DODOcase for iPad 2 as good as the original
My love affair with the DODOcase is well documented. I've used one since day one, and I even credit one with saving my iPad's life (though the manufacturers note that the DODOcase is not an impact case). So, I was thrilled to be able to test a DODOcase for iPad 2 for the last week. As a bonus, I've also been using a BOOKback for iPad 2. Both are quite nice and will be especially appealing to those who appreciate good design. Here's my review.
Looks
The DODOcase has been re-designed to accommodate Apple's new tablet, but the high-quality build and materials are unchanged. The exterior is wrapped in that nice, Moleskine-esque material and closes with a similar elastic band. The grain is a bit different than that on the notebooks, but at first glance, that's what most people will assume you're carrying.
On the inside, the iPad rests inside a hand-carved bamboo frame. Four rubber bumpers hold the iPad 2 firmly in place. And I mean firmly. I had to press to get it in where it was held tight. It's a grip that inspires confidence; you know the typical bumps and nudges won't knock your iPad free.
The top and bottom of the frame are cut away to expose the controls, speaker and dock connector (yes, you can connect the cable while the DODOcase is in use).
Use
First, the bummer. Closing the DODOcase does not turn the screen off like Apple's Smart Cover does. Apparently the magnets in the Smart Cover are responsible for the refrigerator light routine, not the proximity of the lid. Too bad.
Other than that, I can't find much negative to say about the DODOcase. After a week of bumping around in my bag and car, it still looks great. Even my children's eager, greasy fingers couldn't detract from its functioning or good looks. With the lid closed and the strap in place, you're ready to go.
Another handy feature lets you fold the lid over backwards and prop the DODOcase up in the landscape orientation. Provided you aren't on a slick surface, that is. My IKEA desk is entirely too smooth for this procedure, and the case slides until it's flat on its back right away. A bed, couch, patch of grass or anything else offering a little more resistance works much better.
Conclusion
Yes, it's pricey at US$59.95. Cheaper cases are certainly available. But honestly, the build quality and materials justify the cost. Plus, it will just appeal to those who appreciate the look. I certainly do.
BOOKback
I also got to try out a BOOKback for iPad 2 ($19.95) this week (here's my review of the original). Unlike Apple's Smart Cover, which protects the front and not the back of the iPad 2, the BOOKback covers the back only. Frankly, that's the surface I'm more concerned with. In my experience, the glass can withstand abuse more readily than the back, which scratches right up.
The BOOKback for iPad 2 is made of material quite similar to the outer covering of the DODOcase. Basically it's a big sticker that adheres to the back of your iPad thanks to a re-usable, non-gummy adhesive. Application is quite easy. Just peel off the paper, line up one end and guide it down.
Unlike the BOOKback for the original iPad, the iPad 2 version doesn't cover the rear of the device entirely, because of its shape. You'll see that a "notch" has been cut out to make room for the speaker. Also, it doesn't slide over the taper. Instead, it ends where the surface ceases to be flat.
Frankly, I think the older version looked better, but that's a matter of aesthetics. It still feels fantastic to touch and offers reliable scratch protection. The BOOKback for iPad 2 is available with either red or black logo lettering.
In the end, I can recommend both of these products. They look great, feel great and offer reliable protection. If you're considering buying, I'd say do it.
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Source: http://www.dodocase.com/
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My love affair with the DODOcase is well documented. I've used one since day one, and I even credit one with saving my iPad's life...
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Wow.... Im surprised by all the bad reviews... I bought a dodocase used off craigslist and have been using it a lot for the past 10 months. Only just now, the foam corners are getting flat to the point where the iPad could come out if I turned the case upside down. You can order replacement pads here : http://dodocase.zendesk.com/entries/344399-replacement-pad-order-form (they're free). I ended up just sticking in a disposable earplug cut in half in the one corner where the foam pad was made flattest (without even gluing it) and it's back to being a perfect fit.
Anywyas I love the look and feel of it: it's nice to angle and type on (which is what I am doing now), or just hold and read (which is what I do most). It's held up to frequent use, but I haven't dropped my $500 investment yet. (knock on bamboo?!)
Dodo case is probably the worst case on the market right now. It's huge, poorly constructed, and is simply overpriced. I would highly discourage anyone from purchasing a DODO.
April 14 2011 at 2:31 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyAnd for the price, the DoDocase seems cheap and flimsy to the touch...Although they look great from a distance...Honestly, I bet it costs them about $3.95 for materials...and that cheap glue they use for the bumpers...well, that comes from China (in bulk) its made from chicken fat...lol!
April 14 2011 at 2:24 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyMy bumpers fell off...I complained, they sent me a new DoDoCase and the bumpers fell off...I glued them back with Gorilla Glue and now it just sits on the floor as a kinda of door stop that dosen't work either...Your review is probably accurate for "day 1" use...but after a few weeks of regular use, I bet your bumpers will start falling off. These DoDocases are "faulty" and as far as I'm concerned, DoDo can suck a fat one.
April 14 2011 at 2:19 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down ReplyKeep ignoring everyone Dodo...won't be long before your "bookmakers" are back to out of work status...appropriate business name by the way!
April 14 2011 at 2:15 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down ReplyMy first dodocase was awesome-- two tone bamboo wood(gave it a personal touch--it might not have been intended)--the bumpers came off and I emailed the company and they gave me extra bumpers to replace--- ask and it shall be given. The new dodocase(now for my IPAD2) doesnt look as custom made-- but the IPAD is so secure I make an effort to pry it out just to drool over its thiness(dont you do that in the shower?) For what its worth, the inside orange was not as brilliant as the red-- I wish I stuck with blue or red.
Other than that---its still an awesome case to hide your IPAD amongst sketchbooks and assorted reading material
I was debating between the DODOcase and the one from Pad & Quill. After seeing them both I went with the Pad & Quill. For the same cost of the DODOcase they include a rear camera hole and a magnet on the cover to turn the iPad on/off like the Apple Smart Cover. I am really impressed with the look and build of the case. It feels more sturdy than the DODOcase. Both are beautiful, but in the end I chose the other.
April 14 2011 at 11:04 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyIt would be nice if some of these third party cases showed up in retail stores (maybe they do in the US... just not in Canada yet). I want to buy a case but I don't want a Smart Cover. Until yesterday, the only ones available through the big chains were Smart Covers, and yesterday I noticed Best Buy finally had a couple from Belkin.
I know I can probably order cases online, but when it comes to a case, this is something I want to see and feel in person before buying. I'm NOT going to buy one solely based on pictures or third party reviews that I haven't had a chance to look at myself.
Can Apple SmartCovers still be used if you have a BOOKback installed? I worry it would interfere with the magnets.
April 14 2011 at 10:39 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyLikely. the sticker is only on the flat area so it likely doesn't come near the magnet connection point
April 17 2011 at 2:47 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply@Dave Caolo,
I bought the DODOcase for the iPad based on your earlier recommendation.
It is one of the WORST cases that I've ever bought for iPhone or iPad! It doesn't even look good. It has a silly strap that flops around under the case when not in use. The case is HUGE with all the wood surrounding it -- it's like the iPad is now grown into a netbook.
Worst of all is the top cover. It warps and sags after just a week or two. Then when you try to straighten it, the inner lining starts coming loose. I don't know how long it's going be before I throw it in the trash.
And this is without moving the iPad outside the house once. I have another much more practical case that I use when the iPad goes out of the house.
DODOcase is not recommended by me...
I have the Dodo case for my 1st get iPad. The 'silly strap that flops around under the case when not in use' should actually just be wrapped around the front cover again even when you have it open. This keeps the front cover in place behind the iPad when you're using it.
I did have to use some Gorilla Glue to keep the corner pads in place which should just be done when it's made.
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