Yep, this is another Smart Cover inspired case, but don’t be fooled, the red dot design 2012 winner Ozaki iCoat Slim-Y+ has more to offer than just a Smart Cover and actually adds a new twist to the mix as well. Literally.
More than just a case
The plus in its name refers to the stylus that comes bundled with. It’s not the best stylus around though, but for stylus newbies like me, it’s a good intro to the stylus-driven iPad life.
Clockwise (from top left): the Ozaki iCoat Slim-Y+ uncovered, the cover, instructions included, the + of the Ozaki Slim-Y+
And in case you already have a stylus or one you’re planning to buy, this comes with a stylus holder too you can attach to the back, where you’d normally latch the bundled stylus.
Clockwise (from top left): the Ozaki iCoat Slim-Y+’s stylus, attachment nook covered, the comfy inside of the Ozaki iCoat Sim-Y+, the bundled stylus holder
It’s a neat add-on, but just like with the stylus, it’s far from perfect. In fact, out of the several styli (or is it styluses?) I tried, none were able to fit it.
- Stylus parade (left to right): Ozaki iCoat Slim-Y+’s stylus, Joy Factory Davinci, Tangram Red Dot, Adonit Jot Pro, Ozaki O!tool Stylus-R
More than just a Smart Cover
But let’s not forget the star of the show here is the case – the iCoat Slim-Y case. What’s the Y stand for? Well, the Y crease on the front cover pretty much answers that question.
Folding it along the Y crease will provide you with a more more stable stand for your iPad, both in landscape and portrait mode, something which both the original Smart Cover and the newer Smart Case can’t do. And yes, as you can see in the pics below, the iCoat Slim-Y+ can also be folded like a Smart Cover too, allowing you to enjoy your iPad in various viewing angles.
Clockwise (from top left): bending it like the Smart Cover, the Ozaki iCoat Slim-Y+ folded the Y way in portrait mode, Smart Cover way in portrait, Y way in landscape
Just one gripe though – when you flip it over, the front lid tends to fall slightly open. Not really major issue for the most part, but if you’re trying to conserve on battery life, this’ll be a pain in the you know what as every time it goes ajar means your iPad will power up. That said, it’s nothing a proper handling of the iCoat Slim-Y+ can’t fix.
Clockwise (from top left): holding the chalk-sized Ozaki iCoat Slim-Y+ stylus, the dangling cover when opened, the iPad 2/iPad 3′s camera and sleep/power button, speaker, the cover slightly ajar when upside down
Bottomline
There’s no two ways about it. The Ozaki iCoat Slim-Y+ is a great Smart Cover/Smart Case alternative. It’s functional design at its best! It looks good and, nitpicking aside, works really great as an iPad case and stand. Plus, you hit two birds with one stone- a case for you iPad and a stylus too. Its price will probably be its biggest turn off, but if you can afford it, the Ozaki iCoat Slim-Y+ is, in my opinion, a worthy investment.
LIKES:
- More stable than Smart Cover
- Bundled with a stylus and stylus holder
- Fits both iPad 2 and iPad 3
DISLIKES:
- Expensive
- Stylus holder can’t fit most styli available
- Bundled stylus a bit tricky to use for sketching
Price: Php3,495
Availability: Power Mac Center, colors – pink, white, black, green, blue
PS: Just to help differentiate the iCoat Slim-Y+ from the other iCoat iPad cases out now, the iCoat Slim-Y only comes with a stylus holder. The iCoat Travel comes with a country-themed cover and only comes a stylus holder too. The iCoat Slim-Y++ comes bundled with a stylus, stylus holder and a leather cover.
