Beautiful Piel Frama Genuine Leather iPad Folio Cases

One of the first makers of luxury leather cases for cell phones back in the 1980’s, Piel Frama has been creating hand-made leather goods since 1945. The Spanish leather used by Piel Frama is top quality cowskin, beautifully rich and supple, available in various colors and finishes such as ostrich or alligator, these iPad cases have a fabulous look and feel that will only improve as the legendary Spanish leather ages.  

Piel Frama makes cases today for all the relevant cell phones, PDAs, e-readers, tablet PCs, cameras and MP3 players, as well as still producing an impressive collection of more traditional leather goods, purses, wallets, folios, carrying cases, cigar cases and more. And now Piel Frama makes their classic, high-end leather cases for the iPad as well.

Yes, they’re a fashion statement. Available in a range of colors and finishes, these leather cases whisper of high class and good taste. There is, however, much more to these cases than fashionable color choices and the sophistication of timeless leather.

Case in point (double entendre completely intended and thoroughly enjoyed) the Piel Frama iPad case is extremely well-made throughout with quality materials and construction. The result is more than tailored good looks; there’s also excellent folio case protection, long-lasting durability, and top functionality. This iPad case is a complete winner. And for a case with such high standards, even the price is fantastic.

Everything from the quality of the materials and design down to the leather-working skill demonstrated in the construction of the Piel Frama iPad cases combines to make them very protective –top of the class protective for folio cases. They have the framed folio case perfectly designed to combine complete protection to every side of the iPad and a lip to provide some impact protection for the screen even when the case is open.

Despite this wraparound coverage, the snug fit and thoughtful user-friendly design of the Piel Frama provides access to every port, control and feature. They even accommodated for the light sensor at the top of the iPad screen, usually left covered up by the vast majority of framing cases. Here the light sensor is exposed in the Piel Frama cases by means of a small circle cutout, which neatly balances the broken half-moon cutout for the Home button at the bottom of the screen.

The Piel Frama iPad cases also feature ABS inserts which provide a protective core and rigid inner layer, hidden of course by the soft leather on the outside. This feature provides not only general impact protection for your iPad, but also allows for stable stand features.

Piel Frama iPad cases offer either tab snap closures or a magnetic closure system incorporating magnets at each corner of the front cover panel and the inner frame. I don’t like the magnetic closures myself, with their associated risks, but the truth is that I just prefer the more classic look of the snap tab closure.

I believe all of the Piel Frama iPad cases are made in both versions, to suit personal preferences. Either way you have a strong closure system that keeps the iPad securely and completely protected from the elements when in transit or not in use.

The inside of the Piel Frama iPad cases feature Piel Frama imprinted smooth leather throughout in tan or black linings. The baby-skin soft interior leather keeps the iPad safe from any scratch and protects all its surfaces from abrasion. The document pocket has been cleverly placed separately behind the iPad. Other folios including pockets tend to place them inside the front flap, where they may rub against the screen of the iPad.

Combine all of the above with high quality materials like luxurious, durable Spanish leather, and excellent hand-made craftsmanship, and you’ve got a case designed for superior protection, despite its good looks.

One of the best things about folio cases for the Apple iPad is the easy mobility folio cases provide. Like the e-reader folio cases or classic folio notebook, the iPad in a good folio case gives it instant portability. Just grab and go.

With the Piel Frama iPad case you can do so with full confidence that your iPad will be fully protected while in transit. Open the case and turn on the device to check your email on the train, and the exposed light sensor instantly detects your lighting and the screen brightness automatically adjusts to suit the situation.

In other cases it’s often a trade-off. You either get full framing protection for your iPad which covers the light sensor or buy a less protective case to have the light sensor –and all sides and rims of the iPad- exposed. There are other trade-offs to be faced as well with other cases. You can find full accessibility but minimal protection, or more protection from framing cases which never fit quite right and block accessibility.

Even these trade-offs aren’t guaranteed. Poor construction of a framing case with cheap materials aren’t going to be very protective, and many folio cases utilizing open frames or elastic corner holders still can block port and control accessibility.

Piel Frama cases give you both. Easy. Done. And more.

Every Piel Frama iPad case is made to be capable of folding the front cover back to make a viewing or typing stand. However, an upcoming new version of the Piel Frama iPad case will feature a more rigid flip stand, which will aptly be named the Cinema Case.

Retaining all the high quality of the Premium and Exotic iPad cases from Piel Frama, the Cinema Case will be designed with a fold in the back cover and speed bumps inside the front cover, much as other successful 'flip' style folio cases on the market. This design allows the iPad to be flipped up and propped on the speedbumps, and Piel Frama utilizes rigid ABS inserts to make the stand very sturdy.

With the quality of materials in craftsmanship in the Piel Frama cases, the functionality of the Cinema Case isn't going to wear the case out easily. You can’t get a good, cheap iPad folio case that will function long as a 'flip' stand I suspect. We hear already of torn vinyl, bowing out of panels and broken spines –these problems aren’t likely to occur in the finely crafted Piel Frama cases.

In the design of the Cinema Case, however, stress points common to flip cases are minimalized or eliminated. Combine good design with quality materials and skilled craftsmanship, and the Piel Frama iPad Case-or the Piel Frama Cinema Case- is going to last a good long time, and should never need replaced.

And yeah, they just look good. In fact they look fantastic. The pictures do not come near to doing the leather quality and craftsmanship of these cases any justice. The leather is rich and deep and supple, creating that timeless, subtle look of quiet elegance. The stitching is perfectly straight and of strong cotton thread.

Even the packaging is outstanding. Enclosed in a paper sleeve inside a Piel Frama imprinted box with the steer head logo, this is their standard wrapping. Worthy of gift presentation, even if it’s just yourself that you’re treating.

Still, keep in mind what a lovely gift this would be, for Christmas or students who are college-bound this year, with iPads in tow of course. And Piel Frama doesn’t just make iPad cases, you can find Piel Frama luxury leather cases for just about every person and device.

This year, and for years to come I'm sure, their iPad case folio options are a great place to start. Check out the Amazon listings for great deals.

_{Article Copyright 2010 tommyj and not to be copied or reprinted without author permission.}

_{Additional photos courtesy of individual manufacturers.}

_{Opinions expressed herein are based on personal experience and thorough research. Author is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers mentioned herein.}

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