Although the naked iPad looks great, protecting it from harm does make sense, especially if you take it out and about. A folder-style case is ideal for the job and here we’re going to take a look at an offering from Proporta.  The Leather Style Case name gives away the fact that it’s not actually leather, but that’s fine as it still has a pleasant texture and feel without being too hard on the cows.

Opening it up reveals a soft, velvety lining which also extends underneath the screen surround, a holder for a pen and a pocket for a few papers.  The iPad simply slides in on the right-hand side.  Once safely inside, there are cutouts for the 30-pin charger port, the speakers, the volume rocker and the sleep key.  The Home button is also easily accessible.  With the case closed, it does add considerable bulk to the slimline iPad, but that does mean it’s well protected inside.

It’s versatile too, as it can be opened like a folder, or placed on a tabletop at a slight angle thanks to the stiff spine, or with the use of a strap, it can be propped up in a way that’s great for videos or pictures.

The build quality is very impressive, with even stitching around all the edges including the cutouts.  It’s stylish too, especially in the deep red color seen here, with the contrasting cream and black inside.  We’ve been using this on our iPad for a few days and haven’t needed to remove it once, as it’s comfortable to hold, makes typing so much faster when used on a table and stops us worrying about any damage when the iPad gets set aside for a while.

The only issues that did arise were to do with certain apps, and aren’t a fault of the case, more just things to be aware of.  For example, when using Pulse in landscape mode, the button for returning to the feed could sometimes be awkward to press in the bottom right hand corner, due to the case’s screen aperture being very precise.  The cover also got in the way a little when playing vertical shooters like Icarus-X, but for the majority of other games, the Internet or reading books, it’s fine.

The Proporta Leather Style Case is available direct from Proporta’s website and is priced at $37.95 or £29.95, making it very reasonably priced, and we wholeheartedly recommended it.