The FieldFolio case ($70) for iPad 2 is an innovative case that’s inspired by classic cloth-bound notebooks. It’s manufactured by hand from recycled board and cotton-blend bookbinding linens, and traditionally bound just like a real book. But instead of paper inside it, you’ll find a custom-fit cradle that houses your iPad.
The cover boasts a built-in magnetic array that works just like Apple’s Smart Cover — waking your device when you open the case, and putting it to sleep again when you close it.
One of the most attractive things about the FieldFolio is that it’s available in six eye-catching colors, including blue, orange, green, pink, black, and grey.
The Good:
One of the first things I noticed about the FieldFolio case is that it’s a guaranteed head-turner. When you’re sat in your local coffee shop and you pull out what looks like a notepad, only to reveal a half-finished game of Angry Birds inside, you get a lot of attention.
Now, I suppose that could either be a good or a bad attribute depending on whether or not you like the attention, but I thought it was a fitting testament to the FieldFolio’s beautiful design and ingenuity.
It’s also a sturdy case that will keep your iPad protected from dings while inside your bag, and from scratches while being dragged around on the surface of your desk. The built-in cradle clings onto your iPad very comfortably, and provides easy access to your dock connector, volume rocker, headphone jack, and sleep/wake button.
Furthermore, the FieldFolio’s manufacturing quality is evident throughout, with nothing to suggest the case is likely to fall apart after months of general use.
When open with the front folded behind the case, the FieldFolio is elevated just enough to provide a comfortable surface when typing.
The Bad:
While the FieldFolio does provide a good typing surface — just like your Smart Cover — it does not provide a stand. You can stand it up and use the front cover as support, but it’s not ideal at all. On shiny surfaces especially, it’ll just fall straight down.
Despite its build quality, the FieldFolio does damage easily if you don’t take care of it. If you’re keeping in a bag, as I have done, you’ll find after a few weeks of use that the edges of the case begin to bend slightly, and the cotton cover will begin to wear.
Verdict:
As long as you take good care of it, you’ll be very pleased with the FieldFolio. It’s a unique and beautifully designed iPad case will keep your device free from abuse, while maintaining its graceful image. And it’s one of the most attractive iPad cases I’ve seen for some time.
[xrr rating = 80%]
