Since the release of Portenzo’s custom bookcases for the Nexus 7 tablet (review here), we have been major fans. Made from high quality materials, Portenzo cases are pretty much the definition of what I look for when I think about protecting or covering up my tablets. Once we heard they were beginning production of bookcases for the Nexus 10, we knew we would be picking one up. 

After a couple of weeks, we received our custom case for the Nexus 10 as a review sample. Options for the case seemed unlimited, as the choices between covers, colors, and engravings can basically turn your case into a pure work of hand-made art. The company uses american maple for the frames, works in a double-glued elastic band which “won’t ever come undone,” and are all made from a single sheet of premium leather right here in the U.S.

Being the minimal lover that I am, I opted for a plain black leather shell, a cutout for the tablet’s camera (an extra $5), with a lone red strap to keep the case from opening. It’s simple, gorgeous and feels fantastic.

While the Portenzo bookcases do add some weight and girth to the Nexus 10′s slim frame, to me it is worth that sacrifice in that I now have a built-in stand for the device, as well as the added protection. To sum it up, if you are a fan of bookcases, Portenzo should be your first choice.

Pricing can get steep, so if you are not looking to spend well over $100 (no one will blame you), then you can probably start shopping for a different line. With my options, the case ran $145.00. Not the cheapest accessory, but boy does it feel great.

Check out Portenzo’s product line here.

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Quick Look: Portenzo BookCase for Google Nexus 10 is a post from: Droid Life

Earlier in the week, we took a look at the new Durable Wallet for the Galaxy S3 and Nexus 4 from DODOcase (Nexus 7 too, but it’s not new), two sleeve options from the San Francisco based case maker. Today, we’re looking at more traditional bookcase style cases for the Nexus 7 from DODOcase, both of which are similar to hand-made cases by Portenzo and Treegloo that we have already reviewed. This is the Hardcover, Classic and Solid. 

Hardcover

The DODOcase Hardcover is somewhat of a hybrid bookcase. Rather than having a tray that your Nexus 7 sits firmly inside, it uses an adhesive so your device almost floats freely. The adhesive (which look like strips of stickers) is said to be reusable, industrial grade, and leave your device residue free. The Hardcover still protects your device with a hand-made bookcase style exterior that is held closed by an elastic band. There is a magnet embedded inside to activate sleep/wake upon opening or shutting. Also, since it has no tray, the Hardcover is able to sit with a much lower profile than a traditional bookcase.

Overall, I like the slim fit of the Hardcover, thanks to the lack of a tray. I will say that over time, I would hate to see that adhesive wear out. While it’s “industrial grade” and all, there is nothing like the piece of mind that the protection a traditional tray can bring.

It runs $34.95 and comes in a variety of two-tone color schemes.

Classic and Solid

The Classic and Solid DODOcases are definitely what I would consider to be traditional bookcase style cases. Both are hand-made using traditional bookbinding techniques, contain an eco-friendly bamboo tray to secure the device in, and a variety of outer materials ranging from a black Moroccan cloth (Classic) to some more colorful canvas-style options (Solid). They also have a magnet embedded inside the front cover to activate sleep or wake, an elastic strap to keep it closed, and leather inserts to fully lock your device in place.

If you are looking for the ultimate form of protection for your Nexus 7, but still maintain a level of class, you can’t go wrong with a bookcase style case. The craftsmanship here is as good as others in the industry, it’s a U.S. company, and their overall taste is exactly what I like to see in a case. If I were asked to choose my favorite bookcase of all, I would probably go with Portenzo’s Alano, but it’s also incredibly expensive with a minimum price tag of $100. You can get yourself into a DODOcase starting at $60.

The Solid $69.95, with the Classic dropping in at $59.95.

Find all of the Nexus 7 DODOcase products here.

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Quick Look: DODOcase Hardcover, Classic and Solid for the Nexus 7 is a post from: Droid Life

As you know after seeing our continued coverage of cases from the likes of Portenzo and Treegloo, we’re big fans of products that are hand-made in the U.S. The latest to enter our radar is none other than DODOcase, a company based out of San Francisco that has been around for some time in the Apple case game. Over the last year or so, they decided to enter the Android realm as well, and have produced some of the finest sustainable cases around.

This afternoon, we’re taking a look at their new Durable sleeve for the Nexus 4 and Galaxy S3, along with the matching Durable for the Nexus 7. They are very much like the classic smartphone pouch that has been around for years, however, very few can match the quality and design. 

Build and Design

While I may not be the biggest sleeve fan on the planet, it’s tough to not fall at least somewhat in love with the build quality and materials used in DODOcase Durables. Made with mahogany leather, a sage waxed duck exterior, a soft poppy interior, and contrast stitching, these look like they were built for battle. Not only will they hold up through every day wear and tear, but they’ll probably look better as they age.

The leather patches add grip, durability and beauty, while the waxed duck exterior gives off somewhat of a military vibe, with the contrast in orange making it feel very modern.

The Nexus 4 and Galaxy S3 cases also have outside leather pockets to go along with the internal pouch.

Price

At $49.95, the Durables for all of these devices aren’t necessarily cheap. But when you are dealing with finer materials and an outfit based out of the U.S. that does everything by hand, you get what you are paying for. These are high-quality sleeves that carry a timeless design and will also withstand every day punishment.

Keep in mind that if you decide to order one, that it takes a couple of days for them to make it, since they are made to order.

Nexus 7 Durable has been available for some time. The Galaxy S3 and Nexus 4 Durable are finally available today.

More from DODOcase.

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Quick Look: DODOcase Durable Sleeve for the Nexus 4, Galaxy S3 and Nexus 7 is a post from: Droid Life

Portenzo, makers of fine hand-made tablet cases, is now selling their Alano and BookCase varieties for the Nexus 10. We’ve taken a look at both the Alano, which is made from a single sheet of leather, and the BookCase, which is exactly as the name suggests. Our looks may have been for the Nexus 7, but the the Nexus 10 cases have the same options and are made with the same high-quality materials. 

With both the Alano and BookCase, you can customize everything from the exterior material to the elastic band that is used to keep it closed. You can add on the Intellistand option, personal embossing to the spine, or have it stay closed with magnets.

Alano N10 case starts at $125 and goes up to $180 depending on the options you choose. The BookCase starts at $60 and goes up to around $90 depending on options.

While those prices may seem steep for a tablet case, I’ve had the pleasure of using both Alano and BookCase and love them dearly. If you have some change to spare, think about the leather in the Alano – it’s about as high-end of a material as you’ll find in a case.

More:  Portenzo

Cheers Tony!

Portenzo Now Offering Hand-made Alano and BookCase Nexus 10 Cases is a post from: Droid Life

Back in early August, we had a chance to show off the Portenzo Book Case for the Nexus 7, a hand made Maple and canvas thing of beauty. Today, we get to show you the newest creation from Portenzo, one that I would put up against any other case on the market. This is the Alano, and damn is it pretty. 

Made from a single piece of thick leather that has been attached to an American Maple base, the Alano is hand-tooled, hand-crafted, and hand-softened to be of the highest quality. The case I have also came with Intellistand and an elastic band in a color that I chose. I almost can’t put into words how impressed I am with this case. It comes at a premium price (starting at $99.95), but you can tell why it costs that much the minute you pick it up.

There are a variety of leather colors and finishes to choose from. My particular case is the “Indiana Journal” which mimics an old leather bound book. If distressed leather isn’t your thing, you can also choose from plain black, dark chocolate brown, wingtip black, or “Old Book.” You can also choose from a variety of colors for the elastic band, in case the neon green that I went with is a bit wild.

Again, the Alano case is beyond beautiful. If you want to invest in a case for your Nexus 7 that may last 20+ years, was hand-made in the U.S., and will likely get better with time, I suggest you consider the Portenzo Alano.

To custom make your own, head over to the Portenzo site.

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Quick Look: Portenzo Alano Leather Case for the Nexus 7, a Work of Art is a post from: Droid Life

Portenzo hit us up a couple of weeks ago to see if we were interested in checking out the Nexus 7 BookCase that they had created. At first, we hesitated because typically, we see readers who care more for softer feels and portability in a case, but then we learned that these are custom, hand made in the U.S. with incredibly high quality materials and had to give them a try. We also know that they are popular in the uber-competitive iPad case business. So here we are, with 2 custom Nexus 7 BookCases from Portenzo. 

What is a Portenzo BookCase?

A BookCase from Portenzo is exactly what it sounds like it would be. It’s a case for the Nexus 7, but rather than being a soft TPU or pliable leather, it’s hard, just like a hardcover book would be. It offers ultimate protection, but carries an appeal that fashionistas would love thanks to a number of customizable options.

Customize

The big selling point here is the fact that you get to customize the case to be the color scheme of your dreams. Whether you want a faux leather feel or a canvas cover, you have up to 8 color choices on the outside. From there, you get to choose from 9 different interior colors along with magnet and strap options. Lastly, you can tell Portenzo to turn the back of the case into an Intellistand to make video watching all the more comfortable.

Materials

The Portenzo team hand makes their cases using “tried and true methods of old world book binding” with materials like American maple as a base. They include auto sleep/wake functionality free of charge, an Audio-Flow sound chamber to improve your audio experience, and then all of the other add-ons you chose during checkout.

Overall

I really like the craftsmanship with the Portenzo BookCase. You can tell the minute you pick it up that these are well made with quality goods. The Nexus 7 fits in tightly after a few presses and has all of its ports and mics semi-exposed. It’s a bit difficult to tap the power and volume switches, but the auto sleep/wake eliminates half of that problem. The different color schemes that you can create are pretty fun, especially knowing that your case is essentially a one of a kind. I also like the fact that these are made right here in the States. At almost $40, I’d call that a reasonable price, knowing that you are getting a product of this caliber.

Buy  ($39.95)

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Quick Look: Portenzo Custom BookCase for Nexus 7 is a post from: Droid Life