If you’re looking for a premium leather case for your iPad, the Sena Folio Classic (http://www.senacases.com/apple/ipad-2-cases/folio-classic/) is one of the best choices — perhaps THE best — around.
Priced at US$99.99, it has a leather book style, side-folding design with an integrated, recessed, collapsible back stand and a multi-purpose pocket. Unlike some folios it boasts an energy saving sleep function activator — a very nice touch.
Like other Sena cases, the Folio looks and feels great thanks to its leather portfolio book design. Its interior has a soft layer to gently protect your Apple tablet. Its integrated three-position stand allows you to watch videos, look at photos in portrait or landscape orientations, or prop the iPad up at a comfortable angle for typing.
Here’s how it works: there’s an extra snap on the back of the case. The cover flips over, snaps in place and then stays open. You can flip open the smaller of the two stands when you wish to type.
The Folio Classic isn’t as durable as a hard shell case, but it does offer solid protection thanks to its rigid protective layer with reinforced backbone support for durability. The folks at Sena have thought of almost everything in designing this clean line case. The back of the case has a perfectly sized cutout for the camera lens, and there’s a cut-out for easy access to the Home button.
Above the multi-purpose pocket are fives slits for credit cards and a plastic holder for a business card. This is the one part of the design that worries me a bit. I’m not convinced that the cards won’t scratch the iPad screen if enough pressure were applied to the Folio Classic. Perhaps Sena should include a transparent screen protector for the tablet — although if you’re like me, you can never get them properly applied without an annoying air bubble or two popping up.
The Folio Classic comes in six “flavors,” but I think black is the only way to go. You should note that if your iPad has an Apple Smart Cover you’ll have to remove it before you insert the tablet into the Sena case.
Rating: 9 out of 10
— Dennis Sellers