Belkin Leather Sleeve for iPad
by Volker Weber
Everything you carry around, you will drop one day. At least I do. And I dread the day I am going to drop my precccccious, err, my iPad. Since I am sucker for bags, I like to try out different solutions to the problem.
So far my favorite sleeve for the iPad is the Leather Folio from Belkin. Around the house you don't need to use the lid, so you have to fold it back. Time to try out the Belkin Leather Sleeve, which is actually very similar. There are two differences:
- No lid. Makes it less useful on the go, but also less bulky.
- iPad slides in from the top instead of from the left. There is a velcro latch closing this opening, much like a brown envelope.
What I am liking is that the iPad does not slip out of the left side, as it can happen on the Folio, if rotate counter clock wise with the lid folded back. It's a tight fit. What I don't like is that the latch is quite thick, so the back is no longer even. Props it up nicely in portrait mode, but not so nicely in landscape. It also pulls on the top end of the front, as you can see in the other pictures. I expect this to get better when the leather softens up.
Here is a little detail I failed to mention when reviewing the Leather Folio. Both the Folio and a Sleeve don't have hole where the iPad button is, but they have their own button which pushes the iPad button. This is one of those details that set these sleeves apart from lesser ones.
The frame around the display is thick enough to protect the screen if you push the iPad into a bag facing a hard surface. I don't feel as confident about it as I am with the Leather Folio, but it should be ok. I am going to be using both and see what I end up with.
Comments
Looks nice!
I miss the belt clip :-)
I don't. ;-)
"they have their own button which pushes the iPad button. This is one of those details that set these sleeves apart from lesser ones."
Having used the Leather Folio for half a day now I think this is its main downside. That button is too thick and often presses the iPads Home button by accident. Even when the lid is closed.
