runaroundtech.com

When BRUDA Case contacted me about doing a review of one of their artisan style wood cases for the iPad 2 the first thing I noticed was the company’s address.  They’re practically my neighbors, located a short 15 minutes or so from my home.  I don’t often get the chance to meet many of the people behind the products I review both here and on my YouTube channel.  This is usually reserved for CES and a few other scattered press events throughout the year.  Being able to get face to face with the person who designed the item I’m going to review really helps one gain perspective on the inspiration for what went behind creating it.

The BRUDA Case for the iPad 2 was born in the heart of Amish country.  The Amish are know for being top-notch craftsman and each BRUDA case starts out in the hands of an Amish cabinet maker where it gets sanded and finished.

There are plenty of leather folio style cases available for the iPad 2.  That’s not what the BRUDA Case is about.  One part protective case and one part work of art, the BRUDA Case is a conversation piece that’s as functional as it is beautiful.

Read on for my full review.The BRUDA Case is available in a variety of hardwoods.  Right now the cases are being made from cherry and that’s what I was given for review.  In the past cases have been made from maple as well.  Using natural wood insures that no two BRUDA Cases will look alike.  Each will take on it’s own unique finish thanks to the different grains in the wood they are made from.

The case arrives in a large protective box, padded with foam to keep it safe during shipping and include a brief instruction page which details how to use the case.

The interior of the case is lined with a foam material which helps keep your iPad 2 protected during transport.

What’s really cool about the interior padding is that it’s beveled.  It’s hard to make out from the photos but the interior top-side of the case is actually slanted so that the only part of the iPad 3 which comes in contact with the case is the iPad’s bezel.  The case never comes in direct contact with the viewable area of the iPad 2′s screen.

There are four magnets built into the case which help to make sure it stays closed during transport.  The magnets are just strong enough to keep the case closed but just weak enough to allow you to open it when it’s time to access your iPad.  I did find it easy to open the BRUDA Case when it came time to access my iPad 2.  Closing it however required more skill.  Since the case seals completely shut you have to take some extra care to make sure your fingers don’t get pinched inside the case as it’s closing.

The case opens and closes thanks to two small hinges.  These open all the way allowing the case to lay completely flat.

A small notch at the front of the case allows you easily open it.  This is very reminiscent of the notch at the front of Apple’s notebook computers such as the MacBook Pro.

You’re probably thinking the BRUDA Case is one big iPad 2 case – and you’re not wrong.  Size wise is actually closely resembles the size of the 13″ MacBook Pro notebook computer.  This extra size does translate into extra protection and while I didn’t perform any specific drops tests with the BRUDA Case I have to believe your iPad 2 would be safe from life’s daily obstacles and even those that surprise us.  However, the added size also translate into added weight and if you plan on totting your iPad 2 around all day long in the BRUDS Case this may become an issue for you.

As far as functionality goes the BRUDA Case allows the iPad 2 to be used in two different stand orientations.  Inside the case you’ll find two notches.  Each allows the iPad 2 to be propped into a different stand angle.  One for typing and one for viewing.

The typing angle is a little steeper than many of the cases I’ve tried which offer the same function.  To engage it, simply open the lid and place the iPad 2 into the first, or lowest notch.  Then close the lid until it locks the onto the iPad 2.  In this position the iPad 2 feels sturdy and secure.  I did feel the lid of the case sometimes obstructed my view but otherwise was able to complete a variety of typing and swiping tasks without issue.

To evoke the video angle you do the same thing as for the typing except you use the notch that’s at the top of the case.  This angle is quite steep and is perfect for viewing video and other media since it allows for a complete, unobstructed view of the iPad 2′s screen.

One flaw with the BRUDA Case is the fact that it’s not only easily scratched but also will scratch other surfaces easily as well.  If there are any sort of crumbs, dirt, or other debris in between the case and your table top this could lead to scratching of both the table and the case.  I unfortunately experienced this when moving the case around on my tabletop while using it.  I was left with a large scratch and several other smaller ones on my kitchen table and some other smaller ones on the case itself.

There was nothing more than small crumbs of food on the surface of the table when I checked.  If you do like the BRUDA Case let this serve as a warning.  Make sure whatever area you place it down onto is completely clean and that the surface of the case is clean as well.  I personally could live with the case scratching.  It is, after all, natural wood and scratches only will serve to add character to the finish but the fact that it forever scarred my family’s kitchen table multiple times is not something I was pleased with.

There is no denying the pure beauty of the BRUDA Case.  From the moment I took it out of the box I was reminded of high end artisan items you might find while walking the aisles of an art festival or craft show.  It’s simply one of the most luxurious and well built iPad 2 cases I’ve had the pleasure of testing. The case itself does add some considerable bulk to the iPad 2 but that translates to maximum protection should you ever drop it or bump it.  It offers two different stand orientations both of which are very functional and you iPad 2 is nestled in padded protection while it’s inside the case.  My only issue with the BRUDA Case, and it’s a big one, is that it seems to scratch whatever it comes in contact with.  If you plan to keep the case stationary this shouldn’t be an issue.  However, if you move your iPad 2 around often onto different surfaces you’ll need to be very careful when using the BRUDA Case.

If you keep your iPad 2 out on display perhaps in your living room or family room and are looking for something that’s more attractive than a Smart Cover or leather folio then the BRUDA Case might be for you.  Not only does the case provide good functionality it becomes part of your home or office decor while doing it.

The BRUDA Case is made in the USA.

You can learn more about the BRUDA Case for the iPad 2 by visiting the company’s web site here.

MSRP:  $175

PROS:  Beautifully made, highly protective, two stand angles, Made in the USA.

CONS: Expensive, Bulky, iPad 2 left mostly unprotected when in used, Scratches and can scratch other surfaces.