My search for an iPad mini case that strikes the right balance between style, protection, and bulk brought me to the Speck DuraFolio for iPad Mini. It offers unique styling, food protection and despite initially looking a bit bulky, it is surprisingly svelte. Would it become my daily driver and go-to case for my iPad mini? Only time would tell.
Available in five different color combinations, the folio looks a bit bulky when first pulled from the frustration-free packaging. It is, however, surprisingly light and, over time, seems to begin looking and feeling a bit more refined than first impressions might suggest. The Speck DuraFolio for iPad Mini is certainly one of the more solid cases I have seen and the fact that it adds just .3″ to the thickness of the tablet is rather impressive . Speck describes it saying
Military-grade protection harnessed into a slim, functional, and versatile folio for all-around protection without the bulk.
That pretty much covers things except for the color combinations. Speck says the folio offers “sophisticated styling”. I’m not so sure about that. The black/slate version looks like a serious case that would not look out of place at a meeting. The slate/peacock version I have in hand however, or the Black/Poppy Red version, look a bit too youthful for my taste. That, however, means they would be perfect for protecting the iPad mini’s used in my synagogue’s religious school.
The case is entirely synthetic and, thankfully, doesn’t try to hide that fact. Too many case manufacturers try to make synthetic materials look and feel like leather- some going so far as to use stupid euphemisms like “cruelty-free leather”- and fail miserably by trying to be something they are not. This case is synthetic and wears that fact proudly! The main surfaces are textured just enough as to allow for some grip. The borders and logo are in the accent color and are made from a material with a bit more gloss. It comes together to create a decently looking case.
Video Review of the Speck DuraFolio for iPad Mini
Features:
- Military-grade drop protection without the bulk: Multi-layer, slim design delivers unsurpassed impact protection without the bulk to save your iPad mini from accidental drops and provide complete peace of mind.
- Slim profile and durable textured finish: The sleek, durable construction of DuraFolio adds a mere 0.3” to your iPad mini while the textured finish provides secure handling and grip for sophisticated style.
- Magnetic folio for auto wake/sleep and closure: Integrated magnets wake and sleep iPad mini on open and close and keep the folio cover firmly sealed to protect the screen.
- Folio Benefits: Multiple viewing angles and the optimal typing angle makes reading, viewing or typing even easier.
I like the Speck DuraFolio for iPad Mini. It is a bit too youthful for my taste, but the quality of the construction, the degree of protection it offers and the integrated stand all come together to offer a folio case that will not only keep your iPad mini safe but will also add some great functionality to it in the process. You can learn more here.
MSRP: $59.95
What I Like: Highly protective; Includes integrated stand; Cover wakes and sleeps the screen automatically; Not nearly as heavy or bulky as I expected
What Needs Improvement: Color combinations can be a bit too youthful; Pricey for a synthetic case
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample of the Speck DuraFolio for iPad Mini