[Eee Pad Transformer Accessories] xun3:
EEE Pad Roocase Mulit-angle Case Review

Hi All,

I thought that I would post a review of this case since I haven't seen one yet. I'm going to follow a bit of jms_uk's review of the FolioGuard, just to keep some congruency amongst our forum.

Introduction:

I upgraded to the Transformer from a Nook Color (great tablet, but the screen was too small for me), and was looking for a multi-angle case. I first saw the official case, but I thought it was hideous with the edges, and was overpriced. So I waited out for a decent case to come along, and when the Roocase came out, I pretty much went for it. It fit all my criteria (I don't have a keyboard so I wasn't worried about its ability to dock while in the case).

Initial Impressions:

The case is very large and quite thick due to all the folds required by its design. The leather has a really nice and solid feel to it. It's not very soft or supple, but it feels just like the leather that's used in the seats of a BMW, sturdy and durable. All the edges are wrapped nicely and securely, and the retention flap is on the bottom, so your Transformer won't fall out when you're carrying it. All in all, it's very high quality and very well designed.

Design:

The quality and craftsmanship is extremely good. It's made from real leather (you can smell and feel it). All the cut edges have been properly sealed, and thus won't fray or wear down easily. There is a nice texture to the leather and it feels smooth and durable. It feels like a nice portfolio in your hands. The black cloth material is very soft and smooth, and won't pick up dust. I got some cracker crumbs on it and it was easier to clean off than microfiber. The magnets on the cover are weak, but does the job. I would have preferred stronger magnets, but I can't complain for $30.

The fit for Transformer is just right, and it slides smoothly in. The velcro in the flap secures the Transformer in with no worries about it falling out and is quite strong. Once secured, the Transformer is happily strapped in, and it doesn't wiggle in place. There are cutouts for all the ports, cameras and light sensor and it doesn't interfere with their operations. I took a few pictures and the camera is free from obstructions. The velcro fastening flap is very secure so you don't have to worry about your Transformer falling out.

There's velcro on the bottom edge of the case where the bottom of the transformer would be. These are for holding the viewing angle, and preventing the cover from unfolding. They work really well and makes the tilting mode very solid as you work, you can pick it up and it will hold your angle with no issues.

In Use:

I like holding my Transformer while I work/play, and this case has some issues in that area. First off, the materials and leather are slippery. I usually hold my Transformer in my left hand, with the power button at the top in portrait mode. When the cover is folded back, you have to hold onto the soft material. The issues I found here, is that the material is not very grippy (less than the Transformer's textured back) even with the bigger grip (due to the fold), it was harder to hold. I had a case for my Nook Color that had microfiber which really helped in the grip department, and I miss that. But that's the disadvantage of having velcro to hold the angle.

The only way I can grip the Transformer well is when I hold it where the camera is. It's really nice to hold this way, but you're going to block the light sensor. I don't use the light sensor, so this isn't a big issue for me. The case adds quite a bit of heft to the tablet, and its noticeable so if you're looking for a light case, this is not one you should look for. My weight scale is off, but it's definitely around the 200g mark, which is almost a third of the Transformers weight. I held it for a bit with one hand for 30 minutes and my wrist was getting sore. So you'll need to hold it with two hands. But if you usually rest the Transformer while you use it (like me), this isn't a big issue either. The quality of the case far outweigh the mass of the case.

The charge port is covered up by the fold when you close the case, so you can't charge while the case is closed, but all other ports are easily accessible when the cover is closed.

The multi-angle capabilities are great and it is solid with the velcro holding it together. There is a "slight" angle when it's folded back, and It helps for typing. I thought it was great till I saw the ACase, which has a re-enforcement in the spine that gives you a greater typing angle.

When at it's steepest angle, you can have the connector with no stress on the cord!

Verdict:

This is a good case, with extremely high craftsmanship, and attention to detail. The Quality is amazing, and it really keeps the Transformer safe but I can't really call it a Great case as it needs some design improvements.

It's a really nice case with just one annoying flaw that is enough to disappoint me. The offender is just the lack of grip when holding the tablet. Both the leather and the fabric are slippery, and so extra care is needed to grip it. The fabric is extra slippery which makes the Transformer hard to hold with the cover folded back when you hold it on the fabric. The grippiest way to hold is with your hand on the camera. When you do, it's acceptable. I personally think they spray some sort of protectant on the leather that gets on the fabric, which makes it slippery almost like a silicone protectant which is slippery. I'll try to apply some leather cleaner to see if that will help with the grip issues that I'm having.

I think I'm just nit picking as it just takes some getting used to, or more handling to rub off the protectant.

[Update]

I've now owned this case longer than 24 hours, and I've used some leather cleaner and it's improved the grip a bit more. I'm still not a fan of holding it along the spine, so I'm just trying to get used to holding it by the edge.

Pros:

- Real leather

- Very nice and sleek

- Well crafted

- Nice covers to protect the Transformer

- Awesome quality materials used.

- All ports align with the cameras and light sensors with no interference

- $30!! (after shipping)

- Magnets for holding the cover down

- Velcro for holding the stand!

- The leather

- Great for two handed gaming if you're using the stand

Cons:

- Slippery coating on the leather

- Slippery fabric when folded back

- Flexible Spine prevents it from being solid when held

- Fairly bulky (This is the tradeoff for great protection and cushioning)

**Some Other Thoughts**

At first I was really put off by its huge size and extra weight, but now that I've had it for longer, It's grown on me a bit. I did see the ACase infinite angle folio case, and for a bit I regretted making the Roocase purchase, because the ACase has the grippy fabric and the shaped spine. However, I found out that it does not have velcro for the flap (I think the grippy material makes up for it because the reviewer was struggling to put it in when I saw the video), and the other is that there's nothing to prevent the front cover from completely folding out. The Roocase has velcro that helps keep it together. So those two things make the purchase go down easier.