Best case scenario for the iPad mini: BookBook
Summary: Ever since the iPad mini was announced I've been thinking about the perfect case for it, and I think that it's finally here.
Apple almost ruined the iPad mini. Twice.
Its first mistake was the glaring omission of a Retina Display (a topic for another post). The second was the horrible Smart Cover that Apple released along side it -- the only cover available at launch because of Apple's hyper-secretive nature. Unlike the Smart Cover for the full-size iPad, the mini version feels junky. It doesn't fit properly, it falls over as a stand and it doesn't come in black or white. In short, it's a disaster.
Well, it's time to toss your $40 mini Smart Cover in the trash because there's a new sheriff in town: BookBook for iPad mini ($69.99) by twelvesouth. Unlike the garbage Smart Cover, BookBook is the epitome of good taste. It's a portfolio case that when zippered shut, looks like a beautiful leather-bound book. But its beauty is more than skin deep. BookBook offers great protection for your iPad while being a completely functional case.
When it's zipped open you can use the iPad mini book style, or your can unsnap one side of the case and use a small kickstand to prop it up to a more comfortable typing angle. It even flips open for easy access to the camera on the rear. You might look a tad silly using the iPad mini camera, but not as ridiculous as using the full-size iPad.
I've long been a fan of twelvesouth's BookBook cases because they tone down the tech. When you bring one into a meeting, it stops being about what device you're carrying and the conversation focuses on the task at hand (It's probably going to draw a few glances when you bust it out though). BookBook mini is a high quality piece that's more akin to a family heirloom than a tech accessory. While it adds a bit of heft to the wafer-thin mini, it adds it in all the right places.
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Talkback
OK people ... forget your usual dumb fanboism
Brain surgery is cheaper
What's next?
style
Let's take the mini and make it a maxi
Really?
That doesnt look like a leather bound book
BookBookBigBucks
That said I bought an iPhone 5 (replacing a iP4) Big disappointment - should have bought discounted 4S.
I had no interest in iPads until the mini was released. After a month I still love it. Without a case it sucks. I dropped it so many times I am amazed it still works. This is not unique to Apple - every hand held tablet has a similar problem. What is unique to Apple is the cost and quality of the "after sale" products that are essential purchases. I purchased a case for the iPad mini for 29.99 on Amazon Prime. It should have cost 7 bucks like the case for my Kindle which is far superior.
The product Jason O'Grady is pushing is for the "nouveau riche" who never read but buy books by the yard to fill their bookcases and impress their friends.
This appalling little case, that Jason O'Grady is pushing for $70+, does not even shut down and wake the iPm when the case is opened and closed according to bookbook.com. The only conclusion I can draw would mean one of two things - he misguidedly thinks we share his appreciation for kitsch or he's being paid off big time.
The fix is in.
LOL, "the fix is in?"
:)
- Jason
The case is stupid on so many levels
Give the guy a break
I wouldn't buy at that price.
Cheers.
Give the guy a break????????????
You clearly feel I am being too tough with Jason O'Grady. I don't get a break when I screw up my job, Why should he?
"He just needs to report on something he thinks would benefit some people or those who are looking for an alternative cover. If it doesn't work like it should or it's too expensive, then that's the nature of the beast."
I won't even bother deconstructing most of the above, it's too obvious. I will however draw your attention to your understanding of the word "report". In this context reporting requires independent evidence to support your statements. In your last sentence you have decided O'Grady is no longer reporting but opining. This is where we come close to agreeing.
He begins his unbiased review by describing the Smart Cover as "junky" and "a disaster". He then suggests you "toss" your $40 + tax Smart Cover into the trash and invest a further $70 + tax for the bookbook! He goes on to inform us that the BookBook is "the epitome of good taste"
Hey Joe, how about a video tour of the highlights of the O'Grady MacMansion? Joe continues that the BookBook "is a high quality piece that's more akin to a family heirloom than a tech accessory". WOW!!! Joe , I got this piece of fine art depicting some dogs playing poker! Interested?
The final sentence "While it adds a bit of heft to the wafer-thin mini, it adds it in all the right places." !!! I would love to know which are the right places to add 30% extra weight to a device advertised as "mini". If you wish to see the size of the case compared to the iPad mini just google.
I am not an O'Grady hater nor a ZDNET hater. I have been reading them both for years. I have never felt compelled to negatively comment on either. It is because of this that I was appalled to read this.
What ZDNET & O'Grady have to realize is that the majority of purchasers do not live in large ciies where they can make a hands on purchase and rely on these reviews to make their decisions. It is not only rural customers who have this problem - I live in New York and have yet to find a store with more than five options for the iPadMini.
marcomar, clearly you are a sophisticated consumer. "I wouldn't buy at that price"despite what my buddy jason says.
Why?..
As for the price.... I think there are and will be better cases available soon. But as the old adage goes...a fool and his money are soon parted.
I have the SmartCover for the mini
Regarding the iPm seems to be sturdy enough to use only the smartcover as case.