Provides: iPad protection and display
Developer: Acme Made
Minimum Requirements: iPad 2
Price: $49.99 – Orikata; $79.99 Orikata Leather $79.99
Availability: Now
The Acme Made Orikata portfolio-type iPad 2 case with built-in stand is a close cousin to the Acme Made Infinite Angle Case I reviewed here recently.
Making comparisons between the two products is inevitable, and I suspect that one case or the other will appeal more depending on the individual user’s needs, tastes, and particulars—and perhaps budget, since the standard polyurethane Orikata is $10 cheaper than the Infinite Angle.
Like the latter, the Orikata is a black portfolio that opens book-style, and cradles the iPad in an open-faced compartment that holds the computer securely but allows unimpeded access to the touchscreen, controls, cameras and ports, making the case “dockable,” so the iPad never needs to leave the case for functional reasons.
Both cases are lined with a velvet-like microfiber material that’s easy on the iPad’s finish and skin, but the Orikata is available in both polyurethane faux leather or the real thing, about which I’ll have more in a moment.
To say that the Orikata cases provide a snug fit for the iPad 2 is a bit of an understatement. It fits like the proverbial glove. That would be the kind of glove you have to pull on the respective finger sheaths in order to remove it from your hand.
It took a good energetic shove to insert my iPad into the Orikata’s device compartment, and folding under the flap of either polyurethane or leather that secures it in place wasn’t the most graceful process either. However, once it’s inside it fits nicely, and there is absolutely no worry about the iPad accidentally falling out!
The biggest difference between the two case form factors is in the way the stand function works. The Infinite Angle has a very simple arrangement facilitated by an infinitely adjustable closure strap (hence the name) which works great, especially portrait mode viewing.
The Orikata, on the other hand, is designed to support “literally” the iPad in both landscape and portrait orientations, so your personal preference between these two case designs will considerably depend on what you’re viewing mode preference is.
Instead of an adjustable closure strap, the Orikata uses an “origami” system of folding panels incorporated in its front closure panel, combined with open diagonal gussets on the outside of the back panel. Orikata’s folding elements reconfigure quickly, providing a remarkably stable stand for either upright viewing or keyboarding respectively.
It sounds more complicated than it actually is, and morphing the Orikata into stand mode should be pretty intuitive for most folks, which is good, because there is no documentation provided beyond the photographs on the box.
Choosing between the Orikata or the Infinite Angle, as noted, mainly comes down to how much you like to use or view your iPad in portrait mode, although either will work well as a near-horizontal typing platform. It should be noted that in that mode the Orikata looks much neater and more integrated, and takes up only about half the table or desktop space its counterpart does.
On the other hand, I’m not as smitten with the Orikata’s lack of a positive closure, and prefer the Infinite Angle’s magnetic clasp strap in that context. But in the Orikata’s favor is a cleaner, sleeker, less busy look. Also, the folding sections of the Orikata’s front panel seem a bit more flopsy than I would prefer when carrying the unit, but it’s not a big deal.
However, once you’ve decided on the Orikata, you’re still presented with the choice between the standard polyurethane ersatz “leather” model and the otherwise nearly identical real cowhide variant. Again, cost will probably influence your decision somewhat. In this instance, the real leather version will set you back 30 bucks more at $79.95 as opposed to the polyurethane unit’s $49.95.
My advice? If you can fit it into your budget, go for the Orikata Leather, which kicks this case design up to another level in both appearance and feel. That’s not to say the basic model doesn’t have its virtues. Some users may prefer the look of the polyurethane model’s contrasting red stitching, and the synthetic skin has both a softer feel and higher traction making it easier to hold on to. Either one will do a fine job of protecting and supporting your iPad 2.
Here are some more leather/Polyurethane comparo details compared in close-up.
No synthetic matches the tactile and aesthetic satisfaction of real leather, and the Orikata Leather will look upscale in any environment, nicely complimenting the iPad 2′s premium standard of finish and understated refinement.
See the Orikata up-close and personal with a new product video posted on the Acme Made YouTube channel.
I love what you wrote and the case as well! The case looks great and this is the most unique one I have evern seen.
Mine is fabrid flip case from: http://www.esr-case.com/ipad-2-hybrid-flip-case.html, and I'm considering to get what you listed.
Thanks for sharing!!!