Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Portenzo iPad 2 Case: Now a Smart Cover
- Thread starter Jeff5i
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I received my Twenty Three And A Half case today and frankly, I'm disappointed. At least, with the one I received.
I've compared mine with reviews and pictures from other customers and mine simply doesn't stack up. The corners on mine are folded twice instead of the 3 or more times I've seen resulting in a look of poorer craftsmanship.
But the biggest thing is my camera cut-out is not just off-centre, but RECTANGULAR.
I'm not under the impression Portenzo has changed the design of their cases, but I was wondering if anyone else has the rectangular cut-out.
I've compared mine with reviews and pictures from other customers and mine simply doesn't stack up. The corners on mine are folded twice instead of the 3 or more times I've seen resulting in a look of poorer craftsmanship.
But the biggest thing is my camera cut-out is not just off-centre, but RECTANGULAR.
I'm not under the impression Portenzo has changed the design of their cases, but I was wondering if anyone else has the rectangular cut-out.
mac new guy
macrumors newbie
Just curious to hear from the people who say that their iPad's are not sitting well in this case.
Do you leave the iPad in the case or are you removing it from time to time?
Thanks.
Do you leave the iPad in the case or are you removing it from time to time?
Thanks.
I have done it both ways, no matter, they come loose. The reason is as you use it, you bend the frame with packing it and handling it...frame and cover warps, becomes loose. Here's one of the best - Pad and Quill:
The single veneer of plywood that goes across bottom at ipad connector opening is a weak structural point and it warps.
I own more than 5 for my business...moved everyone back to zum+smartcovers...
mac new guy
macrumors newbie
Yeah, they explained that to me, but my hole was cut off-centre. It's all good though, they'll be sending me a replacement and I'll be returning this one. 🙂
I ordered my case before they were even released. They sent the wrong one initially, but replaced it. The replacement warped within 7-10 days. They eventually sent another replacement. I've had that one now since August. It too is warped so much that it doesn't hold onto my iPad2 reliably anymore. The top edge is fairly true; however, the bottom edge with the dock connector is pretty significantly warped.
These cases look great for a couple of months, but over time they lose the ability to function in their primary role -- as a case.
UPDATE: After having my iPad fall out a couple times in meetings the last few days, I contacted them about the warping. Although outside the 90 day warranty, they are willing to work with me. They say they have beefed up the bottom of the case to make it a little sturdier. I really like the look of the case, so I hope the modifications are effective. I will give them credit for great customer service.
These cases look great for a couple of months, but over time they lose the ability to function in their primary role -- as a case.
UPDATE: After having my iPad fall out a couple times in meetings the last few days, I contacted them about the warping. Although outside the 90 day warranty, they are willing to work with me. They say they have beefed up the bottom of the case to make it a little sturdier. I really like the look of the case, so I hope the modifications are effective. I will give them credit for great customer service.
Last edited:
I'm located in Asia and received my Portenzo iPad 2 case from their authorized dealer www.cases-n-things.com. I thought it was weird as well that the camera hole was rectangular when all the pictures were showing a circular cut-out.
Contacted support@cases-n-things.com and they replied that this indeed is the new Portenzo design for all their cases going forward. It is supposed to cover the camera better and also allow for 16x9 aspect ratio. I have had no problems with the case thus far- love it!
Blueridge, saw your reviews of the Portenzo iPad 2 cases as well as the P&Q. Which did you like better? Thks😉
Camera Opening
It seems in the name of concealment, they are doing the camera hole as a rectangular shape now, being hidden by the elastic band (if chosen) - any chance the iPad 3 case will have a nice big circle - I did heaps of filming with my iPad 2 in a case and now with the bigger lens am looking forward to more (don't really want to have to drill it out myself when the case is so beautifully made...). Anyone know if a request can be made?
It seems in the name of concealment, they are doing the camera hole as a rectangular shape now, being hidden by the elastic band (if chosen) - any chance the iPad 3 case will have a nice big circle - I did heaps of filming with my iPad 2 in a case and now with the bigger lens am looking forward to more (don't really want to have to drill it out myself when the case is so beautifully made...). Anyone know if a request can be made?
tekchic
macrumors 68020
I ordered a custom Portenzo yesterday (no camera hole, but IntelliStand and stylus holder). I figure it'll be 3 weeks before I see it but I'm looking forward to it. I still continue to journal daily in a lined Moleskine and sketch periodically in a sketch Moleskine.
I only went with a GelaSkin and SmartCover last year for the iPad 2 and it worked wonderfully (I tossed it into a neoprene Incase sleeve in transit) - but I've been lusting after that Portenzo case for a year now 🙂
I'll make a full video review with blog when it arrives and post a link.
I only went with a GelaSkin and SmartCover last year for the iPad 2 and it worked wonderfully (I tossed it into a neoprene Incase sleeve in transit) - but I've been lusting after that Portenzo case for a year now 🙂
I'll make a full video review with blog when it arrives and post a link.
In a week or two we will have 3 Portenzos. Love them. The first a custom one, has warped slightly so they are sending a free replacemnt(though we didnt request it as the warping has not changed the product at all in terms of usability) and a third was just ordered for the new Ipad that should be arriving this week.
they're very friendly with custom ideas. hell i bet you could request one from the ground up in a custom interior color, custom unique leather, and custom colored embossing if you had the $. beauty of a company that makes everything hand made
do youtube/google research. If u really like the notebook/book look, go with portenzo or Pad and Quill. Seems like this company was learning as it went along (judging by people's complaints and suggestions across the pages), if your looking for something that you can toss around/abuse/drop or constantly switch out, these cases are not for you. I suggest the Field Folio, its cheaper, has that same look (almost), but no wood. I really liked the wood, and will not be taking it out of the case often so i opted to go with the portenzo.
I've read people saying dodo cases' wood corners cracked on them in the first month or when they dropped it from a short fall on carpet, read portenzo's wood glue coming undone, portenzo (and among other wooden framed cases) warping(portenzo and dodo did say they've reinforced the wood and fixed this) etc etc, but i've also seen videos of people who have had the case for over a year and it is still in great shape. Take it with a grain of salt, while it does offer protection from scratches and dents, it's not meant to be thrown around and into bags.
The only reason why these cases still sell is well is because they are indeed well made, look unique and will get compliments.
If i had to rate this, It'd definitely be more of a case meant for visual appeal vs device protection. It does what it's suppose to, and by well made i mean there is clearly time and care put into constructing these. It's not like you'll buy it and expect it to save your device if it fell off the counter. If that is your worry, go with another option. It's kinda like buying an all glass hookah. Looks damn nice, but anyone whose owned a hookah knows how terrible this idea is.
To each their own, Nobody and nothing's purpose is to be every purpose.
tekchic
macrumors 68020
Thanks for the detailed info, Gucciman.
It looks like as long as I won't be taking it out of the case very often, it might be a decent case for me. I'm hoping it'll last, I tend to be super cautious with my gadgets. While I generally use no case/cover while at home on the couch, it sounds like the case might last longer if I don't start popping the iPad in and out of it every day.
Biggest reason I got it is because I'm a huge Moleskine fan, and this is the closest to having a Moleskine iPad case as I can get. Moleskine makes one, but I have no interest in the paper notepad they attach on the left side of the case. 🙂
It looks like as long as I won't be taking it out of the case very often, it might be a decent case for me. I'm hoping it'll last, I tend to be super cautious with my gadgets. While I generally use no case/cover while at home on the couch, it sounds like the case might last longer if I don't start popping the iPad in and out of it every day.
Biggest reason I got it is because I'm a huge Moleskine fan, and this is the closest to having a Moleskine iPad case as I can get. Moleskine makes one, but I have no interest in the paper notepad they attach on the left side of the case. 🙂
Unfortunately
yeah unfortunately they can only make the opening a larger rectangle one as they claim it affects structural integrity. A shame really as I really wanted one! Anyways I've decided on a leather folio (slim, no hard cover) similar to the Scosche I had last year for the "2". I did a lot of filming with it and will continue this year with the new one so the cutout is a big thing for me. Also I use it naked at home too - the iPad that is...😉 so daily removal would be unadvisable as well from previous posts.
yeah unfortunately they can only make the opening a larger rectangle one as they claim it affects structural integrity. A shame really as I really wanted one! Anyways I've decided on a leather folio (slim, no hard cover) similar to the Scosche I had last year for the "2". I did a lot of filming with it and will continue this year with the new one so the cutout is a big thing for me. Also I use it naked at home too - the iPad that is...😉 so daily removal would be unadvisable as well from previous posts.
blueridge
macrumors 6502
sorry for the delay in replies.. i never got notification for this.. weird..
i actually ended up using the portenzo after it finally arrived.. it is a toss up on which is better but i have been using the portenzo since my video review and the only damage that i see is the sticker on the inside has faded.. other then that it remains pretty much as it was when i first bought it.. i use my ipad daily..
maybe i will do a re-review of my portenzo.. 🙂
Wow this is a lengthy thread! I can comment only after having my portenzo teju case for several days. I see several elements that make me think they've really addressed the above issues. First, with the intellistand option (seriously rocks!), there is wood backing that really feels to make the case sturdy. Second, there are multiple layers of wood beneath the port cut-out now, which also addresses some of the above issues. Finally, the craftsmanship on this case is serious stuff. Silky smooth maple edges, thick and soft leather, and tailored finishes. It should help to know that they have listened to the feedback and made adjustments to their design to continuously improve the durability of their products. This is how a company should be run. Rock on, Portenzo!
Just a couple notes for potential purchasers
Hi!
I am a Portenzo fan, and received my Wingtip with Intellistand a week ago. This is my second Portenzo. For the iPad 1, I had a black Alano that was my go-to case out of all the other cases I had.
To be honest, I doubt that I will be using this case for the iPad 3. I miss the bamboo of the original frame--the color had the effect of paper in a notebook. The new wood frame is actually thicker than the old one, so the case seems to dwarf the iPad 3. Just be advised that the total thickness of this case is about 7/8 of an inch (mine was, anyway). It is very light, however. The Intellistand feature is a very nice idea.
(PS: I got a link for a review from Portenzo and said about the same thing, but they did not post it.)
Hi!
I am a Portenzo fan, and received my Wingtip with Intellistand a week ago. This is my second Portenzo. For the iPad 1, I had a black Alano that was my go-to case out of all the other cases I had.
To be honest, I doubt that I will be using this case for the iPad 3. I miss the bamboo of the original frame--the color had the effect of paper in a notebook. The new wood frame is actually thicker than the old one, so the case seems to dwarf the iPad 3. Just be advised that the total thickness of this case is about 7/8 of an inch (mine was, anyway). It is very light, however. The Intellistand feature is a very nice idea.
(PS: I got a link for a review from Portenzo and said about the same thing, but they did not post it.)
I wonder if the warping problem is sometimes caused by change in humidity When the case moves from St. Louis to its owner's destination. Wood floor installers let the wood sit in the house for several days before installing it so that it has time to adjust to expand or contract as it adjusts to climate changes in its new location. Wood also expands and contacts with humidity changes brought on by the seasons of the year, right?
Apparently, St. Louis is very humid; I live in Utah, which has a much drier climate. My wingtip case will be arriving in the next week or two. I will make sure to post here about any warping that occurs after owning the case for a while. I am crossing my fingers but feeling a but feeling some trepidation after just now reading this entire thread. I can't bring myself to cancel my order because I am crazy about the design of this case.
Apparently, St. Louis is very humid; I live in Utah, which has a much drier climate. My wingtip case will be arriving in the next week or two. I will make sure to post here about any warping that occurs after owning the case for a while. I am crossing my fingers but feeling a but feeling some trepidation after just now reading this entire thread. I can't bring myself to cancel my order because I am crazy about the design of this case.
Hey guys... It's really cold playing it outside so I was gana bu myself some leather gloves from here so I can play in all weather... 🙂