Back in January, I was contacted by The Snugg, asking if I would like to review one of their products. Having recently become an iPad user (no I didn't suddenly get rich, it's a company perk) I leaped at the chance. I use the iPad to work from a lot - especially throughout conferences and events at which I'm live blogging/tweeting. I thought that would make for an interesting test drive. I chose the 'Executive Cover' in black leatherette, which I thought would provide lots of pockets to store the various cards, papers and pens I lug around with me. So, two conferences and one month later here I am...
ESSENTIALS: iPad / Blackberry / pain killers / hair tie / hand salve / chewing gum / business cards / pens / perfume / coffee / lip balm / Olbas Oil / tissues
I added The Snugg (and the iPad snuggled inside of it) to my regular conference survival pack, in which I keep items to make busy days a little less trying. Some conference days can be very long; lasting from 6am one morning until anything up to 2am (the next morning). And it's not an unfair cliché to suggest that everyone in attendance is surviving on caffeine, chewing gum and headache pills, supplemented with the occasional [hotel provided] bourbon biscuit. It can be tough, but it's also great fun.
I always carry my 'survival kit' in a small canvas tote, along with a bottle of water and a snack which is usually Twiglets or carrot sticks. The Snugg certainly did a good job of better organising the things I carried around with me, particularly small annoying papery things like meal tickets, room cards, table reservations, conference programmes etc. There are a few things that weren't perfect, but my overall impression of the item is very good and I will certainly continue to use it. I wrote a more in depth review which covers the good points and the bad, so if you're interested in purchasing the cover (which usually retails for $49.99 but is currently on sale), please read on.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
PRAISE
AESTHETICS: The cover is really smart looking, with a (very real looking) grosgrain leather effect on the outside, a black velvety material on the inside, and an ivory top stitch finishing everything off. The branding on the outside of the cover is tasteful and minimal; consisting of a single embossed logo which is well proportioned.
FEATURES & FUNCTIONALITY: In the most basic sense of function, the cover 'holds' the device well, with no slipping around inside or forcing to get it to fit. Main features include a folding stand, pockets for cards and papers, a stylus holder and a grip to slip your hand through. All of these work really well - the stand function in particular is absolutely wonderful for watching video and browsing the net, and is much sturdier than the other standing iPad covers I've used. The hand grip is great for holding the iPad up to take photos or film, which is a godsend at the end of a tiring day when your arms are already aching. The Snugg is also 'smart'; when you close the cover it locks the screen.
DURABILITY: The leatherette is very hard-wearing and hasn't scuffed at all in the month I've been using it, and the plush interior is kind to the iPad screen. I haven't dropped the iPad yet (thank god) but I feel like The Snugg cover provides adequate padding to deflect any light knocks or bashes.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
- The inside of the cover unfortunately isn't badged quite as well as the outside - there's a brown papery logo which I found a little tacky, and frustrating that it was non-removable. I am really not a fan of overly intrusive branding. I failed to photograph this, but you can see it here.
- The stylus/pen holder would work better if it was slightly elasticated, as I couldn't fit most of my pens in it.
- The cover is slightly bulkier than some that I've used, which can at times - like when playing games such as Temple Run - be a little cumbersome.
- I would have appreciated a zipped pouch somewhere on the cover - maybe on the back?
Thank you to The Snugg for sending me this product.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
We have one for our iPad and we've been using it for some time now and still looks as good as when we got it. Yours looks to have additional compartments inside which ours doesn't though. And that was a very thorough review - I don't think I could have done one like that.
ReplyDeleteI also have to say despite being only 3 - George is pretty good at Temple Run.
Temple Run 2 is the bomb!
DeleteIT IS AMAZINGGGG!!!! Temple Run is literally the most addictive game ever - aside from a game called Cruel Jewels - which you should deffo get because my boyfriend wrote and recorded all of the music and sound effects for it :3 (shameless plug haha).
DeleteIt's good to hear that yours still looks brand new Sue! mine is lasting well so far, which is the best thing about it - we bought a case from the apple shop when we got the iPad which cost nearly £50, and it looks quite tatty already :(
xx
Mmmm great review!
ReplyDeletethank you! :D
DeleteThis was a very helpful review! I've been thinking about getting an iPad because it just seems so much easier to carry around compared to a laptop but have had some hesitations about how to protect it. I also love the folding stand, a definite must for me.
ReplyDeleteawesome I'm glad you found it helpful! :) iPads really are great - my colleague just got the mini one and I really like that (I think I would get the mini if I buy one for myself). The folding stand is great and makes it really easy to watch movies on the train etc x
DeleteiPad is one of the handiest gadgets and so that its accessories are. You will be amazed to know that recently, my friend had purchased a case, which has Bluetooth keyboard in it along with a screen to watch movies with ease on this device.
ReplyDeleteRegards;
Sara William
Click to buy iPad cases by Wrappz