The Moshi VersaCover Mini Origami Case for iPad Mini Retina Review

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Moshi VersaCover Mini Origami Case for iPad Mini Retina-006

Since returning from CES, my iPad mini has been inside a green Moshi VersaCover Mini Origami Case. Why did I set aside my leather Orbino for a much less “fancy” case? Simply put, the VersaCover Mini Origami case offers the lightest and most versatile protection I’ve yet found; it also makes my iPad mini easier to use.

The VersaCover Mini Origami is composed of a reinforced yet foldable microfiber cover attached to a polycarbonate shell.

The iPad snaps into the shell, at which point its entire back, sides, and screen are protected. I should mention that I have a clear BodyGuardz skin on my iPad’s back, and it still fits in the shell. I also have a Spigen GLAS.t screen protector installed, and there seems to be no issues. When in this extremely low-profile case, all of my iPad’s buttons, switches, ports, and cameras are easily accessed.

When opened, magnets in the cover trip the iPad’s sleep/wake function, and those same magnets also hold the “origami” folds of the case in place so that it can be used as an easel for landscape and portrait viewing.

Moshi VersaCover Mini Origami Case for iPad Mini Retina-004

Most important to me is that when I am reading or playing games, the cover folds flat across the back of the shell, where it is held in place by magnets (so thee is no flopping).

When the Moshi VersaCover is on my iPad, I don’t ever worry about whether or not my device will be protected, and I don’t feel like my iPad mini is heavier than it should be. Nothing is climbing up the sides of the iPad’s screen, and I don’t have to work around any cutouts or other decorative annoyances. And although I don’t find myself using the origami stand feature that often, I do like that it is available should I want it.

I’d be the first to admit that it’s odd for me to enjoy a case like this so much, because my usual preference is to go with something “fancier”, but this is a situation where function has truly won me over. With case covers available in aloe green, Sakura pink, denim blue, and velvet gray microfiber, the color selection isn’t half bad. Even so, I’d be willing to pay extra for a soft bomber jacket brown leather, but that’s just me trying to get all “fancy” again. 😉

The Moshi VersaCover Mini Origami Case is available directly from the manufacturer and from other retailers.

MSRP: $50

What I Like: Protects the iPad mini’s back, sides and screen; lightweight and non-bulky; origami screen cover can be folded to allow landscape or portrait orientation viewing

What Needs Improvement: I do wish that this exact style case was available in a soft bomber jacket brown leather

Source: Manufacturer supplied review unit

Bonus: Here’s a video from Dan’s and my Moshi booth visit at CES, where Jennifer Kutz gave us a demonstration of Moshi’s new iVisor for the iPhone 5C. Enjoy!

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About the Author

Judie Lipsett Stanford
Judie is the co-owner and Editor-in-Chief of Gear Diary, which she founded in September 2006. She got her start in 1999 writing software reviews at the now-defunct smaller.com; from mid-2000 through 2006, she wrote hardware reviews for and co-edited at The Gadgeteer. A recipient of the Sigma Kappa Colby Award for Technology, Judie has written for or been profiled by nationally known sites and magazines, and she has served on multiple industry hardware and software award panels. She is best known for her device-agnostic approach, enjoyment of exploring tech, gadgets, and gear, and her deep-diving, jargon-free reviews.

5 Comments on "The Moshi VersaCover Mini Origami Case for iPad Mini Retina Review"

  1. I have a pleather RooCASE with a very similar lid design for my iPad Mini, and Sarah has one for her iPad Air. After using this origami-style cover and fold, I can never go back to a plain smartcover fold. The origami version is just so much more efficient and stable!

  2. I’ve had this case for my full sized iPad for a while now. The only issue with it for me is that it’s difficult to remove from the hard shell back. Also, the iPad is just a little unstable when you try to type in certain folded positions. However, it’s such a versatile case – you can set it up for viewing in portrait or landscape, and typing in landscape, very quickly. It’s pricey, but I really like this case.

    • Doug: to remove it, you’ll need to pick a corner toy pop off first, then work around each side in turn. I’d suggest the upper left corner by where it joins the cover, as that’s where one of the retaining brackets is. Do that, then the top ight by the

      • Thanks. I’ve removed it several times. Unfortunately, two of the corner tabs have broken off a little (top right and top left). It does make it very easy to remove, and it does stay on, but I am a little worried that the tabs will break more.

        • All I can suggest is to be careful from the start – the method I suggested works on both sizes of VersaCover. Once it starts cracking, there’s no easy removal anymore.

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