Related
Just received the rooCASE Slim Fit from PC Micro via Amazon.com. Sorry, I can't yet post links, so the product title is: rooCASE Slim-Fit (Black) Folio Case Cover with Multi Adjustable Viewing Angles for Asus Eee Pad Transformer 10.1-Inch TF101 Android Tablet Wi-Fi.
I had been looking for a while for a case with clips that would leave the bottom edge open so that one could dock the tablet without taking it off, so I was excited to try it out. My initial feelings are very positive.
It's PU leather, so while not top grain, it's still pretty supple and smooth. The leather is also slightly padded, so the case is comfortable to hold. The reinforced edges are crisp and straight, so there's not a lot of give or bend. The interior is a soft, padded microfiber. The foam is pretty firm, so it seems like it might retain its shape fairly well.
Structurally, the tablet is held in by two clips on each side, one each holding the top corners (when in landscape) and the main clip about 2/5 of the way down each side. On the bottom corners, there are clips, but they're more like corner protectors as they're there to guide the tablet when the case is closed.
Setting the tablet in the first two grooves felt good. The furthest groove which puts the screen in the flattest position though doesn't hold very well. This is because the rounded back of the tablet near the edge doesn't let it sit all the way into the groove. This doesn't bother me though since I don't see myself wanting to use it that flat. It actually sits nicely on my lap in the middle groove, so it's nice to be able to prop up the tablet without having to rely upon the dock.
Speaking of which, swinging the bottom edge of the tablet away from the case allows it to easily connect to the dock. Before receiving the case, I wondered whether the clip that holds it closed would get in the way. In actuality, it props up the keyboard rather well -- the keyboard rests flat between being propped up on the clip and because of the way the dock hinge props up the rear of the keyboard. Alternatively, the case cover folds back out of the way easily as well, and kind of works to support the screen a little bit. This configuration is probably better suited for a desk vs. one's lap, but I'll have to experiment a little bit.
I'm interested to see how I like using it over time, but for right now, this case has potential. I was worried about the clips: whether they'd be too weak (they're not) and whether they'd prevent the case from folding flat (they don't). I like that they hold the tablet securely in place, without the need to have the bezel surrounded/covered by leather.
The overall look resembles a small notebook/portfolio and the branding is understated -- just an embossed rooCASE logo in the lower right.
It seems like the case will protect the tablet from accidental bumps and bruises, give it a sleek appearance and quench my thirst for a higher end case until Noreve or Piel Frama attempt to separate me from my money. We'll have to see how durable it winds up being -- right now, the surface seems to repel light scratches pretty well.
Overall, for $30 I'm pretty pleased. And it comes with a small capacitive stylus, that connects to the tablet via a small plastic plug that fits into the 3.5mm jack. Shipping was via USPS and took just two days from CA to the east coast.
Lots of pics to follow.
More pics.
Last two.
(I promise, Mods)
And to complete it all, here's the link: http://amzn.com/B0058DLAA8
Can't wait for mine to arrive!
Mine came in yesterday as well. I am extremely happy with it, I did not anticipate being able to dock it with the case on, so all the best. The bundled stylus from roocase is just the cherry on top!
damn thats nice
It's great news that there's finally a decent case that you don't have to remove in order to be able to dock with the keyboard. Hopefully more manufacturers start making cases in this design.
EDIT: Hmm I have a theory... if you buy one of those cases with velcro at the bottom, could you theoretically dock it without taking off the case by just unattaching the velcro? Can anyone confirm or deny?
Can you fold it up in the dock with the case on?
maxpower47 said:
Can you fold it up in the dock with the case on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no
--------
This is the first case I have seen that uses clips to hold the Transformer, instead of a leather or fabric frame of some sort. I was beginning to think there weren't any out there. Thanks for the review.
Thank you for the review, I was waiting to see if you could plug the dock with the case on..
BTW, there are 2 other brands of what looks like the same case: Acase and Poetic...
http://www.amazon.com/Poetic-Stand-...B3PU/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1311946471&sr=8-5
http://www.amazon.com/Transformer-L...Q6J0/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1311946529&sr=8-5
SoundSurfer said:
Thank you for the review, I was waiting to see if you could plug the dock with the case on..
BTW, there are 2 other brands of what looks like the same case: Acase and Poetic...
http://www.amazon.com/Poetic-Stand-...B3PU/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1311946471&sr=8-5
http://www.amazon.com/Transformer-L...Q6J0/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1311946529&sr=8-5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Their are the same one from same factory. Just selling via different sellers.
xjarl said:
Their are the same one from same factory. Just selling via different sellers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Acase one is eligible for Amazon Prime. It can be in my grubby paws tomorrow.
Just received one.
I originally bought the regular multi-angle roocase version. As soon as this slim-fat was announced, I unloaded that one and pre-order this one.
They delayed the shipment for 1 week but refunded my $5 shipping charge (nice). I like this slim-fat version a lot. It's the best case I've seen (I need some protection, but I really hate to cover-up the beauty of the Tab).
Received mine today. I echo everything that the OP noted. Very nice and exactly what I was looking for.
I just ordered the $18.95 Poetic one with free shipping. I can wait a few days and save $16
I have a cheapy $12 case now from ebay. Gets the job done, but with my ghetto cutting of the area around the light sensor and front camera, it looks just a wee bit unprofessional.
Thank you for the informative review. You may have just convinced me to buy a second case.
I already have this on order it shipped out yesterday so I'm hoping it arrives soon, and after your review and all the great pics. I hope it comes even faster now. Thanks for your time in making this, good info.
thaibruin said:
I just ordered the $18.95 Poetic one with free shipping. I can wait a few days and save $16
I have a cheapy $12 case now from ebay. Gets the job done, but with my ghetto cutting of the area around the light sensor and front camera, it looks just a wee bit unprofessional.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I unfortunately do not have that kind of patience. Case ordered and overnighted. My TF will finally have a case that doesn't hide it.
Mine arrived today too. OP is spot on - this is a great case; clean lines, excellent fit and looks sharp.
There is no slot at the bottom to connect to the charger, so to charge it, I have to lay it face up w/ the cover open.
Although not normally a fan of cases for phones, I've now dropped my Atrix a few times (due to the hopeless shiny back with a total lack of grip) so I've decided I need to get one! Luckily, the Atrix has only been dropped onto carpet so it remains undamaged.
I don't like the silicone cases and I'm not overly keen on the TPU ones either. The 'official' rubberised battery cases looked like the right sort of thing, but after checking the reviews, I'm not keen on the way the side bits on the front can come loose when coming in or out of the pocket.
As I'm looking for something slim/lightweight, I think this leaves me with either the Seidio Surface or the Incipio Feather.
My questions is this: Regardless of the amount these cases protect the phone in case of being dropped, are they actually likely to help me to avoid dropping them? Do these cases improve the 'grippability' of the Atrix?
Any helpful comments are appreciated!
I used the Incipio Feather for a few months. I really liked the "low-profile" but it was very fragile. I ended up cracking two of them just from taking them off to do battery pulls. As far as grip goes, it was generally nice to hold but doesn't offer that much more grip then the phone by itself. I've also used the Ballistic SG and while it was too bulky for me it had excellent grip. I was able to put it on my lap, back facing down, while driving and it never moved.
Currently I use the Speck Candyshell and it holds up pretty well. Grip can become an issue if your palms get sweaty as the exterior is all hard plastic.
Maringer said:
Although not normally a fan of cases for phones, I've now dropped my Atrix a few times (due to the hopeless shiny back with a total lack of grip) so I've decided I need to get one! Luckily, the Atrix has only been dropped onto carpet so it remains undamaged.
I don't like the silicone cases and I'm not overly keen on the TPU ones either. The 'official' rubberised battery cases looked like the right sort of thing, but after checking the reviews, I'm not keen on the way the side bits on the front can come loose when coming in or out of the pocket.
As I'm looking for something slim/lightweight, I think this leaves me with either the Seidio Surface or the Incipio Feather.
My questions is this: Regardless of the amount these cases protect the phone in case of being dropped, are they actually likely to help me to avoid dropping them? Do these cases improve the 'grippability' of the Atrix?
Any helpful comments are appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the feather. After two drops on different corners, the case had cracks. I expected as much and the case did its job. I got the Incipio silicrylic case as a replacement, which has a silicon cover AND a hard cover. It's slightly bulkier than the feather, but it still looks good and is definitely more sturdy. Case is grippy but not overly grippy where you have a tough time putting the phone in your pocket. I can remove the case without fear of cracking it, unlike the feather.
I had one of the Incipio Feather's also. It lasted about 2 months before it completely fell apart. Is is a nice case and I really liked the feel and look of it and it will fit in the car dock with a little modification. But it is not rugged enough for me to recommend. I am using a TPC case now. Does the job. Easy to remove to put in my Car Dock, LapDock or Standard Dock. It feels much better than the Atrix does by itself. But it is kinda ugly. But I have dropped it a few times and it keeps my Atrix safe.
The Seidio Active was my choice and I like it a lot. Two pieces - rubber with hard shell skeleton protects it nicely.
I can remove it (to dock) in seconds and replace it quickly too. Got it at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004WKIEF2/ref=oh_o03_s00_i01_details
That's the sapphire blue one, but they have other colors.
I'm using the otterbox commuter case. I got it off of Amazon.com for only 20 bucks on Saturday. So far it's been amazing
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
When talking about cases, would it be possible to mention (as some of the posts do) which docks these work with (I use all the docks...car, HD/standard docks, lapdock). Also a link to some site with the product or a good enough description that I can google it.
I hate to be a pain in asking for the extrra info, but I'm looking for a case now, too and don't want to have to remove it all the time (especially for the car dock).
Of all the experiences I have read about cases and their compatibility with docks, the only one that I have heard that works is the Incipio Feather (or somehting similar) when taking in the consideration of actually not removing the case.
troycarpenter said:
When talking about cases, would it be possible to mention (as some of the posts do) which docks these work with (I use all the docks...car, HD/standard docks, lapdock). Also a link to some site with the product or a good enough description that I can google it.
I hate to be a pain in asking for the extrra info, but I'm looking for a case now, too and don't want to have to remove it all the time (especially for the car dock).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this the one:
http://www.amazon.com/Incipio-Motorola-Atrix-feather-Ultralight/dp/B004QJPWK4/ref=pd_cp_cps_1
Yes, I have read that people just simply remove the insert that is in the docks and it fits just fine. I have seen pics before too but can't remember where I saw them. Maybe I can try to find them.
troycarpenter said:
Is this the one:
http://www.amazon.com/Incipio-Motorola-Atrix-feather-Ultralight/dp/B004QJPWK4/ref=pd_cp_cps_1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
---------- Post added at 11:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:16 AM ----------
Here is a thread about a mesh cover (which is essentially the Feather but with a mesh look) and the second link is a post of someone in that thread showing the Atrix in the car dock with the case on.
Thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1194096
Post with pics:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=16704009&postcount=27
Here is another thread discussing (and maybe confirming) the Feather working with docks:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=982574
The Incipio feather will fit in the car dock with the cardock insert removed, but the latch wont close. It has a ridge that comes over the face of the phone, but sits on top of the feather case. It will work if you make sure you have it inserted firmly all of the way in. I take corners pretty fast and had it fall out a couple of times. I modified mine to make the latch close pretty easily. Put it in the cardock and marked the outline with a X-acto knife. Used diagonal cutters to cut the 2 short vertical cuts. Scored the Horizontal mark with the X-acto knife and snapped the piece off with some lineman pliers. Now that these are $10 apiece I am tempted to get another one (or 2). Just was not worth the 25 bucks I paid 6 months ago.
Thanks for the various comments about cases.
I've looked at the various recommended cases and think I'll probably have to give the Incipio Feather a miss if it is as fragile as others have mentioned. I'm based in the UK so I'd have to order the case from the US (can't locate a UK seller) and this would cost me the equivalent of around US $ 45.00 which is a bit too much for something which won't last long!
Various other hard cases aren't available in the UK either (or not at decent prices) and, for me, the most important thing is to have a case lacking in bulk.
The Otterbox Commuter is the only one I get can get reasonably cheaply from within the UK (about US $ 20) but I'm not taken by the look of this.
Therefore, I think I've settled on the Seidio Surface which looks to have good reviews and will hopefully be the sort of slimline case I can deal with. I can obtain this via Amazon UK from a US seller for a mere US 36.00!
Incidentally, in the monster "Ruggedized battery cover" thread, there was mention that the Seidio Surface fits the lapdock and can be easily removed for the car dock:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=16600986&postcount=379
I don't own either dock so this isn't really of relevance to me!
I started looking for a discrete case for the same reason (battery door is way too slippery.)
There were some Chinese-made rubberized battery door replacements that seemed popular a while back. Most of the mobile accessory sites that carried them sold out, though I found and ordered one on eBay. The seller seems to have more:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Back-Cover-...ltDomain_0&hash=item415bd6c69c#ht_2880wt_1085
I just got my yesterday. Fitment is surprisingly accurate, no misaligned cutouts or anything, and the added bulk is acceptable. Feels much better in hand now, too, when typing in landscape mode. It takes a deliberate effort to free the phone from the case, as it has a couple of tabs that clip into the retaining slots used by the factory battery door. Haven't noticed it snagging or coming loose as it goes in and out of my pocket either.
edit:
I just noticed the "dock fitment" discussion going on in this thread. I can't say anything about this case + docks since I don't own any docks.
I fashioned a case out of 3M carbon vinyl wrap. Keeps that Carbon Fibre effect on the back case whilst making it much more grippy (never dropped it since) and much more aesthetically pleasing as it gives off a 3D carbon fibre effect.
I can post pics if you like
Also worth mentioning you can pick this stuff up dead cheap off eBay - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/30x20cm-G...arParts_SM&hash=item4cf189dd66#ht_1792wt_1163
This sheet will give you a few attempts at it. It took me 2 to get mine the way I liked it
If you are just looking for grip without affecting aesthetics the Zagg Total protection is a great option. Clear is nearly impossible to tell it is on there. It is the same material and install as the screen protector. So no residue when removed. Make sure you read/watch the install tips from Zagg. I have been using it since April without a drop.
I have; however, decided to get a case and am trying the Seidio Active. The wife got the Incipio Silicrylic. both indeed fit in the HD/Standard Dock with the insert removed, I'm curious about whether there is enough support from the back of the dock though. As mentioned, I'm guessing the car dock will not close due to the extra couple millimeters, but will try it out and reply if it does indeed work.
Well, the Seidio Surface winged its way across the Atlantic reasonably quickly and I received it earlier this week.
It is very slightly bulkier than I expected but it is still very slimline so this isn't a problem as it still fits in my pocket easily. A little more difficult to take the phone out of my pocket than previously but again, not really a problem.
The surface of case itself isn't as 'grippy' as I expected, either, but it is a great improvement to the usual slick battery cover and I haven't juggled with it yet this week! I can now operate the phone using one hand if necessary without fear that I will lose my grip and drop it.
There are a few small imperfections on the back of the case - it would seem as though there were a few specks of dust or some other substance on the case before it was covered with the rubberised coating as a few tiny bumps can be felt. Not enough of a problem for me to bother returning it all the way to the US, however!
It is slightly tricky to take the Seidio Surface off the phone - it seems to come off easily sometimes but remain stubbornly in place at others. I think I'll need to practice taking it on and off the phone a bit more until I get the knack.
Overall, I'm reasonably impressed with the case and would give it an 8/10. It would have received a higher score had it not been so ridiculously expensive for me to buy here in the UK - Amazon.com are selling it at approximately half the price I paid!
Purchased the SiKai MicroFiber case for the Lenovo IdeaPad K1 Tablet. Delivery was within the UK and didn't take too long, about 5 days including the weekend.
I paid £15.19 delivered from Ebay UK Item number: 200647561882
The case is made from a strange type of plastic material, it's quite soft and flexible. Am kind of glad rather than faux leather. It is very thin and light, but seems sturdy enough to protect the tablet around the house. I have a 10" netbook bag that I keep it in when travelling to add extra protection.
I like it since it makes it easy to carry around with you and doesn't add bulk to it. I would say the case is lighter than my official HP Touchpad case and similar in strength, although a different material. I can only compare it to the ROOCASE Multi-Angle Leather Case and can say it is much thinner and lighter than that.
There is only one angle that the case allows for, but since it is an Android tablet you can flip the whole thing round and get a lower angle. Its fine for watching at night when streaming video so its not an issue for me.
Price wise the only options available to me at the time were the faux leather ones for about £9.99 or the official case from the Lenovo website coming in at a hefty £34.99 once you add the crazy £10 delivery charge! Not many options in the UK unfortunately but am glad I did some research and found this case.
Other things that you might notice in the photos (sorry poor camera phone ones) there is a place to put a pen, all cut outs seem correct and I love the fact that I can charge it without having the case open, also the hdmi port is free.
Not sure how long it will last but considering the few days usage of it, the minor things like the tablet can slide a tiny bit inside the case so would have preferred a tighter fit (although will try and adjust the velcro again that closes once you slip the tablet inside), the cut out by the front facing button could be a bit lower, and the magnetic clasps to be quite weak I will give this case an 8/10 and can recommend it.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SiKai-MicroFiber-case-Lenovo-IdeaPad-Tablet-K1-case-/200647561882
great case! I bought this sikai case too and actually prefer it more than the original lenovo K1 case.
This covers all ports, and also has a great microfiber texture that is slightly grippy, while remaining smooth to the touch. does not attract dust at all and keeps the K1 snug (if it feels loose, readjust the velcro tighter).
recommended!
Yeh have tightened it a bit more, doesn't move as much.... Glad I chose this over the cheaper cases and the official one which was more than double the cost here in the UK.
Can't believe how dead this forum is for this tablet, going to see if there are anymore forums with more support....
Just got this tab last week and love it so far. Looking for a good case but hate the leather, faux leather look.
Please let me know if you find more forums as I have looked and am surprised how little I've found....
I know of one other decent one, google "lenovo community K1"
viggs74 said:
Just got this tab last week and love it so far. Looking for a good case but hate the leather, faux leather look.
Please let me know if you find more forums as I have looked and am surprised how little I've found....
I know of one other decent one, google "lenovo community K1"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool will do.
This case is pretty good if you want something thin and light, there are stronger/more protective cases out there but they add bulk and I don't want that since I use this round the house...... Still glad I bought this case and find it better in that respect to the Roocase.....
Thanks, will google what you said.....
Got the SiKai for my TPT. Everyting else looks bulky in comparison. It is extremely thin (I''ve tried a lot of gadget cases over the years), and although it's screamingly vinyl, it doesn't look really cheap since it fits so well. Leather like this might come off as over-the-top (not that I wouldn't probably sucker into that if I could find it). It's got the seam around the edge where it cushions a drop, and the magnetic closure on the flap is a great touch, not too powerful, but it stays closed well enough.
My gripes are with the screen cover flap: it leaves two stripes on my matte screen protector where the fold places rub off the grease I thought I cleaned off last night, it doesn't hold the tablet vertical enough to really use, and it's busy looking on the front. If I had a choice in the design, I would leave off the "stand" capabilities and leave it flat. If it's open, it's really floppy; it would be easier to manage if it were entirely rigid. I might add a hide-able tether & a knob/button so you could stand it up on its other edge more vertically instead.
All in all, for the price I paid (US$26-ish), I'm very happy with it. If Piel Frama comes up with something, though, I might check that out, if only to drool. I still love my old Wizard case, and my Advantage case from them, too. Very lovely, solid product, and they've been keeping customers happy for a long time.
Addendum: After a couple of months with it, mine is holding together just fine. I had to trim a bit of vinyl fringe, butvall vinyl does that ( it frays a bit after it's freshly cut, but after you trim it once, unless it's cut really crooked, you're done). I have noticed that after a bit of stretching from the daily+ in & out I do to use the dock, it's loose enough to partially obscure the rear camera, not to mention trying to take pics with the flap cover is a huge PITA. If I used this camera a lot, I'd be totally fed up with this case. I may also be melting a bigger hole for the speaker (whch is hard-core disappointing to begin with). All in all, though, that's it for my complaints, which is pretty rare for me.I plan on cloud storage sync and a great cam on my next phone to use the tab for pviewing,
To be fair the official HP Touchpad case does the same thing to my Touchpad so it's one of those things.
I use the same case for my Thinkpad Tablet, and it's the best I've encountered so far, albeit with some flaws of it's own: Some of the stitching on the inside of the cover is already beginning to fall apart after ~1 Month of usage :-/
Stitching has been fine on mine, maybe tell the reseller to exchange it?
Wow cool.... but its little bit expensive
Hello
Have any of you tried the TRIDENT AEGIS case for the ATRIX 4G. It surely looks great and functional, but I'm not sure abut the build quality as it can be docked along with the phone. Please post your review and pictures
Sure!
Just ordered from their site, and look very promising, JUS THE WAY I WAS EXPECTING A CASE TO BE for the Atrix! (And let me tell you I own at least 6 cases each one 30+ f*** bucks)
Once I get it delivered, will upload a modest review and some pictures attached in HD dock and Lapdock, (´cause of course, it won´t fit car dock)
My primary case is an Active Case from Seidio (such a fantastic combo) along with its Holster Clip. However, taking my Atrix out of the case for car dock navigation or simply hd dock is a pain to the a-....
OK! I remember! (this mojitos won´t help that out... however, mmmmm!) The point of this case for me is to get it fit in the holster clip from seidio active without the case for sure, using trident´s.
Will let you know!
ok, let us know, i just felt in love with the nice "man solid appeal"of the case
Think it twice
Hey guys,
As you know I ordered this case some time ago, and just received it. And you know what? I´m not in the mood to make a review of it, at the second attempt to open the flap to engage the media/dock mode, one of the strings just broke up, the bottom one, so easy (and I´m a very careful person regarding these matters) without forcing it at all or aplying so much pressure.
So if you want to try for yourself, go for it BUT PLEASE, excercise the most delicate usage if don´t wanna go my way.
So sad...
trident aegis
First, this case is on sale at Amazon for $10 including shipping!!
I am impressed with the quality and feel. This origionally sold for around $35 and you get what you pay for. It comes with a screen protector (a dry one) also a covering for the camera lens. I have a plastic plug for the earphone jack I got off ebay for $1.
This is a hard polycarbonite case, not the soft flimsy type, and it is thin yet sturdy and feels and looks great. So far I love it.
If you place your thumb on the center back logo when opening, it opens easily.
If I find any problems or any disappointments I'll post here. But for $10 you can't go wrong.
I'm sorry to hear about your bad experince with the case but so glad you are telling about.
There seems to be mixed thoughts on the case. Decided to get the seidio surface as I only hear positive feedback on this.
CK
Yeah mine broke at the hinge after a couple of weeks too.
best case
I've had almost every case made for the Atrix. The Aegis is by far definitely my favorite because it is small, neat, nice materials, feels good, looks great. Yes the hinge is a bit delicate, but if you CAREFULLY open the case you can avoid breaking the hinge. And even if you break it you can still use the case depending on how bad it breaks. The case is made from a hard polycarbonite material, not a soft rubbery silicone which I got very tired of over time. These cases are on sale on Amazon for $10, down from the regular $30.....cheap. I bought 2 of them just in case. Comes with a dry screen protector and a cleaning micro fiber cloth. Also comes with a camera lens cover but that added fog to the picture when using the flash so I don't use that. This case put new life into my Atrix so I am happy for the time being. I bought silicon covers for the ports off Ebay for a few bucks to keep out dust. Anyway just my opinion on things.
Hi all,
Here is my review of the Sikai leather/plastic case, as sold by Amazon. For comparison, I have had my Prime in the Poetic cover since I got it. It was okay, but didn't have a charging slot in the spine so it had to be open to be plugged in - plus the nearly-flat angle was nearly-useless because the cover kept slipping out of the tab you tucked it into. I had ordered the GreatShield folio case, but returned it because I didn't like the way the case gripped the tablet, plus I didn't like that to close the cover I had to put pressure on the screen to slide the clip past the edge.
Onto my review...
As mentioned in other reviews, it is a strange mix of black leatherette and dark brown plastic. The plastic back plate is great - the Prime snaps in and seems to be held quite securely. Similar to many iPad covers, it just wraps over the edge - enough to hold, but out-of-the-way enough to really reveal the sleek Prime look. The main portion of the back plate is the black leatherette material, with only the outer edge showing the brown plastic. It has all of the necessary cutouts - including (apparently) the ability to have the dock attached and still close the cover. That is because the "hinge" pieces that connect the cover to the back plate are elastic. I don't have a dock, so I can't comment much on that.
The leather-ish cover looks to be two pieces glued/sewn together, with two bends in the midde - allowing it to be folded up in a triangle shape. Both angles I tried seem to be reasonably stable while typing. About the two layers of the cover...they might have been able to get away with only one, giving it a sleeker appearance, but they had to account for the strap that slips over the sides to hold the cover against the screen. The strap is fine, and gives it an upscale look, but I would have preferred a more unobtrusive solution with magnets or something similar. Overall, the case is skinny enough - just about the same thickness as my Poetic case. That is actually a bit of a downer since I expected this to be thinner since the Poetic case has that layer around the bezel with the magnets in the corners.
There are a few tiny fit-and-finish things that I didn't expect to see in a $30 case. The leather part of the back plate doesn't always make a perfect fit with the plastic border. I'm really nitpicking here, but when this costs three times as much as my Poetic case, I was expecting Ferrarri-quality stuff. I know - it still only $30 so I won't beat them up (much) for it.
Overall, I really like the Sikai. It has a superior look to the Poetic - that one hid all of the nice features of the Prime underneath the protective layers of the front/back/cover. When all that is exposed is the center part of the screen, it almost doesn't matter anymore what Asus designed it to look like. The Sikai shows the Prime's lines and curves much better than the other cases I have seen. The plastic seems tough enough to not break or wear any time soon, so as long as the leatherette holds up, I say this is the best case available for the Prime under $30...
By the way, when ordering from Amazon, it ships from Hong Kong. I placed the order on June 18th, and got a confirmation within 24 hours that it had shipped. However, the confirmation email said my ETA was JULY 31st! Needless to say, I was very happy when it arrived today instead...
I figured there were already better pictures available than my crappy phone can provide, but I can take some close-ups of specific features if requested.
Thanks!
swordsman74 said:
It has all of the necessary cutouts - including (apparently) the ability to have the dock attached and still close the cover. That is because the "hinge" pieces that connect the cover to the back plate are elastic. I don't have a dock, so I can't comment much on that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The dock works great with this case!
yeah I've had this case for a few weeks and its very functional. I really like how it doesn't cover the bezel on the prime like the sikai fiber case and you get multiple angles that actually work
My only complaints are that its a bit on the heavy side and because its designed to be put into the dock with the case on, the steepest angle isn't quite as steep as other cases because the flap slides out making the "hinge" not at the fold but an inch out
oh and the case is kind of ugly haha