InCase Convertible Book Jacket for iPad

The Incase Convertible Book Jacket for iPad is a sturdy faux-leather portfolio case that excels at propping up the iPad at various angles in landscape orientation. It’s an attractive product that feels sturdy, looks classy, and definitely protects the iPad, but it’s got some severe limitations too. ( See our first look of the Incase Convertible Book Jacket.)

The Convertible Book Jacket transforms your iPad into a faux-leather folio, one that could just as easily be holding a super-thick notepad. The case looks classy, though that’s offset by the Incase logo displayed prominently on the front. An elastic band keeps the folio closed; flip open the rigid front cover and you have access to the iPad’s screen, as well as all its switches and ports.

Sliding the iPad into and out of the case’s holding frame is a little awkward, though I improved with practice. (Once your iPad is in the frame, you can easily plug in a dock-connector cable, but the case precludes you from using an iPad dock.)

The front cover extends slightly underneath the case, creating an extra hinge that lets you pivot the iPad around and rest it on one of three grooves on the back of the cover. That’s the “convertible” part of the case—this act turns the case into an adjustable iPad stand with three angled positions. If you plan on using the iPad frequently in landscape orientation on a flat surface, perhaps paired with a Bluetooth keyboard, the Convertible Book Jacket will position it perfectly.

Unfortunately, the case adds a lot of bulk to the iPad, especially when it comes to thickness. The extra hinge in the front flap that allows the case to convert also makes it awkward to hold on that side—for example, when you’re trying to view the iPad in portrait orientation.

This case looks professional and is well-designed for landscape orientation on a flat surface. If you’ll primarily use your iPad in professional settings and on a tabletop paired with a Bluetooth keyboard, it will fit your lifestyle perfectly. But its added thickness and bulk means you’ll probably want to remove your iPad from the case if you just want to curl up on the bed with a good e-book.