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Portenzo iPad 2 Case: Now a Smart Cover
- Thread starter Jeff5i
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I finally got mine last night. I ordered 3/14 Morocco black on black, hole and stylus holder.
I have to say I almost cancelled numerous times, and my patience was wearing thin. During the wait, I bought a P&Q Octavo and it was really nice. I had doubts just how much better the Portenzo could possibly be. The verdict? Well... I have to admit it really is nicer. It's hard to quantify or qualify, but just every detail seems a bit better, and so the overall quality of the case just seems to be a level higher. The only downside is it does feel a bit heavier, but in every other aspect, it feels like a better version.
Was it worth the wait? Hard to say. If I had never heard of the Portenzo, I think I'd be perfectly fine with the Octavo. But reading all the posts here put doubt in my mind. I'm certainly happy with the final product, but 6 weeks is a long time to wait.
I have to say I almost cancelled numerous times, and my patience was wearing thin. During the wait, I bought a P&Q Octavo and it was really nice. I had doubts just how much better the Portenzo could possibly be. The verdict? Well... I have to admit it really is nicer. It's hard to quantify or qualify, but just every detail seems a bit better, and so the overall quality of the case just seems to be a level higher. The only downside is it does feel a bit heavier, but in every other aspect, it feels like a better version.
Was it worth the wait? Hard to say. If I had never heard of the Portenzo, I think I'd be perfectly fine with the Octavo. But reading all the posts here put doubt in my mind. I'm certainly happy with the final product, but 6 weeks is a long time to wait.
@blueridge - yeah the Levant from your reviews (thanks for those, btw) looks great. I love my case. I wish I could see them both in person, side by side, but I'd have to say that the Morocco doesn't seem worth the extra wait. It's good, but I would have been just as happy with Levant if it meant I got it faster 
@Sw33t - that composition with the yellow interior looks damned sharp!
@MrMac'n'Cheese - thanks, the black on black was a last minute change. I had originally ordered Red interior, but asked them to change it before it shipped, and they did as soon as I submitted the email request.
@Mikesus it isn't sitting level, now that you mention it. I think the camera hole area causes it to be up a little higher on one side. Funny I noticed all the other small issues but not that. Still, I'd say it isn't enough to bother me, and I think I read somewhere else (possibly in this behemoth of a thread) that it may settle. Even if it doesn't, I'm not too worried about it.
@ro-76 Thanks! The closeup of the splinter area makes it look a lot worse than it really is. About the corners - they actually look great to me in person. I've seen pictures of other cases that look like there's more fabric bunched up. In fact, I think in someone else's comparison photos you can see a major difference. Yep, there's a crease there but it looks good to me. I think it is because the fabrics and other materials are so tightly glued/pressed to each other you see every little detail of the material overlaps. Honestly, these details are what impressed me the most about the construction of the case.
I'm in love with this case. I think Team Portenzo has learned some hard lessons in this process (but I don't know them personally, so who the hell knows? ,) but I still think their product is the best of it's kind.
@Sw33t - that composition with the yellow interior looks damned sharp!
@MrMac'n'Cheese - thanks, the black on black was a last minute change. I had originally ordered Red interior, but asked them to change it before it shipped, and they did as soon as I submitted the email request.
@Mikesus it isn't sitting level, now that you mention it. I think the camera hole area causes it to be up a little higher on one side. Funny I noticed all the other small issues but not that. Still, I'd say it isn't enough to bother me, and I think I read somewhere else (possibly in this behemoth of a thread) that it may settle. Even if it doesn't, I'm not too worried about it.
@ro-76 Thanks! The closeup of the splinter area makes it look a lot worse than it really is. About the corners - they actually look great to me in person. I've seen pictures of other cases that look like there's more fabric bunched up. In fact, I think in someone else's comparison photos you can see a major difference. Yep, there's a crease there but it looks good to me. I think it is because the fabrics and other materials are so tightly glued/pressed to each other you see every little detail of the material overlaps. Honestly, these details are what impressed me the most about the construction of the case.
I'm in love with this case. I think Team Portenzo has learned some hard lessons in this process (but I don't know them personally, so who the hell knows?
,) but I still think their product is the best of it's kind.Thanks guys! I really like the yellow. The quality is top notch. I'm glad I got the strap with mine because without it i can't stand it up on a smooth surface. I also did the shake test and the case did not budge at all. The only thing I'm worried about is if I'll be able to use my L shaped headphones in that jack. But overall I'm happy with the case.
Stay strong you guys!
Stay strong you guys!
@ro-76 Thanks! The closeup of the splinter area makes it look a lot worse than it really is. About the corners - they actually look great to me in person. I've seen pictures of other cases that look like there's more fabric bunched up. In fact, I think in someone else's comparison photos you can see a major difference. Yep, there's a crease there but it looks good to me. I think it is because the fabrics and other materials are so tightly glued/pressed to each other you see every little detail of the material overlaps. Honestly, these details are what impressed me the most about the construction of the case.
I'm in love with this case. I think Team Portenzo has learned some hard lessons in this process (but I don't know them personally, so who the hell knows?
I am sure that even though TP does not post here that they are watching these reviews and adjusting any quality controls issues that would result in a case getting out with a splinter like that. Just curious what the box looked like when it got to you since I did not see it in your video. Could the case have been bent at that point in shipping or something??
I believe I have seen the comparison you are talking about and it was a comparison to the Pad & Quil case I believe. All I know is that there was a BIG BIG difference between the quality of the book binding between the two. Portenzo;s looked like it had been done by a Master Craftsman and the other looked like someone had made it in there basement in a hurry. I do remember though that the manufacturer of that case saw the review and e-mailed the buyer and offered to send out a NEW case because the customer should have never gotten that case looking the way it did.
Mike the whole picture is at an angle. So I do not see how your statement could possibly be accurate.
The big crease you are referring to looks like it is designed to be there. That is probably where the magnets are located in the cases that have the Magna grip and that extra fabric acts as a cover to the magnets. At least that is what it looks like to me in all the other closeups I have seen of that side of the case.
I would love to try to do the corners myself on something like that, I am sure I could not do it any better and I am 45
Mike the whole picture is at an angle. So I do not see how your statement could possibly be accurate.
Very simply, it is not flush with the top. seeing that the actual owner of the case verified it, it is in fact the truth...
It's curious that you are not a customer but have had many email exchanges with TP while actual customers have been ignored. It's also interesting that whenever anything critical is posted, you immediately jump to the defense of TP. So do you work for them?
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Got my Composition II yesterday. Despite my frustration as a pre-orderer with the lack of communication as Team Portenzo got overwhelmed by an influx of orders, I was amazed when I opened that FedEx box yesterday. The pictures on the website don't even do it justice as to when you actually hold it in your hand. It's a beautiful case and the quality is outstanding! I can't wait to show this it off today! I would definitely not hesitate placing future orders with this company.
Also, from Facebook (would be a nice gesture if they do it):
Portenzo I can neither confirm, nor deny, second case discounts for March/April customers... --Darin
Wednesday at 9:16am
Also, from Facebook (would be a nice gesture if they do it):
Portenzo I can neither confirm, nor deny, second case discounts for March/April customers... --Darin
Wednesday at 9:16am
I don't think it was bent. It was in pristine condition when I removed the packaging. This looks like an easily-overlooked splinter. It could have started very small and been made worse by a slight shifting during transit. I file this under 's... happens.'
However, I do also think this is a symptom of using the layered wood for the frame, and would much rather see a solid piece being used here. That may not be practical for large-scale production, but maybe it could be a customization option in the future.
And the iPad is most definitely not level in the case, or flush with the top. The camera hole seal area ends up slightly raising that corner. I don't know how this can be avoided, and again it is not a big deal to me.
Your mileage may vary of course!
@prot0type none of the sleep button cutouts are centered with the sleep button because they said it would weaken the frame to move it any closer to the corner.
Indeed. I realize that would have compromised the frame. It's such a minor nitpick anyway as I rarely use the button now with the magnagrip and the button is still accessible for resets/screenshots.
Well if you're ordering now, might as well go for broke, the SeventySix would make a great gift to yourself
A solid piece of wood would probably warp over time. Laminated would like that is much more stable. A splinter like that is very difficult to fix. You could try gluing it down and clamping it in some way for a bit. Might still pop up though.
Are you sure you aren't holding it wrong?
The reason it's an issue is that they sent out a case that has a very rough cut that actually cracked the wood, didn't set up the frame to level the iPad and still sent it out. Simply put, this looks like it was made from someone different than the cases previously posted.
First, does it matter if they are a TP undercover agent? If you suspect that TP hires agents to troll don't buy from them and ignore the thread. Why pull a McCarthy in the threads? I mean really we aren't solving the middle-east crisis. This isn't wikileaks. Really, don't we have better things to do? 300 people died in tornadoes this week, 80 people died 2 weeks ago, and tens of thousands died in a Tsunami in March. Does it matter? Again.
Second, I don't know about TP but if you are a total jerk when you email me. I won't be so quick to respond. It is a simple issue of RESPECT. And, if what I see here is any indication I wouldn't blame TP one iota for not responding to jerk emails.
I haven't purchased my ipad 2 case yet from TP and I've had great exchanges. Do I work for them. Am I a secret agent? Am I jealous of Kate Middleton? Does it matter?
Let's get back to talking about the cases y'all and cut the madness.