RooCase’s Dual-View 360 for iPad Air ($50) is an attempt at combining features from multiple styles of cases, including a folio and a shell, into one unit. Fake leather on the outside, the case opens to reveal what appears to be a standard hard plastic shell. It’s actually removable though, and has its own special features built in. While not truly remarkable in any way, the case is pretty nice, especially for those who have a need for multiple kinds of cases but don’t want to pay for separate units. Six colors are available.
From the outside, it’s easy to confuse Dual-View 360 with any of the countless faux leather folios we’ve covered in the past. The material is nice enough, but it’s not distinct; we do appreciate the small magnetic tab that keeps it shut, though. RooCase also embedded magnets in the lid to wake the iPad when the cover is lifted, and put it to sleep when the case is closed. Inside, there are three business card slots, and along the left edge, a 3”-wide segment of rubbery dots that do a good job of holding the tablet at a variety of viewing angles, ranging from about 75 degrees to 45 degrees. Because the shell is attached to the case via a rotating circular clip, the iPad can be moved from landscape to portrait orientation.
The shell can also easily be separated from the rest of the case by squeezing the two ends of the clip until it is released. When split away, this piece offers reasonable, but not superior, protection. While it extends all the way to all four edges, the buttons are left exposed, along with the ports, microphones, and speakers. The Apple logo also stays unprotected, which is somewhat reasonable considering the functionality of the case, but is still not aesthetically pleasing. The back of the case also houses an elastic hand strap accented with faux leather matching Dual-View 360’s exterior.
