My favorite iPad mini case has been replaced with another one from the same company.

INVELLOP now has a slightly heavier-duty leatherette case for iPad mini that works with both the first-generation and the retina mini model.

Usually when I review gear I list pros and cons. INVELLOP’s new case, however, has really only one slight drawback, which I note below.

I find the case to be just about the perfect combination of protection and slimness.

This is what it looks like, in a few views:

Here’s why I haven’t put any other case on my iPad since getting this one:

• The cutouts (headphone jack, volume control, camera lens) are perfectly sized
• The case covers both front and back of the iPad; it’s all one piece
• Though I still sometimes take the case off for extended periods of reading or watching, it’s really easy to hold the iPad in one hand with the case folded back
• I actually have dropped the iPad a couple times (on the carpet, thankfully) since getting this case… and it’s been fine (phew!)
• After a few months of use, there is just the slightest bit of wear on the case, but it’s holding up very nicely
• Closing the screen flap puts the device to sleep; opening it wakes it–this functions perfectly
• At the time of this post, you can get the case for about $20 at Amazon (affiliate link to help fund ye ole blog)
• The inside of the screen cover has microfiber, which has not scratched the screen at all
• The screen cover is in thirds so that you can put your iPad upright (in landscape mode) in two different positions (for viewing or typing)
• There are magnets that keep the front cover secured in place when you fold it back

The only minor critique I have is that it’s slightly heavier (by a couple ounces, maybe) than the previous iteration of this case. But that’s a small price to pay for the greater protection and classier feel. Two thumbs up. This feels like everything you’d want an iPad mini case to be.

Thanks to INVELLOP for the review sample. The case reviewed above can be found at Amazon here. You can find my other gear reviews here.

As a friend and I were geeking out over iPad mini cases lately, he recommended his to me. Since its arrival in my mailbox, I’ve rarely taken the mini out of this case. It’s got just the right combination of slim and sturdy for my tastes. It’s by INVELLOP, which I had never heard of. Here it is, closed, with no iPad mini in it:

Here is what the inside looks like:

The cutouts for earbuds, volume buttons, camera, etc. are all measured well. The material is “leatherette,” but smells fine and has held up well for the six or more weeks I’ve used it. The stitching is all still firmly in place. You can see in the above that the hard plastic back is connected to the front cover. When the screen flap closes, it puts the device to sleep; when it opens, it wakes it up. This function works just as it should (and is standard with these sorts of cases).

Here are a few more things I like about it:

• This is the easiest time I’ve had holding my encased device with one hand–the case covers the device but does not extend past it much, so it’s low on bulk
• The price on Amazon is at the moment $19.95, which is worth it for the quality

• 

  The screen flap is split into thirds so that you can set your iPad upright (in landscape mode) in two different positions (viewing or typing)

• It has magnets that help the front cover snap even more securely onto the back case
• The plastic back is stronger than other cases of this size
• The inside’s microfiber has protected (and not scratched) the iPad
• It’s easy to manipulate the front screen flap to take photo or video (it folds back quickly)
• It’s thin and light, yet not at the expense of protecting a device (though I haven’t done a test drop)

There is really not much to critique. For the first few weeks the front cover didn’t lay flat very well. It still doesn’t lay flat perfectly, but that’s improved a good deal over time. And the magnets make sure the sleep/wake function isn’t compromised by this.

Most significantly, even though I’ve reviewed other iPad mini cases I could house my device in, this one is my go-to.

Thanks to INVELLOP for the review sample. The case reviewed above can be found at Amazon here. You can find my other iOS and gear reviews here.