I started with a Vaja Libretto (stock item from German distributor for like 100€ back in 2010) on original iPad and got a black one, which had buttery smooth leather, but the leather came off from the plastic core making bubbles.
So I replaced it for like 30€ extra with an iPad 2 special edition Mamut Suela, which I rocked for 5 years (turned the magnet when I got my iPad 3). It was awesome and it still looked as awesome when I sold it recently. The floater leather really is strong and even deep scratches are not noticable after applying some dubbin.
(From the photos it looks like the color has faded, but that's bad camera only- the color still looked as dark and strong as the new one).
The best was the inner lining leather of the SE without the stupid Vaja logo and the padded outer leather, which made it a dream to just hold it (and it made a recessed latch possible). On the downside one corner was not protected (not a problem as I usually do not drop my iPads, but it tended to slip out).
After trying a grip style leather case from TuscanLeatherShop (which I returned as it didn't have the pictured cutout for Apple Smart Cover) I found a Libretto for iPad Air 2 on ebay for 59€.
The leather is the same and looking as good, just that it isn't padded and feels less soft unfortunately.
That is for the illusion of it being more slim like the iPad Air is too. Illusion because the camera "eye" and the latch as well as the "hinge" for the front part now stick out and make it rather look less attractive. Also the lack of special edition forces you to get that Vaja logo all over the inner leather - unfortunately "Creme" in my case which sure will attract dirt quickly. Thinking about having this replaced by some nice other leather.
Sounds bad, sure, still I think this is the best case of this kind you can get. After using the Tuscan leather grip cover (nice and slim) and the Smart Cover I felt at home instantly. And for those who care, it has 4 corner protection now. Only if you fear the metal on the latch could scratch some surface, the Libretto would be a bad decision.
So I am back to Vaja (at least for my iPad), but I am glad I didn't pay full price and order from their shop. As I said the quality is awesome and probably worth the price, but if you can find a used one that should easily be good for a few years. Actually I would have paid full price if Vaja was so flexible to make a padded version with non watermarked leather for me.
The worst problem paying full price is you need a new case every few years, I am so happy I will probably be rocking 3 cases over maybe ten years for like 189€.
P.S. The title means a long way when it comes to prices, "arrogance" but also professionalism - as their designs and materials now omit some of their earlier problems.
So I replaced it for like 30€ extra with an iPad 2 special edition Mamut Suela, which I rocked for 5 years (turned the magnet when I got my iPad 3). It was awesome and it still looked as awesome when I sold it recently. The floater leather really is strong and even deep scratches are not noticable after applying some dubbin.
(From the photos it looks like the color has faded, but that's bad camera only- the color still looked as dark and strong as the new one).
The best was the inner lining leather of the SE without the stupid Vaja logo and the padded outer leather, which made it a dream to just hold it (and it made a recessed latch possible). On the downside one corner was not protected (not a problem as I usually do not drop my iPads, but it tended to slip out).
After trying a grip style leather case from TuscanLeatherShop (which I returned as it didn't have the pictured cutout for Apple Smart Cover) I found a Libretto for iPad Air 2 on ebay for 59€.
The leather is the same and looking as good, just that it isn't padded and feels less soft unfortunately.
That is for the illusion of it being more slim like the iPad Air is too. Illusion because the camera "eye" and the latch as well as the "hinge" for the front part now stick out and make it rather look less attractive. Also the lack of special edition forces you to get that Vaja logo all over the inner leather - unfortunately "Creme" in my case which sure will attract dirt quickly. Thinking about having this replaced by some nice other leather.
Sounds bad, sure, still I think this is the best case of this kind you can get. After using the Tuscan leather grip cover (nice and slim) and the Smart Cover I felt at home instantly. And for those who care, it has 4 corner protection now. Only if you fear the metal on the latch could scratch some surface, the Libretto would be a bad decision.
So I am back to Vaja (at least for my iPad), but I am glad I didn't pay full price and order from their shop. As I said the quality is awesome and probably worth the price, but if you can find a used one that should easily be good for a few years. Actually I would have paid full price if Vaja was so flexible to make a padded version with non watermarked leather for me.
The worst problem paying full price is you need a new case every few years, I am so happy I will probably be rocking 3 cases over maybe ten years for like 189€.
P.S. The title means a long way when it comes to prices, "arrogance" but also professionalism - as their designs and materials now omit some of their earlier problems.
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