MacAlly Bookstand for iPad: Short Review and *PICS*

[Z3roG33k]

TWO month followup

I'm VERY sorry to report that this case is starting to have problems. Over 50% of the time, I am using the case in the "angled" setup. Unfortunately, this has caused not only the strap to fit loosely (it no longer will hold shut in the "closed" mode), but has also weakened the front flap.

As discussed earlier in this thread, we weren't sure what the cover was made of. I would have to give my .02 and guess that it's cardboard of some sort. It has weakened to the point that I have to hold the edge and sort-of pull the tongue into the loop when I want it in stand mode. The strangest part of all is how tight it seems when using it this way, and how loose when trying to keep the thing closed.

Unfortunately, I have not found another case that is as slim, lightweight, and still had an angled mode for typing.

At this point, I think I'm going to move to the Eco-Vue from Marware. It's a bit bulkier and heavier, but the protection looks much better and has the features I'm looking for. I sure will miss the size of the Bookstand though..... Now, I have to figure out what to do with the bookstand

 

[IrishVixen]

While mine is still holding up after about the same amount of time, it's certainly flimsy. I use it in typing mode 95% of the time. The front cover is prone to bend a bit, but it's still staying securely closed, for what little protection it offers. If I'm leaving the house, the whole thing goes into a padded sleeve that then is put into whatever bag I'm carrying. No way is the MacAlly adequate protection alone, not with it's cardboard construction.

I'm watching for reviews on the new Yoobao Executive and PowerSupport's upcoming case before making any decisions about changing. Both are at least similar to the MacAlly in construction and functionality, but made from leather (or PU leather, which is another option with the Yoobao). I like the "frameless" look of the MacAlly too well to go to a cover-the-bezel style, but I won't give up the typing position either--I use it constantly.

 

[furtive]

3 Month Update

I've had mine for three months now, over which it has been used daily without any additional case, has traveled across North America and has been carried 40km into the backcountry by rucksack and over a 10,000ft mountain pass.

Overall the construction is a bit flimsier than I'd like (cardboard insert, wtf?), everything is holding together well but each time I insert the "leather" tab for keyboard mode I cringe as the cover bends and I wonder if this will be the time it gets a permanent crease. Seams and stitching are all intact but the quality of the edges, where there has been a minute and constant fraying makes for a less polished product.

As for the glue that holds the microfibre material to the larger plastic portion, it seems to release in humidity causing the material to "bubble up", although once dry it contracts and the bubbles completely disappear. How do I know this? I live in a very dry climate in the Rockies, and so never had bubbling issues for a long time, until we got a humid week in July, presto, bubbles appear. Rain spell passes and so do the bubbles. Since then I've gotten it wet (hiking) and the bubbles came back immediately, only to leave once dry. Only in extreme cases are the bubbles visible, but you feel them and you feel that the microfibre detaches from the base.

Having said all of the above I still think this is the best case to suite my needs, and I think it will last me six months, maybe more. If there isn't anything better I might consider buying a second generation one, if they exist and improve on the existing shortcomings.

 

[Peterson8765]

Looks like an OK case, I've heard about problems of the Macally cases meant for the iPad.

 

[emmiedustie]

here sells for 31.99 free shipping only

 

[jeromeplank]

i really liked this case in the beginning, but over time i noticed the same wear and tear issues. it's unfortunate because it's a pretty great looking case. i've switched back over to the official apple case and restarted the search for the "perfect" case.

 

[Loose Cannon]

Hmmmm Macally. Real suede?

Well I was impressed with the MaCally iPad case, however I wanted to see what other iPad cases were out there so I headed to Amazon and Overstock. I did find a impressive assortment of other brands like Otterbox, Incase, Mivizu, Belkin, Speck. I even found some real trendy brands like Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, and Donna Karan and even Issey Miyake. While the assortment is deep and wide, I was still looking for a clean, sophisticated design with an elegant appeal to simplism. After review all the brands, I settled for Mivizu. The have great customer reviews, the product has well design and meaningful layout that serves it’s us and purpose. I found an iPad case that delivered on all my requirements, including delivering a great value against some of the other competing brands. The case was a little too much for me. I do like, but I instead choose something a little more minimalist with clean contours and outlines. The biggest drawback with the MaCally case is price itself. Mivizu has an equally shell with EPI technology and real leather for half the price.

 

[Alizay Mirza]

That looks pretty much handy and cool, I have a black bag for my Pad

 

[patp]

I decided to go for the Macallly bookstand. Found it on Amazon for $25 delivered.

I've been using the switch easy nude case which is really more like a protective shell for the back. I type more on the iPad and needed something that propped it up in the typing position.