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Then it started to fall apart. All of the material that binds the various edges of the leather securing the iPad is peeling away. The flap that holds the iPad in place appears to be paper beneath the “leather” covering. The covering is tearing away along the sides of the flap and the flap is now held in place by tape wrapped around the point where the flap connects to the case.

I’m still in the process of working with Marware to see if they will honor their warranty, but I doubt that a replacement case will fare any better than the original.

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If I had to buy it again, I would wait for the Marware Eco-Vue to come out instead. Exact same case, but opens on the other side. Marware Eco-Vue for iPad I will probably end up buying that as well once it is released.

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The design is excellent. Can prop up iPad in landscape or portrait modes – the flip-over style is much better at providing a secure portrait platform than an opens-like-a-book style.

One thing that looked stupid in the product description, but is actually both smart and handy is the elastic strap on the back (when flipped over) under which one can put one’s hand. This is remarkably convenient and comfortable for one-handed holding, leaving the other hand free to manipulate the screen and/or keyboard. One of the problems of the iPad is that its size makes it awkward to hold in one hand – the strap cures that. If it’s stupid but it works, it isn’t stupid.

The case seems to be very protective of the iPad. I have no qualms about putting it in a briefcase with files and miscellaneous hardware. The thin elastic retaining strap keeps the case closed, and is easy to use, one handed and without looking. How long it will last remains to be seen, but it hasn’t shown any signs of premature wear.

I use the iPad in a professional setting, so I am looking for something that looks professional. The case is quite attractive without being obvious or garish – it resembles a commonly encountered leather portfolio. This blends in nicely for me, but will disappoint someone looking for an I-gotta-be-me fashion statement. In the so-called real world, if they’re distracted by your toys, they’re not paying attention to your presentation.

An added bonus is that an iPad is still rare enough that it is a theft magnet. The case makes it less obvious that it is an iPad and thus reduces its profile as a target.

I do not comment on the “case” versus “no case” dialectic. For use around the house, there is really little need for a case, although the enhanced one-hand use and ability to prop up hands-free would be a bonus anywhere. In the workaday world, a case is almost a necessity, for the reasons referred to above: protection, ease of use, focus, and theft temptation reduction.

One lack is that the iPad won’t fit in the dock with the case, and you can’t prop it in portrait position with the docking cable attached.

All in all, this is an excellent product of its type. If it lasts it will deserve the fifth star. So far, so good.

UPDATE: One unexpected consequence: the suede (?) interior material is a magnet for pet hair. I have a white cat and a black dog, so I have the spectrum covered. A lot of hair ends up on the interior material, and thus on the screen. We knew the iPad was a fingerprint magnet – who knew about the hair? A little more cleaning and a lint roller for the interior of the case keeps it tidy.

Rating:

The case is simply downright heavy. Let me explain what I mean. My iPad weighs 1.5 pounds and the Marware Eco-View or Eco-Flip case weighs 1 pound. So that means the weight of the case is 2/3rds the weight of my tablet bringing the total weight of my iPad and case to 2.5 pounds. Is the 2.5 pounds package really that heavy in your hands? Perhaps not to a 5-pound notebook but to a naked iPad it DEFINITELY is. The culprit here is the weight of the lid, which apparently is made especially heavy for the lid to stay more firmly closed.

There are other cases out there that give fine protection that weigh a 1/2 pound or less that are sold on Amazon which would bring the total weight of iPad and case to about 2 pounds. Can most people tell the difference in weight between 2 pounds compared to 2.5 pounds? I for one know that I can – and that is a telling difference that I don’t want. I returned my Marware case since I’ve ordered a lighter vessel to carry its special cargo.

So the choice is yours. If you want extra protection with some utility in several viewing positions and don’t mind the extra weight, then either the Eco-View or Eco-Flip case is a fine choice. But if you prefer not to compromise a lighter overall feel, then there is a growing selection of lighter alternatives out there for you to consider.