Tag: iPad mini

Review of INVELLOP Leatherette iPad Mini Case

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:

The case closed, in landscape orientation
The case closed, in landscape orientation

Here is what the inside looks like:

The inside of the case
The inside of the case

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
  • Good craftmanship
    Good craftmanship

    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.

Review of Sony SRS-BTS50 Bluetooth Wireless Speaker

Sony has just released its SRS-BTS50 bluetooth wireless speaker. Here’s what it looks like in the box (with other colors available):

in the box

Here’s what’s in the box:

box components

Setup, Appearance, and Portability (Two Thumbs Up)

Setup was easy, both with my iPad mini and a Mac laptop. Once you link a bluetooth-enabled device to the speaker, the speaker remembers it. You can link multiple devices to it without Continue reading “Review of Sony SRS-BTS50 Bluetooth Wireless Speaker” →

Video Review of Flash Greek iOS App

And now a video review of a solid and versatile iOS app for learning Greek vocabulary. You can adjust the video setting in the bottom right part of the video below to watch in HD and full screen, if you like.

 

Thanks to Danny Zacharias for the app, given to me for the purposes of a review. Find out more about FlαshGrεεk here.

UPDATE: I made the video above using the handy Reflector app. Reflector mirrors your iOS device to a computer, from which you can record. (I added the audio later.)

Review of Bear Motion iPad Mini Case

Product image via Bear Motion
Product image via Bear Motion

“Bites on Bytes” is too trite, but Words on the Word does have a growing tech focus. I’ve reviewed software before, and have moved into iOS and its apps, and now gear. Here I’ll review a classy case for the iPad mini, with another case review to follow, some iOS app reviews on the way, and a forthcoming review of a Sony bluetooth wireless speaker. Stay tuned.

Here is the lengthily-titled 100% Genuine Brazilian Buffalo Hide Leather Dual Protection Folio Stand/Cover/Case for iPad Mini with Built-in Stand and Detachable Inner Silicon Cover (Black), by Bear Motion:

iPad mini in case, the full setup
iPad mini in case, the full setup

This is really two cases in one. On the right in the photo below there is the silicon stand-alone backing, which I’d recommend just for home (but not travel) use. On the left is the folio with a hard back plastic shell that is attached to the leather case that wraps around and closes over the iPad mini. It’s got a sleep/wake feature that functions perfectly.

Case both parts

There is actually a third casing option, since the Bear Motion Dual Protection case comes also with a protective velvet sleeve. So your iPad would be well-protected here.

Let me break it down into pros and cons:

Pros

  • The construction quality is high
    • The stitching is careful and tight
    • The holes (to access camera, earbuds, etc.) are cut out just right; you can still access everything
    • The leather smells amazing (I am a notorious smeller of books… and of this case)
  • I can hold the iPad, while in this case, in one hand (results may vary according to hand size)
  • The price is currently $19.99, which is a good deal
  • I haven’t test-dropped the iPad while in this case, but my money is on a safe landing, were some sort of accident to happen
  • There are three notches for standing it up (in landscape mode only) for viewing; these are sturdier than the typical origami-style construction in other cases… as here:
One of three settings
One of three settings

Cons

  • It’s not the slimmest option
    • It is heavier than some mini cases
    • It is bulkier than some
    • This cuts two ways:
      • On the one hand, it is sturdy and classy, a case you’d definitely take to your business meeting
      • On the other hand, the “package weight” Bear Motion lists is 0.7 pounds, which is just a touch more than the iPad mini itself. So you double your weight if you use this case
  • It is difficult to maneuver the case in order to take photo or video (it doesn’t just fold back)
  • There is no place to hold a stylus, which would be a nice feature in a case like this

All told, the pros significantly outweigh the cons. I’ve looked at a number of cases for the iPad mini (and have used four now, with another review to follow), and this is among the best you can get–if the weight is not a problem for you.

Thanks to Bear Motion for the review sample. They make plenty of other cases for various devices, too. The case reviewed above can be found at Amazon here.