One of the first things most of us do after we purchase a new phone or tablet is to shop for a case to protect or add to the look of that shiny new device. There are literally thousands of choices which can make this quite an arduous task. When I purchased my 10.5” iPad Pro I chose to go with Logitech’s Slim Combo case. The main reason I chose it was because it had a keyboard and a holder for my Apple Pencil. I really like the case, but it’s a little bulky to use every day. I wanted another case for everyday use, something that had a nice look and complimented my shiny new iPad Pro. I got the chance to review such a case for the Gadgeteer. The CaseMade 10.5”  iPad Pro leather case. It’s a nice case that met my requirements but it’s not without its faults.

The CaseMade 10.5” iPad Pro leather case is made From 100% Italian cowhide leather. Inside there is a soft-touch polycarbonate mold that snugly holds the iPad Pro. The case also incorporates Apples smart cover sleep/wake technology. This means your iPad will be automatically put to sleep once the Casemade cover has been closed and instantly woken up once the Casemade cover has been opened.

Design

The black 100% Italian cowhide leather and unique red stitching give this case a real sophisticated look. I also like the emblazoned CaseMade logo on the lower left corner of the case. It’s a small detail but adds to the cases rich look. The inside cover has a soft, brushed finish so it won’t scratch your iPad’s screen. Thin and lightweight, this case is a perfect compliment to the minimalistic design of the 10.5” iPad Pro.

The polycarbonate mold inside does a nice job of holding my iPad in place. The material is pretty flexible and each mold is form-fitted to the iPad Pro ensuring a snug secure fit. There are cut-outs on the side and top and bottom to allow easy access to all of the iPad Pro’s external features including the camera, lightning connector, volume buttons and headphone jack. The mold is completely open on both the top and bottom except for the corners. Although the access is nice I would have preferred a little more coverage on the top and bottom to protect my investment.

Functionality

I was happy that this case offered the Apple Smart Cover sleep/wake technology. Every iPad case I’ve owned in the past had this feature and it’s one thing I look for when buying a new case. Unfortunately, this is where one of the faults I mentioned pops up. The feature works, but I have to move the cover around in order for it to lock my iPad. It’s as if the magnet inside the case is misaligned. It’s not a deal breaker, however, if you’re going to use this as a selling point it should work properly.

The case also doubles as a horizontal stand with two separate viewing positions. This is done by folding the case over and sliding the cover into a slot that is sewn into the back of the case. I really like this feature. It provides a nice viewing angle while on my lap and it’s very sturdy when used in the upright position. The lay-down position is perfect for using your iPad on your lap and makes it easy to do some quick typing using the iPad’s on-screen keyboard. The upright position is perfect for browsing the web, checking out social media like Twitter and Instagram or viewing videos and movies.

What I like

I like the look and feel of the 100% Italian cowhide leather. I like the functionality of the two different viewing positions. I like that it’s thin and lightweight.

What I don’t like

I don’t like that the sleep/wake function doesn’t work properly. I don’t like that there isn’t a place for my Apple Pencil.

Overall

I’ve used the CaseMade 10.5″ iPad Pro leather case as my everyday case for the last few weeks and I have to say that I really like it. As mentioned it does have its faults but none of them would keep me from recommending this case. If you’re looking for a nice minimalistic leather case at a reasonable price the CaseMade 10.5″ iPad Pro leather case may be for you. The case comes in 2 colors, black and tan and is priced at $64.95.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by CaseMade. Please visit their site for more info or to order.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: IPad Pro Case

CaseMade iPad Pro 10.5″ leather case review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 1, 2017 at 9:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Earlier this year I reviewed several iPhone cases from Burkley leathers. Both were very well done…handcrafted from full grain leather and perfectly fitted for my iPhone. In similar fashion, Burkley has created a Smart Folio cover for Apple’s recently released 10.5″ iPad Pro, also handcrafted with old world style and nicely fitted for the iPad. For this review, Burkley sent one in coffee brown to check out.

Note: Photos may be tapped or clicked for a larger image.

Burkley begins with a relatively thin, minimalistic, plastic shell that holds the 10.5″ iPad Pro securely in place. Burkley surrounds/covers the shell with top-quality cowhide leather both inside and out. According to Burkley, “Each case is individually handcrafted from the finest premium leather with a focus on preserving the leather’s unique characteristics. Each piece of natural leather has its own veins and pores”. The leather is soft and supple with a very nice feel to it and smelled great right out of the box. In addition to top quality materials, the stitching and finish are excellent as well.

The Burkley 10.5″ iPad Pro Smart Folio case is perfectly form-fitted for Apple’s latest & greatest tablet. This cover is a slightly padded book-/folio-style case with embedded magnets that work with the iPad’s sleep function to turn the screen on and off when opened and closed. The back has cutouts for the iPad’s rear facing camera and microphone. Both the front and back are embossed with the Burkley buffalo logo.

The Folio’s inner lining is made of a tan microfiber leather which is waterproof and dirt resistant. The corners and a majority of the right and top sides wrap around the edges of the iPad. When closed the case covers and protects approximately 95% (aka most) of the device.

The top has cutouts for the power button, both speakers, mic, and audio plug.

The Folio’s smart cover is hinged on the left side of the case.

The base of the case has a large cutout allowing access to the iPad’s lighting port and speakers.

The right side has a smaller cutout for the iPad’s volume buttons. Overall, the case provides solid protection from bumps, scrapes, and minor falls both open and closed. Though probably wouldn’t provide all that much protection if dropped on a corner from any real height.

As you can see, the front cover is hinged and can fold backwards to support your iPad for hands-free viewing.

The front cover can also support your iPad at a lower angle for typing. Both orientations provide a solid base to use your tablet.

The Burkley Smart Folio Cover for the 10.5″ iPad Pro isn’t just a pretty face. Handcrafted with high-quality leathers with old world style and craftsmanship, that protects and is functional as well…just what you would expect from an upper-end iPad accessory. Other than being a bit pricey, I have only positive things to about this Burkley case. Well worth the consideration if you’re looking for a quality minimalistic smart case for your Apple tablet.

Source:  The samples for this review were provided by Burkley. Please visit their site for more information and visit Amazon to order.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: IPad Pro Case

Burkley Smart Folio iPad Pro 10.5″ case review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 11, 2017 at 11:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

I seem to have jumped head first into a vat of Apple kool-aid. First I bought an iPhone 7 Plus and then I bought an iPad Pro 10.5. New Apple devices mean new device accessories so I’ve been trying out cases for the iPhone and now I want to show you the Patchworks PureCover 2017 Smart Stand Case that MobileFun sent me to try with my new iPad Pro 10.5. 

What is it?

The Patchworks PureCover 2017 Smart Stand Case is a simple book-style case for the iPad Pro 10.5.

PureCover

This Smart Stand Case looks similar to Apple’s own Smart Cover and features magnets embedded in the cover that wake the iPad when you lift the cover and put it back to sleep when you close it.

The case comes in grey or black. I was sent the black version of the cover.

But unlike Apple’s Smart Cover, the PureCover offers protection for the back of the iPad Pro 10.5 with a tough polycarbonate snap on shell.

The PureCover Smart Stand Case also comes with a removable Pencil sleeve.

The iPad Pro easily snaps into the polycarbonate shell. The inside surface of the cover has a soft suede-like feel that protects the iPad’s display from dust, and scratches.

The back cover is clear so that you can see the Apple logo and any personalization that you might have added to the back of the iPad.

The are cutouts for the camera, flash and volume buttons.

And on the top edge, there are openings for the speakers, earphone jack, and microphone.

The bottom of the case has one large cutout for the other speakers and lightning port.

I like the fact that the back cover has a matte finish that prevents it from becoming a smudge and fingerprint magnet.

In addition to opening the cover and folding it to the back of the iPad, the cover can also fold to create a stand like you see above.

The removable sleeve that is included with the Patchworks PureCover 2017 Smart Stand Case has been designed to hold the Apple Pencil stylus.

The sleeve has an elastic loop that stretches to fit over the cover. If you look closely, you will notice that the elastic folds the edge of the cover over where the elastic presses against it. This shouldn’t be an issue unless you remove and reattach the Pencil sleeve over and over. Then that could cause the top edge of the case to crack over time.

Final thoughts

I’ve been using the Patchworks PureCover Smart Stand Case for the iPad Pro 10.5 for several weeks and have had no issues. It is a well-made case with a simple design. Every time I open the case, my iPad wakes up and every time I close the cover, it goes back to sleep. It protects my expensive tablet and looks nice while doing so. I guess you can say that it’s my favorite iPad Pro 10.5 case. It’s also the only 10.5 case I’ve tried so far, so we’ll see how long it remains a favorite.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by MobileFun. Please visit their site for more info

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: IPad Pro Case

Patchworks PureCover 2017 iPad Pro 10.5 Smart Stand Case review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 21, 2017 at 11:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.