[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] jms_uk:
[Review] Zec Electronics "FolioGuard" (Multi-Angle) case for Asus eeePad Transformer

Introduction:

Its been an exciting couple of months for Asus eeePad Transformer owners. First there was the tablet launch itself, followed quickly by a couple of firmware updates. Then, there was the keyboard dock with its own set of teething problems corrected (largely) by another round of firmware updates. Now, we're all gearing up for the improvements that Honeycomb 3.1 brings us (and by the time you read this, hopefully we'll all be enjoying a smoother UI, re-sizable widgets, better YouTube performance and increased USB device support). Fo' sho', exciting times indeed!

Throughout it all however, the accessories side of things has been the one area where there's been little movement - until now..

To begin with, Asus threw their hat into the ring with the "official" folio case. With a design largely (ahem) "adapted" from Apple's official iPad first gen case, it was a functional but somewhat overpriced solution in many peoples' opinion. In addition, we all quickly discovered that pretty much any neoprene sleeve designed for 10" netbooks would do in a pinch - I myself bought a cheapie from Amazon Uk which certainly does the basics but little else.

In spite of this though, I really missed being able to protect my shiny new toy in a case that offered ergonomics comparable to the lovely "Yoobao Magic Case V4" that I eventually settled on for my IPad.

Yep, I'll admit to being a little worried on first purchasing my Transformer; worried that it wouldn't receive the same level of third-party accessory support as the iPad and that I'd struggle to find a similar case/sleeve that ticked the right boxes for what I wanted in a case. Those "boxes" in no particular order, being:

Adjustable multi-angles for lap/tabletop usage

Hold the tablet securely in the case giving access to all the ports, buttons etc..

Easy access to the tablet to remove it from the case if required.

Sturdy.

Acceptable amount of additional bulk/weight.

I should add at this point, that what was less important for me (though I know it IS a factor for many of you with the Keyboard dock) was the ability to leave the tablet in the case whilst docked.. I've been kicking around some possible ideas on how it could be done and none of them felt that great given the physical constraints of the docking mechanism - we may have to resign ourselves to the fact it may not actually be possible to provide an "elegant" solution; however, being able to get the tablet quickly in and out of its folio case would certainly go some way to mitigating the problem if nothing else.. perhaps worth discussing some other time? ;)

With the arrival of the Zec Electronics Folio Guard range, we're finally starting to see some alternative products emerge that are custom designed for the eeePad Transformer, so let's not waste any more time and get down to business..

So, where are we? Oh yeah, this review takes a look at the new "FolioGuard" Multi-Angle case from Zec Electronics in China. As I understand it, they're producing a range of products and the case I'm reviewing sits in the middle of their price range. After seeing photos of the pre-production samples in a thread here on XDA, it struck me how similar in design their multi-angle case was to the Yoobao Magic Case V4 for the first-gen iPad. Now this is no bad thing, as over the last year I tried out quite a few cases for my iPad and eventually settled on the Yoobao for exactly the reasons highlighted in the Introduction earlier..

During the course of this review, I'll be sharing some thoughts and pics of the Folioguard alongside the IPad in its Yoobao Magic Case, giving my impressions on how the two compare to give you a bit of perspective :)

Initial Impressions:

On reciving the Folioguard I was pleasantly surprised to find a well made unit, no obvious stitching or other construction faults. Sturdy in all the right places but not "built like a tank" sturdy, like say the Tuff Luv MultiView (and not nearly as bulky either). Compared also to the Yoobao its also a bit slighter/flimsier but not to the point that I could see the Folioguard failing in its protection duties where the Yoobao would've succeeded - this case will protect your Asus baby just fine! The material isn't leather, but a synthetic material (PU) that feels nice to the touch and is quite understated which I happen to prefer.

Design:

Zec Electronics have taken care to ensure that all of the exterior features of the Transformer are fully accessible; which already puts it one up on the official case. There are cut aways for the Docking/Charging port, the two dock fixing points either side, MicroSD, miniHDMI and headphone ports, power and volume buttons, both speaker grilles, front/rear camera and light sensor. All of which are well positioned (although you still can't charge the tablet with the case closed due to the postion and folding direction of the main flap). I can however confirm that in testing both front and rear cameras, neither were obscured by the respective holes - the kind of small detail that shows this case has been put together with a good deal of thought and attention.

In terms of keeping the case on whilst docking the tablet, I'm afraid its not going to happen. In all honesty, any case following a similar design is going to have a difficult if not impossible job accomodating the keyboard dock - as I mentioned above, the tight fit of the dock's swiveling docking area takes no prisoners. Its going to take some creative thinking to make it happen, but for me at least this was by no means a deal breaker and I'll explain why...

Slipping the Transformer into the case was a breeze which was much appreciated (importantly ticking off the "easy access" box - that should result in a lot less frustration for those of us with keyboard docks). On the left hand side theres a flap that pulls out. In pops the tablet and back goes the flap. Simple, job done in a few seconds! The flap will hold the tablet in place if you suspend it on its side (leaving the flap side to the mercy of gravity).. and only after some pretty vigourous shaking was I able to get the Transformer to slip just a little bit - but then who's going to be mad enough to do that deliberately!

There are magnetic fastners in the bezel portion of the case, but they could do with being a little stronger - perhaps this can be addressed in future production runs? In any case, the FolioGuard folds shut neatly enough that you don't notice it too much :)

For those of you interested in numbers:

Transformer + Folioguard weighs 936g and is 18mm thick

iPad (first gen) + Yoobao Magic Case V4 weighs 992g and is 20mm thick

In Use:

I've said previously that I like the Yoobao's groved flap design for offering multiple angles and the so far at least, the FolioGuard really does it for me. :)

Using the tablet in any of the three available angles is simple, adjustment was quick and easy and unlike the Yoobao, the FolioGuard stays in its chosen angle despite usage pressure on the screen (this is the one area of the Yoobao I wish they'd improved.. its grooves aren't wide enough, so even remotely heavy handed touch screen use - say, during a game of Infinity Blade - can often result in the tablet unceremoniously popping out of its groove - not so with the FolioGuard which is a GOOD thing!)

During general use I found it very similar to the Magic Case which is awesome. When sofa surfing/lying down its nice that the FolioGuard gives the tablet just enough heft/bulk that you can grip it comfortably in one hand without feeling like you're squeezing it too much (and experiencing the dreaded "creak of doom"). Viewing angles are great for lap or tabletop surfing, watching movies, sharing photos etc.

(iPad in Magic Case - Left.. eeePad in FolioGuard - Right)

However, the lowest angle isn't really that low so extended periods of typing using the onscreen keyboard won't be that easy for most people - which leads me to say that there's one configuration the Yoobao has that I wish the Folioguard had also..

..with the Magic Case, its also possible to fold the main flap back on itself to provide a low profile typing angle - the best way to describe this is to get you to think of the configuration the official Asus/iPad cases offered.. The lack of a fold on the furthest back groove of the FolioGuard is probably what's stopping this from being possible (perhaps due to material/design constraints it wasn't possible without compromising the structural integrity of the case).. Again, NOT a deal breaker because that angle was mostly used by people who wanted to type extensively with the on-screen keyboard - something I and may others would now do with the dock anyway.. Still, another design consideration for "version 2" perhaps?

(Magic Case showing the fold which provides that extra-low viewing/typing angle)

Wrap Up:

So what do I think? Its a good case that certainly does the job for me, ticking most if not all of those boxes I was talking about. Sure, its not made of the highest grade materials and there are a few design considerations mentioned earlier, which may put off people looking for that "perfect" case - but is there such a thing as the "perfect case" ? If its too thin, it won't offer protection... if its too bulky, its not easy to carry.. if its made with high quality/posh materials, it's too expensive and so on and on and...

This isn't going to be a case that quality-wise, could ever compete with the higher end of the market (the hand sitched leather Vaja cases of the world) but then it isn't meant to be.. At this time, given the research I've done for Transformer cases and the many cases I've tried with my iPad - for the price - the FolioGuard can hold its head up high! :)

Certainly its the best case I've seen available for Asus' new shining star (and bear in mind, that in time although there will be more alternatives, the Transformer is never likely to enjoy the huge range of cases that the iPad does). To finish up, I'm putting up a couple of verdicts here, because price IS also huge consideration for many and with global markets/pricing being what they are..

Verdict (UK Users):

In the UK we're getting asked to hand over £40 for the official Asus case, compared to $40 for our US brethren - which to put it bluntly, stings in areas the sun doesn't shine. There's an alternative case being sold on EBay that from what I've read isn't nearly as good... I think that despite a few considerations (which may or may not be a problem for people), the FolioGuard does everything the official case does and more, for less of your hard earned (especially for XDA members who IIRC can enjoy a bit of a discount). I'm very happy with mine, and as long as you don't mind a bit of a wait getting it shipped from China, I think its a good price for a good product (n.b. you can always, of course, choose to pay extra for expedited shipping).

At the current exchange rate, Brits can expect to pay around £19-£20 including standard shipping for this puppy..(Less any special "XDA member" discount that may be offered, that is)

Verdict (US Users):

The FolioGuard is closer in price to the offical Asus case for you guys, but still cheaper and still - IMHO - a better bet (again, provided you're prepared to wait for shipping)

Verdict (Europe/elsewhere):

I guess its all down to exchange rates and shipping costs, versus the price of the official case and/or any alternatives you may have coming in your territories.

EXTRA

I was also fortunate enough to try out Zec Electronics' Transformer Screen Protector. This one will be brief ;) I like it! Given that applying screen protectors to a tablet sized screen is never easy (dust free environment, getting an even bubble-free application etc.) this one went on remarkably well and overnight most if not all of the few remaining bubbles had worked themselves out.

The screen protector is cut accurately (again with holes for the camera and light sensor), reduces the screen glare, isn't too thin, feels pretty smooth to the touch and I can't discern any real drop in touch sensitivity. In fact it reminds me quite a bit of the Martin Fields screen protectors I like using on my HTC Desire. I know our lovely Transformers come with Gorilla glass, but a little insurance is never a bad thing and the added bonus of reducing the "finger-print magnet" aspect of the screen is much appreciated!

{n.b Special thanks go out to forum member XJarl for his quick and helpful communication in sorting out the review samples! :)