Vaja's Libretto Limited Edition iPad 2 Case: Gorgeous!

[Jason Dunn]

<p><object width="600" height="360" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/l_CwHeRYpoU&amp;ap=&amp;fmt=18" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/l_CwHeRYpoU&amp;ap=&amp;fmt=18" /></object></p><p>This is my review of the <a href="http://www.vajacases.com" target="_blank">Vaja Libretto Limited Edition</a> leather cases for the iPad 2. The leather colour/style is "Mamut", and yes, it's as gorgeous as it looks. Ringing in at $190 USD, this is a premium-brand, luxury case. It's designed for someone who cares as much about how good the case looks as what it actually does. Thankfully, the Vaja case delivers good functionality along with the distinctive look. It lacks a second angle, but is otherwise similar to many other cases out there - it's basically the leather materials and hand-made approach that sets Vaja cases apart from the mass-manufactured cases you're probably used to.</p><p>The biggest thing to be aware of is that a case made of leather is going to wear and get "character" over time - nicks, scratches, tears, etc. It will look worn in a matter of months, so you don't buy a case like this expecting it to have the "looks the same as it always does" durability that a synthetic case does. As long as you're aware of that, I have no hesitation recommending this case - it's beautiful, unique-looking, and has the basic functionality you want in an iPad 2 case.</p><p>Interested in the DecalGirl skin? <a href="http://is.gd/OrS9Nk" target="_blank">Here's the link</a>.</p><p><em>Jason Dunn owns and operates </em><em><a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/" target="_blank">Thoughts Media Inc.</a></em><em>, a company dedicated to creating the best in online communities. He enjoys </em><em><a href="http://photos.jasondunn.com/" target="_blank">photography</a></em><em>, mobile devices, </em><em><a href="http://www.jasondunn.com/" target="_blank">blogging</a></em><em>, digital media content creation/editing, and pretty much all technology. He lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with his lovely wife, his wonderful son Logan, and his sometimes obedient dog. He's anxiously awaiting for Nikon to release a successor to his somewhat long-in-the-tooth D300.</em></p><p><em></em><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//ppct/auto/1240336793.usr1.gif" /></p><p><strong>Do you enjoy using new hardware, <a class="iAs" href="http://www.digitalhomethoughts.com/news/show/93798/dell-s-inspiron-mini-10-reviewed.html" target="_blank">software</a> and accessories, then sharing your experience with others? Then join us on the <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Thoughts Media Review Team</a>! We're looking for individuals who find it fun to test new gear and give their honest opinions about the experience. It's a volunteer role with some great perks. Interested? <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Then click here for more information.</a></strong></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//ppct/auto/1240336793.usr1.gif" /></p>

[tsatryan]

Jason, I appreciate your review, but it seems like you spend half the time in the video apologizing for (1) the case's poor fit, (2) the case's lack of protection to the top and bottom of the iPad, and (3) the way the leather cracks, giving it "character." And all of this for either $160 or $190 (video says one price, review says another.)

If you are looking for a premium leather case that looks even better, then have you seen the Piel Frama case? The leather is superior, the protection is complete, the fit is perfect, and while all leather will begin to show character from use, good leather should never crack the way your Vaja case shows.

I have owned both Vaja and Piel Frama cases, and can say first hand that Piel Frama produces by far a superior product. (No, I am not an employee of Piel Frama - I am an end user that wants the best, and doesn't want an inferior product for a premium price.)

[Jason Dunn]

Jason, I appreciate your review, but it seems like you spend half the time in the video apologizing for (1) the case's poor fit, (2) the case's lack of protection to the top and bottom of the iPad, and (3) the way the leather cracks, giving it "character." And all of this for either $160 or $190 (video says one price, review says another.)

Thanks for the feedback. I agree this wasn't the best review I've ever done. :o It's $190 for the Mamut edition that I reviewed ad $160 for the basic case. I'll edit my review to correct that - thanks for pointing it out.

Regarding the fit, in the video I snapped the case on improperly and it wasn't until later on in the video that it was fitting properly. I don't think I apologized for the lack of protection on the top and bottom though; I pointed it out as a negative of the case.

The leather wear...well, that's something I struggled with. I've had a lot of Vaja cases over the years, but not being an expert in leather I struggled to explain the differences in leather. Some of Vaja's cases - such as the iVolution - have hard, thin leather and it's very resistant to damage compared to this one I looked at, which was thicker, raised leather that is quite soft. I asked Vaja about the wear I was seeing, and they said it was completely normal and expected. As a reviewer I can only pass on what I'm being told, and let the reader/viewer decide for themselves if that issue is a deal-breaker or not.

If you are looking for a premium leather case that looks even better, then have you seen the Piel Frama case? The leather is superior, the protection is complete, the fit is perfect, and while all leather will begin to show character from use, good leather should never crack the way your Vaja case shows.

I've seen Piel Frama stuff before, and while it's nice, the type of leather they use on their basic iPad 2 can't be compared directly to the leather on this Vaja case. Uniform, flat, glossy leather isn't going to crack or even scratch very easily compared to the leather on the case I reviewed. Looking at Piel Frama's line up, the texture of the Unipur case looks somewhat similar in terms of texture, but it's also very glossy, which means it's been treated (finished) differently.

At any rate, Vaja cases aren't for everyone, and I'm not trying to defend them as being the best choice for every scenario. For some people though, this case is exactly what they're looking for. :)