After using this case for weeks I am still baffled at how well it hugs the iPad. A leather construction that is as steady as polycarbonate is a feat of designing in my eyes. For a smaller device like the iPhone I could understand the construction, but the iPad is so much bigger and should be harder to get leather to attach to. I can hold onto only the case, and even shake it without the iPad budging. The fact that the case actually makes the iPad feel lighter is also a strange feature. Marvelous but definitely strange.
The iVolution Top is a two-piece leather case where the top part is detachable. This is a brilliant way of solving the need for screen protection, and at the same time avoiding having a large flap. The top fits snuggly over the iPad, and protects it well against scratches and smudges. When the top is detached it can be attached to the back of the iPad. As this leather case is so lightweight it isn’t bothering me or tiring me when playing games or typing. Having the front attached to the back actually gives a thicker grip making it feel more akin to a real controller when for example speeding along in NFS Shift or killing baddies in Avatar.
The protection offered by the case is excellent, while at the same time keeping the functionality intact. With the top off the case protects the back, sides and screen. The iPad can be place screen down as the case extends about 3 millimeters. The case leaves the top and bottom open to damage if you drop the iPad. With the top on the screen is completely covered, and the top and bottom get enough coverage to withstand a minor impact. This case is not good for heavy impact protection, and leather cases seldom are.
The workmanship is exquisite, and it is easy to just sit around and fondle the case. It is soft, smooth and has a lot of structure to it. There is a metal highlight next to the volume controls, and a metal logo on the front piece. The lining is made of a pattern repeating the brand name and logo. There is no denying that this is a perfect case to use if you have your iPad at work. It oozes style, and personality.
When charging or using the dock connector the front piece can’t be attached to the front. Instead you can place it on the back. Using the iPad dock is barely possible, and I advice against it as you have to force the case in. If you use a dock the case is easy to extract, and attach when needed. The case doesn’t bring any new functionality, and that is something I hope to see in the future.
Customization is as always a big part of buying a case from Vaja. You can select from 20 different colors for the outside, and 27 for the inside. This gives a wide variety of combinations, and you can be the only customer in the world using for example a grasshopper green/buttercup yellow combination. To some extent this helps creating a case that goes along with the team you are supporting in soccer, baseball, hockey or basketball.
The price tag is quite hefty, and $150 is the starting point for the iPad cases with the two piece solution. There are more expensive versions with stripes, vibrant color schemes and cross-stitching. All of these are quality cases worth considering if you look for something to set you apart from the masses, and get a friend for the iPad lifetime. For normal wear and tear I don’t see this as breaking apart for years. If you have the money to spend I definitely recommend getting an iVolution Top from Vaja.
Final Rating
iVolution Top at VajaCases.com $150 with outside/inside color customization.
