Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

KylePowers

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Mar 5, 2011
1,688
197
Hey everyone,

I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations or if anyone wanted to get a list started for iPad 2 cases that don't cover the bezel.

Currently, I'm using the Griffin case from launch day... And while it's done me well, I've consistently been looking for a case of better quality and functionality (like the sleep/wake function). And the way this case slightly covers the bezel makes it annoying and uncomfortable for me when I'm taking notes (Nataal stylus + UPAD).

My preferences:
  • Sleep/wake function
  • Leather
  • Stand functionality (landscape mainly, but portrait is also welcome)
  • Typing position (aka wedge-like)
  • Note taking position (ability to go flat)
  • Back-camera hole
  • Slim, sleek, professional

Just off the top of my head (for non-covered-bezel cases), I can think of:

Any others? Opinions? Pictures? My iPad 2 is black and I'm a college student, in case those factor in. Thanks!

Cheers,
KP

EDIT: List updated 4/9/11
 
Last edited:
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
I was told that Chinao will be releasing a Vaja clone in a few weeks. From what I hear it will meet most if not all of the preferences you listed. No pictures yet that I know of.
 
Marware CEO 2 shipping end of this week direct from Marware. Otherwise you can save a buck on amazon and wait a little longer. Pound for pound this is the best folio case available in terms of value and functionality. I ordered the libretto and the Marware CEO 2 to do a side by side comparison, will probably regret the vaja in the end but had to get my hands on one. :).
 
Pile frama just came out with a nice leather cover for just the back and it works with the smart cover too, check that out too.
Problem there is by the time ur done With buy the PF and smart cover it's the same price as the vaja and not as sexy. Just a thought for you.
 
The STM Skinny seen here https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1127178/ is almost what you want except for the leather.
attachment.php
 
Marware CEO 2 shipping end of this week direct from Marware. Otherwise you can save a buck on amazon and wait a little longer. Pound for pound this is the best folio case available in terms of value and functionality. I ordered the libretto and the Marware CEO 2 to do a side by side comparison, will probably regret the vaja in the end but had to get my hands on one. :).

+1

I'll second this endorsement for the Marware CEO case. The version for the original iPad was like wrapping the iPad in armor without adding excess bulk. The fact the the case doesn't cover the bezel was what made me first take notice of it. It also looks as if the iPad 2 version will have magnets for the on/off functionality of the Smart Cover. Definitely looking forward to getting one.
 
I was told that Chinao will be releasing a Vaja clone in a few weeks. From what I hear it will meet most if not all of the preferences you listed. No pictures yet that I know of.
Never heard of Chinao, but I'll keep an eye out. Thanks!

Marware CEO 2 shipping end of this week direct from Marware. Otherwise you can save a buck on amazon and wait a little longer. Pound for pound this is the best folio case available in terms of value and functionality. I ordered the libretto and the Marware CEO 2 to do a side by side comparison, will probably regret the vaja in the end but had to get my hands on one. :).
Do you mean the Marware CEO Hybrid case? I like the style of it, but I'm not a fan of the carbon fiber look. The MicroShell Folio is kinda neat, but doesn't suit my leather preference.

The STM Skinny seen here https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1127178/ is almost what you want except for the leather.
attachment.php
Oh yeahh, I've seen that before. If only it was leather =\

Anywho, I've updated the list to reflect the 2 Marwares and STM Skinny. Thanks everyone, keep 'em comin' =D
 
STM Skinny

I just talked to a lady at STM and she said that the magnets shouldn't put the ipad to sleep when you fold the cover around to the back like other slim cases do. The back is a piece of plastic and should prevent the magnets from putting the ipad to sleep.

She also mentioned that when they took the case over to apple to have them take a look at it they all loved it and thought it was one of the best cases they've seen. obviously this is from the manufacturer of the case so there is that...

I ordered mine through ebags and got free shipping by signing up for some shop-runner service. I plan to cancel my free trial to shop runner before it expires and I have to pay.

2 cents.
 
Nice case, love the minimalist style. Not crazy about the belt loop and the corner holders overlapping covering the bezel. Not that it's a huge deal, but they just look odd. Maybe they would hide nicely with a complimentary color, like black on black.

Great case for the money though.
 
I LOVE this case. Any word on one coming out for the iPad 2? I really like how it doesn't cover the bezel

Supposedly within the month. A dealer is going to contact me when they're available and I'll be posting here if someone else doesn't.
 
Hey everyone,

I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations or if anyone wanted to get a list started for iPad 2 cases that don't cover the bezel.

I have an STM skinny on the way, but I'm real interested in the Piel Frama iMagnum. It works in conjunction with the Apple smart cover, so cost between the two is up there, but I like the look.
(click on each image for larger version)

img1.jpg


img2.jpg


img3.jpg


img4.jpg
 
Incase Magazine Jacket perhaps?

Yeah, that's on the list, and I like how it looks... But I'm not sure what it's made of (don't think it fits my leather preference), nor do I believe it has the sleep/wake function. *sigh*
 
I was told that Chinao will be releasing a Vaja clone in a few weeks. From what I hear it will meet most if not all of the preferences you listed. No pictures yet that I know of.

Brown Chinao | Black Chinao ?? Doesn't look like they have sleep/wake. Nor do they look like a very good Vaja clone lol

These cases by Macally look pretty decent... don't think they have the sleep/wake function either though =( ... but then again, the description does say the cover snaps shut with "hidden magnet closure"

$(KGrHqMOKjEE17SS4ZU+BNkdp7O,ug~~0_3.JPG


They have this pretty neat Targus-360-like case on their website
SHELLSTAND2_03.jpg
 
Op,
The Macally case does shut with the magnet, however it does NOT put the iPad to sleep :(. Keep the suggestions coming folks! I'm in the same shoes as the Op. Haha.
 
Brown Chinao | Black Chinao ?? Doesn't look like they have sleep/wake. Nor do they look like a very good Vaja clone lol

No, that is not it. Chinao's Vaja clone for iPad 2 hasn't been released yet and there are no pictures available anywhere of it.

Here are some pictures I just took of their Vaja Agenda clone for iPad 1 which I purchased recently. I really like it and I'm hoping the Vaja clone (w/ sleep/wake) they produce for iPad 2 will be just as good.

IMG_3944-1.jpg


IMG_3945-1.jpg


IMG_3947-1.jpg


IMG_3948-1.jpg


IMG_3950-1.jpg
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.