Got the ZUM case earlier this week. Just like most of you, never heard about this brand before. So I was little bit skeptical. After reading other peoples recommendation and finished some research, why not give it a try? Worse case, just return it : )
The case was professionally packed when i arrived and it was looking good. After I have installed the case and show to my daughter, her eyes were wide open with a big smile!! (Priceless) I know Honey suckle pink is her favourite color. I would said it is one of the best case I have ever used.
My review points will focus on the following areas: function, design, build quality, packaging and overall value.
1. Functions: **** (4 star)
Basic Protection
I had tried the incipio smart feather, also recommended by other people. I dont like it. The incipio smart feather left the top and bottom of the ipad 2 unprotect and exposed for potential scratch. The zum sc ultimate case covers almost the entire iPad2 back.
Successfully Address Smart cover design flaw
Most importantly, the smart cover lock design provides a physical lock to the smart cover magnetic hinge to prevent accidental detachment. It REALLY WORKS!!! I tried to shake it on top of my sofa several times, the iPad 2 and smart cover still intact together.
Smart Cover + ZUM SC Ultimate = SLIM Folio case
This is the best feature I like. Now I can comfortably to put my ipad 2 into my purse to carry around WITHOUT ADDITIONAL WEIGHT. The combination of smart cover and zum case provides a complete protection to my ipad 2 and maintains the original iPad2 slim design. I dont need to spend extra $50 to get a bulky folio case.
I am not expecting this case to provide any drop protection. ( I have remind my daughter about this and its her responsibility to protect her birthday gift).
Hope they can work on something that is so slim and still provide some drop protection. Therefore, I give it a 4 star!!
2. Design: **** (4 star)
The case is well designed with easy access to all the buttons. All the cut outs are in perfect shape. There is even a very detail speaker mesh to protect the speaker area. I was worrying about the sound distortion when I first got the case, but I found out I just worry too much. It works great.
One thing doesnt bother me but may bother someone with big fingers. The mute button opening may be too small. I wish they had just made a big opening instead of two small openings.
Overall, I still believe its a good design.
3. Build Quality ***** (5 star)
The case is extremely thin and slim but amazingly tough. It does not crack even I tried to fold it like a paper. According to the packaging, the thickness is only 1mm.
The rubberized coating provides excellent grip and good protection to the case. I have used it for the last three days with my daughter and the case does not show and sign of scratch.
I have tried the incipio case before, and to be honest I think ZUM case quality is better than incipio.
The SMART COVER LOCK completely wraps around the magnetic hinge and the smart cover still works smoothly in different locations.
4. Packaging *** (3 star)
The case make up of high quality material but to me its only a packaging. It is nothing fancy. Wish they had used some environmental friendly material for the packaging. This packaging does not have any reuse value. Also, it does not include any screen protector with the case. Still thinking should I get a screen protector or not.
5. Overall value **** (4 star)
Original price is 29.99 but I paid only $19.99 + shipping from amazon. I believe the price is very fair for this quality case.
This case is well designed to fix the existing design flaw of the smart cover and provides enough protection for daily use. Its perfect for someone who already owns a smart cover and does not want to spend extra $50 or more to get a bulky folio case.
Good luck!!
The case was professionally packed when i arrived and it was looking good. After I have installed the case and show to my daughter, her eyes were wide open with a big smile!! (Priceless) I know Honey suckle pink is her favourite color. I would said it is one of the best case I have ever used.
My review points will focus on the following areas: function, design, build quality, packaging and overall value.
1. Functions: **** (4 star)
Basic Protection
I had tried the incipio smart feather, also recommended by other people. I dont like it. The incipio smart feather left the top and bottom of the ipad 2 unprotect and exposed for potential scratch. The zum sc ultimate case covers almost the entire iPad2 back.
Successfully Address Smart cover design flaw
Most importantly, the smart cover lock design provides a physical lock to the smart cover magnetic hinge to prevent accidental detachment. It REALLY WORKS!!! I tried to shake it on top of my sofa several times, the iPad 2 and smart cover still intact together.
Smart Cover + ZUM SC Ultimate = SLIM Folio case
This is the best feature I like. Now I can comfortably to put my ipad 2 into my purse to carry around WITHOUT ADDITIONAL WEIGHT. The combination of smart cover and zum case provides a complete protection to my ipad 2 and maintains the original iPad2 slim design. I dont need to spend extra $50 to get a bulky folio case.
I am not expecting this case to provide any drop protection. ( I have remind my daughter about this and its her responsibility to protect her birthday gift).
Hope they can work on something that is so slim and still provide some drop protection. Therefore, I give it a 4 star!!
2. Design: **** (4 star)
The case is well designed with easy access to all the buttons. All the cut outs are in perfect shape. There is even a very detail speaker mesh to protect the speaker area. I was worrying about the sound distortion when I first got the case, but I found out I just worry too much. It works great.
One thing doesnt bother me but may bother someone with big fingers. The mute button opening may be too small. I wish they had just made a big opening instead of two small openings.
Overall, I still believe its a good design.
3. Build Quality ***** (5 star)
The case is extremely thin and slim but amazingly tough. It does not crack even I tried to fold it like a paper. According to the packaging, the thickness is only 1mm.
The rubberized coating provides excellent grip and good protection to the case. I have used it for the last three days with my daughter and the case does not show and sign of scratch.
I have tried the incipio case before, and to be honest I think ZUM case quality is better than incipio.
The SMART COVER LOCK completely wraps around the magnetic hinge and the smart cover still works smoothly in different locations.
4. Packaging *** (3 star)
The case make up of high quality material but to me its only a packaging. It is nothing fancy. Wish they had used some environmental friendly material for the packaging. This packaging does not have any reuse value. Also, it does not include any screen protector with the case. Still thinking should I get a screen protector or not.
5. Overall value **** (4 star)
Original price is 29.99 but I paid only $19.99 + shipping from amazon. I believe the price is very fair for this quality case.
This case is well designed to fix the existing design flaw of the smart cover and provides enough protection for daily use. Its perfect for someone who already owns a smart cover and does not want to spend extra $50 or more to get a bulky folio case.
Good luck!!