[Xperia Tablet Z Accessories] ancientferguson:
Zenus Neo Classic

I thought I would drop in and say hello and drop a few lines about my recent purchase of a Zenus Masstige Neo Classic Diary case for the Tablet Z.

I purchased this case from Gearzap here in the UK and I must add that their service is exemplary. I chose the case because of its apparent slender profile and can confirm that the photos on the Zenus site are representative of what comes through the letterbox. I measured the case with the tablet fitted and found that the overall thickness was about 17.2mm, except at the hinge which naturally is a little thicker, around 20mm. The case measures approximately 267mm at the long end and 177mm at the short end. I have no idea whether this will fit into the Sony cradle, until Sony gets its act together with the stock problems, so that I can buy one.

Some pros and cons:

Pros:

> This is a very well made case.

> Doesn't add much bulk to the tablet.

> It has a very firm grip of the tablet and it certainly won't be falling out of the case.

> The two stand system is very useful and doesn't involve the creased back and folding system that some cases employ. These stands are held in place by small magnets.

> The hand strap oozes quality although in my opinion would better serve the tablet if it was placed at the opposite end of the cover to assist in using the tablet in landscape view. I know that the idea of the strap is to use the tablet in portrait view, but by design the tablet droops to the side when held in this way, unless you are prepared to get a good grip of the bezel as you use it. With my long arms I find this a wholly uncomfortable way to hold the tablet and would always choose landscape whilst utilising the hand strap.

> A minimalist frameless design that looks fantastic and allows access to all ports when opened and only restricts access to the micro USB when closed. Hopefully, this case will be dock friendly though.

> Quality soft fabrics used on the inside that will certainly take great care of your tablet.

> A proper snap closing mechanism, although the closure flap metal stud can leave indentations on the front of the case when it is tucked behind, which could, after time, leave a permanent mark or possibly damage the case. Time will tell.

> In the UK, this case is about £20-£25 less than the Sony official case and certainly has better build quality. The elastic closure bands look very fragile to me and with Sony describing them as replaceable, my bet is that they will prove to be a future irritant.

Cons:

> For those that like a lot of protection, particularly in the corners, this is not the case for you.

> At £45 this is not a cheap case, but it is almost worth the money.

> The larger of the stand flaps tends not to seat itself flush with its cut-out in the case, except where the magnet holds it. This can hold the case front slightly off the screen, adding a slight curvature.

> Lack of micro USB access when the case is closed, but there again, few cases do and they always have trade-offs.

Conclusion:

A great minimalist case, great construction, quality materials with an executive look and feel. Recommended, but be sure you are aware of the protection that this case offers. Personally, when in transit, I will be using an additional bag, possibly a Crumpler that will accommodate the Zenus.