After testing (and buying) far too many iPad cases, including the famous bamboo Moleskine-alike Dodocase, I finally settled on Apple's own slimline sleeve. So good is it that I have removed it precisely once since buying it almost a month ago, and that was to show my mother the iPad inside.
Booq's new Boa folio-style case looks a lot like Apple's, and adds a few extras. Like the Apple case, the iPad slides into the Boa and is held with its edges enclosed, and with holes for the ports. Both cases also share a sticky-out bumper around the perimeter, although the Boa's sits at the back, not the center. Booq's case also folds into a stand for either typing or horizontal display using the same clever tuck-in flap as Apple.
Then things diverge. The Boa is slightly padded, which makes it thicker but more protected than Apple's case. It also has a couple pockets: a document sleeve on the inside and an iPhone-sized pocket on the front. These, too, could add bulk. Finally, the case has a closing strap to stop it flapping open like dirty uncle Pete's shorts and accidentally revealing the delicate object within.
For me, the Apple iPad case is pretty much perfect. I don't care about its dirt-attracting abilities, and prefer its slimline, skin-like profile to more protective padding. But in taking the best points of the Apple case and slightly adding to them, along with using high-quality Napa leather and something called "Twylon", the folks at Booq have come up with a nice upgrade. It isn't cheap, though: the Boa can be had in a range of manly, neutral colors for $90, or in a ballistic nylon version for $50. Available now.
Booq Boa product page [Booq. Thanks, Brad!]
See Also:
- Slim, Minimal iPad Bag is a Purse for Men
- How-To Make a Waterproof, Kitchen-Proof iPad Case and Stand ...
- RadTech Offers Whole iPad Accessory Line
- Genius: FridgePad Turns iPad into Giant Fridge-Magnet
- Moleskine-Shaped, Bamboo iPad Case
- Little Black Book: An Open and Shut Case for iPhone 4
Follow us for real-time tech news: Charlie Sorrel and Gadget Lab on Twitter.
