This is not the first time we have had the opportunity to look at one of the gorgeous leather cases offered by Aranez. We reviewed their Kangaroo Leather case for the iPad 2 (read it here) along with as their great-looking Mirage case for the iPhone 4 (read it here). We’ve always been impressed with their design, commitment to creating products that look good and work well, and their overall approach as they vie for market-share in the ever-more crowded world of iOS cases and accessories. This time out is no exception. Their new Aranez Swivel New iPad 3 Leather Case looks good, is solidly built and it adds a neat level of functionality that may be just what you have wanted in a case for your brand new iPad.
Here’s a look.
From Aranez:
Presenting the Aranez Swivel New iPad 3 Leather Case. The key feature of the Aranez Swivel New iPad 3 Leather Case is the swivel design which allows you to rotate the New iPad so it can be positioned either in portrait or landscape mode. This design combined with luxurious high-grade cow leather makes a highly stylish and functional case.
The Aranez Swivel New iPad 3 Leather Case features distinctive silver stitching, smart magnetic power-on and off strip as well as ensuring all charge and audio ports are accessible with the case on.
The Swivel Aranez New iPad 3 Leather Case is the perfect accessory for lovers of technology and leather and especially those like to use their New iPad to view photos and watch movies.
Specs:
Slimline stylish design
Silver stitching that differentiates from the rest
Access to all buttons and charge ports
Guarantee of Quality with each case
Crafted from luxurious high-grade cow leather
Elastic heavy duty garter strap and also magnetic smart on/off strip
Holds the iPad 3 securely in place
Protects the iPad 3 from bumps and scratches
1 Year Limited Warranty
This case is also compatible with the iPad 2.
This is a rather unusual case that combines quality leather, a hard plastic shall that grabs the iPad and holds on tightly and a level of functionality that helps turn the iPad, once referred to as a “media consumption device” into a true work-horse tablet. We’ll get to that shortly.
I like the approach Aranez took when designing the means by which this case would hold the iPad. Rather than using a leather frame that surrounds the screen, but can get in the way, or side clips like the ones used on the Kangaroo leather case for the iPad 2 (they offer the same case for the new iPad as well), the company decided to go with a back shell that grabs the device around the edges and all but disappears from view into the two are connected. I was impressed with how securely this system holds the iPad and really appreciated the fact that the case disappears from view when looked at straight on.
Flipping the case over once the iPad in inside gives you a first look at what makes this case different. Sure, there is a layer of leather sitting on top of half of the plastic shell but there is a reason for that and, as we will see momentarily, it adds functionality that provides a level of flexibility that is lacking in many other cases.
From the bottom you can see that the extra layer of material does not mean the case is a thick brick — far from it in fact — and the iPad is nicely sandwiched between two layers of protection. I also appreciate the elastic strap which helps keep the case closed when the iPad is not in use. It is a simple but highly effective design element that doesn’t seem to get in the way, but does its specific job quite well.
As you can see, the back shell is designed to protect as much of the iPad as possible which still allowing complete access to all the ports and controls.
In order to keep the lines of the case as clean as possible, they left the entire top potion of the iPad exposed. In the past I have been critical of this choice since it leaves more of the iPad’s metal case exposed to scratches but I do understand the approach and, thanks to the overall design of the case, am not overly worried about damage.
One additional look at the case, the iPad and the cutouts. Everything is precise and quite refined. That is something I have come to expect from the company.
This IS a case/stand and a rather good one at that. The iPad remains in the plastic shell portion of the case and the leather that is connected to the back acts as a hinge of sorts. This allows the bottom of the iPad to come forward and, in turn, is held in place by the subtle ridges in the inside area of the cover. There are three different angles at which the iPad can be held and all work quite well.
But here is the thing –there are certain tasks that are best done with the iPad in portrait, BUT there are other tasks that are better accomplished when the iPad is held in landscape and there is more side-to-side real estate. The case covers that too.
Yes, the unusual connection at the back allows the iPad to rotate from portrait to landscape and back again. The tablet is held just as securely when used either way and…
You also get the benefit of the three different angles.
Here it is from the side.
It is not, however, perfect. First, while the design does add some excellent flexibility, it is also adds some thickness to the iPad. I’m in the midst of a true “minimalist case” period for both my iPhone and iPad (I actually carry my iPhone sans case most of the time right now) and this case, while adding functionality without TOO much added thickness, doesn’t fall into that category. Second, I don’t love cases that have a vanity window. I know I am using an iPad and, quite frankly, I don’t need others to know it too. The Apple logo is not all that interesting or artistic, and having it show through the case adds nothing while leaving that area exposed. I don’t love that. and I don’t love the fact that the logo is a bit off-center. It is just a personal peeve of mine but, since I’m raving about other aspects of the cas,e I felt the need to make that clear as well.
The Aranez Swivel New iPad 3 Leather Case is a great choice if you want a leather case that is functional, lets you work the way you want to and offers the luxury of leather but the back protection of a plastic shell. It is a great case, although not a perfect one, and at under $80 is worth consideration if you are in the market for a way to both protect and work with your new iPad.
You can check it out on the Aranez website.
MSRP: $79.95
What I Like: Well-made; Leather cover, hard plastic shell backing; Three viewing positions; Works in both landscape and portrait; Branding is small and unobtrusive
What Needs Improvement: Design yields a slightly thicker case than I prefer; Apple vanity window
