iPad mini My Devicewear Ridge case review w/ pics

thatappleguytoday · Jan 7, 2013

Hey guys and gals, I started a thread a week back looking for the perfect folio style case because I was joining the Mini class. After a few days of looking, I went with the Devicewear Ridge. I know there's no perfect case, but it's perfect for my needs and maybe yours as well too. The other reviews sounded like what I was looking for and they were spot on. I used to be a case a holic, but with this years generation devices I decided to just buy one or two cases at most. I got this on Amazon for $22 shipped and it's simply a great case. Anyone looking for a folio style case should definitely give this case a try. Cases look better in pictures so I thought I'd share...check it out.

-Really nice exterior, clean stitching, and doesn't look or feel cheap
-Snap in style polycarbonate casing that keeps the iPad Mini streamlined and clean looking

-Sleep/Wake function works every time
-Strong magnets keeps the cover from not flapping around

-Multiple grooves to support many viewing angles

-Lightweight
-Perfect cutouts with volume buttons not feel too recessed at all

As much as I like carrying and using the iPad Mini as is (case less), for some reason with this case on, it feels much better to hold. More secure in the hands. I guess you have to try it to believe it.

Yes this was short and sweet, but not much thought about this case was needed. It fits the bill in more ways than one. Definitely recommended.

HazyCloud · Jan 7, 2013

Very nice. Thanks for posting so many pics. I'm not fan of folios as I like to remove the Smart Cover when not in use, but there are a ton here that are fans. I've read good things about the Ridge as these pics confirm that.

thatappleguytoday · Jan 7, 2013

HazyCloud said:
Very nice. Thanks for posting so many pics. I'm not fan of folios as I like to remove the Smart Cover when not in use, but there are a ton here that are fans. I've read good things about the Ridge as these pics confirm that.

Thanks for checking the thread out. Yeah I might go with a CoverBuddy and Smart Cover next for my review. It was that combo or this folio. Regardless this folio will be used full time I think.

Here's the wall for people wondering

hkim1983 · Jan 8, 2013

If you don't mind me asking, how long have you had your Ridge for? Due to the cover not staying flat, I've actually developed issues with auto-sleep/wake and it will not always activate them now.

Likewise, I'm not sure how you're holding your Ridge when the cover is flipped back, but mine certainly does not stay "attached" when flipped to the back...

kodeman53 · Jan 9, 2013

You might want to correct the spelling of Ridge in the thread title for people who do searches.

thatappleguytoday · Jan 9, 2013

hkim1983 said:
If you don't mind me asking, how long have you had your Ridge for? Due to the cover not staying flat, I've actually developed issues with auto-sleep/wake and it will not always activate them now.

Likewise, I'm not sure how you're holding your Ridge when the cover is flipped back, but mine certainly does not stay "attached" when flipped to the back...

I haven't had it too long but I can see why you would say that. I've noticed the cover not too flat either but it's still pretty new. Guess time will tell. How long have you had yours for?

Hmm probably the way I hold it folded back makes it feel attaches but in the end it's actually not. I will delete that part of the review. Good call!

kodeman53 said:
You might want to correct the spelling of Ridge in the thread title for people who do searches.

Thanks I just fixed it. Didn't even realize it

justinf77 · Jan 9, 2013

hkim1983 said:
If you don't mind me asking, how long have you had your Ridge for? Due to the cover not staying flat, I've actually developed issues with auto-sleep/wake and it will not always activate them now.

Likewise, I'm not sure how you're holding your Ridge when the cover is flipped back, but mine certainly does not stay "attached" when flipped to the back...

This is the one flaw in an otherwise perfect case. I've had the Ridge for several weeks now and I still love it, but occasionally I need to "work" the bend on the top part of the cover so that it still lays flat enough. By "work", I mean just bending the front cover back and forth to loosen it up.

Right now, I'd rate this case 9/10, and if that issue was fixed, it would easily be 10/10.

thatappleguytoday · Jan 9, 2013

justinf77 said:
This is the one flaw in an otherwise perfect case. I've had the Ridge for several weeks now and I still love it, but occasionally I need to "work" the bend on the top part of the cover so that it still lays flat enough. By "work", I mean just bending the front cover back and forth to loosen it up.

Right now, I'd rate this case 9/10, and if that issue was fixed, it would easily be 10/10.

I've been laying the Mini flat with the camera cutout facing up. It flattens it every time.

I'm really impressed by the quality of material for the price

hkim1983 · Jan 9, 2013

map1978 said:
I haven't had it too long but I can see why you would say that. I've noticed the cover not too flat either but it's still pretty new. Guess time will tell. How long have you had yours for?

I've had mine for about 3-4 weeks now, and while I saw signs of the problem early on (around the end of week 1), it's gotten noticeably worse as time has progressed. In fact, it's gotten to the point where the auto-sleep/wake is no longer reliable and I'm considering replacing it with another folio or just using a sleeve + stand combo. It's possible I could just have a defective product though.

justinf77 said:
This is the one flaw in an otherwise perfect case. I've had the Ridge for several weeks now and I still love it, but occasionally I need to "work" the bend on the top part of the cover so that it still lays flat enough. By "work", I mean just bending the front cover back and forth to loosen it up.

Right now, I'd rate this case 9/10, and if that issue was fixed, it would easily be 10/10.

I agree, if it weren't for this, the Ridge would be the best value for your money bar none in terms of folios for the Mini. I've tried doing what you're doing, but my auto-sleep/issues persist, and in some cases, are actually getting worse as time progresses.

thatappleguytoday · Jan 9, 2013

hkim1983 said:
I've had mine for about 3-4 weeks now, and while I saw signs of the problem early on (around the end of week 1), it's gotten noticeably worse as time has progressed. In fact, it's gotten to the point where the auto-sleep/wake is no longer reliable and I'm considering replacing it with another folio or just using a sleeve + stand combo. It's possible I could just have a defective product though.

I agree, if it weren't for this, the Ridge would be the best value for your money bar none in terms of folios for the Mini. I've tried doing what you're doing, but my auto-sleep/issues persist, and in some cases, are actually getting worse as time progresses.

Hmm guess I will watch for this. I see what you mean though. Like I said, I've been laying it down with camera cutout face up and it's kept the cover flat against the screen since I've used the case.

I will post back if it gets worse

I might give the CoverBuddy/Smart Cover combo a try next

ZipZap · Jan 9, 2013

map1978 said:
I haven't had it too long but I can see why you would say that. I've noticed the cover not too flat either but it's still pretty new. Guess time will tell. How long have you had yours for?

Hmm probably the way I hold it folded back makes it feel attaches but in the end it's actually not. I will delete that part of the review. Good call!

Thanks I just fixed it. Didn't even realize it

I've had mine for quite a while and its still not flat despite my bending it back. You put your iphone on top of the ipad for the pictures and that masked the issue. My case wake sleep has so far not been affected.

Overall I still think this is a GREAT case for the $$$'s

mikemj23 · Jan 10, 2013

I agree 100% with this review. This is my 3rd case for my mini and it's by far the best. I didn't mind the other cases (Belkin Dot Cover, Poetic Slimline) but I continued to look for a better one. With the Devicewear, I don't feel the need to look any longer. Very well made, satisfies my wants/needs for a case, and the price was great ($22 on Amazon).

TWO2SEVEN · Jan 30, 2013

Does anyone have this case for the full size iPad?

CADer · Jul 18, 2013

Any recent development on this case?

I just ordered one and it will be here in the morning. I used the Switcheasy Canvas for my iPad 2 and loved it but the new Canvas doesn't have a bend in the cover so I cant tuck the cover under the iPad between the iPad and the back part of the case but this one does and doesn't have the annoying clasps the Canvas had.

Overall it has all the function I want our of a case. Hope it holds up.

I am currently using a Belkin...Classic Tab? The grey one with the dot person n the front. I like the functionality just not the tab that is always in the way, or the nasty feel of the material...

johndallas999 · Jul 19, 2013

map1978 said:
Hey guys and gals, I started a thread a week back looking for the perfect folio style case because I was joining the Mini class. After a few days of looking, I went with the Devicewear Ridge. I know there's no perfect case, but it's perfect for my needs and maybe yours as well too. The other reviews sounded like what I was looking for and they were spot on. I used to be a case a holic, but with this years generation devices I decided to just buy one or two cases at most. I got this on Amazon for $22 shipped and it's simply a great case. Anyone looking for a folio style case should definitely give this case a try. Cases look better in pictures so I thought I'd share...check it out.

Image

Image

Image
-Really nice exterior, clean stitching, and doesn't look or feel cheap
-Snap in style polycarbonate casing that keeps the iPad Mini streamlined and clean looking

Image

Image
-Sleep/Wake function works every time
-Strong magnets keeps the cover from not flapping around

Image

Image
-Multiple grooves to support many viewing angles

Image

Image
-Lightweight
-Perfect cutouts with volume buttons not feel too recessed at all

Image

As much as I like carrying and using the iPad Mini as is (case less), for some reason with this case on, it feels much better to hold. More secure in the hands. I guess you have to try it to believe it.

Yes this was short and sweet, but not much thought about this case was needed. It fits the bill in more ways than one. Definitely recommended.

Case for me is a bit if a meh. And what's up with your iPhone in all those pics?

ZipZap · Jul 20, 2013

I did really like this case most probably because of its low price. But I stopped using it long ago because it did not stay closed and it added significant enough weight to the tablet to make it really not useful

Deviceware could enhance this case significantly and make it way more usable but they have chosen not to do so to date

The vaja Noelle case that is a very thin leather cover is more to my liking. I did not buy one presently from my Mac Mini as I am waiting for the next iteration of the Mac Mini to be released but when it is I will buy one.

CADer · Jul 21, 2013

ZipZap said:
I did really like this case most probably because of its low price. But I stopped using it long ago because it did not stay closed and it added significant enough weight to the tablet to make it really not useful

Deviceware could enhance this case significantly and make it way more usable but they have chosen not to do so to date

The vaja Noelle case that is a very thin leather cover is more to my liking. I did not buy one presently from my Mac Mini as I am waiting for the next iteration of the Mac Mini to be released but when it is I will buy one.

Did you mean the vaja Nuova? I am having trouble finding one by the name you mentioned, and by Mac mini I am assuming you mean iPad mini? Otherwise you are in the wrong place?

So I have been using the blue "the Ridge" case by devicewear and the blue could not match the color of the black iPad mini any closer, nearly identical if not identical.

So far it is the perfect case. Great angles for all uses. Watch movie on it and played many games, reading etc. love it. I do see what people have mentioned about the cover being bent too much over time to not lock the screen but so far not an issue and it apears the magnet is strong enough that it turns the screen off about and inch away from being closed. So I think it will be fine so long as you break in the cover flap. And bend it back a few times when that happens. But so far I don't see it becoming a huge issue.

The blue looks amazing and quality is superb. If anyone wants pics I will but only if requested.

Harmonious Zen · Jul 22, 2013

Just out of curiosity, what case are you using for your iPhone?

looks nice.

thatappleguytoday · Nov 26, 2013

I'm happy to report my retina mini fits inside this case

It snaps in just fine and I can shake the heck out of it without the ipad popping out

Yes I know there is no 2nd mic hole, but not an issue for me

This was def one of the best cases for the 1st gen IMO

Just some quick pics taken with an iPhone

Angel841 · Jan 13, 2014

map1978 said:
I'm happy to report my retina mini fits inside this case It snaps in just fine and I can shake the heck out of it without the ipad popping out

Yes I know there is no 2nd mic hole, but not an issue for me

This was def one of the best cases for the 1st gen IMO

Just some quick pics taken with an iPhone

Do you still recommend this case? I want to buy one. The sleep wake still works? How it is after all the time that you have it?

iPad mini My Devicewear Ridge case review w/ pics

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