Portenzo iPad 2 Case: Now a Smart Cover

[Fjleno]

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I thought I was following this thread pretty closely but I must have missed something. People are posting that the type of wood for the frame has changed? Is this since the iPad 1 cases were made or is this within the last few months of production of the iPad 2 cases?
E has

 

[kettybear]

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I thought I was following this thread pretty closely but I must have missed something. People are posting that the type of wood for the frame has changed? Is this since the iPad 1 cases were made or is this within the last few months of production of the iPad 2 cases?
E has

Yes, the 23.5 and comp II used to be bamboo and moleskins used to be birch. Now everything's American maple which doesn't look as rigid and smooth. I don't know my woods so I don't know if maple is cheaper than the other two or how the quality is compared the previous woods.

 

[kettybear]

Folks I ordered a Porenzon and decided to cancel because I didn't want to wait. I ordered a P&Q Octavo. It shipped in no time and is great quality. Great costumer service too. They offer a few less options but that was a decent trade off for me. If you're still holding out or plan on canceling your order, give P&Q another look.

I'm going to have to disagree with you on that. I emailed p&q about coupon codes for 10% off a while back because back then people were getting those. I emailed them twice and they didn't even bother to response with a "no we're not offering coupons anymore." I asked Darrin the same thing and he replied in a courteous manner even though I didn't get a coupon. P&Q did not acknowledge me as a potential customer at all so I gave my money to Portenzo. Sure Portenzo's QT is lacking but they're improving all the time and customer service and warranty is superb. I think cs counts for 50% of a purchase. Also from the previous pics of pad and quill cases, I've seen the quality on those are not so hot either (misaligned lining, rough looking camera hole, etc). I just don't think P&Q customers are as picky. Pad and Quill will ship out faster but I think that's about it.

 

[glen e]

I'm going to have to disagree with you on that. I emailed p&q about coupon codes for 10% off a while back because back then people were getting those. I emailed them twice and they didn't even bother to response with a "no we're not offering coupons anymore." I asked Darrin the same thing and he replied in a courteous manner even though I didn't get a coupon. P&Q did not acknowledge me as a potential customer at all so I gave my money to Portenzo. Sure Portenzo's QT is lacking but they're improving all the time and customer service and warranty is superb. I think cs counts for 50% of a purchase. Also from the previous pics of pad and quill cases, I've seen the quality on those are not so hot either (misaligned lining, rough looking camera hole, etc). I just don't think P&Q customers are as picky. Pad and Quill will ship out faster but I think that's about it.

And I would disagree with that, my P&Q is far better in finish than my portenzo...wood is smoother and fit of ipad is far better in the frame. Exteriors are equal. And before the fanboys start going crazy, the P&Q is UNTOUCHED - I have done no sanding/ cleaning up, no satin finish,etc. In fact, of the 3 cases, it's the one I did not have to clean up and could use as is out of the box. I like all three cases and have written extensively about each, but you have to give P&Q their due - no drama and received 14 days after order placed.

top left P&Q

Top left Portenzo

Top right P&Q

Top right Portenzo

 

[Xultar]

I took a dremel to my last portenzo to accommodate the larger plug for my 6 ft cord.

I don't think they make a magic dremel to make crap wood look like good wood. I'm just saying.

I'm a portenzo fan. I loved my first case. I was gonna buy one after they got out of the mess they are in. I figured get something cheap for the back and wait.

But, I'm not waiting for that hot mess. I love the idea of Portenzo, a small company making it from the midwest. But I'm not loving what they are churning out. I also don't have time to be a master craftsman on the side. I don't mind fixing the small stuff. If the wood looked like the one for my iPad 1 and had a splinter I would have broken out my dremel but If I got what they are sending now I'd have sent it back.

 

[Paik4Life]

I'm really having problems with the idea of Portenzo's quality as well. Being a woodworking hobbyist, I definitely appreciate how every piece cannot be perfect and realize that some cases will have problems. Just a note, the forums get hit harder with negative feedback than positive for most any product/service and in many cases is a minority.

I have a Portenzo that I got from a forum member here to help me determine what options I want included and the quality of the case. I wanted to know first hand how the camera how looked, if the stylus holder worked with my particular stylus, and if the magna-grip would be sufficient without the strap. I decided that for my 23.5 I'd want the stylus holder and magna-grip without strap and no camera hole.

I must say the quality of the one I have right now is very good. It doesn't have the roughness that I'm seeing or hearing on the forums. My guesses are that the quality is falling for one or more of the following reasons:

• Downgrade in the quality of materials being used
• Wear on the routing bits being used and not being sharpened/replaced frequently enough given the large amount of orders
• Reduced time in finishing process (sanding/sealing) either by choice or because new hires are not as experienced or careful

Honestly, the use of plywood in these kinds of cases seem ridiculously idiotic to me. You don't find quality woodwork being done in any sort of plywood, maple, birch, oak or otherwise.

My biggest grief with Portenzo is not their product but their lack of business (common) sense. They are getting far more backlash from poor communication whether it be about shipping times, material changes, design changes, etc. Even if they feel that material or design changes will result in an overall "better" end product, they shouldn't assume that's what everyone who has ordered and is waiting for their order will automatically want.

If they want to make material or design changes, they should be totally up front about it and state that from this date forward orders will now feature this material and this design. It's honestly that simple. It's the same as they did for shipping times (albeit they were very late putting up the new shipping times on their web site).

Condescending rant over.

~Paik

 

[club1820]

Anyone do a personal customization of their case?

Has anyone customized their case further upon receipt? Other than perhaps adding a satin finish to the wood?

I'm thinking of stickers on the cover or stuff like that. Anyone know of any type of sticker that would/could be easily removed and not damage the finish of the faux leather? maybe something that could be printed on from a computer and is not meant to be permanently adhered?

thanks

 

[kettybear]

And I would disagree with that, my P&Q is far better in finish than my portenzo...wood is smoother and fit of ipad is far better in the frame. Exteriors are equal. And before the fanboys start going crazy, the P&Q is UNTOUCHED - I have done no sanding/ cleaning up, no satin finish,etc. In fact, of the 3 cases, it's the one I did not have to clean up and could use as is out of the box. I like all three cases and have written extensively about each, but you have to give P&Q their due - no drama and received 14 days after order placed.

top left P&Q
Image

Top left Portenzo
Image

Top right P&Q
Image

Top right Portenzo
Image

Wow you proved me wrong there. The wood on the pad and quill looks so much better. If my replacement Portenzo is not satisfactory, I'm going to ask for a refund and get p&q. They are cheaper and I do like the pocket option.

 

[Toonbay]

Did you let them know why? Maybe that will help for the rest of us who are still holding out for hopefully a good case - long wait withstanding.

Yes I did let them know and they were fine about it, it was a guy called Scott who e mailed and did the refund. I will probably buy one to be honest as fan of moleskin notebooks generally but going to wait till the rush dies down although started looking at the p&q cases and they do look very good as well

 

[Jasmynp]

Is it heavy with wood surrounded? Besides, it makes the device too thick to carry? I'd like thinner cases and fully protection as well. Lastly, it should have luxury-look.

I don't find it heavy at all. Of course if adds weight and bulk, any case wood, but not too much for my taste.

I really like my P&Q. It looks great inside and out.

 

[glen e]

I don't find it heavy at all. Of course if adds weight and bulk, any case wood, but not too much for my taste.

I really like my P&Q. It looks great inside and out.

all the top book cases weigh approx .6 lbs....

 

[Rychy]

Seeing these latest pictures of the cases being sent out I'm going to cancel my order. Quality of the wood is unacceptable in my book.

 

[Sand Man]

Seeing these latest pictures of the cases being sent out I'm going to cancel my order. Quality of the wood is unacceptable in my book.

Im sure that they would return your money, but the quality shown on the wood is not the norm. First there have been more satisfied customers than dissatisfied. I am pretty sure that Darin posted on their FB page that apparently there was a batch of frames that missed a standing stage, but they are correcting those when brought to there attention since they do not know who all got them. There has been a ton of positive feedback on their FB page compared to the negative.

 

[glen e]

. . I am pretty sure that Darin posted.....

"pretty sure?"

Please show me where that is written on their facebook page......the problem is not only no sanding, but the change to a cheaper plywood that when the cutouts hit that layer of wood, and it is darker, it looks bad.No sanding is gonna get rid of that.Here is every cut out again. My order # was 94xx so anyone "around" those #'s have sanding problems?

(black grommet removed to get it lower in the case as it kept popping out - once in front of 50 people....at a conference.) I will fill in with West epoxy.

To be fair, this is my only bitch. The roughness of the wood. scroll back a few pages and you can see I sealed/polished the wood edges for a more refined look, The stylus holder and exterior/interior of the case are high quality.

 

[King Julian]

And I would disagree with that, my P&Q is far better in finish than my portenzo...wood is smoother and fit of ipad is far better in the frame. Exteriors are equal. And before the fanboys start going crazy, the P&Q is UNTOUCHED - I have done no sanding/ cleaning up, no satin finish,etc. In fact, of the 3 cases, it's the one I did not have to clean up and could use as is out of the box. I like all three cases and have written extensively about each, but you have to give P&Q their due - no drama and received 14 days after order placed.

top left P&Q
Image

Top left Portenzo
Image

Top right P&Q
Image

Top right Portenzo
Image

Have to agree with you Glen E the P&Q finish and wood looks far superior, it almost looks as if Portenzo are using the most cheapest wood they can find, as the finish does not look at good as the earlier models.

 

[glen e]

I post this not to bash, but hope it will move them to move someone from production to QC before going out the door.

 

[Xultar]

I post this not to bash, but hope it will move them to move someone from production to QC before going out the door.

Amen to that!

 

[club1820]

as I posted above, got my case this week and after looking at it for a day or so, the wood looks unfinished to me, it either needs an edge in gloss or stain, have not decided yet which one., but needs a sealed look. I have worked with finishes and wood for years so this is as simple as taping it off and using a small brush and some spar urethane. I'll post the final look tomorrow or monday. Probably will take 2 -3 coats to look perfect.

Image

Image

Glen e, it looks like you taped up everything but the outer edge of case. ?
Is that correct? Did you only finish the outside part?

 

[glen e]

Glen e, it looks like you taped up everything but the outer edge of case. ?
Is that correct? Did you only finish the outside part?

yes, just the part that shows when closed....the top was pretty good and uniform....I wanted the layers showing to be buffed, smooth and darker so it did not look unfinished, which it did...


I'm not married to this wood crap that they all use, at all...I would like to see a black delrin/TP/alum/titanium/powder coated (anything you can CNC mill/mold) frame with solid nubs that would click into place. Look at the way atomic or element makes an iPhone frame. The uniformity would elim all this "mine is good/mine is bad" ...it's almost like we're back making flintlocks before production line processes were invented.....They all got the bookbinding thing down pat, but the frame technology is middlin at best....IMO

 

[club1820]

I'm not married to this wood crap that they all use, at all...

I like the idea of the wood frame. And the look of the frames on the website. Just wish the product going out looked the same.

 

[lego batman]

Based on lots of the threads I have been reading (PS: thanks for all the comparison shots Glen) I think this combination would sum up an ideal situation:

Portenzo's bookbinding, Treegloo's frame/options and Pad and Quills delivery times/service

 

[glen e]

Here's my dream case

1. frame composition - black composite from something like atomic's i4 phone hybrid model or their powdecoated billet aluminum...black outer case (or silver) with red frame showing when closed. (atomiciphonecase.com) - or very daring - complete chrome or CF frame with black leather/outer....more conservative: black matte composite.
2. frame layout: portenzo stylus holder type - no secret power button crap...big a$$ hole for earphones.
3. Treegloo's outer cover - more colors and softer to carry - better feel
5. P&Q's delivery sched (no need for any email drama)
6. Portenzo's magnet design
7. P&Q's internal pocket design
8. TG or Portenzo's inner cloth lining

I find all of them do a great bookbinding job. TG's material does not lend itself for creasing perfectly at the spine - OK with me...

 

[Sand Man]

"pretty sure?"

Please show me where that is written on their facebook page......the problem is not only no sanding, but the change to a cheaper plywood that when the cutouts hit that layer of wood, and it is darker, it looks bad.No sanding is gonna get rid of that.Here is every cut out again. My order # was 94xx so anyone "around" those #'s have sanding problems?
Image
(black grommet removed to get it lower in the case as it kept popping out - once in front of 50 people....at a conference.) I will fill in with West epoxy.
Image
Image
To be fair, this is my only bitch. The roughness of the wood. scroll back a few pages and you can see I sealed/polished the wood edges for a more refined look, The stylus holder and exterior/interior of the case are high quality.

Hey Glen,
Below is Darin response to someone that was concerned about the quality of their cases. These are from their FB page.


Portenzo
Apparently we had a small batch of frames that skipped a step in the finishing process. They are being replaced.Our standard frames are definitely smooth to the touch.
Yesterday at 5:16pm · Like

Portenzo
We actually print out photos of problems that we receive either by customer emails, or what is posted on forums and post them on the walls of our shop. We take our customer feedback very seriously.
Yesterday at 5:26pm · Like

Portenzo
Kelvin, to answer your question specifically: Yes, we have changed our wood choice (about a thousand frames ago) to a more stable, stronger wood with a little more character. The original frames were Russian Birch. Our current frames are American Maple.
Yesterday at 5:27pm

 

[glen e]

Thank you...I really wish they would go back to the birch because as I said above, some of the look on mine is not "missed sanding" but the crude layering of the maple wood itself.

 

[Nuvi]

Thank you...I really wish they would go back to the birch because as I said above, some of the look on mine is not "missed sanding" but the crude layering of the maple wood itself.

I think the problem now is that in general good quality HARD maple is far more expensive then good quality birch (about 80% more expensive). However, in general birch is much more uniform in density and hardness when compared to maple. Therefore you can get low quality and cheaper maple easily in US which ends up in plywoods. The birch plywood that Portenzo used was high quality. Also P&Q is using high quality birch plywood either from baltics or russia. Portenzo's statements about maple's higher hardness are partly true since it can be harder then birch but in this case its meaningless. Even more so WWII Mosquito fighters where made out of birch plywood so if its ok for that then I assume it can take the punishment it gets when used as iPad 2 case material. All in all, I think Portenzo just wanted to get easier access for raw materials. In order to do so they had to choose soft maple as raw material which then resulted lower quality wood. The fact remains, just by looking at it its very hard to tell apart good quality maple and birch plywood. In this case its easy since their current maple plywood seems to be low quality.