If you are looking for an iPad 2 case that is similar in shape and function to the official Apple iPad case (1st generation), then the Odoyo SlimCoat case for iPad 2 will fit your needs. You might be unhappy that Apple has decided to discontinue the development of the original iPad case, and decided to move onto a completely different style cover, the Smart Cover. I was also one of these people. Although the first generation iPad case did add quite a bit if weight and thickness, in terms of function, I really liked it. I liked the case acting as a typing stand, as well as a viewing stand. Protection is probably the main positive. If you look at the Smart Cover, it doesn’t protect the iPad 2 at all. Therefore the first generation case was a pretty nice case for those who doesn’t really care about weight and thickness.

With the SlimCoat case, Odoyo tried to bring back this same feel and function back to the iPad. The case can be propped up as a keyboard stand, and a viewing stand. In terms of the viewing stand, it is much more stable than it is on the first generation Apple iPad case. In terms of protection, it is the same story. All sides are covered, unlike many cases that leaves out one side for use with the Smart Cover. This might not be a big deal, however it doesn’t really look, and feel, too nice to have once side uncovered.

The really cool thing about the SlimCoat case is that you don’t need a Smart Cover. The case itself is smart enough as it has a few magnets. This means that not only the on/off function is working, but the flap sticks flat onto the screen without flopping off. This is a big plus as many cases that implement magnets, aren’t strong enough to keep the flap stuck to the screen.

Another plus, we get colors. Not only do we get a black version, but the SlimCoat case is also available in beige. Both models suit both males and females, and looks very professional. Speaking of professional, the material that is used to make this case is very comfortable. On the outer layer, we get a leather-type material that gives a luxurious feel. On the inside, we get a fabric foam material that adds onto the comfort whilst you hold your iPad in portrait mode, whilst your flap is around the other side.

Now moving onto the negative side. The first negative I found was actually noticed in the early stage ifmy review period. Whilst I was testing out the keyboard stand, I noticed that I couldn’t hear my type whilst typing. I checked my volume, and it was at maximum, but I still couldn’t hear anything. This was because of the design of the case. If you look at where the speakers are located, you can only see a few dotted holes. Meaning that pretty much over 90% of the speaker was completely covered by the case. This made the sound to be much more muffled and hard to hear.

The second negative I noticed whilst testing was the microphone. When I tested out recording video with the iPad, the recording itself worked perfectly fine. But when I tried to watch what I recorded, I noticed that the sound again was muffled. This wasn’t fully due t the speakers, but also the microphone. If you look at the case properly, you can see a tiny hole for the sound to reach the microphone. However, this hole is actually too small, and distant from the microphone itself. Meaning that the audio quality had also been ruined by the case.

Overall, I think that this case is an absolutely great case in terms of form and function, with it’s ability to prop it up as a keyboard and viewing stand. The magnets also work well, switches the iPad on and off, and also stays in place with its strength. However, the speakers were mostly covered, as well as the microphone. Meaning that the quality of the audio of both in and out was crippled by the case. However, if you don’t intend to use this case to record video, and listen to music, then I would say this is a nice case especially if you are looking for a case that is very similar to the first generation iPad case.

Below is out full video review of the Odoyo case:

Pros:
- Very protective, all edges covered
- Similar to the first generation iPad case as it also functions as both keyboard and viewing stands
- Keeps the overall appearance thin, and does not add much bulk
- Included magnets work well with on/off function, as well as keeping the flap in place

Cons:
- Audio-out quality from speaker is crippled by the covered speakers
- Audio-in quality is also crippled by the tiny hole

Plomonet rating: 8/10

About the Author: Kenta Arai is a tech enthusiast who was born in Japan, and grew up in Hong Kong. He is very passionate towards technology and he became one of the most enthusiastic technophile student in his high-school, and was also well-known for consulting many of his school-mates when purchasing new computers.