BookBook for iPad

I have been waiting for a couple of months for the BookBook for iPad to arrive, and finally, this morning, I recieved an email from TwelveSouth revealing their newest case solution. As someone who owns a BookBook for the 13″ Macbook, I was interested in seeing what this case would look like for an iPad, and as I had guessed, it is a smaller version of their Macbook cases. At $69.99, this case is actually very reasonably priced when you consider the materials and the craftsmanship that went into making it. In fact, I think many people are going to be drawn to this case because it fulfills multiple roles. For one, it provides a pretty high level of protection to the iPad with the thick leather exterior and the zipper enclosure, ensuring that your device is going to be safe through the wear and tear of day to day use. The case is also great for masking the iPad. We know that iPad users are targets of theft because of the high visibility of the device, but a case like this really does a great job of hiding the iPad in plain sight. Finally, this case also solves the problem of how to hold the iPad, which for each person is different, but with a case like this, their is a good chance that the user will find a comfortable position when using the device.

Now, as much as I believe this case has a number of positive points, I have a feeling it has a few negatives as well. From my experience with the BookBook for Macbook, I know that the leather materials, while they are very durable and luxurious, are also very heavy. So, this case is going to add weight to the iPad. How much? I am not quite sure and I can’t seem to find a weight on the website, but I am thinking the device may double in weight with this case. The second problem I see with this case is that the method for securing the iPad in place is more complex then it needs to be. As you can tell in the images of this case, the bottom corners of the iPad are held in place by what seem to be very sturdy holsters, however, the top of the iPad is secured only by a thin strap of elastic. Now, I would feel much better if the design of the holster was more uniform and just used those four corner stirrups, instead of a mixed approach. Not only does it make the case look cheaply or hastily made, but the elastic on the top looks like it could get in the way of using the device as it will stop your finger from scrolling across the screen rather abruptly. The final drawback to this case is that the outer materials, as far as I can tell, are not weather/ wear and tear resistant. The exterior leather, while thick and luxurious, is delicate, showing scratches and scuffs easily, so this case is definitely one that would require a delicate lifestyle in order to keep up its beauty. My BookBook for Macbook is actually used as more of a showpiece and hiding spot for my 13″ Macbook that gets very little use since I upgraded to a Macbook Pro last year. I would certainly not want to use the case too often outside of the house, or as a day to day case because I don’t want to diminish it’s quality. Of course, with an iPad sized case, you may be able to better protect the case itself while you are out and about, since you could hold it, or tuck it away in a bag or under a jacket if it began to rain, ect.

Overall, I am very excited about this new iPad case. Despite the few drawbacks I mentioned, I am sure it is going to become a very popular case. The style certainly draws upon the nature of the iPad as an eReader, but is also timeless enough to be used by non book lovers as well. Not to mention, I think we all like a good digital vs analog paradox. So, let me know what you think? Is this a case you are interested in for your iPad, or perhaps you see other drawbacks to this case that I haven’t realized? Let me know!