Booq pad Folio for iPad mini - Black/Gray (BPM-BLG)

I saw some people mention the fact that it didn't have a cut out for the rear camera as a point deduction. I didn't want that so for me its a positive (think I've used that camera twice since November when I bought the ipad). There are very detailed photos and videos of the product out there (check the Booq website) so if you want a better look at what you are buying, check there. The case is padded nicely, the black leather like exterior works nicely with the grey sueded interior. The pad is unlined, but that's not an issue for me as I bought this with the intention of replacing the pad with an 8x5 pad (if you plan to do this, you will need a good sharp pair of scissors or a steady hand and a sharp razor to cut about a quarter of an inch off of each side of the cardboard on an 8x5 pad of paper...but it fills that side of the folio much better in my opinion than the non-standard funky sized pad they send in it). I wanted something to protect my device while looking decent and giving me the functional option of a pen and paper for quick notes in meetings and this case will fit the bill nicely.

I love the idea of the Booq Pad Folio. Combining pen and paper on one side of the folio with the iPad on the other (or iPad mini, in this case). The quality of construction seems high; however, the quality of design needs a little improvement. The straps that hold the iPad in place partly obstruct the screen, so if you need to exit out of something or click something in one of the corners of your screen, you have to pull the strap out of the way with one hand while your other hand taps as usual on the iPad. If there were a better way to hold the iPad without blocking the screen, obstructing the home button, and limiting access to the volume buttons, I would give this product 4 1/2 to 5 stars. But in its current form, so-so is the best I can provide. Apparently Levenger makes a comparable product, but I haven't tried it. It's more than 3 times the price of the Booq Pad Folio (and may have the same problem with the straps). Hopefully they'll keep tweaking the design and work to get this fixed.(Also, please note that the Folio blocks the rear-facing camera and adds a lot of bulk. If either of those things will bother you, this isn't the product to get.)

Here's the thing.... it is the only iPad Mini I found with the ability to keep a notepad (perfect for Rx writing) and makes the Mini accessible for patient ed, etc. That said, I HAVE to like it. However, there are a few flaws in its manufacturing. Let me explain:PROs(1) Dual use -- awesome. awesome. awesome.(2) Leather is good enough. Looks professional.CONs(1) The pen holder tucks into the iPad mini flag tucker-in-thing... this is annoying. Not awful, but annoying(2) The leather around the iPad holder is a bit flimsy, as others have mentioned. However, I did not find that my Mini shifts around really. Aesthetically, it just doesn't look as nice as some others.(3) I would have liked a hand strap on the back for function (and for klutzy people like myself).(4) It is a bit bulkier than I expected. More padding, looks like a clunky day planner.(5) The menu button is a little obscured by the case. Not a huge deal, but again, annoying. You have to come at the button perpendicularly.All in all, I think I am keeping it because I need that dual functionality... but I am wee bit depressed that no one has come up with a better design.

This is a really super nice portfolio case for the ipad mini. It is lightweight and actually is lighter than some just plain cases. It is nicely constructed and feels good. Fits the mini real nice. The only negative thing is there is no measurements for the notepad and no way to get refills. Yes I can measure it it is just annoying not to be able to get the right refills for it. Another possible negative is if you want to have it in landscape mode or upright you have to prop it up against something. That is not a factor for me since I use a marware ceo case which meets my needs when I don't need to go to a meeting. I am very pleased with it and find it really handy to put in my scottevest pocket and go to meetings without carrying something bulky or heavy. Might even get one for my regular ipad since it is so light. Now if they would make one for the Kindle Fire 8.9 or Nook HD that would be equally nice!!!!!

I really like being able to grab this case only and bring my iPad, a paper notepad and pen to a meeting. That is all I need for most meetings. It was one of the few cases that has a notepad built in. The leather is nice and it looks well built.However the sleeve that the iPad Mini goes into is not all that tight and the pen holder is also the "clasp" that holds the iPad in the sleeve. The iPad moves around in the sleeve quite a bit and you have to keep shoving it back up to access the main front button. I put a few sheets of paper folded behind the iPad and it's a bit better since it's thicker. All other buttons are easily accessed.As a regular case for sitting around with you iPad (like on the couch), the notepad gets in the way of holding the case and you wind up bending the notepad paper.Overall I'm happy with the case, just not thrilled. Some improvements in design would be welcome.

This could have been a 5 Star case but there was one thing that really bothered me about it, the pen holder. It was part of the closure to secure the iPad and wasn't a fixed size. I tried several pens in this holder but they all caused the same problem loosening the back flap the secured the iPad.In addition to the pen holder, this case didn't have a magnetic lock on it, at first I didn't think that would bother me, but it really did. There was also no camera hole in the back of the case so whenever I had to take a picture, I had to take my iPad out of the case.Overall, I likes the look of the case and the concept of having a pad of paper attached to the case. If the flaws mentioned above weren't there I'd still be using this product and would have given it a 5 Star rating.