The iPad 3 may be around the corner, but it doesn’t mean the iPad 2 is going anywhere. Even if the current crop of iPad 2 cases are not compatible with the new design, there is going to be a huge market for second-hand tablets and those tablets will still need cases.
To that end, we’re back without another case review, this time the X-Doria Dash Folio Felt. Along with having all the prerequisites for a great iPad case — magnetized screen locking, several stand angles and a comfortable single-handed holding position — the Folio Felt is well made and looks great.
From the outside, the iPad case really does look like an old-school folio, covered with a nice fuzzy felt and leather trim. The inside is all leather, too, which keeps your iPad safe while looking classy. It’s also very smartly-made, dextrously morphing into six different positions: four custom heights for media-watching using the inlaid leather notches, and two that rely on the traditional Apple “Smart Cover” technique, with the back tensed into a right-angle triangle. This allows for easy typing in one position and an almost 90-degree vertical stand in the other.
The case also creates a nice straight edge on the left hand side for easy one-handed holding. There is a problem with this situation, though, and it mirrors the Smart Cover itself: case is divided into sections quite loosely, and the back cover flaps down when holding it in one hand. This doesn’t prove too much of an issue as the cover doesn’t sag low enough to actually interrupt your holding, but it could pose an issue on the subway where the case will knock into other people holding onto the same pole (it happened to me quite regularly.
The Dash Folio Felt keeps the camera and all ports free from obtrusion, too. Due to its versatility, I’ve found it to be one of the best travel companions for the iPad. Typing is comfortable and there are plenty of positions available for tight spaces like airplanes and coffee shop tables. Its internal magnets shut off the iPad’s screen when closed, too.
X-Doria is a new accessory company to North America, and from their excellent showing at CES we expect great things from them in the future.
Check out the Dash Folio Felt. Highly Recommended.
