Personally, I am not fond of folding, origami-sytle cases for iPad. Yet, there are a decent amount of them on the market. You know them. They have a folding back that props your iPad in any number of different angles to increase or decrease the viewing angle. Big deal. Up until now, I have never given an origami case a glance. In fact, sometimes I refuse to review them, but I had a hard time telling Moshi ‘no’ for their VersaCover. Finding myself happily surprised, look past the fold to see if these cases are the right fit for you…
The concept and design
The idea is fairly straight forward. Create a case that both holds the iPad and also elevates it with different viewing angles. Simple, yes, but Moshi threw in a couple of added bonuses. Take for instance the extremely low profile (7.95″ x 5.43″ x .047″ or 20.19 x 13.8 x 1.2 cm). I hate cases solely because they add bulk to a beautifully designed iPad mini but this case protects without added heft. The VersaCover utilizes a rigid but thin cloth cover with a translucent polycarbonate case for the back.
The front cover is smart enabled, waking or sleeping as any other smart cover behaves. There is a nice trick to the back case, however. As the casing is polycarbonate, Moshi inlaid a metal strip on the back, causing the cover to stick when wrapped behind the iPad. Sometimes the simplest things make the biggest difference. When being used or carried, the magnet trick prevents this portfolio case from needing a tab, string or elastic band to stay put.
Origami folding techniques provide three different viewing angles as outlined in the video below. Over the past few weeks, I ran this case through its paces and I can vouch for regularly using two of the three angles. “Landscape” became my standard when using the case for almost anything. I am a Flipboard fanboy and spend most of my iPad time reading. Landscape was just as good for my tech blog reading addiction as “Portrait.” The “Typing” angle is a great angle for, well, typing. I also used it to watch videos when I was cooking in the kitchen. While standing at the counter, using landscape provided a more acute viewing angle.
http://youtu.be/Bi4TCdvovpk
Personal reaction
With a predetermined, yet unfounded, hatred of folding cases, I am shocked I enjoy using the VersaCover. In fact, I hate using any case for my iOS devices and, after reviewing, I tend to let them pile up or collect dust. However, this marks a solid month, going strong with this particular case. I like it for several reasons, the first of which is minimalism. It is not as razor thin as I prefer, but overall, there is not a terrible amount of added bulk. Second, I like six-sided protection for my device. If I am going to use a case, it needs to cover everything. Third, the little magnet on the back that keeps the cover folded back is my new inanimate friend.
Although I immensely enjoy the case, there is room for improvement, starting with the cover. I like the textured feel of a rigid cloth, however, it can catch stains more easily than other materials. In fact, Moshi includes a brief cleaning tip on the product page. After accidentally spilling yogurt on the cover during breakfast, I am pleased the stain came out easily. Avoiding cloth all together may be the best bet.
Additionally, when using the cover in portrait, pressing in the upper right corner can cause the iPad to tip. Now, you aren’t banging your fingers into the screen during normal usage, but an over zealous tap in the wrong place may cause it to tumble.
Conclusion
Available for $49.95 on Amazon, you really need to appreciate every piece of this construction, otherwise you could find a portfolio style case for less. The VersaCover is three different products aptly built into one. If you are looking for a case that is smart enabled, can prop your iPad at several angles, and offers a rigid back casing, this is your case. If you want only one of any three features, just grab a simpler and cheaper case.
If you already enjoy folding cases, this is a great addition to your arsenal. If you are unsure of taking the origami plunge, this is a good place to start. Me? After using it for a month, I am still toting it around, which is a big thumbs up in my book. Thanks to Moshi for sending over this case for review. It has opened my perspective on folding cases and I have enjoyed my time with the VersaCover.
What do you guys think? To fold, or not to fold?