Review : Padacs Ziva Pro Case for iPad 2

Padacs is a pretty reputable iPad accessory developer, and today I’m looking at the Ziva Pro case for iPad 2. The case is overall a pretty slim enclosure for the iPad (while it’s not the thinnest), has multiple viewing angles, and will protect your device from minor scratches as well as bumps and bruises…it’s not going to do much in the event of a major fall I wouldn’t think, but for everyday use it will do the trick. The Ziva Pro also keeps the added weight to a minimum and doesn’t feel bulky or cumbersome while carrying the iPad around, which is a plus.

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The Ziva Pro ($44.95) works pretty much the same way the Smart Cover works with the folds that come together to provide a typing stand, and an upright horizontal viewing stand. But unless I’m “doing it wrong”, I’m not seeing the sleep/wake feature with the opening and closing of the case, even though there are magnets to help keep the cover closed.

That said, there are a few minor details that surprised me in a negative way. First, while the Ziva Pro gives you access to all the ports and such while your iPad is in the case, not all of them feel cutout *exactly* right. For instance, the Home button area just doesn’t lineup perfectly. You can still use it without much trouble at all, but the very bottom of it is slightly covered by the case cutout. Secondly, the frame of the sleeve one slips the iPad into for using with the case doesn’t seem to sit completely flush against the bezel of the device as one would expect.

That said, if you’re looking for a genuine leather case, that protects both the front and back, has alternative viewing/keying angles, and the cutouts for cameras and buttons, the Ziva Pro is a good choice at this price.