Tuff-Luv’s Tri-Axis Stasis and Multi-View Stasis were among our favorite early cases for the iPad 2; they were also some of the first third-party options to incorporate the Smart Cover-like magnet system to wake and sleep the tablet. We not only liked the form and functionally, but also the nice array of materials the British company offered the case in. Now Tuff-Luv has taken a very similar approach with its Scribe Folio Stasis Case (£40-£55/$60-$80). Available in faux leather, real leather, or natural hemp, Scribe has two big differences over its predecessors: its designed to hold an A5 pad of paper in addition to your iPad 2, and there’s a pull out “document wallet” hidden inside.
While it can be positioned either way, the camera hole on the back of the case dictates that the tablet be held on the right side of the case. The frame is exactly the same as the one on Tri-Axis and Multi-View. All four of the tablet’s corners are exposed, and there are also openings for the microphone, speaker, and Dock Connector port. A small Velcro on the right side holds it securely in place. This somewhat squared-off frame isn’t our favorite style over the curved edges of the iPad 2, but everything that needs to be accessible is. On the inside of the case’s spine there’s a small segment of elastic material for holding a pen or stylus.
The inside of the right cover has more going on than on most folio-style cases. Mirrored on the top and bottom are a slit and an elastic band. An included A5 pad of paper fits into either opening, although most users will put it at the top. Pulling at the outside edge of the cover reveals a completely removable tray with holders for business cards, SD cards, and small documents. It’s so slim, and fits in so neatly, you might not notice it’s there right away. A tab with a snap on the end holds the whole case shut.
“Stasis,” in the title of this case and the earlier ones, refers to the auto-lock activating magnets in the case. In our testing of both the faux leather and hemp versions, the feature worked as excepted when there was no pad of paper in place. The added thickness of the pad, however, prevented the magnets from making a connection and we weren’t once able to unlock or lock the iPad 2 by opening or closing the case. Don’t buy this case expecting to utilize both of its flagship features at the same time.
We like Scribe for many of the same reasons we liked Tri-Axis and Multi-View. Tuff-Luv uses some quality materials in nicely designed cases. For those who use a physical pad of paper, it’s a better option than both Elago’s Note Leather Cover and Booq’s Booqpad; the price is also higher than the former. The tray is an added bonus, and one that could certainly come in handy. Our only real complaint is the issue with the magnets. It’s not earth-shattering, but it’d be great if Tuff-Luv had figured out a way to allow both features to work together. We’re not saying stay away altogether, but this fault and the price earn Scribe a general recommendation, as opposed to a potentially higher rating.
Our Rating
Company and Price
Company: Tuff-Luv
Website: www.Tuff-Luv.com
Model: Scribe Folio Stasis Case
Price: £40-£55/$60-$80
Compatible: iPad 2