monCarbone creates some wicked cases for the iPad and iPhone, and the first generations have been back protection carbon fiber cases. The Magnet Force for the iPhone 4 introduced a strong magnet with a lot of functionality. Now the original iPad gets a thin folio with a protective front flap. What sets the monCarbone portfolio apart from the rest is the light weight, and strong protection provided by the carbon fiber back piece.
The portfolio is made from two pieces that are fastened underneath the iPad when inserted. The back piece is a glossy carbon fiber case that is strong, durable and looks amazing. It has openings for all the functions of the iPad. It hugs the iPad snugly, and there is no intrusion to the screen estate whatsoever. Basically the back piece is more or less the ordinary iPad case from monCarbone. The front piece is made from a high tech material that monCarbone states is usually used in aerospace products. I don’t know more than the fact that it looks great with nice matte gleam. It seems durable, and is easy to wipe clean using a damp cloth. The inside of the front is dressed in velvet. This keeps the screen fresh at all times.
What the portfolio lacks is a closing functionality. The flap tend to head outwards, and even buckle somewhat away from the iPad. I find this quite annoying, and when out walking with it you need to hold it in place. This limits the appeal of the portfolio considerably compared to having just a back cover. A front flap is great for protection, but almost all flaps interfere with the everyday usage of the iPad. The only exception to this is removable front pieces, as used in designs from Vaja. The flap can be bent behind the case when using the iPad, but somehow it feels like this will wear out the flap.
monCarbone has become better at branding their products, and this can be seen by having the brand inside the front flap, inside the back piece and outside the front flap. I think it should have been used on the back as well, but that is just me being picky with brand recognition.
Like all products from monCarbone the portfolio is exquisite, and looks luxuriously high tech. The front flap without a proper closure solution lets it down quite a bit, and even though it will find a niche market it won’t appeal to the masses. The price is too high to buy it just for business meetings, and trips to some fancy spa. I hope to see the product refined, and updated for the iPad 2.
Final Rating
Portfolio for iPad at monCarbone.com $89.99
