Still nothing from Adorama. Kinda bummed since I've returned my Smart Cover and Feather case while waiting for Marware to deliver.
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For those interested in the Marware Microshell Folio...
- Thread starter jedolley
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Still nothing from Adorama. Kinda bummed since I've returned my Smart Cover and Feather case while waiting for Marware to deliver.
Adorama and this case was the first one I ordered, and cancelled, due to backorder. Good luck, I've moved on to a iFrogz Summit on its way to me, and a Switch Easy Canvas on back order.
I received this case yesterday and have to say that it is almost perfect. I'd rate it a 9 out of 10. Don't really know what I would change to make it better. Maybe I'd like the front cover to be a bit heavier. But that's very minor. If you want a smart cover but also have back protection, this is the case for you.
I ordered this case and finally put it on yesterday. Yes, the iPad actually snaps into place on the backplate -- and it's actually rather diffucult to remove from backplate.
My only concern is how much drop protection this case offers. The case is very slim and tight fitting. It feels as if it was dropped the iPad would still smash easily, or the case itself would crack and send the iPad hurling out of it.Perhaps someone with more money than me could test this out?
I would say overall I really like this case it's looks really great when its on, the stand settings work well, the cover sleeps/wakes perfectly. If you're not a clumsy person and just want some minor scratch protection I would recommend this case. If you're clumsy and/or want true drop protection I cannot recommend this case.
I just got mine today and CANNOT get my iPad into it! It feels like it is 1 mm too narrow on the widt dimension (when iPad is vertical)...
Kind of annyoned as this is the second Marware case I get...I did not like the Hybrid CEO because the clasps are a bitch to open and close...
Kind of annyoned as this is the second Marware case I get...I did not like the Hybrid CEO because the clasps are a bitch to open and close...
Very interesting thread. I got a Marware case a few days ago, I like it a lot. It fits well and works with the Apple Smart Cover. I don't have a fingerprint problem with it, but I do keep my 'pad really clean generally..
I got this one: The CEO Hybrid
http://www.marware.com/ipad-cases-and-covers/ipad-2-cases
Very affordable.
I got this one: The CEO Hybrid
http://www.marware.com/ipad-cases-and-covers/ipad-2-cases
Very affordable.
rawan - thanks for posting the switcheasy video reviews - did you ever get this case?
Sorry for the late reply. Yes in fact I did get it. I also got the Speck PixelSkin HD Wrap case too. They are both good cases, but there are advantages and disadvantages to both. The switcheasy case offers good protection, but it does add considerable bulk (and a bit of weight) to the ipad. The speck case adds a little less bulk (though adds more weight than I expected). Also, the switcheasy case makes use of the sleep/wake function, the speck case doesnt (though I did stick a piece of magnet to it, so it now does sleep the ipad when the cover closes/wakes is when open). I would have loved if the speck case came with magnets instead of the suction thing it has; it doesnt always close well and you might need to push the closed cover onto the ipad screen for a second or two for it to close (as opposed to a magnet that would just snap shut). Also, when you have the cover folded completely backwards (behind the iPad), it is loose and might be a bit annoying sometimes. Had magnets been incorpororated, I think it would have stuck to the back of the iPad and been more convenient. But that's something minor.
I'm currently using the speck case, just because it adds less bulk to the iPad. The switcheasy case is not at all bad, though. It all goes down to what form factor you prefer and what you want from a case; more protection, less bulk, etc...
I just wish I was able to get ahold of the Marware case before I purchased these two. I think it would have had what the Speck cases misses.
I hope this helps. I know deciding which case to buy might be a pain, so just ask back if you have any questions. I'd be happy to provide any help I can.
Just received my Mareware MicroShell Folio from GleeMobile.com
And I have to say very impressed with this case!
Can see clearly that Mareware has made some minute adjustments to the overall fit of the case which is similar in style to the original MicroShell Apple Smart cover friendly shell that has been redesigned.
I was one of the unlucky ones to get the first round that were way too tight and really could not be used unless one used a great deal of effort to get it on and off and it was simply not worth it, hence the redesign.
This is a little different than a straight shell as it incorporates the Smart cover to the mix attached permanently to the shell. The material on the cover is very high quality has a nice leathery feel to it, not at all like one would imagine, not like the original Apple case either, which was more a runber feel to it.
the Mareware Microshell Folio has very well made inner shell, unlike many others this is completely finished, no rough or sharp edges, smooth as silk, my compliments to Mareware, as most coming from factories are not as well finished.
It is a durable, hard plastic shell built to withstand any reasonable abuse that comes from day to day use.
Overall protection is pretty good, the only susceptible area would be the bottom around the dock connector as noted earlier. However I would note that if your Ipad were to fall on a corner there would in all likelihood not be any damage because of the plastic snap fittings cover that area.
Even though it would really take an unusual dead on vertical drop to do any direct damage to the bottom area, one wonders why Mareware choose to not enclose this area. Its not a deal breaker by any means, just a design curiosity for me.
The Microshell's back has the same very nice rubberized feeling for a good grip and has the two ridges on the back that I to liked on the original Microhell. This was eliminated when they re did the case recently, and this a real plus for this case.
I think the ridges on the back provide an extra level of grip comfort. They also work nicely with the design, and the front cover allowing a few more viewing positions than an ordinary Apple Smart cover would allow.
Most of these positions were noted in an earlier review, except one, which I will include here in addition to a picture with the cover in the closed position.
Opening the front cover from the closed position is easy, and I actually think its easier to open than the Apple Smart cover. Anywhere along the bottom allows you to flip open the the cover in addition to s assertion on the upper right hand corner.
There are no hibernation issues when front cover is folded completely over. It essentially lies flat when open in this position lying against the ridges on the back.
When in the closed position it, the cover lies completely flat against the screens surface, and the unit shuts right off.
Someone asked about the cover staying closed while upside down and the the response was no, I did find it was able to stay closed, see picture, perhaps I have a later model, not sure but it does stay closed.
It is extraordinarily well designed to maintain the Ipads overall dimensions, slim and trim in addition to adding very little additional weight.
Because the dimensions of the shell are such that the fit is extremely exact, but not too tight like the first shell they produced, this one snaps into place with a just modest amount of effort as opposed to a struggle with the first.
The shell is form fitting to the Ipad and I mean exactly, so if you have a skin on the back of your Ipad you may have to remove it.
Any additional thickness makes getting this shell on a little difficult. If your one who likes to change cases every so often utilizing this one, and depending on the skin your using this may be something to consider.
I found using the Wrapsol, which is a thicker protective skin difficult to use, so just a heads up on that.
I find handling the Ipad in the Mareware MicorShell Folio case a very pleasant experience, not cumbersome like some cases. It's really almost like using your Ipad with out a case on.
As I said it allows the Ipad to be the Ipad in its original dimensions and form factor without taking anything away from it, or adding any thing to it which to me is one of the beauties of using the new Ipad, especially over the long run.
Another thing I really like about Mareware is that it is a company that takes the the environmental issue very seriously, noting in a large section on the box that they donate 2% of their annual profits to local and global charities to preserve ecology and help communities in distress. They call it "Starting a wave of responsibility"!
As an environmentalist, I can certainly get behind any company that places an emphasis on producing environmentally-sensible products which is what Mareware seems to be doing. I don't know many other companies that have adopted this manufcaturing and philanthropic philosophy but I think that should be a consideration when making a decision on their products and worth noting in any write up of them!
The case is on the expensive side direct from Mareware but GleeMobile.com has it for much less so I would recommend heading over there if your interested in picking up one, and they ship for free as well!
And I have to say very impressed with this case!
Can see clearly that Mareware has made some minute adjustments to the overall fit of the case which is similar in style to the original MicroShell Apple Smart cover friendly shell that has been redesigned.
I was one of the unlucky ones to get the first round that were way too tight and really could not be used unless one used a great deal of effort to get it on and off and it was simply not worth it, hence the redesign.
This is a little different than a straight shell as it incorporates the Smart cover to the mix attached permanently to the shell. The material on the cover is very high quality has a nice leathery feel to it, not at all like one would imagine, not like the original Apple case either, which was more a runber feel to it.
the Mareware Microshell Folio has very well made inner shell, unlike many others this is completely finished, no rough or sharp edges, smooth as silk, my compliments to Mareware, as most coming from factories are not as well finished.
It is a durable, hard plastic shell built to withstand any reasonable abuse that comes from day to day use.
Overall protection is pretty good, the only susceptible area would be the bottom around the dock connector as noted earlier. However I would note that if your Ipad were to fall on a corner there would in all likelihood not be any damage because of the plastic snap fittings cover that area.
Even though it would really take an unusual dead on vertical drop to do any direct damage to the bottom area, one wonders why Mareware choose to not enclose this area. Its not a deal breaker by any means, just a design curiosity for me.
The Microshell's back has the same very nice rubberized feeling for a good grip and has the two ridges on the back that I to liked on the original Microhell. This was eliminated when they re did the case recently, and this a real plus for this case.
I think the ridges on the back provide an extra level of grip comfort. They also work nicely with the design, and the front cover allowing a few more viewing positions than an ordinary Apple Smart cover would allow.
Most of these positions were noted in an earlier review, except one, which I will include here in addition to a picture with the cover in the closed position.
Opening the front cover from the closed position is easy, and I actually think its easier to open than the Apple Smart cover. Anywhere along the bottom allows you to flip open the the cover in addition to s assertion on the upper right hand corner.
There are no hibernation issues when front cover is folded completely over. It essentially lies flat when open in this position lying against the ridges on the back.
When in the closed position it, the cover lies completely flat against the screens surface, and the unit shuts right off.
Someone asked about the cover staying closed while upside down and the the response was no, I did find it was able to stay closed, see picture, perhaps I have a later model, not sure but it does stay closed.
It is extraordinarily well designed to maintain the Ipads overall dimensions, slim and trim in addition to adding very little additional weight.
Because the dimensions of the shell are such that the fit is extremely exact, but not too tight like the first shell they produced, this one snaps into place with a just modest amount of effort as opposed to a struggle with the first.
The shell is form fitting to the Ipad and I mean exactly, so if you have a skin on the back of your Ipad you may have to remove it.
Any additional thickness makes getting this shell on a little difficult. If your one who likes to change cases every so often utilizing this one, and depending on the skin your using this may be something to consider.
I found using the Wrapsol, which is a thicker protective skin difficult to use, so just a heads up on that.
I find handling the Ipad in the Mareware MicorShell Folio case a very pleasant experience, not cumbersome like some cases. It's really almost like using your Ipad with out a case on.
As I said it allows the Ipad to be the Ipad in its original dimensions and form factor without taking anything away from it, or adding any thing to it which to me is one of the beauties of using the new Ipad, especially over the long run.
Another thing I really like about Mareware is that it is a company that takes the the environmental issue very seriously, noting in a large section on the box that they donate 2% of their annual profits to local and global charities to preserve ecology and help communities in distress. They call it "Starting a wave of responsibility"!
As an environmentalist, I can certainly get behind any company that places an emphasis on producing environmentally-sensible products which is what Mareware seems to be doing. I don't know many other companies that have adopted this manufcaturing and philanthropic philosophy but I think that should be a consideration when making a decision on their products and worth noting in any write up of them!
The case is on the expensive side direct from Mareware but GleeMobile.com has it for much less so I would recommend heading over there if your interested in picking up one, and they ship for free as well!
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Amazon now has these in stock for around $42 with free shipping and available for Prime if you have it.
Received my shipment notification from Adorama Thursday. Expected delivery is Wednesday. Ordered on 3/28.
Microshell Folio vs. Speck PixelSkin HD
I just got this case today and I was debating whether or not I should just return it and keep the Speck PixelSkin HD that I have been using. I got the Microshell folio for $38 all in from Adorama and the Speck was $42 from Target. So I think I have the option of returning either one.
I like the Speck one fine, but as somone on here said, it does seem heavy and doesn't have the magnets. I generally like marware products when I can get them though, and I think this case looks sleeker.
What would you do if you were me?
I just got this case today and I was debating whether or not I should just return it and keep the Speck PixelSkin HD that I have been using. I got the Microshell folio for $38 all in from Adorama and the Speck was $42 from Target. So I think I have the option of returning either one.
I like the Speck one fine, but as somone on here said, it does seem heavy and doesn't have the magnets. I generally like marware products when I can get them though, and I think this case looks sleeker.
What would you do if you were me?
Interior of front cover?
Hi all,
I finally received my cover from Adorama. I must say I was a bit underwhelmed when I took the cover out of the box. It has a flimsy/cheap feel to it and does not feel very sturdy.
Once on my iPad it feels a bit better but I have a question about the interior of the front cover... The Apple Smart Cover I have has a very soft, cloth-like interior however the Marware Folio has a rubbery interior.
If you look at the pictures of the Folio on the Marware website it looks like there should be a cloth-like interior.
Link to image
Can another owner comment on whether theirs has a cloth-like interior on the cover or a rubber interior?
Hi all,
I finally received my cover from Adorama. I must say I was a bit underwhelmed when I took the cover out of the box. It has a flimsy/cheap feel to it and does not feel very sturdy.
Once on my iPad it feels a bit better but I have a question about the interior of the front cover... The Apple Smart Cover I have has a very soft, cloth-like interior however the Marware Folio has a rubbery interior.
If you look at the pictures of the Folio on the Marware website it looks like there should be a cloth-like interior.
Link to image
Can another owner comment on whether theirs has a cloth-like interior on the cover or a rubber interior?
Mine is exactly like yours, thats the way it is supposed to be. imactually like this better than the Apple smart cover because I found that "microfiber" BS was just leaving faint marks on the screen that I was constantly wiping off. Thins one leaves none of that type of residue what so ever.
like this case very much and have been using it as my go to case lately!
For those who have the Marware case, a curiosity question; how does it fold to use as a stand? From the pictures I've seen, it doesn't seem that it folds like the smartcover does (fold backwards to form a triangle). And is the cover magnetic? (when you fold back as a stand or when you close the flap onto the ipad screen)
Mine has that same rubbery vinylish cover on the interior. As far as folding there are a few ways to do it. Although it's supposed to rest along the ridges in the back it doesn't quite stay unless it's on a flat surface.
I think I like the case though. It's very sleek. I'm a bit worried about the bottom being scratched but I think between this and my travel sleeve it should be fine.
I think I will stick with this one over the speck pixel skin. I would appreciate anyone's thoughts on comparing them though. Thanks.
I think I like the case though. It's very sleek. I'm a bit worried about the bottom being scratched but I think between this and my travel sleeve it should be fine.
I think I will stick with this one over the speck pixel skin. I would appreciate anyone's thoughts on comparing them though. Thanks.
Does the cover stay closed when you flip it over, or does it open like the Yoobao/Chinao cases do?
This is the one question thats stopping me from buying it. If the magnets are as strong as the ones in the smart cover then the lid should stay shut even if you flip the case over.
Can someone who has this case please answer this question? Thank you!
This is the one question thats stopping me from buying it. If the magnets are as strong as the ones in the smart cover then the lid should stay shut even if you flip the case over.
Can someone who has this case please answer this question? Thank you!
I have the Marware Microshell Folio and agree that it is a great case....but....
Does anyone have any tips on how to remove the thing??
I have tried but it seems impossible!
Does anyone have any tips on how to remove the thing??
I have tried but it seems impossible!