DODOcase Classic iPad Case Review

DODOcase Classic iPad Case Review

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:

outfitYOURS.com

DODOcase

Portenzo Cases

Pad & Quill Cases

TreeGloo Cases

-AdaPart

Week 8 Fantasy Football Recap

Week 8 Fantasy Recap

The first week of fantasy football on AdaPart, save for any major scoring adjustments, is in the books.  To recap, I'll be breaking down the Hits and Misses of last weeks GOFO, giving some overall impressions and some insight into the impact last week's results will have in the week(s) to come.

Week 8 Hits:

QBs

Peyton Manning

Finished just under his projection with 24 ESPN standard points.  Manning dominated, putting up 305 yards and 3 TDs.  Manning is a top 5 option again this week.

Tom Brady

I told you he's still the best.  304 yards and 4 TDs for a personal season-high 28 points.  Brady is on a bye this week.

RBs

Willis McGahee

McGahee had his personal best game as well, rushing for over 120 yards, adding over 30 receiving yards, and notching a TD.  I expect McGahee to come back to earth a little, but the added dimension of the forward pass in Denver's offense raises his ceiling.

Vick Ballard

Even though Ballard scored arguably the season's best TD to win the game in OT for the Colts, it came at the end of a ho-hum day where he rushed for sub 60 yards.  On top of that, Brown is back, and Ballard will return to seeing the ball around 5 times a game.  For a player who nets about 4 yards per touch, that's not nearly enough for fantasy relevance. 

WRs

Demaryius Thomas

Thomas had another big game, especially in PPR leagues.  In standard leagues, his 137 yards receiving and a touchdown night was good for third amongst WRs.  Thomas is a must start WR week in and week out.

Dwayne Bowe

Over Dwayne Bowe underproduced, as expected, considering he was a Fall Off player last week.  Bowe scored 6 fantasy points in what was his (tied for) third worst fantasy day of the season.  Cassel is back under center this week, so those numbers should go up.

Victor Cruz

That's right.  No salsa for you when you're on the Fall Off list.  Cruz, the number 1 fantasy wideout, had a paltry 2 catch, 23 yard day.  The Giant's receiver went without doing his ubiquitous TD dance for the first time since week 3.  Cruz will be alright, though.  Cruz still leads the league with 89 targets, so look for the Giants to get him the ball often in their matchup against a hobbled Steeler's team.

Week 8 Eh's:

QBs

Ryan Tannehill

Mr. Mrs. Lauren Tannehill left the game early with a quad injury.  The Dolphin's reserve, Matt Moore, had a decent day in Tannehill's absence, notching 9 points in the relief.  No word yet on which QB will start against the Colts, but either is a decent matchup play in deeper leagues.

Michael Vick

Although he didn't turn the ball over, Vick had another average day (both in real and fantasy football) that left his job security still hanging by a thread.  Philly's clamoring for Nick Foles will likely be postponed another week, (not from Hurricane Sandy, but) from a(n even more) disastrous New Orleans Saints' defense. 

Carson Palmer

Palmer still threw his trademark interception, but for the first time since before his knee injury in Cincinnati, he had more touchdowns than turnovers (someone check that stat).  He is a serviceable bye-week fill in if necessary.

 RBs

Adrian Peterson

All Day did what he seems to do best: flashes of brilliance, overall disappointment.  Over 100 yards rushing and a touchdown, a great game, but still a far cry from the projected Vintage Peterson day that was expected.  It has to come Sooner than later. [Omit awful, irrelevant pun]

WRs

Brandon Marshall

Marshall had 98 yards receiving.  Cutler couldn't get anything going until late in the game.  The Bears have the Titans this week, so I'm not worried at all about Marshall.

Reggie Wayne

His streak of 10+ targets continued.  Wayne hauled in 7 for 91 yards.  The Colts play a surprisingly stout Miami team this week, but Wayne is getting such a significant amount of targets that there's no need to take him out of most lineups this week. 

Randall Cobb

Jacksonville virtually shut down the Packers offensively until the end of the game.  Cobb caught 5 balls for only 28 yards, but his touchdown kept him off of the schneid.  Cobb is a must start, at least until the Green Bay mainstays get healthy again.

Weeek 8 Misses:

RBs

Jamaal Charles

Great call on this one.  Charles touched the ball only FIVE times for four yards, numbers so low I typed them instead of using a numeral.  That's a goose-egg in ESPN standard.  As a silver lining, in the postgame interview, Romeo Crennel commented on his mishandling of the back, a sign that we'll see Jamaal Charles back to being a top-flight back this week.

Alfred Morris

The Redskin's back had 59 yards rushing in a game where the entire offense looked out of sync.  He gets back at it a little bit this week against the Panthers, but see him as nothing more than a mid-range number 2 back this week.

LeSean McCoy

Shady showed up a week early.  With the Eagles FINALLY using their star back properly, McCoy now becomes a prime option every week (unless they start being too effective, in which case Andy Reid, because he is Andy Reid, will try come hell or high water to get the ball elsewhere).

-AdaPart

Week 8 Go/Fo Pt. 2

Week 8 "Go Off/Fall Off"

'Go Off/Fall Off' is not meant to be a literal start/sit list.  GoFo is an aggregate of ESPN rankings, projections, and personal insight from Adamantly Particular.  A player on the Go Off list is likely to outperform expectations for the week.  Conversely, a Fall Off player will underproduce or disappoint.  All projections are based off of ESPN Standard Scoring.

Fall Off

QBs

Carson Palmer
ESPN Rank: 15
Projected Points: 18
Rationale: Palmer shouldn't be picked unless you play in the world's deepest league, or you gain points for picks.  Although the Chiefs aren't a turnover-causing machine (in games against Ryan Fitzpatrick and Phillip Rivers, they have a combined 1 interception...c'mon man!), they are coming off a bye week with time to prepare for a sputtering Raiders team.  On top of that, the Chiefs are in the middle of the pack in terms of passing yards allowed (13th), but rank 22nd in rushing.  Run-DMC should get the bulk of the offensive touches, and the Raiders will win, but they will do so without relying on Captain Turnover.

Mike Vick
ESPN Rank: 9
Projected Points: 12
Rationale: ESPN has Vick at the 9 spot, which puts him as a starter in most leagues.  I'm extremely low on him this week.  The Falcons will be up big early, causing the Eagles to play catchup turn the ball over (frequently).  On the road against San Diego in week 3, Atlanta caused 4 turnovers.  On the short list of masters of the turnover, Vick might be the only player who tops Rivers.  The comedy of errors that is the Philadelphia Eagles continues this week against a rested, hungry Falcons squad.

Obvious player my obviously informed and rational readership doesn't need a similarly formatted section: Cam Newton.  We'll get to see what happens when a very stoppable force meets an immovable object; the Panthers face the Bears, this one will be ugly.  Expect multiple interceptions (and multiple post-game improprieties).

RBs

LeSean McCoy
ESPN Rank: 3
Projected: 17
Rationale:  See above.  This game gets out of hand early, and the misuse of a top-3 back continues.  I see McCoy as a great buy-low candidate, though.  Assuming the Falcons blow the Eagles out, Reid will be under insurmountable pressure to make changes in playcalling and personal.  As a result of either, Shady will be called to balance the workload or ease in rookie backup QB Nick Foles.

Shonn Greene 
ESPN Rank: 19
Projected: 13
Rationale: Fantasy tip for sucess #347: Stay away from all Jets, Browns, and Chargers players not named Trent Richardson.  In all seriousness, Greene produced only 3 fantasy points in the last tilt against Miami, and will put up similar(ly dysmal) numbers in the rematch.

Vick Ballard
ESPN Rank: 25
Projected: 13
Rationale: Good news: Ballard is trending up, averaging more yards per carry in the month of October than he ever has in his career!  Bad news: in October, Ballard is averaging a paltry 3.4 yards per carry (up from 3.1!).  The Colts play the lowly Titans this week, and as bad as they are against the run (25th), they are even worse against the pass (27th), allowing just shy of 300 yards per game.  I trust Luck and Wayne a lot more than a fill in back who isn't even getting all of the touches.  UPDATE: Donald Brown was a full participant in the Colts' Friday practice, potentially limiting Ballards touches even further.  Ballard looks destined for Dumpsville.

WRs

Dwayne Bowe
ESPN Rank: 18
Projected Points: 15
Rationale: Bowe and Quinn are like oil and water.  In week 6, Bowe registered his lowest fantasy point total of the season, only managing a measly 2 points against the 29th ranked Tampa Bay pass defense.  Before the Thursday Night game, the Bucs have allowed an average of 33.4 ESPN Standard Scoring points to Wide Recievers alone in their 5 other games of the season (Week 5 bye).  If that isn't enough, Bowe is disgruntled, and is likely on his way out of Kansas city.  Missouri no longer loves his company, and he likes Brady Quinn's even less.

Victor Cruz
ESPN Rank: 2
Projected: 13
Rationale: I am by no means saying Cruz isn't a top 10 WR play this week.  I just don't expect him to produce as an overall number 2.  Nicks is getting healthier by the day and will vulture touches.  Plus, with Sean Lee leaving a gaping hole in the middle of the Cowboys' defense, the G-Men will be able to gash the Cowboys on the ground.  As Lee is the signal caller for the Dallas D, Eli will control the tempo of this game, relying on the run and shorter passing routes, limiting home run bombs, and in turn taking away slightly from Cruz's big play potential.


That's all for Week 8, check back for Wednesday's recap.

Week 8 Go/Fo Pt. 1

Week 8 "Go Off/Fall Off"

'Go Off/Fall Off' is not meant to be a literal start/sit list.  GoFo is an aggregate of ESPN rankings, projections, and personal insight from Adamantly Particular.  A player on the Go Off list is likely to outperform expectations for the week.  Conversely, a Fall Off player will underproduce or disappoint.  All projections are based off of ESPN Standard Scoring.

Go Off

QB

Peyton Manning

ESPN Rank: 3

Projected Points: 26

Rationale:  Manning is the best QB option going into this weekend.  Manning has been consistant all season, only posting one game of less than 20 points, and he's facing a Saints' defense that just allowed over 400 yards and 4 scores to Josh Freeman.  In addition, Manning is coming off of a bye and a 35-point comeback.  With everyone buying in to 'The Manning Way' even more, the extra week to percolate, and the matchup, Manning is a no brainer elite QB.

Tom Brady

ESPN Rank: 5

Projected Points: 16

Rationale:  Brady is still the best QB in football.  Brady looked fed up with the way things are going after last week's game against the Jets, and no team plays better with a chip on its shoulder than the Patriots.  In 2009, Brady's last trip across the pond, he had over 300 yards and 3 TD's.  The Rams allowed 25 fantasy points to Aaron Rodgers last week.  Look for Brady to put up similar numbers and assert his dominance on the (inter)national stage.  

Ryan Tannehill

ESPN Rank: 23

Projected Points: 9

Rationale:  I've been low on Tannehill for a long, long while.  But it's the Jets...

RB

Adrian Peterson

ESPN Rank: 1

Projected Points: 23

Rationale:  Adrian Peterson might be the most overrated back in football.  And he is ranked number one this week.  'So, how can he overachieve,' you ask?  Simple, Thursday Night Football is tailor-made  for teams who can win ugly.  Last week, getting only 56 passing yards from Ponder, the Vikes proved they can win ugly.  Like Cee Lo Green-montage ugly.  Even though Tampa has the 3rd rank run D, that number is skewed by the lack of great RBs they have faced thus far.  AD has been trending upward, in the last three games he went from 12 to 19 to 23 points.  The Vikes will feed him as often as his moniker suggests to keep Ponder in favorable situations and to keep Freeman and Co. off of the field.

Willis McGahee

ESPN Rank: 7

Projected Points: 18

Rationale:  New Orleans has allowed 8 TDs in their first 6 games.  This will be a shootout, and McGahee has shown that he can catch the ball out of the backfield, and that receptions and YAC are much easier to get with dimes from Manning than from worm-burning ducks from He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named.

Jamaal Charles

ESPN Rank: 3

Projected Points: 18

Rationale:  J-Mail is literally (Chris Traeger voice!) the only weapon (the fact that Quinn is under center takes away from an already-unhappy Bowe's value) in this offense.  Charles is coming off of a bye, giving him time to rest up for the heavy workload he will shoulder (er, knee?) this week.  Oakland is mediocre against RBs, allowing 25.8 PPG to opposing backs.

Alfred Morris

ESPN Rank: 5

Projected Points: 16

Rationale:  The Steelers Defense is a false idol.  Ranked 20th overall, with holes all over the place, they'll have their hands more than full trying to slow down RG3.  On the flip side, the depleted receiving core, injury to Fred Davis, and the (unwarranted) luster of the Steelers will cause the 'Skins to play a bit more conservatively, and ground and pound.  The only home-run I plan on watching this week is from a Morris TD celebration (World Series what?!).

Additional player that I feel too dirty to give his own, similarly-formatted section: Chris Johnson.  CJDK (Don't Know) has been an enigma inside of a question mark, but at least he's trending upward.  In 3 out of his last four contests, he's gone for 141, 91, and 195 and is facing the Colts this week.

WR

Brandon Marshall

ESPN Rank: 3

Projected Points: 20

Rationale:  I've been high on Marshall since he came to Chi-city, and that doesn't change this week against a Carolina team that is begging for help on both sides of the ball, and that's not hyperbole (I'M LOOKING AT YOU, SUGGESTION-BOX CAM).  Marshall gets force fed the ball, and that will continue.

Reggie Wayne

ESPN Rank: 7

Projected Points: 15

Rationale:  Wayne ranks number 1 in YPG, averaging 111.  Over the last 4 weeks, Wayne is averaging 14.7 targets per game.  The Colts face the Titans, ranked 20th against WR.  Tennessee has allowed multiple touchdowns against Detroit and Buffalo, 2 other teams who rely heavily on 1 receiver.  

Randall Cobb

ESPN Rank: 18

Projected Points: 12

Rationale:  Jennings is out, Jones is deviating back to the mean, and Finley was limited in practice.  Rodgers has finally returned to the QB elite, and he loves Cobb more than insurance.

Demaryius Thomas 

ESPN Rank: 1

Projected Points: 17

Rationale:  Thomas, an athletic freak of nature, got to experience his first bye week with a capable QB.  With the emergence of Decker as a dangerous number two, an already thin Saints' D will be stretched even thinner.  Slowing down Thomas in this game will be more difficult than it is to spell his name without looking. 

Stay tuned for the 'Fall Off' list!