Booq Folio review

Although Apple’s Smart Cover is both stylish and light, it doesn’t offer any protection for the rear of your iPad. If you’re doing a lot of travelling with your tablet, it makes sense to buy a case with better protection, such as the BOOQ Folio.

This rather attractive case completely encases an iPad 2 or new iPad , protecting it all round from scratches. It’s made from jute, an all-natural fibre, and is just the t. It’s available in a range of understated colours (black, gray and sand) plus a rather garish purple if you want to make a statement.

Internally, a nubuck lining is both soft on the iPad, yet provides plenty of grip to keep the tablet in place. Sliding the iPad in couldn’t be easier: you just slide it in from the right into the cradle and tuck the restraining flap underneath it. Our one minor complaint is that the volume and power buttons are a little fiddly to reach.

With the iPad secured, the Folio’s cover closes over the tablet’s screen. We’re pleased that there’s a magnet in the lid’s outer-edge, powering the iPad down when the Folio is closed.

You can fold the Folio, so that the iPad’s more comfortable to type on

As with Apple’s Smart Cover, the Booq Folio’s lid folds into a triangular wedge. This can either be used to rest the tablet at a comfortable typing angle, or to prop it up like a photo-frame for when you want to watch a film. It felt secure and stable when we were using it like this.

In this mode, the iPad is easier to use for watching films

At 300g the Booq Folio doesn’t add too much to your iPad’s overall carrying weight. It looks great, is very flexible and will protect your tablet if you carry it around a lot. Our only issue is that it’s relatively expensive. If you are going to buy, shop around for a price closer to £40, as buying direct from Booq will set you back more than £50.