Hands-On: Macally’s Bookstand Case for Apple iPad
I admit it: I don’t like the Apple-designed iPad case. Oh, it’s well made and offers a nice angle for typing, but it’s a little tippy in landscape and I’m not a fan of the edge seams. So after two months of searching, I decided to purchase the Macally Bookstand case — I’m glad I did.
The Bookstand offers the same versatility of a propped viewing angle for typing and the ability to stand the iPad in landscape, but it’s a much more stable solution. And instead of notched cut-outs for access to controls, the Macally Bookstand is open on three of the iPad’s four sides. Have a look-see in this short video and leave any questions in the comments — I’ll do my best to answer them.
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I have this case and it us beautiful. The workers in the Apple store were drooling.
The only thing is the micro suede gets dirty in a heart beat. I even sprayed mine with Scotch Guard. I was more worried about where I set it down than actually dropping my iPad. High stress. When the Apple store called to say the official Apple cases were in I went ahead and got one. It’s black and easy to wipe down.
MacAlly’s is I high end looking case and very proffesional looking for biz but if you want a low maintenance case use the Apple one even though it’s cheesy.
I guess it’s pretty bad when you need protection for your protection! :-)
That’s what she said!
Kevin, you could have wiped the smudgy screen! ;-)
Nice looking case. Waiting for my DODOcase to arrive on import, although bought a temporary cheap case for £12 delivered on eBay which is actually quite nice!
“Kevin, you could have wiped the smudgy screen!”
Nah, that would hide how much I use the device. ;)
What’s the difference between Bookstand and BookstandB? I can’t tell the difference from the web site (it doesn’t seem to correspond to color). Also, I can’t seem to play the video you made, it doesn’t seem to be responding to pressing the play button.
Are you on Firefox Russell? I have the same issue on my Win 7 desktop with FF, plays fine through Chrome.
Works fine in Firefox on my Mac. I’m wondering if it’s a Firefox addon that’s causing the issue.
“What’s the difference between Bookstand and BookstandB?”
Looks like the “B” denotes a black case instead of the gray one I have.
I’m on IE on W7. Just tried it on Chrome, and yes, it works there. Thanks for the tip!
Two thoughts after watching the video:
1) I still don’t know what the difference between the bookstand and the bookstandd is. It’s got to be the color, but which is which?
2) I guess they made it the way they did so the leather can slip under and support it, but I really miss my Kindle case’s approach with the velcro. Nothing to open, and always keesp it closed. I don’t like the Apple case because it flies open at inopportune moments, and I’m sad I’ll be sliding out the leather strap instead of just putting a little more pressure on opening it.
Have been enjoying my IPAD 3G since 4/30. While this case seems interesting – I am turned off by two aspects – Price and Material.
The case I eventually decided to get is the DMS Leather Flip Book Jacket/folio. I picked it from Amazon for about $27. Good price and material is leather like. Fully functional multi viewing angles.
Sam
I looked at the DMS folio as well as the Incase Convertible Book Jacket because I wanted the angle functionality. But both were too think for my tastes, so I opted for a more minimal solution. Still, both look very nice.
The DMS case looks nice, but it looks pretty thick. I love the thinness of the ipad, which is why I was originally sticking with Apple’s case.
I agree on keeping a thin case since the iPad is so elegantly thin. This is why I had to rule to DODO out…as beautiful as the craftsmanship is, I couldnt justify adding bulk. All personal preference obviously.
Kevin – what about that stray…it seems like it would get in the way when just holding the case open in book format (without creating the angle) Does it?
Good question Gary. I didn’t show it on camera, but you can tuck the stray…er, strap… ;) in so it doesn’t stick out when using like a book. The leather flap for the strap is open on both ends, which gives you plenty of versatility with the strap.
oops…that would be “strap”, not “stray”
I am using the InvisiCase by MoCowbell. It is semi-transparent made of a space-age technology (patent-pending) used during military space experiments. It is extremely lightweight and comes in many different tinted colors and is stain proof, dust proof, waterproof, fireproof and bulletproof. When closed it conforms to the iPad like a second skin with all external ports exposed and is extremely soft to the touch. When open it automatically becomes rigid and has infinite adjustability and cannot be tipped over at any angle. In its rigid state it can withstand 6200 lbs of direct force without compromise.
Due to its unique chemical properties it glows in the dark, however this feature can be disabled if desired. Also in its opened state this case will reduced glare approximately 82% even when outside to greatly increase visibility via iPad’s glossy screen. I was able to purchase this fine case on the internet for $32 which is a steal for such a gorgeous piece of engineering excellence. As an added touch I ordered the Apple logo etched in the fabric for free (limited time offer). This is an outstanding case that meets my needs and is flawless. And for less than 40 bucks after shipping costs it is a very handsome price.
Oh I forgot one very worthwhile property of this awesome case. When closed the case has a unique oil-absorbing characteristic that virtually eliminates any fingerprint residue from the iPad screen in less than 10 seconds. This feature requires no cleaning during repeated use and has a lifetime guarantee. In my use I have yet to see any fingerprint or smudges on the screen after re-opening this case. This case’s fabric seems to have magical properties that are only exceeded by the magical properties of the iPad itself. It’s a perfect match.
Sounds cool. Can you provide a web link to this case? Google only turns up your mention here.
LOL!