REVIEW – We have a 12.9-inch iPad Pro 3rd generation 2018 tablet (non-LTE version) and Apple Pencil 2 that we’ve been afraid to take with us anywhere for fear of dropping them. We wanted to get a case with drop protection, but most cases out there look way too bulky and have an “industrial” appearance. Fortunately, companies like Speck provide drop protection in slim and simple designs. Speck redesigned their latest Presidio Pro Folio 12.9-inch iPad Pro Case to accommodate the Apple Pencil 2 which charges by magnetically adhering to the iPad.

I was able to test the case and found that it seems to provide the protection that we need (we did not do any drop testing), but is a little heavy, has sharp edges along the front cover, and has a locking clasp instead of a magnetic closure. It does have magnets in the cover to put the tablet into sleep mode when the cover is closed.

What is it?

The Speck Presidio Pro Folio 12.9-inch iPad Pro Case (2018) is a drop-protective covering for the third generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro. The case also accommodates and protects the latest Apple Pencil (Apple Pencil 2).

Hardware specs

• 6-foot drop-protection with IMPACTIUM layer: Dropped from 6 feet multiple times by independent labs to ensure superior protection.
• Durable two-layer protection: A tough outer shell and soft IMPACTIUM layer with scientifically engineered crash zones provide two layers of protection in a slim, one-piece case. Rugged exterior resists scuffs and abrasions, and a polycarbonate perimeter prevents fraying.
• Raised Bezel Screen Protection: Gives screen extra protection from scratching and shattering if your tablet falls and lands facedown.
• Compatible with the NEW Apple Pencil®
• Multi-angle stand: Cover converts into a stand for typing and allows you to adjust the angle for viewing videos.
• Secure closure clasp: Locking clasp ensures the cover stays securely closed to protect the screen in the event of a fall.
• Supports asset tagging: Chassis has a clear section in the back that lets you see any asset tags.
• Auto sleep/wake saves battery: Magnets in the cover extend your battery life by automatically putting your iPad to sleep when it’s not in use.
• Thoroughly Tested for Durability: Speck® cases are independently lab-tested for multiple real-life situations, including extreme drops and temperatures, chemicals, antenna interference, cracks and abrasions, device bending, and more.
• Lifetime Warranty: Speck® backs each Pro FOLIO case with a lifetime warranty.

Design and features

I received the Filigree Grey/Slate Grey Speck Presidio Pro Folio 12.9-inch iPad Pro Case (2018) to review. This case also comes in Black/Black and Argyle Purple/Eggplant Purple. The outer cover is a slightly textured matte grey material that covers a hard outer shell which, in turn, covers a soft impact resistant inner shell (two-layer protection). The back of the case has a cutout to accommodate the iPad Pro’s camera. The side of the case shown above has the volume up and down buttons as well as a locking clasp instead of a magnetic closure. According to Speck, this helps to keep the case closed and therefore protects the tablet’s screen in the event of a fall.

The clasp is a hard plastic oval piece attached to a nylon strap which is looped through the cover of the case. The bottom of the case contains the cutouts for the power port and speakers. The top of the case contains cutouts for the speakers and microphones and also contains the power button. Inside the case, the front cover is lined with a soft material to prevent scratching the screen. It also contains multiple grooves to allow the case to be used as a multi-angle stand.

The back of the case has a clear hard plastic area to allow you to see any asset tags; in other words, it allows you to view any labels on your iPad Pro. But because of the clear plastic, there are no magnets in this area of the case (the Speck iPad Mini cases have such magnets) to hold the back cover – the portion that bends away from the clear plastic area- to the back of the case.

Performance

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2018 fits very snugly inside the Presidio Pro Folio case. In fact, it was quite difficult getting the iPad into the case. And now that it’s in, I don’t intend on getting it back out. Our iPad and its case are now one with each other.

The case accommodates the Apple Pencil 2 very nicely (note: the tip of the pencil should be pointed toward the bottom of the case) and allows the pencil to magnetically adhere to the iPad Pro to charge without any issues. Speck designed the case such that there is enough room to stick your finger in just below the tip of the pencil to easily pop it out. Those of you with larger fingers may have a little more difficulty accomplishing this, in which case, using your pinkies may work best. The side of the case shown above displays the volume up and down buttons. From the above view of the iPad, you can see the raised bezel that helps to protect the screen from scratches or even drops if the iPad falls and lands facedown (according to Speck). All of the cutouts lined up well with the speakers and the charging port. The opening for the charging port seems large enough to accommodate a variety of USB-C cables.
The above photo shows how the cutouts on the top of the case line up precisely with the speakers and the microphones on the iPad Pro. You can also see the power button on the top of the case.

All of the buttons are easy to press and work well.

The cutout for the camera provides plenty of room for the camera, its microphone, and the sensor. The back of the case is raised enough so that the camera is protected when the iPad is laying on a flat surface.

Our iPad Pro is used mainly for creating magical works of art. With the case on, it is easy and comfortable to use the iPad while it is laying on someone’s lap. It also works well in the stand configuration.  Furthermore, by folding the front cover toward the back of the case as shown above… …the case can be configured to work at an “art angle”.

Even though the case has a locking clasp instead of a magnetic closure, the cover does have magnets that will automatically put the iPad into sleep mode when closed to help preserve battery life. And having a locking clasp ensures that the case will stay closed if it suffers from a fall.

Speck states that independent labs have drop-tested the Presidio Pro Folio from six feet several times to ensure the protection of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2018). I have used Speck cases on smaller devices in the past and having accidentally dropped them without any damage, I believe that this case will protect our iPad.

In addition, the case is fairly slim for a drop-protection type of case. It is also simple in design and allows you to use the case as a multi-angle stand.

The case does, however, add some weight to the iPad and the front cover edges are sharp as shown in the right photo above (the left image gives you a reference point for the image on the right). It would also be nice to have a larger selection of colors to choose from.

What I like

• The Speck Presidio Pro Folio 12.9-inch iPad Pro Case provides drop-protection
• It accommodates and protects the Apple Pencil 2
• It has a simple attractive design
• It’s not too bulky

What needs to be improved

• The edges of the front cover are sharp
• It would be nice to have more colors to choose from

Final thoughts

The Speck Presidio Pro Folio 12.9-inch iPad Pro Case provides drop-protection for the ever expensive 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2018). Speck cases have historically provided such protection without being too bulky and looking “industrial” which is why I find it to be one of the more attractive iPad Pro cases. Because we’ve never had anything larger than an iPad Mini, all our cases have had magnetic closures, so getting used to the locking clasp takes a little time. This clasp is supposed to keep the case closed even when dropped and thus provide protection for the screen. This updated case actually accommodates the Apple Pencil 2 nicely (the earlier version of the 3rd generation iPad Pro Speck case did not), allowing it to magnetically adhere to the iPad to charge.

It does, however, add weight to the iPad; the front cover has sharp edges; and if you are used to magnetic closures, it takes a little time to get used to the locking clasp. These are minor inconveniences and thus I recommend using Presidio Pro Folio 12.9-inch iPad Pro Case (2018) to protect your iPad Pro.

Price: $59.95 – $89.95
Where to buy: Amazon or Speck
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Speck.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: IPad Pro Case

Speck Presidio Pro Folio 12.9-inch iPad Pro Case (2018) review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 1, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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REVIEW – Recently Harber London introduced their new NOMAD organizer series for Apple’s iPads and MacBooks, to help you keep your EDC gear organized as you go about your day or while on travel. Designed to not only safely transport your iPad Pro, but securely hold your power cords, keys, credit and business cards, Apple Pen, etc. For this review, Harber London sent their medium sized NOMAD leather organizer meant to carry the 10.5″ & 9.7″ iPad Pros.

What is it?

The Harber London NOMAD Organizer is a modern-day tech-clutch designed to carry your iPad and other accessories securely zippered within. The NOMAD collection is handmade in Spain from full grain leather with many pockets to help keep your EDC gear organized and easily reachable.

Design and features

The NOMAD organizer is a modern version of an old-world design. It is a flat, zippered pouch meant to carry your iPad Pro and a decent amount of your EDC gear/accessories. This tech-clutch is relatively minimalistic and can travel with you around the office, on the weekend, or throughout the world.

The interior pocket layout is well thought out and designed to keep your tech accessories organized and all together. My 10.5″ iPad Pro slips in and out of the wool-lined main tablet pocket easily. The large slipper pocket has a leather strap that snaps the iPad in place so it can’t accidentally fall out when the NOMAD is open/unzipped. In addition to the main tablet pocket, the right side of the organizer has a medium sized zippered pocket with full spanning slipper pocket below. The left side has a spot to securely hold your Apple Pen, another large slipper pocket for paperwork/mail, smartphone pocket, business card and pen slots, plus a few spots for cables and the like.

The NOMAD can accommodate either the 9.7″ or 10.5″ iPad Pro and their keyboards. My 10.5″ iPPro and Apple Smart Keyboard fit well inside the main slipper pocket.

Features:

• Smartphone pocket fits iPhone X, iPhone 8 Plus, Google Pixel 2 and more.
• Tablet pocket fits iPad Pro 10.5″, iPad (2017) & 9.7″ With/without Smart Keyboard.
• Keeps everything organized in one place.
• Transforms into a Backpack or messenger bag if needed.
• Convenient Zip pockets.
• Handmade by expert craftsmen in Spain.
• Made with Full Grain Vegetable tanned cowhide leather.
• 100% Wool Felt Lining on iPad side.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 27x 21.5x 2.2 cm | 10.62″x 8.5″x 0.86″
• Weight: 1 lbs 6 oz.

As I mentioned above, the NOMAD is handmade from premium full grain vegetable tanned leather by Spanish craftsmen. While thinner than the leathers Saddleback and Colonel Littleton use, the NOMAD organizer leather is soft and supple with an exceptional look and feel. In addition to the leather, all of the materials used to make the NOMAD are top quality. The zippers work nicely, the stitching is well done, and the wool felt lining the main slipper pockets is soft and smooth.

There are two rectangular rings stitched into the back of the NOMAD that the shoulder strap can be attached to carry the NOMAD over the shoulder. These rings can be recessed back into their respective slots to store them out of the way when not in use.

The strap itself is made from the same vegetable tanned full grain cowhide as the organizer but Harber London stitches a layer of wool felt onto the back of the strap. The two layers are stitched together and all the hardware is stitched and riveted for greater strength.

As mentioned above, the NOMAD’s leather has a great feel and at less than 3 pounds (fully loaded) carrying it around isn’t much of a burden. Wearing it over the shoulder is even less so.

The back spine has a reinforcing piece of leather that can be used as a handle, stitched and riveted to the main body of the organizer for greater strength. There are d-rings looped into the leather on both ends for carrying the organizer as a backpack which I personally never seen doing myself.

Positives

• Handmade in Spain
• Excellent craftsmanship and material quality
• Made from gorgeous full grain vegetable tanned cowhide leather
• Well thought out minimalistic design for some but not all your EDC gear

Negatives

• Expensive

The NOMAD collection is available in tan, black, and navy with sizing for the iPad mini, 9.7″/10.5″ iPad Pro, and 12.9″ iPad Pro/13″ MacBook Pro.

Final thoughts

The Harber London NOMAD organizer is very well made by Spanish craftsmen from fine leathers and excellent materials. The NOMAD is designed to securely carry your Apple tablet and accessories with a bit of European style and quality. Though it has good functionality, it does not have the capacity to carry all of my EDC gear within its zippered confines. Overall, the NOMAD is great for carrying your iPad Pro from meeting to meeting and keeping all your cables, Apple Pen, smartphone, etc organized in your travel or EDC bag.

Price: £239.00 / ~$325.00
Where to buy: You can buy direct from the Harber London web site.
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Harber London.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: IPad Pro Case

Harber London Nomad Leather Organizer iPad Pro case review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 17, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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In my mind, great accessories makes a great gadget even better.  I love my 2nd-gen iPad Pro 12.9, and I want accessories to protect it and keep it looking great.  I want a protective iPad Pro sleeve that will protect it in my gear bag and when I’m carrying only it with me.  I’m even happier when the protective sleeve is attractive.  The Lucrin Zippered Sleeve for iPad Pro 12.9″ is both protective and beautiful.  It seems to be the perfect accessory for me!  When Lucrin offered a review sample to The Gadgeteer, I hastily asked to be chosen.

Design and Features

Founded in 1994, Lucrin is a Swiss luxury leather company that offers a collection of “beautifully designed everyday leather essentials that are colorful, timeless and easy to personalize.”  Lucrin says that customization is what they do best, and their ordering process is proof of that.

With every bag, you have a selection of leathers and colors.  You can customize this sleeve by adding your monogram or removing the Lucrin logo.  (Other bags and accessories offer more leathers, including exotic skins.)  I chose the granulated leather.  The beautiful red seen here was very tempting, but I opted for the Royal Blue because I wanted to coordinate this sleeve with the Oberon Design Sonoma Tote that I use as my gear bag.

You see that there are many colors, from the more masculine darks to the more feminine pinks, to choose from.  I think men and women are equally able to design a sleeve that suits their style.

Lucrin has a philosophy that I like.  They say:

“The beauty of a leather article relies on several ingredients: a good leather craftsman, of course, as well as an expert tanner, along with a top quality hide and, if we go right back to the source, farms that make animal welfare their priority and good grazing.

Lucrin buys directly from the best tanners in Italy, Spain and South Africa (for ostrich leather). Each tannery we work with has been carefully selected for the quality of its hides and its expertise. These tanneries buy raw hides, prepare them and carry out dyeing as per the colors of the Lucrin catalogue and high-end texturing procedures.“

As you can see from the photos in this review, the Royal Blue sleeve in granulated leather that I received shows the quality that went into every step of the processing.

I opted to leave the Lucrin logo on my bag, as you see.  The logo is very discreet, and not a major component of the design.  I brightened up the photo here to highlight the graining of the leather.  The top photo better represents the actual color.

The back of the sleeve is plain, with no pockets.  This sleeve is designed to hold only the iPad Pro 12.9 and nothing else.

Notice that the zipper pulls are little straps made of the same leather as the rest of the bag.

The interior of the bag is microfiber fabric to protect the iPad Pro from scratches.  The bag opens up completely, as seen here.  The zipper’s teeth are plastic, to further prevent scratching.  What you can’t see is the padding between the leather and lining that will cushion the iPad.

The microfiber fabric looks like suede.  In this photo, you can see the actual color of the lining fabric.  Notice also how even and straight the stitching is.  This Lucrin sleeve is beautifully constructed.

This is my 2nd-gen iPad Pro 12.9 laying inside the Lucrin Zippered Sleeve.  Although the iPad Pro isn’t cased in this photo, I did find that the Pro will also fit inside while wearing a thin TPU back cover.  The cover zips easily around the Pro with or without the TPU back cover.

Here’s the Lucrin sleeve beside my Oberon Sonoma bag.  The leather colors don’t match, but I wouldn’t expect bags from two companies to have an exact color match.  I still think the two bags complement each other beautifully.

Here’s the Lucrin sleeve, with my iPad Pro inside, fitting in the front of the Oberon bag.  The sleeve fits inside the compartment of that Oberon bag as if it were custom-made for it.  I don’t have to remove the sleeve from the tote to get my iPad Pro out.  I just unzip the sleeve a little past the top corners, and I can slip the iPad right out – cased or uncased.

What I like

• Can be customized with the color and the leather texture you like
• Well made
• Beautiful leather exterior and protective interior
• Works well to protect your iPad Pro in your gear bag or as you carry it to meetings

What needs to be improved

• Nothing

Final thoughts

The Lucrin Zippered Sleeve for 12.9″ iPad Pro can be customized with color and leather type, so you can have your perfect zippered sleeve for your iPad Pro.  It’s well-constructed of quality materials, and it’s beautifully constructed.  I love this Lucrin zippered sleeve, and it makes a beautiful addition to my gear bag.

Price: $265.00, as configured for this review
Where to buy: Customize and purchase at Lucrin
Source: The sample of this product was provided by company Lucrin

The post Lucrin Zippered Sleeve for 12.9″ iPad Pro review appeared first on The Gadgeteer.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: IPad Pro Case

Lucrin Zippered Sleeve for 12.9″ iPad Pro review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 27, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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