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iPad iPad Air Case Roundup

Got my Kavaj Berlin this morning

Okay, so here are my thoughts on this case:

I can totally understand why the reviews on Amazon are so mixed. I received my cognac Berlin this morning and couldn't wait to tear away the black tissue paper it came in (nice touch). Initially, I was super excited with the luxurious smell of real leather and the nice quality of the leather. I couldn't wait to get my iPad Air in its new leather case.

Now is when the mixed feelings start to set in:

Pros:

- nice quality leather
- feels fairly lightweight with a slim look
- stitched all the way around without the rubber coating that always tends to peel off
- decent but snug fit and alignment of the holes
- tight fit of the bezel
- Velcro to secure the iPad in place
- magnets work fine to wake and put to sleep
- nice secure typing mode

Cons:

- the inside fabric is cheap (could have been so much better in the faux microfiber that has the suede feeling) not a deal breaker but could be so much better considering the nice quality outside leather
- the stand position doesn't work - falls over (there is a video that shows how to overcome this so it's a known issue but I haven't watched it yet). This is not a deal breaker for me as I never use the stand mode but could be for others.
- the shutdown button doesn't work in this case. I thought it was just misaligned but no matter what I do I can't make it work in this case. This is a problem for me.

One final quality issue with mine (probably just unlucky) is that the stitching by the speakers is a little bunched up and is coming unraveled.

So with all this said, if I can get a quality replacement, I will be quite satisfied with this case. I will be sending this one back.
 
There's a Video about the shutdown button too. I think it's easily fixed (although why should you have to?).
 
Nhwhazup said:
Okay, so here are my thoughts on this case:

I can totally understand why the reviews on Amazon are so mixed. I received my cognac Berlin this morning and couldn't wait to tear away the black tissue paper it came in (nice touch). Initially, I was super excited with the luxurious smell of real leather and the nice quality of the leather. I couldn't wait to get my iPad Air in its new leather case.

Now is when the mixed feelings start to set in:

Pros:

- nice quality leather
- feels fairly lightweight with a slim look
- stitched all the way around without the rubber coating that always tends to peel off
- decent but snug fit and alignment of the holes
- tight fit of the bezel
- Velcro to secure the iPad in place
- magnets work fine to wake and put to sleep
- nice secure typing mode

Cons:

- the inside fabric is cheap (could have been so much better in the faux microfiber that has the suede feeling) not a deal breaker but could be so much better considering the nice quality outside leather
- the stand position doesn't work - falls over (there is a video that shows how to overcome this so it's a known issue but I haven't watched it yet). This is not a deal breaker for me as I never use the stand mode but could be for others.
- the shutdown button doesn't work in this case. I thought it was just misaligned but no matter what I do I can't make it work in this case. This is a problem for me.

One final quality issue with mine (probably just unlucky) is that the stitching by the speakers is a little bunched up and is coming unraveled.

So with all this said, if I can get a quality replacement, I will be quite satisfied with this case. I will be sending this one back.
Click to expand...

Almost all the issues you have can be fixed. It won't stand up unless you do what the show on their website. Mine was the same, just fell over and I also sent it back because of this. Now it's so stable I can practically type on it and it won't fall over. It's not an 'issue' as such, it's something that you need to do with this case when it's new.

The power button issue also has a fix on their website. You need to flex the new leather a little by taking out iPad and pushing it out with your finger. There is a guide on their site for this too. Mine is now perfect.

To be fair, I normally have no tolerance for this kind if stuff. But given that it's real leather it's to be expected to a degree. I think it's a fair compromise.

Also, I thought the internal was real suede. Seems great to me either way.

But it does sound like you need a replacement for the stitching issue.
 
theautopilot said:
Almost all the issues you have can be fixed. It won't stand up unless you do what the show on their website. Mine was the same, just fell over and I also sent it back because of this. Now it's so stable I can practically type on it and it won't fall over. It's not an 'issue' as such, it's something that you need to do with this case when it's new.

The power button issue also has a fix on their website. You need to flex the new leather a little by taking out iPad and pushing it out with your finger. There is a guide on their site for this too. Mine is now perfect.

To be fair, I normally have no tolerance for this kind if stuff. But given that it's real leather it's to be expected to a degree. I think it's a fair compromise.

Also, I thought the internal was real suede. Seems great to me either way.

But it does sound like you need a replacement for the stitching issue.
Click to expand...

I've been messing with it today and I can be happy with everything about the case with the exception of the stitching. One speaker hole is perfect and it looks like the other one doesn't have enough leather to stitch to - thus the bunching and unraveling of the thread. The thread has been pushed inside the case so I can't see it, but I fear it will eventually come apart. If I can get another case with no defects, I can live without the stand work around. My shutdown button is working now.
 
Has anyone found a basic neoprene sleeve that fits snugly to the air? I've seen loads on eBay and Amazon that claim to be for the air, but when you look at reviews they're for all iPads meaning that it won't be snug for the air.

I had a great one for my ipad 3, a very basic thin neoprene sleeve. It was open at one end but because it was snug it didn't fall out, but at the same time wasn't difficult to pull out. Ideally I'd like something similar, but don't mind if it zips closed or has a flap.

I want it to add as little bulk as possible, and want to be able to remove it from the case easily as I can't stand any cases being on my devices when I'm using them.

So anyone know of something like this out there?
 
mike1111 said:
Looks nice, but April is kind of far in the future (and kickstarter delivery dates tend to slip, especially if the product gets too popular; also they don't seem to have any experience with mass manufacturing in China). By then we might even have an iPad Pro :D
Also I couldn't find any information about the weight. If it's like 300g or more with all the magnets then it's just too heavy for me.
Click to expand...


is just 120g!!!!
 
snerkler said:
Has anyone found a basic neoprene sleeve that fits snugly to the air? I've seen loads on eBay and Amazon that claim to be for the air, but when you look at reviews they're for all iPads meaning that it won't be snug for the air.

I had a great one for my ipad 3, a very basic thin neoprene sleeve. It was open at one end but because it was snug it didn't fall out, but at the same time wasn't difficult to pull out. Ideally I'd like something similar, but don't mind if it zips closed or has a flap.

I want it to add as little bulk as possible, and want to be able to remove it from the case easily as I can't stand any cases being on my devices when I'm using them.

So anyone know of something like this out there?
Click to expand...

This isn't a neoprene sleeve, and it may cost more than you want to spend, but there is a version made specifically for the Air. The nice thing is they make one for the Air only, and another one for the Air plus Smart Cover:

http://www.sfbags.com/products/ipad-cases/slipcase-ipad.php
 
Last edited:
Nhwhazup said:
Okay, so here are my thoughts on this case:

I can totally understand why the reviews on Amazon are so mixed. I received my cognac Berlin this morning and couldn't wait to tear away the black tissue paper it came in (nice touch). Initially, I was super excited with the luxurious smell of real leather and the nice quality of the leather. I couldn't wait to get my iPad Air in its new leather case.

Now is when the mixed feelings start to set in:

Pros:

- nice quality leather
- feels fairly lightweight with a slim look
- stitched all the way around without the rubber coating that always tends to peel off
- decent but snug fit and alignment of the holes
- tight fit of the bezel
- Velcro to secure the iPad in place
- magnets work fine to wake and put to sleep
- nice secure typing mode

Cons:

- the inside fabric is cheap (could have been so much better in the faux microfiber that has the suede feeling) not a deal breaker but could be so much better considering the nice quality outside leather
- the stand position doesn't work - falls over (there is a video that shows how to overcome this so it's a known issue but I haven't watched it yet). This is not a deal breaker for me as I never use the stand mode but could be for others.
- the shutdown button doesn't work in this case. I thought it was just misaligned but no matter what I do I can't make it work in this case. This is a problem for me.

One final quality issue with mine (probably just unlucky) is that the stitching by the speakers is a little bunched up and is coming unraveled.

So with all this said, if I can get a quality replacement, I will be quite satisfied with this case. I will be sending this one back.
Click to expand...

Update: I sent an e-mail to the company and received a quick response with a resolution well beyond my expectations. This company is top notch all the way. If you are interested in this design, I wouldn't hesitate to order from Kavaj.
 
Received this email from Amazon. Any idea what it means?


The following order(s) placed on 2013-10-30 with KAVAJ, will be cancelled if the order is not confirmed as dispatched by 2013-11-29.

ORDER DETAILS

Order ID: 203-5253677-6536344
Merchant name: KAVAJ
Item(s) to ship:
Name: KAVAJ iPad Air leather case cover "Hamburg" for the new Apple iPad Air cognac brown - genuine leathe
Qty: 1 ASIN/ISBN: B00G
 
Medz1 said:
Received this email from Amazon. Any idea what it means?


The following order(s) placed on 2013-10-30 with KAVAJ, will be cancelled if the order is not confirmed as dispatched by 2013-11-29.

ORDER DETAILS

Order ID: 203-5253677-6536344
Merchant name: KAVAJ
Item(s) to ship:
Name: KAVAJ iPad Air leather case cover "Hamburg" for the new Apple iPad Air cognac brown - genuine leathe
Qty: 1 ASIN/ISBN: B00G
Click to expand...

Shoot Kavaj an e-mail.
 
Nhwhazup said:
Shoot Kavaj an e-mail.
Click to expand...

Yeah will do. Maybe this is why!

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1385316694.096979.jpg
 
I just got my WaterField CitySlicker in the iPad Air size. I put my own handle on it. The leather is very high quality and made of two pieces so it is smooth on the inside too. It's not as compact as some but it looks great and provides great protection. It has pockets to carry cords and adapters.
http://www.sfbags.com/products/ipad-cases/cityslicker-ipad.php
1464723_467744890011359_1108177086_n.jpg
 
Last edited:
snerkler said:
Thanks. Looks ok that, nothing special but fits the bill. I might see if I can find one in the UK.
Click to expand...

I have the one for the Ipad 2 and it is a good fit for the Air so there is not much difference between them. Just a 1/4 inch space on each side. I can live with that.
 
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Nhwhazup said:
Okay, so here are my thoughts on this case:

I can totally understand why the reviews on Amazon are so mixed. I received my cognac Berlin this morning and couldn't wait to tear away the black tissue paper it came in (nice touch). Initially, I was super excited with the luxurious smell of real leather and the nice quality of the leather. I couldn't wait to get my iPad Air in its new leather case.

Now is when the mixed feelings start to set in:

Pros:

- nice quality leather
- feels fairly lightweight with a slim look
- stitched all the way around without the rubber coating that always tends to peel off
- decent but snug fit and alignment of the holes
- tight fit of the bezel
- Velcro to secure the iPad in place
- magnets work fine to wake and put to sleep
- nice secure typing mode

Cons:

- the inside fabric is cheap (could have been so much better in the faux microfiber that has the suede feeling) not a deal breaker but could be so much better considering the nice quality outside leather
- the stand position doesn't work - falls over (there is a video that shows how to overcome this so it's a known issue but I haven't watched it yet). This is not a deal breaker for me as I never use the stand mode but could be for others.
- the shutdown button doesn't work in this case. I thought it was just misaligned but no matter what I do I can't make it work in this case. This is a problem for me.

One final quality issue with mine (probably just unlucky) is that the stitching by the speakers is a little bunched up and is coming unraveled.

So with all this said, if I can get a quality replacement, I will be quite satisfied with this case. I will be sending this one back.
Click to expand...

I just got mine and noticed a few of the issues you mention. But some others weren't a problem for me. Here's my pro/con list.

Pros:
- Leather has nice appearance, texture, and scent
- magnet to sleep/wake works fine
- relatively lightweight, especially considering it's leather. Not noticeably heavier than my smart case.
- Typing mode works great. Cover stays tucked into the back flap very well, and the angle is perfect.

Neutral:
- the inside cloth material doesn't seem cheap to me. It isn't microfiber or anything fancy, but it's fine.
- power button and volume buttons work fine for me. Didn't have to break in the leather or anything like some people have.
- cut outs on the back are slightly off-center, but do not cover up what's underneath. Could be better. But works fine.
- stitching on mine looks great. No complaints there.

Cons:
- I can't get the vertical stand mode to work either. I don't really care about this, so I haven't looked into the video they have either. No biggie to me, but could be for others.
- the bezel flaps on the thin sides go right up to the edge of the screen. While they do not cover the screen, they do make swipe gestures more difficult - swipe forward/back, notification center, etc. it can be done, you just have to be careful.
- similarly, the flap on the bottom side goes right up to the edge of the home button. It doesn't really cover it, but can make it slightly more difficult to push.
- the case is a bit thick. Not that bad really, but not as thin as the smart case.
- the leather on the back of the case is not stretched flush over the ipad. There are some slight wrinkles.

Overall, I'm very happy. None of the cons are a very big deal to me, so I'd give it an 8.5/10 rating. I will post pics shortly.

edit:

here's an album of pics. I didn't feel like copy/pasting every image link here, sorry.

http://imgur.com/a/tEld6
 
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