Of the recent cases we’ve seen from the company, JAVOedge’s Tweed Axis Case for iPad 2 ($43) has the nicest materials as well as the most functionality. Although it’s not perfect, the solution has some nice features that make it worth considering. The folio-style case is composed of a hard plastic shell that’s covered in faux leather, which is attached to the tweed-sporting front lid by a rotating arm. A magnetic latch holds the two pieces shut, while another magnet in the front cover activates the automatic locking feature.
The shell isn’t the most protective we’ve seen; it leaves almost the entire top edge of the iPad 2 exposed, with more appropriately sized openings for the Dock Connector port, speaker, side switch and volume rocker, and rear camera.
What’s somewhat unique is that it can turn all the way around on the axis attaching the segments. This allows it to stand in either orientation, resting in one of three divots inside the front cover. Unfortunately, the angles aren’t the greatest. In landscape, the case can only stand in the more obtuse ones. None of the three are particularly good for portrait either, and only the deeper two actually support the position.
It seems that JAVOedge could’ve spent a little more time working on engineering to optimize the stand capabilities. In actual use, most people will likely only utilize one of the landscape angles.
Ultimately, Tweed Axis Case falls right into the “good” category. We really liked the use of tweed fabric—the material serves as a nice, earthy complement to the iPad 2’s high tech glass and aluminum body. On the other hand, the stand capabilities are appreciated, but could use some work, and better coverage for the top edge would have improved the product.
