Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This folio style carrying case obscures a significant portion of the iPad's display around all four edges of the screen (except directly above the primary button). We tried to trim the case material back so that the full display could be properly accessed, but the results were completely unsatisfactory. The case material is not leather; the part covering the iPad's bezel is a semi-rigid, plastic film sandwiched between two, thin outer layers of synthetic fabric that resembles the cheap vinyl found in inexpensive beach toys. Attempting to trim the case back to properly expose the iPad's screen reveals this three-ply synthetic construction in a very unsightly manner. The thin, leather grained, synthetic fabric composes the covering for the entire case. Additionally, the case blocks the iPad's ambient light sensor located in the center bezel above the iPad's display (the sensor is on top when the primary iPad button is on bottom). Consequently, the iPad's display will be perpetually dim despite external lighting conditions. Cutting a hole in the case to expose the light sensor will result in another unsightly modification. Despite reviews for this case claiming otherwise, there is no snap to secure the iPad within the case when the folio is open. Consequently, the iPad easily slips out of the case in this condition if care is not exercised. Even when the folio is closed, the iPad will slip out of the case if the snap strap is not secured well, so do not forget to refasten it every time you close the folio. Oddly, the case has a magnetic clasp to hold the folio shut, so the snap strap would have been put to better use holding the iPad in place rather than holding the folio closed. Speaking of magnets, the case has at least two: one to hold the folio shut and another to hold the stand in the closed position. These magnets interfere with the iPad's digital compass when the iPad is in the case. For instance, our tests show that simply opening and closing the stand will change the direction of the iPad's internal compass. If these design errors are corrected, the case would be a good, relatively inexpensive, protective solution for the iPad. The adjustable stand works as advertised and the case is padded well and looks pretty good. However, the case material used is not leather, but a cheap, synthetic substitute that almost certainly will not hold up well over time, so even if the case design is corrected it should sell for significantly less than the current price. As it is now, the case is very disappointing and a waste of money. It is made of cheap synthetic materials -- not leather as is claimed in the numerous Amazon product descriptions for it. Because of its cheap construction, the wholesale cost is probably around $5, so the current Amazon selling prices of around $20 (including shipping) are very high. The case fits the iPad poorly and obscures a significant portion of the display. The iPad's ambient light sensor is completely covered by this case resulting in a perpetually dim display. Case modifications are out of the question due to the cheap, three-ply synthetic construction: mods are very unsightly and will invalidate the buyer's option of seeking a refund. The iPad's internal compass is thrown off by the case's magnets. And perhaps worst, the iPad will easily slip out of the case unless the folio is closed and the strap is snapped securely. EDIT: I have uploaded photographs showing the synthetic construction of the case.