Portenzo Case Review

[Themanmbh]

I received a Portenzo black leather Alano iPad case on Tuesday (11/9/2010). The cover is a single sheet of 4mm to 5mm thick black leather. It is smooth to the touch.

The iPad, once inserted into the new style bamboo frame looks like it is wrapped in a thin picture frame. The pads that grip the iPad are hidden. The fit is tight. There is no chance that the iPad will come out of this thing unless I pry it out. The fit and finish of the case is exquisite. I highly recommend it.

My black Piel Frama iPad case and my Apple iPad case have been relegated to a draw in my desk.

Michael

 

[ksmith80209]

I've got both the DODOcase and the Portenzo (non-stylus version), so here's a quick overview of the two...

The Portenzo is very slightly wider — maybe a 1/10 of an inch — wider than the DODOcase. Personally I can't tell much difference in the weight between the two. When I spoke to Darin at Portenzo prior to buying the case, he mentioned that the stylus version is about 1/8 inch wider than the non-stylus version with the weight difference being negligible.

As for the DODOcase quality... I really liked the DODOcase, but had a few issues. First, although I fixed the peeling rubber corner issue with some superglue, it came back a few times and the slight exposed adhesive from the peeling attracted "gunk" which — being a bit of a perfectionist — drove me crazy. Second, on the inside of the DODOCase where the bottom "hinge" closest to the bamboo frame is located, the liner seemed to separate from the case just a bit. Combined with noticeable wearing/thinning of the hinge itself, I was concerned about the durability of the DODcase. By the way, I'm super-careful with my iPad/case so I highly doubt than any of this is "abuse-related." Finally, the cover on the DODOcase doesn't fold back completely. When folded, you still have a approx. 1/2 inch thich "spine" which may bother some people. It wasn't much of an issue for me, but your experience may differ.

On the Portenzo, the first thing I noticed was that it felt really well made. No peeling, obvious attention to detail from the smooth bamboo finishing to the mitred edges to the system to hold the pad in place. All very nice. In fact, I held the two cases next to each other to compare and noticed — which I hadn't before — that many of the bevels/cutouts on the DODOcase weren't even and were a bit ragged looking. Not so on the Portenzo. Again, you might not (I didn't) notice this on the DODOcase unless directly comparing or looking for it, but it's quite noticeable side-by-side. The liner of the Portenzo also seems to be very well-bonded to the case itself — I have no worries about it separating as I noticed on the DODO. Additionally, the cover on the Portenzo folds flat against the back when open vs. the DODO which has that 1/2 spine width. I'm not sure how I feel about this as the result is that when in "typing mode" (i.e. folded into a triangular shape to prop it up) the DODOcase is more stable than the Portenzo.

To summarize, although l like both cases I personally will be sticking with the Portenzo. To me it feels more polished, has more attention to detail, and feels a bit more durable.

 

[JonMPLS]

I've got both the DODOcase and the Portenzo (non-stylus version), so here's a quick overview of the two...

The Portenzo is very slightly wider — maybe a 1/10 of an inch — wider than the DODOcase. Personally I can't tell much difference in the weight between the two. When I spoke to Darin at Portenzo prior to buying the case, he mentioned that the stylus version is about 1/8 inch wider than the non-stylus version with the weight difference being negligible.

As for the DODOcase quality... I really liked the DODOcase, but had a few issues. First, although I fixed the peeling rubber corner issue with some superglue, it came back a few times and the slight exposed adhesive from the peeling attracted "gunk" which — being a bit of a perfectionist — drove me crazy. Second, on the inside of the DODOCase where the bottom "hinge" closest to the bamboo frame is located, the liner seemed to separate from the case just a bit. Combined with noticeable wearing/thinning of the hinge itself, I was concerned about the durability of the DODcase. By the way, I'm super-careful with my iPad/case so I highly doubt than any of this is "abuse-related." Finally, the cover on the DODOcase doesn't fold back completely. When folded, you still have a approx. 1/2 inch thich "spine" which may bother some people. It wasn't much of an issue for me, but your experience may differ.

On the Portenzo, the first thing I noticed was that it felt really well made. No peeling, obvious attention to detail from the smooth bamboo finishing to the mitred edges to the system to hold the pad in place. All very nice. In fact, I held the two cases next to each other to compare and noticed — which I hadn't before — that many of the bevels/cutouts on the DODOcase weren't even and were a bit ragged looking. Not so on the Portenzo. Again, you might not (I didn't) notice this on the DODOcase unless directly comparing or looking for it, but it's quite noticeable side-by-side. The liner of the Portenzo also seems to be very well-bonded to the case itself — I have no worries about it separating as I noticed on the DODO. Additionally, the cover on the Portenzo folds flat against the back when open vs. the DODO which has that 1/2 spine width. I'm not sure how I feel about this as the result is that when in "typing mode" (i.e. folded into a triangular shape to prop it up) the DODOcase is more stable than the Portenzo.

To summarize, although l like both cases I personally will be sticking with the Portenzo. To me it feels more polished, has more attention to detail, and feels a bit more durable.

Thanks very much for your detailed comparison! It is interesting that the Portenzo folds back flat. I have a Dodocase, but prefer cases that fold back flat. Just one question--is the overall case much thicker than the Dodocase? I can't tell from the photos I have seen. Thanks!

(PS: Superglue cyanoacrylate is pretty thin. . . try some polyurethane (one brand is called "GOOP") for your Dodocase corners )

 

[zhenya]

Zhenya-

Please post back after a couple of weeks and let us know if the corner pads are staying down. My experience is that new corner pads begin to peel up after about 4 days - the pressure that holds the ipad securely in the Dodo pulls the pads downward, and the part of the pad on top of the case eventually pops up.

Now, if they've fixed that problem with a better adhesive or a better design, I definitely want to know. I stopped using my Dodo when I got my Portenzo case, which I love, but I'd love to have the Dodo replaced if they've fixed this defect in the design.

Thanks!

Sure. While the revision I have holds the iPad quite securely, I can definitely see that the pads would probably not hold up over time if you remove the iPad frequently. I wouldn't expect to be doing that myself. One possible advantage of the Dodocase design is that the cover tends to rest on the rubber pads, rather than directly on the glass.

I've got both the DODOcase and the Portenzo (non-stylus version), so here's a quick overview of the two...

The Portenzo is very slightly wider — maybe a 1/10 of an inch — wider than the DODOcase. Personally I can't tell much difference in the weight between the two. When I spoke to Darin at Portenzo prior to buying the case, he mentioned that the stylus version is about 1/8 inch wider than the non-stylus version with the weight difference being negligible.

As for the DODOcase quality... I really liked the DODOcase, but had a few issues. First, although I fixed the peeling rubber corner issue with some superglue, it came back a few times and the slight exposed adhesive from the peeling attracted "gunk" which — being a bit of a perfectionist — drove me crazy. Second, on the inside of the DODOCase where the bottom "hinge" closest to the bamboo frame is located, the liner seemed to separate from the case just a bit. Combined with noticeable wearing/thinning of the hinge itself, I was concerned about the durability of the DODcase. By the way, I'm super-careful with my iPad/case so I highly doubt than any of this is "abuse-related." Finally, the cover on the DODOcase doesn't fold back completely. When folded, you still have a approx. 1/2 inch thich "spine" which may bother some people. It wasn't much of an issue for me, but your experience may differ.

On the Portenzo, the first thing I noticed was that it felt really well made. No peeling, obvious attention to detail from the smooth bamboo finishing to the mitred edges to the system to hold the pad in place. All very nice. In fact, I held the two cases next to each other to compare and noticed — which I hadn't before — that many of the bevels/cutouts on the DODOcase weren't even and were a bit ragged looking. Not so on the Portenzo. Again, you might not (I didn't) notice this on the DODOcase unless directly comparing or looking for it, but it's quite noticeable side-by-side. The liner of the Portenzo also seems to be very well-bonded to the case itself — I have no worries about it separating as I noticed on the DODO. Additionally, the cover on the Portenzo folds flat against the back when open vs. the DODO which has that 1/2 spine width. I'm not sure how I feel about this as the result is that when in "typing mode" (i.e. folded into a triangular shape to prop it up) the DODOcase is more stable than the Portenzo.

To summarize, although l like both cases I personally will be sticking with the Portenzo. To me it feels more polished, has more attention to detail, and feels a bit more durable.

Thanks! I really like the fact that the Portenzo can fold back flat - that has taken some getting used to coming from the Apple case. I would also be interested in knowing how thick it is at the spine edge while closed - if you could measure both the Portenzo and the Dodocase, that'd be great!

 

[ksmith80209]

I really like the fact that the Portenzo can fold back flat - that has taken some getting used to coming from the Apple case. I would also be interested in knowing how thick it is at the spine edge while closed - if you could measure both the Portenzo and the Dodocase, that'd be great!

The DODOcase is about 1/2 inch thick with the case folded back on the one side while the Portenzo is the thickness of the cover times 2 — I'd guess about an 1/8 of an inch at most — across the whole case. If you want to be able to place the case in portrait mode flat on a table - the Portenzo is the way to go.

edit: When closed, the Portenzo is *very slightly* thicker than the DODO. I think this is due to the slightly thicker construction of the cover on the Portenzo (which I like).

 

[ksmith80209]

Superglue cyanoacrylate is pretty thin. . . try some polyurethane (one brand is called "GOOP") for your Dodocase corners )

Good idea. I finally got the superglue (gel variety) to work — the problem now is the residual adhesive from the original application by the factory picking up grime.

 

[Sterne]

Try isopropyl alcohol and fine grained sandpaper.

 

[TKEik683]

Any pictures of the Portenzo Alano? Thats the one im really interested in ordering, but there are so few pictures out there!

Im sure when they start officially offering it there will be more info out there, but I dont wanna wait =p

D

 

[Sterne]

I have a few pics of a tan Alano up on Portenzo's Facebook page.

 

[PacMookBro]

I received a Portenzo black leather Alano iPad case on Tuesday (11/9/2010). The cover is a single sheet of 4mm to 5mm thick black leather. It is smooth to the touch.

The iPad, once inserted into the new style bamboo frame looks like it is wrapped in a thin picture frame. The pads that grip the iPad are hidden. The fit is tight. There is no chance that the iPad will come out of this thing unless I pry it out. The fit and finish of the case is exquisite. I highly recommend it.

My black Piel Frama iPad case and my Apple iPad case have been relegated to a draw in my desk.

Michael

How much was the Portenzo Alano case? Does it still work as two-way (for typing and movie-watching) stand? Any photos would help us, those interested. It looks awesome on the Facebook. Thanks!

 

[TKEik683]

I saw those Sterne, they look great! Those were the pictures I was thinking of when I made the post.

Looking for the black or possibly a dark brown leather.

Thanks!

 

[PacMookBro]

I didn't realize the photo posted by Sterne was of Alano. Looks nice and simple. Can it stand for movie viewing angle? One-piece leather seems too flexible for holding up an iPad.

 

[Themanmbh]

How much was the Portenzo Alano case? Does it still work as two-way (for typing and movie-watching) stand? Any photos would help us, those interested. It looks awesome on the Facebook. Thanks!

I am one of the people who rests my iPad on my lap most of the time. For me this Alano is great. It works for me at home (watching movies and surfing the net) and is stately in the workplace (taking notes in meetings).

To answer your questions...
Cost - $89
Movie watching stand - depends on the surface
Typing stand - good
Would I purchase another one? - Yes, I'd like a brown case
The leather - it is very very thick. Thicker than the thickest leather belt that I've ever owned. It is significantly thicker than the leather in my old Coach Beekman briefcase. Flexible or thin are not words that I would use to describe this case.

Like I said before, my black leather Piel Frama is now sitting unused. Same thing for the Apple case.

Michael

 

[Themanmbh]

I didn't realize the photo posted by Sterne was of Alano. Looks nice and simple. Can it stand for movie viewing angle? One-piece leather seems too flexible for holding up an iPad.

The Alano in tan leather on Facebook has the old frame. The frame on the Alano that I have has hidden rubber tabs and the bamboo frame is flush to the Ipad once it is inserted into the case. On the Portenzo Facebook page, the espresso and green interior case shows the new frame.

The black leather is very thick and smooth to the touch.. Flexible is not a word that I would use to describe it.

On a smooth table the case is not good as a movie stand (for obvious reasons). On a not so smooth surface, it can serve as a movie stand.

Michael

 

[Sterne]

The Alano in tan leather on Facebook has the old frame. The frame on the Alano that I have has hidden rubber tabs and the bamboo frame is flush to the Ipad once it is inserted into the case. On the Portenzo Facebook page, the espresso and green interior case shows the new frame.

The black leather is very thick and smooth to the touch.. Flexible is not a word that I would use to describe it.

On a smooth table the case is not good as a movie stand (for obvious reasons). On a not so smooth surface, it can serve as a movie stand.

Michael

Good point! I had not realized that the frame had been redesigned until I read your post and checked those pictures on Facebook - the rubber corners are better hidden. I think it's impressive that in just a couple of weeks, Darin has continued to improve the design - not because the owner base is complaining, but because he sees a better way.

 

[Sterne]

The Alano in tan leather on Facebook has the old frame. The frame on the Alano that I have has hidden rubber tabs and the bamboo frame is flush to the Ipad once it is inserted into the case. On the Portenzo Facebook page, the espresso and green interior case shows the new frame.

The black leather is very thick and smooth to the touch.. Flexible is not a word that I would use to describe it.

On a smooth table the case is not good as a movie stand (for obvious reasons). On a not so smooth surface, it can serve as a movie stand.

Michael

I'm about to post pictures of the Alano in "Movie Mode" on the Portenzo Facebook page - they'll be up momentarily. The case hold this position quite well.

 

[Themanmbh]

Good point! I had not realized that the frame had been redesigned until I read your post and checked those pictures on Facebook - the rubber corners are better hidden. I think it's impressive that in just a couple of weeks, Darin has continued to improve the design - not because the owner base is complaining, but because he sees a better way.

I agree with you. Darin is ahead of the curve with his product revisions. He his separating himself from other manufacturers that produce this type of iPad case.

Michael

 

[PacMookBro]

The Alano in tan leather on Facebook has the old frame. The frame on the Alano that I have has hidden rubber tabs and the bamboo frame is flush to the Ipad once it is inserted into the case. On the Portenzo Facebook page, the espresso and green interior case shows the new frame.

The black leather is very thick and smooth to the touch.. Flexible is not a word that I would use to describe it.

On a smooth table the case is not good as a movie stand (for obvious reasons). On a not so smooth surface, it can serve as a movie stand.

Michael

Wow the newly revised bamboo frame is high-end. Thanks for the photos on facebook. Kudos to the Portenzo team. They already nailed down the rubber corners and, now the hidden pads! They really do devote themselves to improving the product. He sure is ahead of the curve. My naked iPad might get this Alano coat for this winter! Thank you, Themanmbh and Stern for the quick review. Now... Black or tan... Both look subtle and gorgeous.

 

[Sterne]

Wow the newly revised bamboo frame is high-end. Thanks for the photos on facebook. Kudos to the Portenzo team. They already nailed down the rubber corners and, now the hidden pads! They really do devote themselves to improving the product. He sure is ahead of the curve. My naked iPad might get this Alano coat for this winter! Thank you, Themanmbh and Stern for the quick review. Now... Black or tan... Both look subtle and gorgeous.

I bought a black one and a tan one - the black is more impressive out of the box, but I love using the tan one and seeing it darken and get more beautiful as I use it.

You can't lose with either color. I have a stack of lesser cases - PD Air, Yoobao Slim, Marware, Dodo - but my case buying habit may be cured; the Alano is that much better.

 

[Wildgift]

I just replaced my dodocase with a portenzo and I am never looking back. The portenzo looks great and I'm thrilled with how securely it grips. The dodocase let my iPad hit me in the face too many times and was fraying at the spine.

 

[PacMookBro]

I bought a black one and a tan one - the black is more impressive out of the box, but I love using the tan one and seeing it darken and get more beautiful as I use it.

You can't lose with either color. I have a stack of lesser cases - PD Air, Yoobao Slim, Marware, Dodo - but my case buying habit may be cured; the Alano is that much better.

I think I'll go with tan for unique look over time. Does the texture of leather seem to absorb moisture (i.e. sweat or tea) easily? Is it easy to clean? Not that I don't like to get it stained and scratched. I am expecting obvious natural wear and tear on light-colored tan.

The dodocase let my iPad hit me in the face too many times and was fraying at the spine.

That's called "DODO-slap." In order for DODO to be qualified as a case, not a bird, it should stop slapping anyone's face.

 

[Themanmbh]

I think I'll go with tan for unique look over time. Does the texture of leather seem to absorb moisture (i.e. sweat or tea) easily? Is it easy to clean? Not that I don't like to get it stained and scratched. I am expecting obvious natural wear and tear on light-colored tan.

The exterior of the Portenzo Alano is smooth and very easy to wipe clean. The interior is textured but can still be wiped clean. I have the black version so sweat or grease on my hands doesn't really show up on the case. I would think that the tan version would age and darken very nicely with use.

Michael

 

[PacMookBro]

The exterior of the Portenzo Alano is smooth and very easy to wipe clean. The interior is textured but can still be wiped clean. I have the black version so sweat or grease on my hands doesn't really show up on the case. I would think that the tan version would age and darken very nicely with use.

Michael

Thanks Michael for the quick response. The black one looks nice too. It would always look chic and cannot go wrong in professional setting. Can't decide yet.

Just another question... Does it fold back flat, or comfortably, for iBooks reading?

 

[Themanmbh]

Thanks Michael for the quick response. The black one looks nice too. It would always look chic and cannot go wrong in professional setting. Can't decide yet.

Just another question... Does it fold back flat, or comfortably, for iBooks reading?

It does not fold back flat because of the thickness of the leather. However, (refer to Sterne's picture of the Alano in the typing position) you can flip the case around to the thin side which is very comfortable to hold. For a person with big hands like myself, holding the case by the thick side is comfortable to me.

Once you get this case in your hands, I can guarantee you will be very happy with your purchase. I know I am and I plan on ordering an Alano in tan or chocolate.

Like Sterne, I have a couple of cases that I would never have purchased if I had the Portenzo Alano first.

Michael

 

[Sterne]

I think I'll go with tan for unique look over time. Does the texture of leather seem to absorb moisture (i.e. sweat or tea) easily? Is it easy to clean? Not that I don't like to get it stained and scratched. I am expecting obvious natural wear and tear on light-colored tan.

I haven't spilled anything on my case yet, but I do carry it around and it is darkening pretty evenly. The grain is getting more prominent, too. I think that ink, coffee or tea would stain the case if there was a spill, so if that is a main concern then the black is perhaps a better choice.

I could not decide which I wanted more...so I bought them both. Not sure if he's still doing this, but Darin did extend a little discount for buying two at once when I asked nicely.