This post was published 1 year 10 months 6 days ago which may make its actuality or expire date not be valid anymore. This site is not responsible for any misunderstanding.

Most of the time when choosing an iPad case you need to decide between a case that allows you to use or display a device such as a book style case, or a case that protects the device while travelling, like a sleeve. Some cases do double duty, but as I have mentioned before one of the two functions always suffers.

Very few cases manage both usability and protection equally well. There always seems to be a certain amount of give and take. It is why I tend to swap cases daily (beyond just being that way), depending on what I need at that moment (or of course, on which case matches my shoes and handbag). However, there are a few cases which attempt to cater to both protection and usability equally well. One case that claims to do so is the Zipbook from Sena. Its main idea seems simple enough…a book style case that zips closed. However, nothing is EVER simple. Does the Zipbook live up to its claims? Read on.

Sena is one of the most respected names in device cases and rightly so. It is well know for combining exceptional leather with top notch designs and is typically listed amongst the best of the so-called luxury case makers. Taking the Zipbook out of its box, it is clear once again that one of the things that separates the “good” from the “great” in cases is the attention to details. The heavy box that the case comes in reinforces the feeling this is a luxury item, and as we all know a big part of marketing and packaging is creating a certain feeling in the user…in this example it certainly does. The way Sena presents and packages their cases makes them feel less like an accessory and more like the main event…an important purchase in its own right

The Zipbook itself at first seems to be a strange animal. A book style case that closes with a zipper around three sides of the case. In many ways it is simply two stiffened leather panels connected by a zipper.

The zipper itself is not as heavy as found on many gear bags, but it is not flimsy either, a nice compromise between style and substance, and the wide elastic on either side of the zipper itself makes the case a bit more shock proof without taking away from the overall look. Another example of attention to detail are the matching leather zipper pulls used on the case. Little things like that really improve the overall appearance of the case.

The leather panels that make up the front and back covers of the case are worth notice. They have the soft, sleek feel of high quality leather and look absolutely fabulous even through the Napa leather that Sena uses is notably thinner then that used in some other cases I have reviewed. This is leather that is designed for fashion, not durability…which would normally be a problem for me, being a manly man at the height of my manliness. However the exceptional design of this case makes up for the fact the leather is gorgeous but a bit light.

You see, both the front and back panels are given additional substance and heft by the fact that they feature a raised area that is surprisingly quite cushy as well as a rigid backing. The leather is actually stretched over some kind of high-density padding, making the leather itself far more protective and durable. Also, the raised look is very attractive and distinctive. I honestly have never seen a case quite like it. It also feels very good on the hand.

Another element I really like about this case is the flat leather panel at the spine. The fact that it is stiff and angular makes the case look more book-like and complete, and acts as a nice counterpoint to the soft elastic around the other three sides. It also makes it easier to fold the front cover back when you are using the iPad.

Inside the case, the covers are lined with a softer grade of leather, almost as soft as suede, in a nice beige counterpoint to the black outer leather.The iPad is held in place using the four corners method I have seen in other cases. In the Zipcase, the solid leather cuffs are on the top corners of the device, while wide elastic strips secure the lower corners. Any covered controls or connectors have cut outs allowing full access.

All four corners are well stitched and solid, but as I have expressed with other cases I feel that the place this case will wear out first is in the elastic strips that secure the bottom of the iPad. While the elastic is nice and wide it isn’t especially heavy-duty and I could easily see the edges start to fray with regular use. Having had to get rid of too many excellent cases due to small elements like elastic failing, I am very conscious of the problem.

One last feature which is a nice touch and better executed then I expected is a recessed stand that can be folded out on the back of the case. When I first read of this feature I was prepared to hate it as being not really useful for anything beyond detracting from the lines of the case. However, it is recessed well enough where it didn’t really bother me when it is folded up. Due to the way the panels are designed it pretty much disappears.

As for being used as a stand, it is adequate in a pinch. If you need to prop your case up in landscape mode once in a blue moon it would be very useful. If having a solid stand for your iPad is essential to you, then get a separate stand, or another case.

Overall I have been very happy with the Zipbook case. It provides a good compromise for me between open book-style cases and sleeves. When it is in my gear bag I like the fact that the iPad is entirely sealed inside the Zipbook, so I don’t need to worry about something getting inside the case and scratching or damaging the iPad. It also looks very classy in use with out being ostentatious and works very nicely as a traditional book style case, allowing me to read and work with the iPad without removing it from the case and leaving it fully exposed.

The Sena imprint has always been a sign of quality, style and attention to detail, and the Zipbook case for the iPad is no exception. I was extremely impressed with all aspects of the case, even though I have my doubts about the elastic, and I would happily recommend this case to anyone looking for a good compromise in the protection/style question. The Zipbook is a bit on the pricey side, coming in just under a hundred dollars, but not outlandish for a product of this quality.This isn’t the most durable case around, but it was never meant to be. It is certainly one of the best looking cases available for the iPad however, while offering above average protection…which is exactly what Sena meant it to be.

The Zipbook is available in three colors direct from Sena for $99.99.