Just received it Sat., early, no less. Will check it out and post a mini-review here with pics.
I can say right off that I wish I would have had it for a Friday one day round trip! I used my Bolt briefcase, and it was larger than I needed for a one day turn around trip. I don't wear suits anymore, so the brown, canvas and leather version worked great for touring. I'd go black Tech Pro if I was "still in the game" for suit wearing
I didn't initially order a strap, thinking I'd use the one from my Bolt. It worked, but I think a thinner strap will be more appropriate for the Tech's smaller size. So I ordered the strap that was listed with the Tech.
I took my Tech Folio Pro to the grocery store, and then to the local brewpub. Pictures first for those that haven't seen it:
Note, the iPad Pro 2018 12.9", Cliff snack bar and the Moshi Power supply are pulled up only to show the pocket size better. The iPad is in an Apple Folio. I have no doubt the Apple iPad Keyboard folio will also fit.
One admission needs to be made. I tried to "cheap out" and use the shoulder strap, with a leather shoulder pad, I had on my Waterfield Bolt briefcase. , the leather should pad just got in the way. I now have on order the suspension strap listed on the Waterfield web site for the Tech Folio.
Pros:
This is a very handy size folio for organizing a myriad of cables, power adapters, dongles to carry along with your iPad. No more hunting around in a backpack/briefcase/messenger bag for all those take along essentials.
The folio is certainly up to the high design and material standards of Waterfield. I've owned several of their products over the years and they are durable and water resistant.
There are several nice features like the easy access front leather zipper compartment. There is a top web handle if you don't want to use a shoulder strap (I do wish the handle was a bit more substantial). Also there are rings for the shoulder strap if you want to carry the folio vertically. The interior is the famous yellow fabric that make things easy to find. Finally the luggage handle carry strap will certainly come in handy for travel.
Cons:
If you want to remove the iPad from the folio, while standing, it can be a bit awkward. The folio really has to be totally unzipped in order to access the iPad compartment.
I did manage to extract the iPad, while hanging from the shoulder strap, with a little practice. But the opening in the horizontal position faces down, not up like messenger bags and backpacks.
Of course the easiest way to retrieve equipment would be to find a table to fully open the folio. As an alternative, I found that with the "spine" of the folio on my lap (while sitting) I could pull things out. So, a table nearby isn't essential for pulling gear out of the folio.
The 2" width of the folio probably isn't going to accommodate many on-ear or over-the-ear headphones. It certainly can't hold my Bowers & Wilkins PX headphones. But that is asking a to much for something that is supposed to compact as compared to other styles of bags. So my simple solution is just to tote my Jabra Elite 65t earbuds along instead of a full headhone headset.
Conclusion:
I really like this folio/bag. I can easily take my iPad as well as personal and tech items in something that is relatively compact.
I still have my Vaja Leather Pouch, Waterfield Bolt Briefcase, and Timbuk2 backpack. The purchase of the Tech Folio Pro is a welcome addition. This folio is going to get a lot of use in my daily routine!
