So time for a review of the Speck StyleFolio case.
Before I start though, this is replacing my Samsung Book case. So what's wrong with the book case? Well, the following:
No cover retention means it slips around and can open at any time
Limited viewing angles and poor stability in landscape standing up
No cut out for the camera on the front so you have to hold the cover up to take a phone, which is ridiculously awkward.
Limited protection on the sides
So, I hunted amazon for ages looking for a replacement. I knew what I wanted and there are a few cases in the same style as the Speck. I have previously had a Speck with my iPad Mini (now sold, cause it was rubbish ). I was impressed with the case then so when I stumbled upon their Note 12.2 version I jumped in and ordered one from Amazon. Link below:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Speck-Style...TF8&qid=1423682176&sr=8-1&keywords=Speck+12.2
Now lets face it, this isn't a cheap case. It's £36 in the UK, bit of a rip off considering it's only $35 through Amazon.com LOL. Still there we go, welcome to rip off Britain.
First impressions, this is a SOLID folio case. The cover and back are thicker than the book cover and also the plastic insert where you clip the tablet in, extends around the WHOLE tablet (apart from cutouts for speakers, pen etc.. And this thing is a tight fit, the tablet really clicks into it and the plastic is nice and thick. The only cut out missing which is a little disappointing is the SD card slot. But I guess how many times do you swap cards?
Lets talk about viewing angles. This case is rock solid both standing up in landscape and laid down at an angle. THe groves on the inside of the cover stop the tablet slipping and they do a decent job with 4 positions available. Laying down the tablet has to be turned upside down but once in position, it will NOT move. The book cover was only held by a magnet and could easily slip.
Because the cover opens from the bottom, if you want to take a picture, the cover hangs down allowing both hands on the tablet, excellent! .
Finally the clip. There is a plastic clip for the cover which is very solid and locks closed very well. The elastic allows a little movement over the cover and clip.
This case in my opinion is THE best folio case available for the Note 12.2. Because it locks shut, there are no magnets to cause problems, or metal to fall off (as happens to some other cases). The complete all round side protection is perfect and the material/thickness just right.
One last thing. I was torn between a case and a keyboard case. Problem is, I won't use the keyboard that much so having it attached all the time seemed silly. The book cover however wasn't good enough standing up with a BT keyboard, so this case with a external BT keyboard will be perfect I think.
And finally some photos
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Yup I love mine as well, replaced a Belkin book cover case with it recently and will never pick up a "smart" cover/folio again. I just had too much issues with pen sensitivity with my prior case.
Thanks for the review!
For reference here's another one that was posted a while back:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2743380
Great review of a great case. I've had the Speck case for 6 months, and it continues to provide solid and secure overall protection. I've been very pleased with the quality materials and design which have held up very well. The Speck case is well worth the price to protect this high-end tablet.
=GO=
Related
I thought I'd share some pix of a simple and cheap case for the GTab based on the foam from your original packaging.
This uses a simple "padfolio" from the office store. This is a Buxton Classic Writing Pad, but there were many versions at my local store that would have worked. The only real qualifications are that the spine be wide enough to accommodate the 1/2 inch depth of the tablet and thin enough to fold back over to form a stand.
I carefully removed the foam outline from the original packaging, and glued it to the folio using a paste glue that I hope is sufficiently strong. Be careful, though, as I expect many super-glue products would melt the foam rather than bond with it.
As you can see, the foam outline fits nicely into the space designed for a writing pad (11.5 inches). It props up nicely in my lap or on the table (and with these lousy viewing angles, adaptability is nice).
I don't like the idea of tape or velcro on something like this, so I don't have it secured within the foam. It does fit relatively snugly, though, and as long as you hold it in the closed position, the tablet cannot fall out.
Until we find some better choices made for our rare (but amazing) device, this might do the trick for some of you.
Noticed that Sears still shows the Viewsonic case as a holiday Special for $5.99. Web site accepted order and shipped. Not a super great case, but offers some protection and has a handle for carrying.
Rumbleweed said:
Noticed that Sears still shows the Viewsonic case as a holiday Special for $5.99. Web site accepted order and shipped. Not a super great case, but offers some protection and has a handle for carrying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean the case logic one ? how tightly does it fit ? looks more like a square sized.
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Might want to consider the $4.21 case crown cases from amazon.
dbhouston said:
I thought I'd share some pix of a simple and cheap case for the GTab based on the foam from your original packaging.
This uses a simple "padfolio" from the office store. This is a Buxton Classic Writing Pad, but there were many versions at my local store that would have worked. The only real qualifications are that the spine be wide enough to accommodate the 1/2 inch depth of the tablet and thin enough to fold back over to form a stand.
I carefully removed the foam outline from the original packaging, and glued it to the folio using a paste glue that I hope is sufficiently strong. Be careful, though, as I expect many super-glue products would melt the foam rather than bond with it.
As you can see, the foam outline fits nicely into the space designed for a writing pad (11.5 inches). It props up nicely in my lap or on the table (and with these lousy viewing angles, adaptability is nice).
I don't like the idea of tape or velcro on something like this, so I don't have it secured within the foam. It does fit relatively snugly, though, and as long as you hold it in the closed position, the tablet cannot fall out.
Until we find some better choices made for our rare (but amazing) device, this might do the trick for some of you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great idea, let us know how it holds up over time.
Looks like your tablet sits in there loose, but nice try
Here You Go! (please excuse the smudgy screen!):
The Sony Tablet S Premium Leather Case at £69.99 here in the UK. You use it in 2 comfortable fold out Stands for either typing or movie playback etc. In the box you get the case, 5 spare gels for the top of the tablet and 4 peices of Velcro (you only need 2 peices of Velcro to secure the Tablet in Place. The Stitching and leather is of very high quality. The Top Curved area (that covers the thick end of the tablet is of a matte finish, feels like a tough rubberised material and is very good to grip (non slippy)
Pros:
Very High Quality Finish and Stitching.
Excellent for use as a stand for media use.
Excellent for Typing on a desk or your lap.
You don't have to take the Tablet out of the Case to use/recharge in the cradle.
Hole cut out for the Camera.
Plastic area for IR Remote to work.
Easy to use/Grip when case is folded open when using in your hand.
Cons:
Adds a lot of weight to the device at 250grams making a total of 848 grams (makes it feel as heavy as the iPad 1) Some people might opt for the standard case which is slightly lighter at 215 grams.
Can be a faff to get out of the case, the adhesive on the gels is that strong you feel like you are going to rip the Tablet apart if say you want to use the tablet around the house without the extra weight.
It would have been nice if the top of the Tablet was slightly magnetic and the case flap tip was also magnetic for that extra bit of surety that it will stay shut (I cant say i have had a problem where the flap has flung open yet.)
The Case feels and looks like a premium product:
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You find the 2 raised bits of padding do a good job of automatically cleaning the parts of the screen they are touching when the case is closed, but obviously the middle strip wont be clean!!:
This is really sturdy and hardly any spring when typing whether its on your lap or on a table:
The Back of the case with a cut out for the rear camera:
A plastic panel to allow the IR Remote to work even when in the case:
Tablet S Stood rigid for movie/music/photo play back:
You have to leave on 2 strips of Velcro so the Tablet will stay in the case, also the 2 gels at the top of the case are sticky and very very secure:
The Tablet S sits comfortably in the official cradle even when in the case:
Thanks for the details and pics. Greatly appreciated. Now that I'm more informed, I think I'll pass and cancel my order for one. I really like using the device naked and don't want to sacrifice the ease of doing so. *sigh* The unique form factor really limits the availability of generic covers (not slip cases).
Looks pretty nice, other than that bloody velcro
What is the model number of this case - i went to a sony centre today and they had a similar official case for £90 or so. I didn't even ask for it to be taken off the shelf as i thought it was to expensive. they said no other models were available yet. Now i wonder if it is the same model but at a premium price for some reason. Confused
Sent from my Sony Tablet S using Tapatalk
Y I dont see this case in the sony website? I only find the STM slim case... is it similar to the one u have?
http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/st...oductId=8198552921666383166#additionalImage1"
3vilhomer said:
Y I dont see this case in the sony website? I only find the STM slim case... is it similar to the one u have?
http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/st...oductId=8198552921666383166#additionalImage1"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That cover is only available through Sony UK. Adorama.com has it listed as backordered.
The case i bought from the sony centre sheffield store in the UK is the SGPCV1/B, however its not on sonys website anymore for some reason.
Just bought the tablet from Sony shop, I got this case. I can confirm from Sony this case was around £90 and unfortunately not £69.99 like quoted by OP. Very high quality, bit fiddley to put together (the adhesive velcro stuff) but very useful
Just ordered mine from john lewis, its £40 in the clearance sale
RooCase has 2 models of cover. I bought the lighter one that was supposed to be 6 oz. While it doesn't add much weight and bulk, it is noticeable.
It is a nice fitting cover, seems well made and proper openings for all the ports.
However on 3 sides the cover has what I call flanges - not a smooth rounded form fitting way to close in the sides.
While I have neither the base nor the keyboard portfolio, the flanges might prevent proper usage without removing the TPT from the case.
I'll let you know next month when they arrive.
The only other thing is that it would have been nice to have magnetic closure on the cover.
Not for an Apple affect but so it the case is dropped the cover will remain closed and offering a little more protection to the face of the tablet.
Shofar1 said:
RooCase has 2 models of cover. I bought the lighter one that was supposed to be 6 oz. While it doesn't add much weight and bulk, it is noticeable.
It is a nice fitting cover, seems well made and proper openings for all the ports.
However on 3 sides the cover has what I call flanges - not a smooth rounded form fitting way to close in the sides.
While I have neither the base nor the keyboard portfolio, the flanges might prevent proper usage without removing the TPT from the case.
I'll let you know next month when they arrive.
The only other thing is that it would have been nice to have magnetic closure on the cover.
Not for an Apple affect but so it the case is dropped the cover will remain closed and offering a little more protection to the face of the tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you Share the pictures ?
Although the OP did not provide a link, I think these are the two models he is referring about.
rooCASE Exectuive Portfilio Leather Case Cover for Thinkpad 1838 (zipper style)
rooCASE Dual-View Multi-Angle Leather Folio Case Cover for Thinkpad 1838
TS
I got the Executive case and have had it for about a week now. It's solidly made and is very protective. Plenty of padding to protect it from drops at reasonable heights.
The removable housing that the tablet is actually inserted in is quite nice for handling the tablet in once you get to where you need to be with it. It attaches by velcro.
Some gripes I have with it (all minor): Slightly more difficult to press buttons in the soft menu bar, since I used to swipe up from the bottom to press them. Speaker is partially obstructed (though no notable decrease in volume or quality). If you attach your pen with the cable you will have to untie it to take the tablet out of the housing. More significantly, you cannot access the resest/sim/sd panel while it is the housing.
Pictures (can't link or post images yet):
i.imgur.com/8UH3o.jpg
i.imgur.com/ZXEDE.jpg
i.imgur.com/RGMlZ.jpg (obstructed SD Card panel)
i.imgur.com/IR5Lo.jpg
i.imgur.com/E2Q8i.jpg
The case doubles the weight of the tablet, but I was expecting that and I wanted the better padding for protection.
Seems to be a very durable case and I don't see myself ever looking for an alternative.
Here you go...
MrKwatz said:
I got the Executive case and have had it for about a week now. It's solidly made and is very protective. Plenty of padding to protect it from drops at reasonable heights.
The removable housing that the tablet is actually inserted in is quite nice for handling the tablet in once you get to where you need to be with it. It attaches by velcro.
Some gripes I have with it (all minor): Slightly more difficult to press buttons in the soft menu bar, since I used to swipe up from the bottom to press them. Speaker is partially obstructed (though no notable decrease in volume or quality). If you attach your pen with the cable you will have to untie it to take the tablet out of the housing. More significantly, you cannot access the resest/sim/sd panel while it is the housing.
Pictures (can't link or post images yet):
i.imgur.com/8UH3o.jpg
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i.imgur.com/ZXEDE.jpg
i.imgur.com/RGMlZ.jpg (obstructed SD Card panel)
i.imgur.com/IR5Lo.jpg
i.imgur.com/E2Q8i.jpg
The case doubles the weight of the tablet, but I was expecting that and I wanted the better padding for protection.
Seems to be a very durable case and I don't see myself ever looking for an alternative.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just wanted to give a quick review of the non-executive version of this case. I got it for ~23 bucks on overstock a few weeks ago.
The inner section of it is exactly like the pictures above, and the outer section basically is a leather slab cover that attaches via velcro to one side of the tablet, and has a small (albeit weak) magnet on the other side to stay on.
Overall, I'm okay with it considering there werent too many options, but I wish there was something a bit lighter or something that just covered the front (the thinkpad's already got a meaty backside). It's weird that this thing is almost as thick as my macbook.
With a plethora of cases available for the new AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note the decision on which case to buy can be a tough one. This review takes a look at Cimo Technologies' Matte Finish TPU Case.
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Packaging:
Cimo presents the case in a dazzle free fair. The case is delivered in a simple plastic wrapping with the all to familiar cardboard cutout of a Note sitting in it. I don't think extravagant packing is needed for a case, and in theory, the less they spend on the packaging, the less the consumer pays for the product.
Aesthetics and Construction:
The case is made up of two layers: a high gloss black 'upper' that surrounds the top portion of the case and circles the screen and a matte 'lower' that protects the lower half and back of the phone. The material feels durable and does provide some texture that the nude Note doesn't have. The case extends over the lip around the phone and extends a touch above the screen for protection. Installation is a breeze. The case fits well on the Note and has very little play- something hard cases often can't offer. The ports are accessible and the cutouts for the S-pen, speaker, camera, and flash are lined up well.
The one drawback is that like most other TPU cases there are 'tags' left on this case that are left from when the case was molded. These do protrude from the case more than what I would have liked, but can easily be removed with a blade.
Overall Function:
First and foremost a case is there to protect the phone, and with my experience so far I think this case will perform well. There looks to be a good balance between thickness and protection which is a plus since no one wants to add too much bulk to their phones. The raised edge allows those who don't have a screen protector to set the phone face down and have a little extra security that the screen will be unharmed.
Unfortunately, this case is still a little too thick on the bottom to allow successful function with the Samsung Desktop Dock. Although the phone will sit in the cradle, the USB plug cannot span the extra distance the case puts between it and the port.
Verdict:
I've used quite a bit of TPU cases on my devices in the past and generally the experience has been a mixed bag. Cimo's offering, on the other hand, seems like a well made worthy choice. It's minimal heft, good fit, solid protection, and fingerprint resistant matte finish makes a strong case to be your next purchase
Gallery:
I actually have been using a tpu case from them also, same look just glossy black. They are great fiting tpu cases. I have a friend buying one for his nexus now also. I would recommend them for sure.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
Looks like the case covers half of the speaker on the back of the device judging by one of the pics you've posted here.
Pandemoniumone said:
Looks like the case covers half of the speaker on the back of the device judging by one of the pics you've posted here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I noticed that pic looked funny. I was swapping a few cases at the time and must not have got the case on perfectly when that pic was shot. When installed right the speaker is not obscured (although the cut out is a touch oversized).
Thanks for pointing that out.
Before I begin - yes, I know I'm being ultra-picky. I'm still looking for the "perfect" case, or as close to it as I can get. I don't have a dock so I'm not distinguishing those which also cover that, and I'm not counting sleeves. Despite finding hundreds of cases on Amazon and eBay, it appears there are only a few different types - with slight variations.
Here's what I found, with my $.02 below...
Silicone
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Won't protect the screen
-------------------------
Asus origami front cover
Horrible reviews, won't stay closed
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360-degree, velcro or snap mechanism
Bulky
-------------------------
Another type of 360-degree case
Bulky
-------------------------
Tab-style folding mechanism
Keeps slipping out of tab in nearly-flat mode
-------------------------
Folio with kickstand
Bulky
-------------------------
Three-position stand
Had one, returned it - the hard clip that holds the
cover to the device hits the screen before slipping over
the edge. It will likely scratch the screen eventually
or cause wear on that edge.
-------------------------
Multi-angle stand
Stand not stable, don't like material covering the bezel
-------------------------
Triangle-fold
don't like material covering the bezel
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Flap style, no stand
No stand
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Sikai leather/plastic
Not bad, plastic/leather combination is ugly
I know there is a member here working on a plastic back case that looks promising, but I don't think that will be available any time soon. Have I missed anything else?
Let me know!
swordsman74 said:
I know there is a member here working on a plastic back case that looks promising, but I don't think that will be available any time soon. Have I missed anything else?
Let me know!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BobJ is coming out with a silicone case, that works great! (I have a prototype, and he's told me the changes he's implementing, some of which I had recommended)
He's very conscientious about making quality cases, as is obvious from his Amazon reviews on the BobJ Toshiba Thrive cases he sells.
No, it doesn't cover or protect the screen, but if you feel the gorilla glass is sufficient, or if you don't and get a screen protector, it should be an issue.
All ports and openings will be accessible, and it provides excellent protection to the device.
Should be available in one to two weeks, hopefully.
You can go to www.bobjgear.com to check out what they'll look like.
swordsman74 said:
I know there is a member here working on a plastic back case that looks promising, but I don't think that will be available any time soon. Have I missed anything else?
Let me know!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there are 2 that I know of:
Sikai also makes a Microfiber case that is available on ebay. its essentially a tri fold covering the bevel but made out of microfiber.
great reviews from people on this board, but to me the way the stitching sticks out on each side is a deal breaker. and there is no way it wont start to stretch out and eventually the prime will have room to wiggle inside.
the Noreve high end leather case.
http://www.noreve.com/langue/en/pro...ormer_Prime_TF201_Tradition_leather_case.html
its a three position case made of high end materials that seems to deserve its own category. only issue is the price, which matches the high end materials.
its a shame marware hasnt come out with their 3 position case for the Prime. great materials, the bottom corner clips are felt on the inside so tbey dont scratch the screen and its half the price of the Noreve (based on ipad prices).
BBKB1217 said:
there are 2 that I know of:
Sikai also makes a Microfiber case that is available on ebay. its essentially a tri fold covering the bevel but made out of microfiber.
great reviews from people on this board, but to me the way the stitching sticks out on each side is a deal breaker. and there is no way it wont start to stretch out and eventually the prime will have room to wiggle inside.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been using the Sikai Microfiber style case for a few months now and it hasn't stretched out at all. The material the case is made from isn't stretchy, it is a firm synthetic material similar to the material used in Apple's iPad Smartcover.
The seams are heat sealed as well as stitched. The edges are slightly flexible and are very comfortable in your hand, much nicer than the Prime's somewhat sharp edges.
If you are looking for a thin and light case to protect your Prime, it is one of the best ones available right now.