Only weeks after unveiling BookBook for iPhone 5, Twelve South is back at it again with its book-styled folio case BookBook for iPad mini ($70). Available in brown, black, or red, this edition is really just a shrunken-down version of the latest BookBook for full-sized iPads; it’s almost identical in every way. That’s not a bad thing, though, as we described the prior version as “beautiful,” and an “object of lust.”
From the outside, the case resembles a hand-crafted leather-bound book, and it looks as great as the rest of the line. As with other Twelve South cases, a little bit of weathering is a good thing here, adding character. The spine looks just like an old book, with gold accents including the phrases “BOOK BOOK” and “VOL XII,” the latter of which amusingly represents the company’s name.
It would fit in perfectly with any collection of dusty tomes on a shelf. A zipper takes up the remaining three-quarters of the edge, with a pair of pulls attached to brass rings.
The iPad mini fits in a leather holder attached to the inside cover on the right, with snaps holding its left edge in place against the suede-lined interior. By detaching them and flipping out the attached stand, one can use BookBook in a typing angle; you also need to flip the iPad holder out to use the tablet’s rear camera. A viewing angle is formed by resting the holder against the front cover.
All the iPad mini’s ports and buttons are exposed through openings in the holder, but covered by the zippers when the case is closed.
As with the previous BookBook, the holes are a little rough and just a bit off-center, but still allow full access. Twelve South added a second set of speaker holes to accommodate the stereo setup.
It’s not surprising that BookBook for iPad mini is such an attractive option, given what it’s based on. Users will find it comfortable to hold in any orientation, and the book style when combined with the mini’s small size is particularly appealing. There are still some drawbacks, like the clumsiness of using the rear camera and the continuing lack of magnets to lock and unlock the tablet. Overall, however, it’s still a gorgeous option made with truly nice materials.
