Portenzo vs Dodocase

Please let me know how that goes. I just received my Dodocase yesterday, and opening the box was full of anticipation. I made the decision purely on my own desires, since I have seen GREAT reviews, and HORRIBLE reviews as well.

Opening the case for the first time was magic, and the smell was just amazing. Then I inspected it, and things just went from cloud9 to sewer tunnels. I noticed I had to press the Bamboo back down against the binding. I had side stickers that were turned sideways. The wood honestly felt so thin, It was as if I went to lowes, bought some wood to separate plants in my garden, and decided to make a case with it. In all honesty, the only reason I actually decided to give it a try, was because I loved the dodocase sticker on the front. I'm from the bay area, so seeing "made in San Fransisco" holds a bit of pride. So far it's been a lot of trial and error though. Trying to fit the iPad into it so every side is flush is impossible. There's always going to be a side that's a little higher then the other. I had to take a light sandpaper, and smoothen out my super sharp edges a bit as well. I mean they were so sharp, I was afraid I'd cut myself. There were no cracks in the wood, so I didn't bother looking to return it. I've heard it can take awhile, and the case does its job I suppose.

So please let me know how you enjoy that case, because I'll "upgrade" if I have to. I just absolutely love the moleskin design, but I want a little more peace of mind.

Much as I loved the concept, I was never convinced by the Dodocase. But I've ordered a Portenzo. The former remains a prototype; the latter appears to be the finished article.

Two thumbs up for Darin at Portenzo, too. The customer service is exemplary; very responsive when I mailed a couple of queries to them

I'm really looking forward to receiving the case.

I would be interested to know if it's thicker or about the same as the Dodocase. Kind of hard to tell just from photos. Thanks!

Put an order in for the Portenzo. I had the DodoCase for a little while, but eventually the rubber pads started to wear out and allowed the iPad to slip out easily. Dodo does send out replacement pads if you need it, but I didn't want to mess with it.

With the Portenzo iPad case, it seems better designed with more of a ridge/rubber pad to hold the iPad in. I did order the case that allows for a stylus to be held in the binder. That's kinda cool.

Will update this thread once I receive it.

Got my Portenzo today, and I've got to say I'm impressed. Very well manufactured from high quality materials. And have no fear about the corner grips. They've nailed that. Your iPad ain't going nowhere once it's seated in that bay. Full marks all round. The Dodo just got made extinct again.



For versatility, I still think the Yoobao V3/"Magic" case leads the field. But aesthetically, this one's the best we've seen so far.

I had horrible experience with DODOcase. iPad simply falls out... I don't need a case anymore but Portenzo looks great! Does the iPad fall off easily like DODOcase?

Seamaster said:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnYRr1puGIE

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Cool! Can somebody test this personally to confirm of the fact? If it is confirmed Portenzo should be the Moleskine-type case to get. DODOcase shall be euthanized.

the portenza one looks really nice! i like how it has the elastic band to keep it closed and the optional stylus slot.
I recall seeing one the other week that had suede holder and city maps inner covers. I forget who made it. anyone have experience with that one?

PacMookBro said:

Cool! Can somebody test this personally to confirm of the fact

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I have and I can.

Very appreciative of the reviews.

Looking to order a case from them come Nov 1st, love the retro cover

mdwsta4 said:

the portenza one looks really nice! i like how it has the elastic band to keep it closed and the optional stylus slot.
I recall seeing one the other week that had suede holder and city maps inner covers. I forget who made it. anyone have experience with that one?

Click to expand...

The case you're referring to is from Treegloo but I haven't seen much in the way of reviews/experiences, other than someone in these forums complaining the the paper used for the liner was stiff/brittle and ripped on theirs.

I have a Dodocase and while I'm very happy with it (improved corner pads installed--keeps iPad very secure), if I ever need to replace it, I'll probably give the Portenzo a try.

I like the style of these a lot, but just wish they would come up with a strap or something to keep it stable in a horizontal video mode.

Yup, that was it. Thanks!

tbayrgs said:

The case you're referring to is from Treegloo but I haven't seen much in the way of reviews/experiences, other than someone in these forums complaining the the paper used for the liner was stiff/brittle and ripped on theirs.

I have a Dodocase and while I'm very happy with it (improved corner pads installed--keeps iPad very secure), if I ever need to replace it, I'll probably give the Portenzo a try.

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Seamaster said:

I have and I can.

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Thanks for confirming. I'll recommend Portenzo over DODO to my co-worker.

tbayrgs said:

The case you're referring to is from Treegloo but I haven't seen much in the way of reviews/experiences, other than someone in these forums complaining the the paper used for the liner was stiff/brittle and ripped on theirs.

Click to expand...

I'm waiting on my case from Treegloo, but before I ordered, I them asked about the liner issue...

Turns out that guy bought his from used from eBay (and it was a prototype) but they replaced it anyway, which is pretty cool. They said the paper is reinforced with cloth and if I wanted a cloth liner I just had to ask. They're working on getting that option up on their website.

I liked the maps too, so I got the London one. Tracking info says it will be here tomorrow!

Since there aren't really reviews around, I'll try to put one together.

Portenzo is the real deal

I have both Dodo and Portenzo cases - here is a link to a really longwinded review I wrote:


http://www.facebook.com/#!/topic.php?uid=123071037743833&topic=81

Short answer - Portenzo starts where Dodo should have been, and adds a ton of cool options for cover materials.


Steven

Great review. Glad I just ordered the portenzo. You said the typing angle is even better? Also, is it as beautiful as the dodo? Their website doesn't have as great of pictures.

The Portenzo is definitely nicer looking inside - the two look equally sharp closed, in my view - until you get into the exotics, where Portenzo is doing some cool stuff. The black Alano and the ostrich-embossed leather are both amazing to behold.

You will be happy with the Portenzo.