Portenzo Case Review

[Sterne]

It does not fold back flat because of the thickness of the leather. However, (refer to Sterne's picture of the Alano in the typing position) you can flip the case around to the thin side which is very comfortable to hold. For a person with big hands like myself, holding the case by the thick side is comfortable to me.

Once you get this case in your hands, I can guarantee you will be very happy with your purchase. I know I am and I plan on ordering an Alano in tan or chocolate.

Like Sterne, I have a couple of cases that I would never have purchased if I had the Portenzo Alano first.

Michael

It's also comfortable for me, though my hands are not very large. I had to get used to the case retaining the wedge shape when I held it in my lap for reading, but after a couple of days it felt absolutely normal. The Alano leather is softer, easier to grip and more comfortable than the very smooth faux leather Dodo cover.

Michael said it right - once you get the case in your hands, you will be very happy with your purchase.

 

[PacMookBro]

It's also comfortable for me, though my hands are not very large. I had to get used to the case retaining the wedge shape when I held it in my lap for reading, but after a couple of days it felt absolutely normal. The Alano leather is softer, easier to grip and more comfortable than the very smooth faux leather Dodo cover.

Michael said it right - once you get the case in your hands, you will be very happy with your purchase.

You guys have convinced me enough and maybe it's time to try out Alano. Back to color choices... Black, tan, chocolate, and any others?

 

[Sterne]

You guys have convinced me enough and maybe it's time to try out Alano. Back to color choices... Black, tan, chocolate, and any others?

Those are the current Alano colors - last I heard the dark brown leather was not as thick as the black or tan - I'm not sure if that's still true, but I would ask before ordering it.

I've seen some pictures of a vibrant dark blue lambskin Portenzo - and there's always the Stingray...

Let us know what you end up with!

 

[Batmac]

I'm trying to decide between the Alano and the regular Portenzo case. Aesthetically I like them both: the Alano's leather is obviously more luxurious, but the faux leather and cloth has slightly more of a typical hardback bookish look to it. Both very nice.

If anyone has both (or has an Alano and a Dodo case perhaps) can you tell me how similar the two styles of cover are for movie watching? I can see that the Alano works, but does it work less well (on fewer surfaces) in movie mode than the standard cover? If anything the leather looks like it should have better grip, but i got the impression that the Alano is a little less effective as a stand than the original design.

Also, I'd love to see some pictures or read a little more about the regular Portenzo cover folded back flat. That might sway me over the Alano because I use my iPad for reading more than anything else, but I'd like to know if folding the case back flat seems like it might wear down the 'hinge' of the spine. I wouldn't want to fold it back regularly for reading if it felt like it might eventually weaken the case. Does it fold back flat along both sides of the spine, or does it only work with the hinge furthest from the bamboo frame? If you can't picture what I mean, I'm wondering if the spine itself folds away behind the iPad, or if it sticks out beside it while the front cover folds back.

 

[JonMPLS]

OK, my dumb question for the day . . . Where is the Alano leather on the Portenzo site? Sorry, just can't find it.

 

[Sterne]

I'm trying to decide between the Alano and the regular Portenzo case. Aesthetically I like them both: the Alano's leather is obviously more luxurious, but the faux leather and cloth has slightly more of a typical hardback bookish look to it. Both very nice.

If anyone has both (or has an Alano and a Dodo case perhaps) can you tell me how similar the two styles of cover are for movie watching? I can see that the Alano works, but does it work less well (on fewer surfaces) in movie mode than the standard cover? If anything the leather looks like it should have better grip, but i got the impression that the Alano is a little less effective as a stand than the original design.

I have a Dodo, a Portenzo Wingtip (which is different material than the Portenzo Notebook) and two Alanos. The Alano hold the movie angle the best, then the Wingtip, then the Dodo.

Also, I'd love to see some pictures or read a little more about the regular Portenzo cover folded back flat. That might sway me over the Alano because I use my iPad for reading more than anything else, but I'd like to know if folding the case back flat seems like it might wear down the 'hinge' of the spine. I wouldn't want to fold it back regularly for reading if it felt like it might eventually weaken the case. Does it fold back flat along both sides of the spine, or does it only work with the hinge furthest from the bamboo frame? If you can't picture what I mean, I'm wondering if the spine itself folds away behind the iPad, or if it sticks out beside it while the front cover folds back.

I hold the Portenzos (Alano and Wingtip) in my lap with the spine "out" - not folded flat. The Alano is more comfortable than the Wingtip for reading or playing games with the iPad in the lap - the leather is a really nice material to hold. I definitely think that folding the spine flat would take some force and would weaken the "hinge" for use in typing position.

The Dodo folds flat, but does a poor job of holding the typing position compared with either Portenzo.

There is a picture of my Alano in typing mode on the Portenzo facebook page - that's the same position the case is in when I hold the iPad in my lap.

I hope that helps!

 

[Sterne]

OK, my dumb question for the day . . . Where is the Alano leather on the Portenzo site? Sorry, just can't find it.

Not a dumb question at all, because the Alanos are on a page that is not public:

https://shop.portenzo.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=iPad Alano

I think Darin is waiting until he has professional pictures of the Alano to put the link on the main page - I know that he is extremely busy making cases!

I see that the Alanos are $99.99 now - still a great deal; they are superbly made.

 

[JonMPLS]

Not a dumb question at all, because the Alanos are on a page that is not public:

https://shop.portenzo.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=iPad Alano

I think Darin is waiting until he has professional pictures of the Alano to put the link on the main page - I know that he is extremely busy making cases!

I see that the Alanos are $99.99 now - still a great deal; they are superbly made.

wow, thanks!! All I can say is I really hope Apple keeps the next iPad generation in the same size as the current one.

 

[PacMookBro]

Those are the current Alano colors - last I heard the dark brown leather was not as thick as the black or tan - I'm not sure if that's still true, but I would ask before ordering it.

I've seen some pictures of a vibrant dark blue lambskin Portenzo - and there's always the Stingray...

Let us know what you end up with!

I am still deciding whether to go with Alano. Black one for me. I have been using iPad naked for months now and I would miss the tactile feel of slim aluminum body. I may not get used to the bulk of anything that wraps it. On the other hand, portenzo or any other case hides iPad in public. This silver gadget SCREAMS iPad! A difficult decision for an iPad nudist...

Does taking in and out of portenzo wear out the pads? Obviously possibly wear out but from experience? Anyone?

All I can say is I really hope Apple keeps the next iPad generation in the same size as the current one.

Safe to be nudist in that respect but, alano is tempting!

 

[Sterne]

Does taking in and out of portenzo wear out the pads? Obviously possibly wear out but from experience? Anyone?

I don't think so, but you may want to ask Darin, the Portenzo guy. Certainly the pads are better secured and situated than with the Dodo. But I don't know if taking the iPad out every night and putting it back in every morning may wear out the pads.

 

[zhenya]

I have a Dodo, a Portenzo Wingtip (which is different material than the Portenzo Notebook) and two Alanos. The Alano hold the movie angle the best, then the Wingtip, then the Dodo.



I hold the Portenzos (Alano and Wingtip) in my lap with the spine "out" - not folded flat. The Alano is more comfortable than the Wingtip for reading or playing games with the iPad in the lap - the leather is a really nice material to hold. I definitely think that folding the spine flat would take some force and would weaken the "hinge" for use in typing position.

The Dodo folds flat, but does a poor job of holding the typing position compared with either Portenzo.

There is a picture of my Alano in typing mode on the Portenzo facebook page - that's the same position the case is in when I hold the iPad in my lap.

I hope that helps!

When you fold the cover back on your Dodo, it folds completely flat? That's definitely not the case on mine.

I've emailed Portenzo looking for clarification on this, but haven't heard back. My understanding from this thread, though, is that the regular Portenzo will fold back completely flat (I'd love to see a picture of this), and that the Alano does not - it folds back into a raised typing position. Correct?

 

[TKEik683]

I think Portenzo Alano it is, but does anyone have any pictures of the Chocolate Alano?

Also, how dark does anyone think the Tan Alano will become?

Dave

 

[Batmac]

Thanks Sterne. The Alano definitely seems the way to go for my various needs. One last question - being made of real leather, is it significantly heavier than the Wingtip (or Dodo)? I doubt it's an issue if it hasn't been mentioned, but since I hold my iPad freehand most of the time it would be useful to know.

 

[Sterne]

Thanks Sterne. The Alano definitely seems the way to go for my various needs. One last question - being made of real leather, is it significantly heavier than the Wingtip (or Dodo)? I doubt it's an issue if it hasn't been mentioned, but since I hold my iPad freehand most of the time it would be useful to know.

It's not heavier than the Wingtip - maybe an ounce (or less) heavier than the Dodo. Not anything I've noticed, carrying or holding the iPad in the Alano.

I have not seen a picture of the chocolate Alano.

 

[Batmac]

Many thanks for the useful info - I just ordered an Alano in Midnight Black

Hopefully I'll get one of the new style frames with the invisible corners. I assume so, since the Alanos are probably all made to order. The new frames look phenomenal.

 

[Sterne]

Many thanks for the useful info - I just ordered an Alano in Midnight Black

Hopefully I'll get one of the new style frames with the invisible corners. I assume so, since the Alanos are probably all made to order. The new frames look phenomenal.

I'm sure you'll get the new frame - Michael posted that his black Alano came with the new frame, and he received it about a week ago.

Enjoy!

 

[tirnszw]

Hello there

Hello there residents of MacRumors, this is my first post on MacRumors! I have been reading your posts quietly and decided to try out Portenzo Alano in Black. Darin has been prompt in customer support and, finally mine is ordered just today. Let the waiting begin...

 

[JonMPLS]

mmmm black or chocolate . . . black or chocolate . . . .

 

[tirnszw]

mmmm black or chocolate . . . black or chocolate . . . .

There are no chocolate pics available but it resembles a color of Hershey's chocolate bar according to Darin. You'll get to review it for us.

 

[Portenzo!]

Portenzo info

Hi all, thanks for your discussion!

We are extremely grateful for your interest and humbled by the outstanding reviews of our Alano. We take extreme pride and joy in our work, and focus every day on making outstanding products.

I'll try to answer a few questions that seem to pop up:

The regular cases:
Yes, they fold flat with the excess being able to show on either the spine side or the open side.

This does NOT apply to the Wingtip, nor the exotics. They do not fold flat because of the properties of the material used. They're spines do not fold more than a 90 degree angle back on itself (typing mode).

The Portenzo Alano:
They are absolutely exquisite, I know, I 'm biased, but it's true. I go back and forth between my Midnight Alano (for dress) and my Composition (for casual), even though I can make any case I want.
The Alano will not fold flat. Personally, I have never found that to be an issue. They fold semi-flat, and because of the way they are made, provide an excellent 'grip' for one-handed use.

They are private order right now because we simply could not keep up with more demand. All of our cases are made by hand, in-house, we don't farm them out.

Midnight and Buck Naked are a bit thicker than the Dark Chocolate. That is just the way we received our order of this leather. Our tannery produces excellent leathers, but they are a bit of a mystery to deal with sometimes.

The Midnight and Chocolate are extremely durable and wipe clean with a damp cloth. I beat the hell out of mine (Midnight Black) and it stays clean as a whistle.

The Buck Naked, on the other hand, is really 'buck naked'! it is a vegetable tanned leather with no dies or topcoats. It will acquire the patina of use with age. You can certainly oil/polish it and slow that process down quite a bit. I recommend leaving it naked until it gets a little 'uniqueness' to it, then use your oil/polish of choice to kind of slow the process.

The corner system:
They will never come loose, they will never wear out.
After a few hours of use, they compress slightly to mold to the shape of the iPad. You can take your iPad in and out as many times as you like.
Our corners are truly a non issue. They only get talked about because other manufacturers cases fail on this point.

Horizontal position?
Yes, you can put any of our cases in a horizontal position. If the surface is too slick for any reason, just use the elastic as a 'catch', as in this photo.

I hope that helps, and thanks again for your input and reviews,

Darin and Team Portenzo!

 

[PieMac]

Owned a DoDocase, loved the concept, hated the peeling corners-they really become a nuisance-sold it. I discovered Portezo a few weeks after having my Dodo and knew that would be my next purchase...think I'm going to go for the buck naked Alano...hmmmm...should I order now or wait and see if there's a holiday discount on the horizon?

 

[mdwsta4]

am I missing something? Where's this Alano case with naked leather? Where are pics of the clear corners? And what's the new frame style? Why is the cloth interior offered on Kindles not offered on ipads?
You guys have got to do a better job of updating your page!

 

[Portenzo!]

Response to questions

am I missing something?

You may have, if you have not read the entire post.

Where's this Alano case with naked leather?

There are no better photos of the Alano series because it is not publicly available yet. It is offered by private order due to demand from my teaser photos on Facebook. (SteveSterne has also posted some great shots of his Buck Naked Alano.) When we catch up on orders, we will have 'proper' photos of the Alano and make the product available on our website. Currently, making sure our production processes run smoothly and without delaying orders is our priority. We feel we almost have it perfected

Where are pics of the clear corners?

There aren't any clear corners, but they are 'invisible', see post below.

And what's the new frame style?

The new frame style includes our new "invisible corners". The corners are slightly lower profile in size, but more noticeably, they virtually disappear when the iPad is installed. The other modifications simply make it more nicely sculpted, but are not really noticeable by the average user.

The invisible corners are showcased on our newest edition, the Composition
https://shop.portenzo.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Composition+iPad+Case

Why is the cloth interior offered on Kindles not offered on ipads?

The Italian cloth interior will become an option on iPad cases at a later date (hopefully within a week or two) There are more factors that I simply can not go into at this time (competitive advantage). Suffice it to say, we have done extensive testing to ensure the right material for the right product. Using the same liner on all cases would be much more cost effective for us, but it has not proven to be the best material for the Kindle. Therefore, the Italian cotton cloth is the default liner for the Kindle cases.

You guys have got to do a better job of updating your page!

The other product photos have not been updated yet because our first priority is getting your product out to you without delays. We would much rather you get a better product than advertised, than be stuck waiting on it because we are too busy updating our marketing. Production time-lines, quality control, and product improvement come before anything else. All in good time.

We are certainly looking forward to getting all our options and upgrades on the website. We feel we offer an exceptional product and definitely want to show it. We are doing incremental updates as our production schedule permits, and hope to get the Alano series and the new frames showcased within a couple of weeks.

Let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

Darin and Team Portenzo!

 

[aricher]

am I missing something? Where's this Alano case with naked leather? Where are pics of the clear corners? And what's the new frame style? Why is the cloth interior offered on Kindles not offered on ipads?
You guys have got to do a better job of updating your page!

Step away from the coffee & relax a bit. While I agree that the website could use a little help I have to say, having just ordered an Alano, that Darin was very fast in answering my multiple questions regarding his products as well as supplying photos to help illustrate answers for me. I believe Portenzo's Facebook page has some photos of the naked leather version as well as many other user supplied photos & reviews. I'm sure that Portenzo is working as fast as they can to keep up with the demand as they can which is probably why they're a bit slow in updating their website.

Edit: apparently Darin answered your questions while I was typing. Now that's fast response time!

 

[Seamaster]

Step away from the coffee & relax a bit. While I agree that the website could use a little help I have to say, having just ordered an Alano, that Darin was very fast in answering my multiple questions regarding his products as well as supplying photos to help illustrate answers for me.

I'd echo that. Darin was friendly, patient and responsive when I fired him multiple queries before ordering my Portenzo. Just an excellent buying experience from start to finish. And the quality of the product speaks for itself.