Levenger Grid-It Netbook Case for iPad Review

We use affiliate links. If you buy something through the links on this page, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

levenger grid it review 1As I mentioned in the review for the Belkin Grip Vue case for iPad, my husband, Butch, and I both have iPads.  We both use the Grip Vue case, and that works fine while using the iPad.  We both wanted something that would protect the screen when we’re traveling with the iPad.  I don’t mind neoprene sleeves for laptops.  All I need then is some scratch protection, because the laptop screen is protected.  I wanted something sturdier for the iPad.  I thought the Grid-It Netbook Case from Levenger looked ideal for Butch, so I ordered one for him. 

The Grid-It Netbook Case from Levenger is a hard shell case.  It seems to have a molded plastic insert that gives the case strength and shape.  It has an “extra-strong polyester twill” fabric exterior with a lime fabric interior.  (It’s also available in black exterior with black interior.)  It has plastic hardware, a removable woven strap with a shoulder pad, and it zips on three sides.  The bag hangs in a vertical orientation, with one strap attachment point on the front and one on the back for better balance.  There is no grab handle.  The only branding is the “Cocoon” rubber label beside the zipper.

levenger grid it review 2

The Grid-It Netbook case is 9.5” X 3” X 12.5” inches.  It weighs 1.5 pounds.  The strap adjusts from 40“ to 52“.  (The strap could be shortened more, but the shoulder pad would be pushed out of place.)  Levenger says it is designed to hold most 7” to 10.2” laptops or netbooks, and they include the Grid-It Netbook case in their list of iPad-compatible products.

levenger grid it review 3

The inside has two compartments created by the molded shell, and there is an attached center divider panel that has protective fabric on one side and a Grid-It organizer on the other.  One of the compartments was designed to carry a netbook.  It has four rubber risers in the bottom and two elastic bands that are designed to keep the netbook in place. 

levenger grid it review 4

 The iPad in its Belkin Grip Vue case fits in here, but the compartment has a lot of room to spare.  If you’re careful when opening, the iPad won’t fall out of this compartment.  I like that the divider panel has the soft fabric on the side facing the netbook compartment.  I’ve thought about trying to add some more height to the rubber risers to hold the iPad more securely in place.

levenger grid it review 5

The other side of the divider panel is a Grid-It organizer.  The series of criss-crossed elastic bands allows you to organize a variety of cables, cords, and small electronics by slipping them under the elastic bands.  The bands have rubbery threads that grip to help hold everything in place.

levenger grid it review 6

The compartment facing the Grip-It panel has a neoprene sleeve sewn in.  This sleeve is where Levenger recommends storing your iPad, but I’d personally never put an iPad there.  I’m afraid the gear stored in the Grid-It panel would put pressure on the screen and break it.  Butch carries his iPad in the netbook side.  He could use the Grid-It side for papers, a small notebook, or something of the like.

The Grid-It Netbook Case works well for Butch.  He uses the case with the adjustable strap to carry the iPad to meetings or when he wants to travel with the iPad only.  When he needs to take his laptop along, the Grid-It bag fits inside his Tom Bihn Empire Builder bag along with all his other gear.  And of course, the Grid-It Netbook Case would work equally well for a woman who wanted a more business-like case for her iPad.

 

Product Information

Price:$45.00
Retailer:Levenger
Pros:
  • Protective, hard-sided case
  • Has room for accessories and other items
Cons:
  • Netbook side is a bit big for iPad, but Neoprene sleeve side could allow items to press on iPad screen
  • No grab handle

2 thoughts on “Levenger Grid-It Netbook Case for iPad Review”




  1. Gadgeteer Comment Policy - Please read before commenting
  2. Thanks for the review. I’ve been looking at this and had the same reservations about the elastic straps. Would it work if you slid the iPad into the pocket screen-side down? I would think that the hard case would provide sufficient protection, assuming that the screen wouldn’t slide across the zipper teeth.

  3. Janet Cloninger

    @ecirun The screen would be more protected if you put it into the pocket screen-side down, but I’d still be worried about the things in the Grid-It scratching the back of the iPad. I’m an utter freak about trying to keep my gadgets pristine, so I’d probably just keep it in the netbook side. My husband keeps his iPad in the netbook side. He says he’s had no trouble with the iPad falling out while opening the case because he always puts the case flat on the table, with the netbook side down, before unzipping the case.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *