Our stores are filled with mediocre products. How many things do you buy that you simple use, but don’t really love? I believe we should design, create and purchase love-worthy products. Apple has done this very well with their iPod, iPhone and iPad devices, but there are plenty of other companies doing good work. I’m going to take some time each weekend to share my favorites. Today, it’s the world’s best iPad case: the DODOcase.
An expensive device like an iPad is naked without a case. An iPad deserves something to protect it from scratches, dings and even the occasional drop. And the DODOcase (affiliate link) does this with style. It is the best case I’ve ever seen for the iPad, bar none.
I first spied the DODOcase at last year’s WordCamp LA. One of the guys sitting in a row near me had one. It caught my eye because I’m a big fan of Moleskine notebooks, and I had been lusting for an iPad since then were first announced. I finally got my iPad last fall, and shortly thereafter ordered my DODOcase.
The DODOcase is handmade in San Francisco using old school bookbinding methods. It has the look of a big Moleskine notebook (my favorite analog note taking device). The sides which cradle the iPad are cut from unfinished bamboo, which is both strong and has a nice paper-like patina. There’s even an elastic band like the Moleskine notebooks that holds the case closed.
The hand-crafted quality of the case is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the DODOcase is a kick-ass case. On the other, I had to wait nearly four weeks for my case to arrive. Apparently there is a limit to how many of these beauties you can make when you’re doing it by hand.
As you can see from the photos, it’s a beautiful case. But it’s not without a few issues and might not be for everyone. First, it’s one of the more expensive cases out there. Second, like a notebook or a favorite book, it will show some wear over time. I’ve seen it in the corners. And of course, also like a book, it’s not water proof or even very water resistant. And finally, it doesn’t stand up like an easel as some cases do.
But it does look, feel and work amazingly well. Highly recommended.
If you’re interested, you can find out more or order your DODOcase at their website (affiliate link).
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