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The Flipbook Case for iPad is a great design concept but the accordion pocket causes the Magic Keyboard to be top-heavy and detracts from the use of the iPad. The case style is very professional and looks great in any setting. Its functional use of it is just not all I hoped for.

Ever since I got my first iPad in 2011, it’s been an essential device for me. I recently upgraded to a 4th Gen 12.9-inch iPad Pro with a Magic Keyboard. I like to make sure that my devices will be around for as long as possible. The Magic Keyboard does a good job of protecting the tablet, but when it comes to carrying the iPad, it’s nice to have a case for it. Cases can provide a bit of extra grip, making it less likely that you’ll drop your iPad.

The Pitaka case is designed to be easy to use and look like a book. It flips open with your iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard. There is no unzipping or removing of case parts necessary to use the case. When you are done using your iPad, you simply shut the case and go. In addition to your iPad, the Flipbook Case can also carry your everyday essential elements such as your smartphone and key fob.

The Flipbook Case is woven from leather and Carbitex CX6® Carbon Fiber. This provides a comfortable, durable material to carry around. The sleeve offers protection as well as exceptional comfort. The case uses strong, PU gel pads that are reusable (up to 100 times). The pads can handle 3kg of pull-off force but will not leave a single mark on your Magic Keyboard. The case features a classic business style that is ideal for most professional settings.

The Flipbook Case is available in two colors — white and black. The white version is made from leather and polyester and the black version features carbon fiber material. The case can be ordered for the 11-inch or 12.9-inch iPad Pro. The Flipbook Case has a list price of $89 (USD) from ipitaka.com no matter which variation you choose.

One of the first things I noticed about this product is its tagline. “Your next iPad bag is not a bag.” It goes right along with the iPad marketing tag, “Your next computer is not a computer.” I thought it was a clever way to tie the two products together. The Flipbook comes packaged in a Pitaka-branded box. When you open the inside, you’ll find the case wrapped up with a cardboard mock-up that is meant to represent the size of an iPad.

The case wraps perfectly around the Magic Keyboard case, which provides support for the Flipbook. Installation wasn’t particularly difficult, but it does take patience. I would compare it to the same process are installing a screen protector on a phone. You have to carefully remove the protective film from the adhesive strips and that part can be hard to get started.

Once you get the film peeled off, you have to line up the case frame with the Magic Keyboard. I started with the side that has the fold on it. I do want to note that I installed the Flipbook while the iPad was not in the keyboard case. I just thought it would be easier if the case was a little lighter.

I also made sure to wipe the back of the Magic Keyboard off before attempting to apply the adhesive strips that are attached to the Flipbook. I used an alcohol wipe, but a simple damp cloth would get the job done, too. The point is to wipe any dust or dirt off of the surface so the adhesive has the best possible place to attach.

Once I lined up the Flipbook with the Magic Keyboard I simply let gravity pull the two together. I flipped the keyboard over and repeated the process with the backside. After I applied both sides of the Flipbook, I found that the first side — the side with the pocket — needed to be moved a little. So, I pulled it off the keyboard, realigned it, and stuck it back down. It was definitely stuck on the keyboard well but the adhesive was able to stick to the surface again with no problem.

Once I had the Flipbook installed I put my iPad into the keyboard and took a good look at the product. The Flipbook looks really good with the Magic Keyboard. I have the black Flipbook and it truly looks awesome with my Space Gray iPad and Magic Keyboard. I would assume the white version would look just slick.

The magnetic handles made it very easy to carry the iPad because they were naturally stuck together. I tried to open the case while I was still holding it — like you would if you have a folio briefcase and you were going to pull paperwork from it. Just like the description states, the Flipbook makes it very easy to pull the Magic Keyboard open and position it for work. I was very impressed with that operation as it is something I always find a little tricky with the iPad and Magic Keyboard.

As much as I LOVE the concept of this case, there are a couple of design deficiencies that I noticed. The first one is that the camera cover falls open very easily. It seems that there is a little bit of a magnet in it because you can press it closed when the iPad is in the keyboard case, but it can easily be jostled open with a shake or even a simple tap in the right place on the case.

I love that Pitaka put this there because it makes it possible to use the back camera, but it would be nice if there was a better way to secure it so that it is more protective when the camera doesn’t need to be used.

The camera cover is a very minor issue but the other issue I had with the design/operation of the case was that is causes the Magic Keyboard/iPad to be top-heavy. When I opened the keyboard and set it on my desk, I noticed that the base of the keyboard popped up from the desktop.

If you are familiar with iPad accessories, you will remember the first Smart Keyboard. It was released in 2015 and while it added great functionality to the iPad, it too was top-heavy. The base of the keyboard was very light in comparison to the stand that the iPad was attached to.

As much as I adored the Smart Keyboard, it was hard for me to use because I was constantly compensating for the weight issue. It also meant that it was easiest for me to use the iPad when I had a hard surface to set it on. So, that limited my use of the iPad.

Even though the Magic Keyboard has been criticized for its overall weight, I have found it to be perfectly balanced and it’s made it possible for me to use my iPad more than ever before because I’m no longer limited to the surfaces I can use it on. That is until I applied the Flipbook to the Magic Keyboard. Now, I’m fighting the balance issue again — even while it is sitting on my desk.

I have actually noticed that my forearms have small muscle cramps in them because I am having to press down slightly while I type just to keep the entire kit from moving on me. I have provided pictures that show how much the wrist rests on the Magic Keyboard elevate. At the highest point, it’s almost one inch. I slid my Apple Pencil beneath the case to show the amount of space that is between the case and the surface of my desk.

Because this issue hinders my use of the iPad, it is a dealbreaker for me and that truly upsets me because the concept of the case and its main operation — the enhanced carrying function of the iPad — is fantastic.

The Flipbook is a great idea but does have a design flaw that interrupts the standard use of the iPad for me. I love the materials that are used to make the Flipbook and how it looks. I feel like it’s a head-turner and would get noticed by a lot of people. It’s unfortunate that it causes the iPad and Magic Keyboard to be top-heavy. I believe the pocket is what makes the weight difference so great. With that in mind, perhaps a variation on the case could be made that has the pocket as optional.

For more information, visit ipitaka.com, Facebook, and Twitter.  

I am an experienced marketing professional and published novelist. I'm also an avid movie fan and Apple enthusiast. To read my novel, follow this link. Shattered [Kindle Edition]

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