Quick Hits:
The Good:
+ Moleskine-inspired design makes for an attractive, versatile case.
+ The first of it's kind (
hipster alert Particularity bonus).
+ Protects iPad well, from both damage and theft.
+ Magnet and strap system securely holds the iPad and can be used to lock and unlock the screen.
+ Works with iPad 2, the Retina iPad, and the fourth generation iPad.
The Bad:
- Case is showing major wear after a month of moderate use.
- Difficult to use the camera while the iPad is in the case
- Corners are uneven and iPad can slip when case is open.
- Other, similar cases on the market that outshine the DODOcase in areas.
Review:
DODOcase was the first moleskine-inspired iPad case, originating and launching with the first generation iPad in April 2010. Since, they have expanded their line of offerings to different styles and designs of cases, as well as cases for iPhones, tablets, and even MacBook air sleeves. Their most popular model, the DODOcase, comes in many iterations and prints. These range from a base model (black exterior, four different interior choices, no camera hole) priced at 59.95, to a new, all leather option priced at 89.95. Inclusion of a camera hole and smart magnets will run you a little bit extra. DODOcase has collaborated with JCrew and a handful of other companies and artists on exclusive designs, generally off of the base model and at a similar price-point. The cases are all hand-made in San Francisco, using "traditional book binding techniques."
I purchased the DODOcase a little over a month ago from
outfitYOURS.com. The version I am commenting on in this review is the DODOcase Classic for the Retina iPad (iPad 3), with a camera hole and smart magnets. The case will fit the fourth generation just as well as it did my retina iPad, they share an identical body shape, and the ports on the case will still work with the redesigned connector. After going case-free for as long as I've had the iPad, I finally decided it was time to protect it. When I was looking for a case, I wanted something protective (obviously), versatile (to use at school, work, or at home), and attractive (to look good while I use it at school, work, or at home).
I ordered the case on a Thursday afternoon, and received it that Saturday. outfitYOURS offers 'fast and free' shipping, and the moniker certainly fits.
This was my first order from outfitYOURS, and I was very impressed. The case came securely packaged, and outfitYOURS even threw in a few bonuses.
I'm told this is called a 'teaser' pic (Fuelband review coming soon).
The lot.
As a fun little bonus, they added a 'bribe.' As a frequent online shopper, I thoroughly enjoyed the thought and effort. See below, as the message was quite humorous:
As a little side note, a rep from outfitYOURS emailed me about a week after receiving the case, asking how the overall experience was and thanking me for the order. On such a small purchase, this was another cool touch that made it a great experience for me!
With all of that out of the way, on to the case.
The case itself has a slip-packaging that has the DODOcase branding and some information about the company.
On the inside, there is a cardboard 'iPad.' The 'Ex Librus' tag is a nice detail that fits in with the classic imagery of the case.
The case holds the iPad in a carved bamboo frame. The case is wrapped in a black faux leather. An elastic strap further protects the case when closed. I have heard stories of the bamboo cracking, but after a month of daily use, it hasn't happened to me yet. However...
The corner system DODOcase uses is flawed. Not in a 'this case is unusable' way, but in a 'wow, this is a nuisance' way. As noted in
this video review of a previous generation DODOcase, the corner system leaves something to be desired. DODO has since changed the material and improved on the design, but it still lags behind competitors. The top right corner on mine is starting to peel away, and came glued on in a way that can only be described as 'wonky.' The iPad, at certain angles, has a slight wobble.
On a different note, the camera hole works well, although you are limited to using the out-facing camera when the case is open.
Next up in the laundry-list of DODO obnoxious quirks, the Ex Libris tag is starting to peel. Already.
DODO proclaims the ability for the case to be used in 'Perch Mode' (open for watching videos) and 'Typing Mode' (folded back, with the strap around itself for a more ergonomic typing angle or way to hold the case while in use). For me, the case is in 'Typing Mode' almost constantly when in use. It's extremely comfortable in hand, and it now feels awkward to use my iPad without the case on it.
The usefulness of 'Perch Mode' is heavily dependent on the surface. There aren't any notches or systems to keep the iPad propped up. On my desk, the counterbalance makes for a sturdy and effective easel. On a lap or bed, not so much.
Separating itself from minor quirks (and into its own category of caused annoyance) is a tear along the binding of the case, from being in the two different open modes DODO promotes on their own packaging. This is only after a month of use.
Moving along to the back of the case, the camera hole is finished with a hard, durable feeling plastic. This acts as a preventative measure; should liquid be spilled near the case, the raised ridge seals the camera (and the rest of the iPad for that matter) from water damage.
More than any picture, this summarizes the DODOcase: elegant, aesthetically pleasing, functional, and suffering gaps in quality. Did Michael J. Fox have a hand in the production? Woah der.
Some more shots of the back of the case, there's a subtly embossed DODOcase branding, another nice touch that fits well with the overall design.
The features smart magnets that work well, coupled with the strap. The case's sleep/wake feature works well, and I have yet to notice any 'connection' issues that cause the iPad to unlock while closed. The strap has a quality elastic that securely holds the iPad into place. Going along with the theme of the case, the finish of the bamboo looks like pages in a traditional moleskine notebook upon first glance. Not only attractive, this helps protect the case from theft. Although a minor 'feature', I have heard reports of similar moleskine-inspired cases deterring would-be thieves. At the very least, it adds to the attractive design.
The cutaways for the lock button, speaker grille, headphone jack, volume rocker, and orientation/volume switch are all easily and completely accessible when the case is both open and closed. There is no 'acoustic' channel, as found in similar
Portenzo or
Pad & Quill cases (hey, I mentioned a laundry-list)
The DODOcase is an attractive case that protects the iPad well. Although the first of its kind, the DODOcase has been surpassed by competitors offering higher quality workmanship, extra features (more advanced stands, sound channels, etc.), and more designs. I have no regrets purchasing the DODOcase, as it meets my needs, but when more issues pile up and the case inevitably falls apart, I will be getting my next moleskine-inspired case from Portenzo.
Huge thanks again to outfitYOURS for a great ordering experience!
Links:
-AdaPart