Oberon Design iPad 3 Artisan Leather Case Review
I’ve tried a lot of iPad cases in my time, but I always ultimately come back to the thick, durable and distinctive cases from Oberon. Sadly the fluctuating thickness of the iPad in each of its incarnations has rendered my original, favourite iPad 1 Oberon case somewhat loose for the sleeker iPad 3. Fortunately I’ve been lucky to get my hands on an iPad 3 case from Oberon, and am just as enamoured with its similarities to my old one as its differences
Being set about my ways, and having been so thoroughly pleased with the original red, dragon motif case that I reviewed, I opted to go with something similar. However there have been some changes.
Gone is the smooth leather rear cover, and framed design on the front and in is place is a seamless dragon design which wraps from the front to the back of the case, making for a much more interesting appearance that catches the eye no matter which way up you stow your iPad.
The pattern is, as always, embossed in Oberon’s distinctive style.
Inside the case is very much the same, with the tried and tested three leather loops to hold the lion’s share of your iPads corners, and an elastic loop to retain the last. I’ve not had any problems with the iPad coming loose, and for such a minimalist holding mechanism it is surprisingly robust. An additional metal hook, not present in my original Oberon iPad case, gives the elastic a helping hand by preventing the heavier iPad 3 from slipping down into it and causing wear over time.
This minimalist arrangement means that connecting a charging cable is easy, as is accessing the volume controls. The headphone socket is a little obscured, as is the lock switch, but these aren’t really an issue as most other leather cases will cover the entire edge of the iPad, leaving comparatively little room for plugging things in.
The Oberon iPad 3 case is hewn from the same thick, rigid and protective leather as most other Oberon cases. Its thickness affords a lot of protection from shock, and it’s rigidity protects the edges of the iPad.
Ultimately this is a fantastically stylish and excessively protective iPad case which is sure to appeal to lovers of leather and lavish embossed patterns. It’s only real flaw is also its blessing; it’s bulk. Although, like many other iPad cases, the large, protective overhang of the back cover makes it somewhat difficult to access the volume and rotation lock switch. I’d consider this to be much more a flaw in the design of the iPad, which tucks these controls behind its edge, than the case, however.