Griffin’s new Elan Passport ($50) is the second actual production flip case that we’ve seen for the iPad, and due to its use of a synthetic faux leather, classier-looking than Apple’s official flip-style iPad Case. Whereas Apple’s design has a smooth matte surface, Elan Passport uses a texture that looks like Vaja’s floater leather, plus twin-lined stitching on both the interior and exterior. Inside is a left flap with four cardholder slots and a thin pocket, plus a right flap with elastic corner holders for the iPad — no top, side, or bottom protection is included.
A large centered tab holds the left and right sides of the case closed in front. The black and gray version shown here is apparently the only planned color scheme. Updated November 6, 2010: Griffin has added Elan Passport Graphite to the mix, a version with faux carbon fiber leather, shown in the last picture below.
On May 13, 2010, iLounge published The Complete Guide to iPad Cases and Protection, a multi-page comparison of over 70 different iPad cases and film protectors, sorted by genre.
The following details were added to this piece by that comparison article; please click on the link above for additional comparative discussion of similar protective options.
Unlike Sleeves, which keep an iPad inside for slip-out use, this collection of iPad cases has been designed to split open and reveal the device—generally for use while still in the case. There are such similarities between these cases that we’ve put them into groups solely for the purpose of indicating which we think are standouts, and which basically blur into each other.
Elan Passport is a Weak Pick. In what feels like an uncharacteristic rush job from Griffin, Elan Passport holds the iPad only with passive corner straps, offering one big pocket on the interior left side with four spots for business cards, and has the same sticky-feeling leather on the outside.
Our Rating
Company and Price
Company: Griffin Technology
Website: GriffinTechnology.com
Model: Elan Passport
Price: $50
Compatible: iPad (2010)
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