reactions when it comes to the design of this case. For one, I do like the branding that goes with the case. I think putting the New York/Hong Kong city streets on the case was an excellent branding idea. The case is also light and thin, adding almost no weight and thickness to the iPad’s already thin profile.  I like the branding on it and I would have liked it better if the rest of the form of the case was as good as the branding. I have a few problems with the design. First, the edges of the case are sharp. I felt like that if the case slipped off my hand, I would get a paper cut (or in this case, a case cut). I felt like the edges would scratch the iPad when putting it in. The part of the case that holds the iPad is made out of cheap plastic. If you try to bend it without the iPad in it, it will bend. In fact, it will bend to what looks like a 45 degree angle, especially the corners. How do you think this case will hold up and protect the iPad during a fall for which we buy cases in the first place? My guess is not very well. The shock of the fall will go right through to the iPad and damage the iPad.

    Function:

    In terms of the function of the case, I am very disappointed. As I stated before, the case would do nothing to protect the iPad. I know that it is a folio case and folio cases generally aren’t very protective, however at least other similar cases provide some protection (in fact, I’ve come across some that can protect it very well). This case doesn’t provide no protection because it’s a folio case, it doesn’t provide protection because the material is cheap and not made well. As well as providing little protection for the iPad in places it does cover, there is too much space not being covered at all! The speaker grill is out in the open, which by the way is on the corner and corners are usually very easy to clip on something (like hitting the side accidentally on the table). Also, going along the same idea, the dock connector, while more protected than the speaker grill, is still out in the open. The dock connector is not a part you want to mess with. In addition with the same idea, whenever I close the lid, it doesn’t quite reach the other side, so the whole right side edge of the iPad is exposed a little bit. This part of the problem could be in the Form part instead of the Function part, but I decided to include it here since the function of the top part of the case is to cover the top and it doesn’t quite do that. The cover also opens with just a little shaking so it doesn’t stay closed very easily. However, despite the fact that the case doesn’t serve it’s main purpose (to protect the iPad), if one wants a case that, while provides little protection, is light and thin, this may work for you.  However, there is one thing. There are other cases that can be lightweight and thin and still provide the protection you need.

     

    To conclude

    Pros

    -Great looking brand

    -Light and thin

    -Protects against everyday wear and tear

    Cons

    -Doesn’t protect the iPad from a fall

    -Some areas left unprotected

    -Could scratch the iPad since edges are sharp (or it could cut you, even when the iPad is in the case)

    -Cover opens very easily, so should you unknowingly bump into it, or should it open without you knowing, the battery will drain

    The Lioncase NYHK case, while delivers in providing you with a light and thin case with a good looking brand,  doesn’t deliver on a case’s primary purpose, to protect your device in a fall. The case lacks good enough materials to protect the iPad from anything more than scratches and everyday wear and tear. The front part doesn’t cover the entire front and parts of the iPad are left unprotected. The cover can easily open, allowing for the battery to drain. I am not sure if I just received a sharp case, or if all of them are like that, but I won’t be using the case anymore out of fear I might give myself a “case cut”. Who knows? It might be worse than being cut by office paper. I hope that lioncase can take something from their lackluster of a case and turn it into a great case because, as it is now, that is not what it is. They told me that they are trying to open their business to overseas (which would be us). I say to them, improve your case, then expand. Of course, this isn’t their only case so they may have others that will protect the iPad better. Unfortunately, this lackluster case receives 2 stars. It’s thin, lightweight profile along with the cool brand saved it from a 1 star but there are certainly other cases with the same lightweight profile that can protect it a lot better. Again, I hope lioncase can learn something from this and improve, because improvement is what this case needs.

    Thanks for reading,

    Joe