Review by Hack Job for CTCstore Leather Flip Book Jacket/Folio for Apple iPad 3G tablet/Wifi model 16GB, 32GB, 64GB (fits 9.7″ display of the iPad) – Black
Rating:
I ordered both this and the Apple brand iPad case to see which one I found more useful. I definitely like this case better. It looks and performs like the InCase convertible one going on the Apple site for 1/2 the price. I was somewhat disappointed with the flimsy feel to the Apple case and the pain it is to try and prop it at an angle.

Things I like

- Nice leather look all over (inside and out)

- Solid materials

- Sturdy convertible standing modes (can go from almost straight up to a slight angle for typing at the lowest when laid flat)

- Holds the iPad snugly in place

- Allows access to all controls

- Good solid feel and panels for protection

- Button closing clasp on the front (magnets make me nervous)

- Gives me a more solid/grippy feel when holding 1 handed

- Makes it look like a notebook or journal (less conspicuous)

Things I didn’t like

- Wish I could have got free super saver shipping (not really case related)

I am not sure what the elastic strap on the outside of the case is for, but I find myself tucking my hand in it while holding the iPad for a little more security.

I am very happy with this case and would recommend it to those looking for one for their iPad. Also I got it within 3 days of my order which is pretty fast considering the back order of a lot of the cases on the market currently.

Review by G. Weber for CTCstore Leather Flip Book Jacket/Folio for Apple iPad 3G tablet/Wifi model 16GB, 32GB, 64GB (fits 9.7″ display of the iPad) – Black
Rating:
I did some extensive online research and this is the best case I could currently find. (Of course there will be many more choices soon-) Unlike the presently hard-to-find and more expensive Apple version, this folio-style case seems to be fairly good quality for it’s moderate price, has four adjustable positions, and the iPad is easily removed from it. It’s advertised as being leather, however it appears to be good quality “leather-look & feel” vinyl to me. The case doesn’t block the controls or port and the iPad could be charged in this case with the charging cord. (A note on this: I read in a review that the reason the Apple iPad isn’t chargable in the Apple case is because the iPad would become too warm while charging this way. I don’t know if this is true, but I intend to contact the Apple tech people and ask them.)

The case closes with a snap, rather than a magnet, which I prefer. (I’m personally not a velcro or magnet fastener fan.) Most importantly, unlike some other cases I considered online, it doesn’t block the invisible automatic light sensor (at the top of the iPad screen opposite the home button), which would affect the brightness of the display. By the way, no part of the actual display is blocked by the three pieces of the case which secure the iPad. They only cover a small portion of the screen’s “border” area.

I am concerned about the durability of the two small elastic bands that go diagonally across the bottom corners of the iPad to help secure it and the large red striped elastic band on the front of the case. (I saw a promotional photo of this larger elastic band enabling the iPad to be fastened on the back of an automobile headrest, but I am somewhat skeptical about this application.) Elastic has a tendency to lose it’s stretch eventually, but time will tell how well the small securing bands hold up and at least in the meantime I have a economically priced and decent quality case to use until there are more choices. By the way, it arrived in just a few days and well packed from Ctcstore.

Review by mdee for CTCstore Leather Flip Book Jacket/Folio for Apple iPad 3G tablet/Wifi model 16GB, 32GB, 64GB (fits 9.7″ display of the iPad) – Black
Rating:
I have 3 different cases for my iPad: Apple, Incase & ChiTek. I’ve had the Apple and Incase cases for about a month and at the time of this writing have had the ChiTek for only 1 day. It was ordered on May 16th and arrived standard shipping on May 20th. Main use is for watching video during air travel.

The Apple Case (My least favorite)

PROS – Nice angle for typing or playing apps.

CONS – Terrible design for watching videos.

Incase (Has been my favorite up to now)

PROS – Multi viewing angles for video. Nice for typing or playing apps. Large elastic band that folds over to hold the case shut. Made of good quality.

CONS – iPad slips inside case and when that happens the accessory jacks get blocked. Leather around the bezel can be distracting but it isn’t as bad as other designs I’ve seen. The “trenches” that the case sits in should be cut deeper for better stability while viewing video.

Ctcstore Leather Convertible Book Jacket by ChiTek

PROS – I thought I wouldn’t like the elastic straps in the lower corners but the minimal design gives it a more open look around the iPad bezel which makes it less distracting while watching videos. Also as with the Incase it has multiple viewing angles and stays in place much better because of the “speed bump” design. The accessory jacks for docking, headphone jack, the on/off switch and volume controls are not blocked at all due to it’s “open” design. The case features a sturdy strap that snaps into place as well as a large elastic band that folds over to hold the case shut.

CONS – Lower elastic straps and the top bezel insert could possibly wear out over time. The quality is not quite as good as the Incase.

Finally the plastic smell mentioned in one review is from the thick plastic zip top baggie it was shipped in.