Wed, 30 May 2012 New iPad 3/iPad 2 Flexi-Fold Smart Case

The New iPad 3/iPad 2 Flexi-Fold Smart Case is a clever hybrid case/stand for iPad 2 and the new iPad.

The Flexi-Fold Smart Case is made by GGMM and available online from ThePadZone. It uses a folding front flap to transform from a simple (but durable and attractive) all-over cover into a rear stand.

The web of creases on the Flexi-Fold iPad case’s front flap looks confusing at first, but have a quick fiddle and you’ll find it naturally folds into a few variations on a simple three-dimensional structure.

These are designed to prop up a landscape-oriented iPad in two positions: a low-slung typing setup, and another nearer the perpendicular for watching films. (We managed to improvise a standing position for a portrait iPad too, but this didn’t look too secure.)

New iPad 3/iPad 2 Flexi-Fold Smart Case, in light blue. It's been folded to support the iPad 3 for watching a film. The volume control icons are visible at the top, just to the left of the (uncovered) mute switch

The Flexi-Fold iPad case's flap has the necessary magnetic jiggery-pokery to make the iPad 2 or 3 sleep and wake at will, and to stay closed without a fastening mechanism. And the case allows the usual access to ports and functions. The only real exception is the volume controls, which are covered up but have little icons to show you where to press.

The New iPad 3/iPad 2 Flexi-Fold Smart Case, in the low-slung typing pose (and sitting on the world's greatest iOS magazine). This is the smart red version of the case, our favourite

The New iPad 3/iPad 2 Flexi-Fold Smart Case is made of a pleasant, leather-esque synthetic microfibre material. It feels good in the hand and, while we wouldn’t recommend trying out any high-altitude drop tests, should offer decent protection against scratches and bumps.

The inner lining of the front flap is soft and seems designed to buff the iPad screen, much like Apple’s Smart Cover, but doesn’t really manage it – the layer of protective casing covering the iPad’s front bezel means only the very centre of the inner lining comes into contact with the screen. If fingerprints cause you palpitations, look elsewhere (or carry a screen cleaning cloth at all times).

New iPad 3/iPad 2 Flexi-Fold Smart Case in black. Note the slightly different folding technique (although this doesn't make much difference to stability)

And this is what the New iPad 3/iPad 2 Flexi-Fold Smart Case looks like closed

See also:

RingO Table Stand review - iPad stand

Just Mobile UpStand review - iPad stand

STM Stash review - iPad case/bag

Bergame portfolio case review- iPad case/stand

ALL REVIEWS: iPad Accessories