M-Edge Executive Jacket for iPad

M-Edge manufactures cases for all the major e-readers, including the Kindle, the Nook, Sony e-readers, and now the iPad.  The company has an amazing selection of cases for the iPad as well as a stand and screen protector.  Today I am reviewing the M-Edge Executive Jacket for iPad.  M-Edge’s other iPad offerings are listed at the end of the review.

The M-Edge Executive Jacket is currently on sale for $49.99 (for leather) and $39.99 (for synthetic leather) (regularly $59.99 and $49.99). You can choose from six different colors, including black, red, green, fuchsia, purple, and mocha (synthetic leather only comes in black and red).

The front of the case is smooth, soft leather with a horizontal pocket for the closure strap. The closure strap is quite long, but that is so it can be used to support the case as a bookstand (see below).

The inside cover of the case, which is soft and suede-like, contains several pockets, presumably for credit cards and other items. Two elastic tabs, located in the spine, are for ear bud cord management. But, I suppose you could insert a pen or a pencil or a Pogo Sketch in the straps if you wanted to.

The iPad itself is situated in a four-point mounting system.  The two bottom mounts are leather and are fairly rigid.  The top mounts have elastic strips so you can easily pull the straps over your iPad’s corners.  The mounting system is well made and the iPad is completely secure inside the straps.  None of the straps obscure any buttons or access points on the iPad.

The back cover has a leather strip that matches the front cover, but it is a strap you can put your hand through to hold your iPad securely while reading or utilizing the touch screen.

The closure strap also functions as a bookstand allowing the iPad to be viewed hands free in landscape mode.  You can adjust the angle of the iPad a little depending on how much of the strap you insert into the front cover pocket.

Although the manufacturer doesn’t mention this, I discovered that if you fold the front cover all the way over and tuck the strap underneath, the iPad sits at a perfect angle for typing on the on-screen keyboard.

What’s Macgasmic:  The Executive Jacket is a nicely designed, book-style case that encloses your iPad in luxurious leather. The iPad is cradled by a four-point mounting system that is incredibly secure yet leaves all the buttons and ports accessible. The innovative wraparound strap keeps the case closed but also transforms the case into a bookstand.

What’s Not: I have a few concerns about the M-Edge Executive Case.  First, although I like the idea of the hand strap on the back cover (since keeping a good grip on my iPad is important), it doesn’t work all that well.  The problem is, if you use the hand strap, you can’t easily tuck the front cover behind the device (at least without squishing your hand).  So, the front cover hangs off to the side and is in the way.

Another concern I have is that when the front cover is folded over to form the bookstand, the leather bulges and buckles.  I wonder if, over time, that could permanently mar the case (creating unsightly folds in the leather or causing the leather to separate).  The leather on the case is supple, however, so the bulging may not be a problem. Only time will determine how the case stands up to repeated folding over on itself.

Last, I’m not sure how functional all the pockets on the front inside cover are. It seems to me that credit cards and other items might scratch the iPad’s screen.

Despite these reservations, the M-Edge Executive Jacket is a reasonably priced leather case for the iPad. If you’re looking for a beautiful, functional, protective cover that will keep your iPad secure and serve as a bookstand as well, the Executive Jacket will work quite admirably. And, if the Executive Jacket isn’t quite what you want, take a look at M-Edge’s other offerings below or see Macgasm’s iPad Case Roundup.

Other M-Edge Products for iPad (all prices are as stated on the M-Edge web site as of May 2010):

Flex-Stand ($24.99).  A flexible, portable bookstand for the iPad.

Platform Jacket ($49.99).  A leather case for the iPad that allows you to view the iPad hands free in portrait orientation (easel style).  This is essentially the same case as the Executive Jacket, just in portrait orientation. Comes in multiple colors.

Page Sleeve ($49.99).  A lightweight sleeve for the iPad with a closure strap.  Available in multiple colors.

Leisure Jacket ($39.99).  A nylon sleeve with a clear vinyl screen cover that allows touchscreen use while in the case.  Available in multiple colors.

Latitude Jacket ($39.99). A nylon jacket case with zippered closure. The case has front and back pockets and elastic tabs inside for ear bud cable management. Available in multiple colors.

Touring Sleeve ($29.99).  A neoprene zippered sleeve with a large outer pocket.  Several color choices are available.

Journey Bag ($44.99).  A messenger style bag which has a zippered inner pocket for the iPad.  This bag comes in red, navy, blue and black.

Trip Jacket ($39.99).  A book style case made of ScotchGuard-coated canvas.  Several color choices are available.

Flip Jacket ($39.99).  A notepad style case that opens vertically. Black only.

Slip Sleeve ($39.99).  A sleeve case with padded interior in a horizontal orientation. Only available in black.

Hip Bag ($39.99).  A compact messenger-style bag available in magenta and black canvas with a microfiber interior.Method Portfolio ($TBD).  A leather portfolio case for the iPad with an integrated sleeve.  Includes pockets for a pad of paper, an iPhone or Blackberry, and accessory storage. Will be available in black and mocha.

Screen Protectors ($24.99 for a 3-pack).  Screen protectors diminish glare and come with a cleaning cloth.