Review: KNOMO's Premium Leather Folio Is A Luxurious Case For iPad Air
by Joe White
December 3, 2013
Company: KNOMO
Product: iPad Air Premium Folio
Price: $146 (£89)
Compatibility: iPad Air
Website: www.knomobags.com
Date: Dec. 3, 2013
The ideal iPad case should protect the tablet, prop it up to offer a number of different viewing (or typing) angles, and - most importantly, perhaps - it must look good, too. KNOMO has a bunch of MacBook and iDevice cases available to purchase in its online store, and its leather Premium Folio satisfies this three-part criteria perfectly, in each respect.
Not only does the folio protect the iPad's screen, its back, and its edges, but the case can also double as an iPad stand; being made from full-grain leather while featuring a microfiber lining, it also looks and feels great.
But is the "premium" case worth its premium price? In our most recent product review, we find out.
The Product
KNOMO's iPad Air Premium Folio is a more up-market version of its iPad Air Leather Folio, and there are a number of key differences. First, the premium iteration of the folio case offers a larger "wraparound" cover that features pockets on the inside for credit cards, documents, and the like.
The size of this cover also means there's no crease in the front of the folio, and one would imagine that the level of protection offered by the more expensive case is higher, too (since it appears to offer additional padding).
This bigger cover also allows users of the Premium Folio to prop their iPad Air up into a larger number of viewing positions. These range from the near-vertical to a more a more horizontal stance, for on-the-go iPad typing.
Both cases use the same rubberized inner case and protect the enclosed tablet from damage, however the less expensive folio is available in a larger number of colors: black, blue, scarlet, and brown, rather than the Premium Folio, which is available in just black and brown leather.
That being said, KNOMO's iPad Air Premium Folio is a stunning product, and it terms of both design and manufacturing it is of the highest quality. Made from real, full-grain leather, the folio feels (and smells) great, offering sturdy protection for the tablet and at the same time looking fashionable and attractive.
Inside the folio is a microfiber lining, and the stitching here, which separates inner pocket from inner pocket, is precise. This soft lining means the enclosed iPad's screen is going to be protected from scratches, too. The cover of the Premium Folio is magnetic, and will attach itself to the back of the tablet while at the same time activating the iPad's sleep and wake functions.
However, if you fold this cover round users can achieve a different viewing angle. This can be upright, in cinema-style display; it can be at a slightly lower angle; or, it can also be configured to support the iPad at an even lower angle for typing, as you can see.
You can also fold the folio's cover entirely behind the iPad, supporting the tablet in a horizontal position. I've found that this makes for particularly easy typing, raising the iPad up a few centimeters from the tabletop it's placed on while at the same time allowing for easy access to the tablet's screen and virtual keyboard.
Access to the iPad's Lock screen, mute switch, volume buttons, and Lighting port is provided by KNOMO's case, and at the same time the product also makes room for the tablet's speakers, allowing users to listen to music using the Premium Folio-equipped iPad Air.
Besides offering an impressive product, KNOMO also has unique identifiers stitched into their cases, which users can register their details with using an online service called "MyKnomo." It is hoped that a lost iPad, then, could find its way back to its original owner using this method, even if the iDevice has been remotely locked or wiped. KNOMO also offers a 30-day money back guarantee, and its products include two years of warranty against manufacturing-related faults.
To recap, features of the case include:
The only downside to KNOMO's iPad Air Premium Folio we encountered was the additional weight that the case adds to the iPad. This, of course, is due to the high-quality material used, and the high level of protection offered by the case; furthermore, it's certainly not something that would compromise my relationship with the folio, in any way. But at the same time, the Premium Folio adds 320g of weight to Apple's iPad Air, which itself is just 470g. If you purchased the new 9.7-inch tablet because you're anxious to keep the weight of your tablet down, then KNOMO's product may not be right for you. However, if this isn't something you're concerned about, and if you have the cash to invest in a high quality iPad Air case, KNOMO's product is hugely impressive and we're certain you won't be disappointed. What's Hot
- Leather case can be used in 3 ways: to protect your iPad on the move, positioned upright for viewing movies & folded into raised position for typing.
- Fully protective case with sleep/wake magnetic closure on flap.
- Luxurious full-grain leather flap with soft microfiber lining.
- Form-fitted rubberised case.
- Easy access to headphone jack/speaker.
- Fits iPad Air
- Includes a 2 year warranty against manufacturing fault.
- High quality materials used
- It looks stylish and fashionable
- It feels great to use
- It offers a high level of protection
- It can prop the iPad up into different viewing angles
- It includes stitched-in pockets
- It is supported by KNOMO's "MyKnomo" service
- Its cover is magnetic
- It adds a lot of weight to the iPad Air
- It is on the expensive side, but this is reflected in the quality of the case and its "premium" title