Reviewed by Tong Zhang
Editor's Ratings (1-5): 4.5
What's Hot: Outstanding material and workmanship, functional case with a built-in stand, good color choices.
What's Not: The Home button takes a bit of effort to use, adds some weight to the slim tablet.
Protective cases for mobile devices have always been a specialty field for bag designers and companies. Once in a while you get crossovers like Coach making computer bags. If you are looking for something that instantly stands out from the iPad 2 case crowd, Saddleback leather case fits the bill. You can call them "Louis Vuitton" of iPad cases, the Saddleback leather case for iPad 2 is made with very high quality thick booth leather and lined with very sturdy treated pigskin lining. The style has a pronounced old Western country look and feel, and the build quality is top notch. The Saddleback Leather Case for iPad 2 comes in four leather colors.
Design
When you first see the Saddleback Leather Case for iPad 2 you?d think it?s designed for John Wayne. The leather used for this case is so thick that it can easily come from the same skin cut for a horse saddle. The exterior surface is very smooth and not slippery. Inside, the case is lined with pigskin that?s even tougher than leather. The pigskin is also smooth, and won?t scratch your iPad 2?s surface. You can get suede lining also on special order.
The iPad 2 sits in a thick leather pocket that protects it like armor. The tablet pocket also covers the bezel around the front display. Though there aren?t any hard inserts in the Saddleback Leather Case for iPad 2, the case is super protective under a thick layer of boot leather and even stronger layer of pigskin. Your tablet can easily survive the pokes, bumps and bruises inside of a backpack, a travel bag or even in a saddlebag should you take it with you on a horseback ride.
The Saddleback Leather Case for iPad 2 may feel thick, it?s actually quite form fitting. The tablet pocket fits the iPad 2 just right, though there isn?t any closure lip, the tablet sits in the pocket securely. The front cover on this portfolio style case closes nicely, but for the added security and style, the Saddleback Leather Case has two closure straps that run through four security rings on the back, the same way you would close a saddlebag. There is no way the case will open accidentally with these straps and you will enjoy the feeling of opening and closing a saddlebag each time you use the case.
Aside from the Old Western style, the Saddleback Leather Case for iPad 2 has an impeccable build. There are no breakable parts on the case, and the high quality stitching uses heavy gauge marine grade thread. The strap rings have double stitching to ensure that it won?t come loose even with most often use. The case maker provides a 100 year warranty, though that?s a little comical, the case will sure outlast several iPads. With thick material and high grade stitching, the Saddleback Leather Case for iPad 2 adds 13.4 oz. to the iPad 2.
Features
The Saddleback Leather Case for iPad 2 has perfect cutouts for all ports and buttons except for the Home button. The power button and the rear camera share one cutout, which is pretty clever. The audio jack and top mic get cutouts so do the side volume buttons and the screen lock button. The 30-pin connector is easily accessible while in the case and the speaker grill is exposed to let the sound through. Since the case cover the bezel of the iPad 2?s display, it offers a cutout for the front camera and sensor. But the Home button is under the thick leather. It takes some effort to press the Home button.
The closure straps look cool and shut the case securely, but they also function as a stand. Fold the straps backwards and slide them into the strap holders, voil?, your iPad 2 is standing up in the case. The stand is very steady thanks to the thick leather and rigid lining, and the viewing angle is good for viewing media content.
Conclusion
The Saddleback Leather Case for iPad 2 is unlike anything iPad 2 cases we?ve seen in both style and quality. The material will last you for years to come and the build quality is impeccable. The case is also quite functional with perfect cutouts for all buttons and ports except the Home button, and it has a built-in stand. For those who are looking for unmatched high style in an ?ode to leather? spirit, the Saddleback Leather Case for iPad 2 is the answer.
Price: $104.00
Web site: Saddleback Leather
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