Do you want to keep your iPad 2 safe, but you also want a stand? Then take a look at our two minute review of the Elan Folio from Griffin.
Who are Griffin?
Griffin Technology began designing and manufacturing technical solutions with an innovative flair in 1992. We’ve since grown to become one of the largest providers of accessories for personal computing and digital media.
We ask ourselves: What would you like to do with your computer, your TV, your stereo system, your MP3 players, your musical instruments… the technology that enhances your life?
Our approach has given birth to some of the best known accessories in the digital entertainment and personal computer markets, including the iTrip family of FM transmitters and the groundbreaking Evolve Wireless Sound System.
Today, Griffin designs, manufactures and delivers useful and fun solutions for digital entertainment and personal computing to people in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, through major retailers and online.
The Elan Folio
Here is how Griffin describe the Elan Folio:
Carry your iPad in Elan Folio like a personal notebook. The case flips open for quick access to your Multi-Touch display, and closes like a book for privacy and protection.
Elan Folio doesn’t stop working when you stop carrying it. Flip the cover around and lock it in back to turn the folio into an adjustable easel. Elan Folio holds your iPad upright in landscape position for reading and viewing pictures and video. For drawing, tapping and typing, turn it over and lay it down in a comfortable inclined position.
Elan Folio is available in both leather and high-quality synthetic materials. Both versions protect your Multi-Touch display with a microsuede lining. Strategically-placed cutouts provide unhindered access to ports, cameras, and controls. Elan Folio is easy to use, easy to carry, and easy to keep clean.
Features
- Slim, one-piece folio design
- Opens like a book, flips closed to protect
- Supports your iPad in two landscape positions, upright and inclined
What’s in the Box?
The case is the only thing in the box, or rather the box is around the case.
Protecting Your iPad 2
The iPad 2 slides into the inside of the case and is held firmly in place, along with a flap that tucks behind the iPad 2.
When the case is closed, the iPad 2 is very well protected.
You can also use the Elan Folio as a stand – although you only have once angle you can use.
Final Thoughts
Fitting the iPad 2 into the Folio was simple, and the iPad 2 felt very secure. The inside of the Folio is a soft material that won’t damage the screen.
It was nice to be able to use the Folio as a stand as well – and it felt fairly stable.
Price wise, the Elan Sleeve retails for around the $49.99 mark, although as usual take a look around to see if you can find a bargain.
If you are looking for something to store your iPad 2 in to keep it protected, and you also want a built in stand, then you should take a look at the Elan Sleeve.
I purchased this product a couple of months ago, so i thought I’d share my experience so far. Overall, the Elan Folio looks both sleek and professional, and the construction seems quite durable. When open, the “easl” configuration works well to prop the unit up for browsing or typing in landscape orientation. It also provides excellent scratch and impact protection when closed and stored.
However, there are a few weaknesses in the design that could be improved:
* First, the leather frame tends to bulge out slightly at the bottom of the pocket, which makes it a bit difficult to hit the space bar when using the iPad 2 in landscape orientation.
* Second, when the cover is folded all the way back behind the unit, it blocks the rear-facing camera lens. Which means you can only take photos or video with the cover hanging open to the side – a configuration which makes it difficult to hold.
* Finally, there is no mechanism for keeping the case closed, and cover occasionally falls away from the front of the iPad when pulling it out of a briefcase, or transporting it by hand.
In general, though, I’ve been very pleased with the Elan Folio. It’s a good choice for those who want a functional, solidly-built and professional-looking case for their new iPad 2.
thanks Eric – really appreciate your comments