I picked up a inexpensive case from Amazon for my new 12.9 gen2 and one for my wife’s new 10.5. The brand is Valkit. Was not sure about the quality before I ordered, but received them today. For the price, we think they are really good. They have different colors available.
The 12.9 version
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073WPXFPZ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The 10.5 version
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06X9JB293/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I would have gone with the Fintie 10.5 or IVAPO 10.5 version because it keeps the apple pencil protected inside the case along the spine. For the 12.9 version, unfortunately, I haven't found anything (*sort of, but depends*) on the cheap to house the pencil on the inside of the case. Scroll down to see the 12.9 options.
IVAPO 10.5 case with apple pencil holder
https://www.amazon.com/iVAPO-Built-Function-Viewing-Leather/dp/B073W9PSX8/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1509488420&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=ivapo+10.5&th=1
Fintie 10.5 case with apple pencil holder
https://www.amazon.com/Fintie-Built...sr=8-14&keywords=ipad+10.5+pencil+holder+case
i just ordered a new Pro and i have a apple blutooth keyboard for when i need one so i didnt want a keyboard case i like that this holds the Pen securely
The intrusive placement of the pen holder would drive me mad.
Yeah, me too. I'd much rather just store it in a pocket inside my bag like I do.
Having scoured the web all over for a case for maybe three weeks that will safely house the apple pencil on the inside of the case (because I didn't like the aesthetics of having the pencil exposed to external environmental factors), the only ones that fit what I wanted were the following:
Dedicated pencil compartment inside the case:
STM Atlas, STM Dux, Speck Stylefolio
(the STM Dux probably has the best drop protection within this category)
(however, none will accommodate a pencil using a pencil grip)
Protected Pencil holder using a loop mechanism on the interior:
Sketchbook, Valkit, Skech
(both Valkit and Skech has the added advantage of a protective flap for ipad's camera lens)
(But do realize with any loop stretchy nylon mechanism, the loop may eventually stretch out, leaving your pencil vulnerable. A pencil clip may or may not help).
Something else
Zugu Cases (external pencil holder)
Maybe something to consider if you want a case that will allow the use of the apple pencil wrapped with a gripper.
DIY Pencil Holder
(easy, simple): I like the first video's demonstration better for its aesthetic and function.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niZsm-Qa8Y0
STM Atlas with a dedicated pencil compartment (inside case). They do have a 2017 version that accommodates the camera flash. Pricey @ $70
https://www.amazon.com/STM-Atlas-Sl...UTF8&qid=1509486375&sr=8-7&keywords=STM+atlas
STM Atlas Youtube Review ( I don't understand anything spoken, so by default it was simply a visual review to me)
STM Dux with a dedicated pencil compartment (inside case) Pricey @ $70
Aesthetically, I don't like this one because of the clear back. But I do like the magnetic flap that keeps the cover in place. Please note: Some amazon reviews say the pencil might slide back and forth in the housing slot, and that could put a drain on the pencil's battery. Or you could simply add some type of felt material to keep it from sliding.
STM Dux brief demonstration
The following is the Dux for the Ipad Air, but it's essentially the same design. This has a more in depth review. Please be aware that the stand function is limited to one viewing angle and one typing position. One thing to be concerned about with the stand function (check out the amazon reviews) is that it uses two mechanism for stability: (1) Magnetic hold (2) Physical wedge hold. The front flap wedges between two notches at the back of the case, and over time that could cause permanent groove marks to the front flap, and ultimately may or may not lose its intended stand function.
Speck Stylefolio (2015 version only) with a dedicated pencil compartment (inside case) @ $20 - $35
However the camera cut out will not accommodate the new flash. There isn't one available for the 2017 version unfortunately.
https://www.amazon.com/Speck-Produc...d=1509487008&sr=8-4&keywords=speck+stylefolio
Speck Stylefolio Youtube Review - As far as the mentioned negatives, check out other reviews because experiences differs between owners.
Sketchbook 12.9 Ipad with pencil holder (inside case) using pencil loop @ $40
Youtube video demonstration.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsSB-kRZlsE
Valkit 12.9 Folio with pencil holder (inside case) using pencil loop @$23
(Camera cut out according to the website accommodates the 2017 version, but customer image shows 2015 version, however, question and answer section, it supposedly was confirmed that it will accommodate the 2017 12.9 ipad)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GE0O5UK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A12SV1U9ZXOAY&psc=1
Valkit Fakespot review grade: 81% low quality amazon reviews (Amazon reviews are shakey. Can no longer really trust "verified purchased" reviews either.)
https://www.fakespot.com/product/ip...or-apple-ipad-pro-12-9-inch-accessories-black
Skech 12.9 Folio with pencil holder (inside case) using pencil loop @$40 (Camera cut out only accommodates the 2015 12.9 version... don't know if there's a 2017 version because online pictures are limited, I have not come across any reviews for this product).
http://www.abt.com/product/106027/S...tective-Case-For-12.9-iPad-Pro-SK49JNBLK.html
https://skechit.com/product/SK49-JN-BLK
Skech 12.9 Walmart $39.99, sold directly by Walmart so return process would be much easier than any other vendor.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Skech-Jo...encil-Holder-for-Apple-iPad-Pro-12-9/55325394
Incipio 12.9 (2017) @ ~ $10-$15 THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE A PENCIL HOLDER. I am only mentioning this particular case if you want a case cover that will protect the camera lens. You can find this on ebay at around $10 dollars or less, but please pay attention to the model year. They have both 2015 and 2017 versions. The 2017 version will accommodate the camera flash.
https://www.amazon.com/Incipio-Fara...8&qid=1509486963&sr=8-6&keywords=incipio+12.9
Zugu Prodigy @ $70 Pencil holder on the outside of the case, but still better protected than many other cases. They have a new version coming out this month.
https://www.amazon.com/ZUGU-CASE-Pr...9489210&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=zugu+case&psc=1
Zugu Case @ $45-$50 Has a zipper slot or a pencil loop affix to the side
https://www.amazon.com/ZUGU-CASE-Ge...UTF8&qid=1509489841&sr=8-8&keywords=zugu+case