About.com Rating
The Bottom Line
The DODOcase for iPad is perhaps the most beautiful, well-designed iPad case I've seen. Luckily for those seduced by its style, it's also a solid performer.
Buy Direct
Pros
- Beautiful styling
- Two-position stand
Cons
- iPad can come out of tray
- Price is on the high end
- Dubious shock protection
Description
- iPad case designed to look like bound hardcover book or Moleskine notebook
- Black, faux leather exterior; interior comes in red, green, sky blue, dark blue, purple, orange, pink, charcoal
- Held closed with elastic strap; also holds iPad in place with in use
- Interior tray made of bamboo
- Includes "from the library of" bookplate on inner flap
- Price: US$59.95 for red interior; all others $64.95
Guide Review - DODOcase for iPad Review
The DODOcase for iPad is designed to--and succeeds at--look like a bound, hardcover book. With a faux leather cover, thick spine, and elastic strap, it evokes both a book and a Moleskine notebook simultaneously. The book conceit is carried through inside the case, where the company's credit information doubles as a "from the library of" bookplate, which is a particularly nice touch.
The iPad itself sits in a bamboo tray that provides access to all of the iPad's ports and buttons and allows the iPad to be synced while in the case. The tray includes small rubber bumpers at each corner to prevent damage to the iPad. The tray is a close, but not snug, fit (which makes sense; it would probably be hard to get the iPad in and out of the non-stretchy tray were it too tight).
As a result, the iPad is a bit loose in the tray, which sometimes leads to the feeling that it will fall out (though this probably won't happen unless you're not paying attention).
The strap that holds the case closed doubles as a means to keep the iPad from falling out when in use. It only covers one side of the iPad--and sometimes covers a bit of edge of the screen, obscuring somethings you may want to see--but it generally does a good job of keeping the tablet in place.
Because of its book-like construction, the DODOcase's cover flap can be folded around behind it, creating a wedge that the iPad can be propped up on for typing.
Conclusions
The DODOcase for iPad probably isn't for everyone. For one thing, it's got very specific styling, styling that will appeal to bibliophiles, but maybe not those looking for a more high-tech iPad case. It's also at the higher end of the iPad case price range.
Holding the DODOcase can feel a little more awkward than other cases too, mostly because it's a bit thicker, though it's not appreciably heavier.
Still, if you're an iPad lover who also loves books or luxury items, the DODOcase for iPad should be at the top of your shopping list.
Buy Direct
Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.