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mopppish

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Nov 27, 2005
356
1
Hi.
Normally, I wouldn't bother sharing something like this, but I've got to say, I'm pretty proud of my work.
I received a Treegloo case last month and, while satisfied overall, thought it could use a couple of improvements.
First was the problem with almost all of these notebook style cases in that, because they are so thin (relatively speaking), the angle provided by folding the cover back and laying it on a flat surface is not really enough to help with typing.
Secondly, while I was at it, I figured I would improve the stability of the latch system as well. All of the notebook style cases offer an elastic band as standard, with some offering magnetic or other latch styles as optional upgrades. I got my Treegloo with the standard elastic and, like many of these style cases, the slight tolerances of the cover cause the lid to slip back and forth, making the smart magnetic sleep/wake sensor erratic.
So, I reinforced the lid with magnets that would line up with the magnets in the ipad's right side, and also devised a way to include a flap on the inside cover that can flip around to prop up one side of the ipad for typing. The flap is also magnetic, so it sticks itself to the lid on the inside when not in use.
Overall, I'm much happier with the case now. It stays closed SO much better, it's much easier to type on, and the added flap and magnets don't hinder the original functionality of the case in any appreciable way.
The only things I'm disappointed with are my own assembly errors. :eek:
The glue got a little messy (I used gorilla glue, which is strong as hell but expands as it dries, sometimes in unexpected ways). The only place this was really a problem is behind the lid magnets that hold the flap in place. You can clearly see this in the pictures and it's ugly, but hidden from sight about 95% of the time. The other error was that I made the flap slightly too taut. It still works fine and has to be at least somewhat taut to function correctly, but I'm a little worried that repeated use will either stretch a small tear into the suede or pull some of the glue spots loose. The suede seems pretty stretchy though, so it will probably just loosen itself up over time.
The best part? It cost about $10 and 1 visit to a craft store.
1 pack of 6 super strong magnets= $4
1 pack of standard, self adhesive little magnetic dots= $3
1 strip of scrap soft suede= $3
Enjoy the pics!
 

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Genius!

What a brilliant design concept! I just love how well thought out the use of magnets is, especially combined with that flap that should have been part of the case to begin with. What keeps the flap rigid when you have the case in the typing position- Icannot tell from the pictures.
 
Thanks! There's a credit-card sized plastic card inside the suede that adds the necessary rigidity to the flap.
 
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