Anyone who has owned an iPhone (or iPod, or really, pretty much any modern portable electronic device) and who has also shopped for a case to keep their device in is probably already familiar with the Vaja name.  The company is known as much for their steep prices as they are for the quality of their work in leather, so could they really put together a sleeve-style case for the iPad that can not only compete with the literally dozens of competing products, but also justify the price tag?  I was given the opportunity to find out.First of all, it should be noted that Vaja doesn’t just offer three or four color options to choose from in their products.  For the much of their product line, they also offer a made-to-order option that requires additional time.  If you’ve ever bought a bag from the Timbuk2 website, you’ll find what Vaja offers to be a pretty familiar process: you select your product, select your color options, preview the final result on the website, and then place your order.  Rather than the default black with lime-green stripe that Vaja offers, I opted for “Black Olive” with a “Brownie” stripe.  The result is an attractive olive green with a brown stripe, so dark that it is almost black.

Waiting the 20 days for the build-to-order process was difficult, but it was worth it.  Vaja ships the product carefully wrapped in tissue, and enclosed in a simple black box.  Opening that box is an experience in itself.  If you’ve ever purchased a brand new leather jacket, you know the unique experience of new leather.  This is no different.  Upon slipping the top off of the box, I was greeted with the enticing smell of new leather, and I simply could not tear through that carefully folded tissue fast enough.  The leather is soft and supple, but hearty, just as leather should be.  The quality of the work is in every way suited to the quality of the leather, too.  Vaja makes their cases by hand, and a thorough inspection of my case reveals not a single stitch to be out of place.  To be perfectly honest, this case is a perfectionist’s dream.  Vaja even treats the Retro Slim Jacket with small and tasteful embellishments, such as the metal Vaja logo embedded in the corner of the front of the case, and the repeating Vaja name stamped into the case’s interior.

I’ve been carrying my iPad around in this case for a while now, and as one would expect from such fine leather and handiwork, it has passed my tests with flying colors.  No unraveling of the stitching, no fading, no scuffs, nothing.  It still appears to be practically new, despite being carted around, tossed on the coffee table, couch, and nightstand, and slipped into and out of my laptop bag over and over.  And if that wasn’t enough, the case still smells like leather.

If anything, Vaja has impressed me more with this case than I was expecting.  The sample images on the Vaja website show visible magnetic buttons for holding the flap closed.  My initial concern here was that slipping the iPad into the case might also mean scraping the iPad along those buttons on the underside of the flap, potentially scarring the back of the iPad.  In the case that I received however, those buttons had been placed inside the leather, leaving only soft leather to caress my iPad as it slides into its new home.

The only downside of this case, as it turns out, is the price.  At US$120, not everyone is going to be able to justify the expense, especially considering that it’s nearly a quarter of the price of the entry-level iPad.  However, if you plan on taking your iPad with you frequently, the Retro Slim Jacket may be the most economical option out there; the build quality of this case ensures that it will easily outlast three or four cheaper cases, and will probably even outlast your iPad, especially if Apple sticks to their unspoken policy of changing up a product’s form factor in every other generation.

In short, the Vaja Retro Slim Jacket is a fantastic slipcase-style case, and though certainly on the pricier end of the iPad case spectrum, it’s one of those rare products that is worth every single penny.  To quote Ferris Bueller, “It is so choice.  If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.”

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: Apple iPad, iPad case, Vaja

Vaja Retro Slim Jacket for iPad Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 15, 2010 at 3:03 pm.

This spring, I upgraded from my first generation MacBook Air to a 13″ unibody MacBook. The only regret I had in the move was the loss of the i-volution Leather Suit I used to protect my MBAir. Vaja’s i-volution Leather Suit did an incredible job protecting my MBAir during the rigors/dangers of my very hectic lifestyle. I immediately wanted the same stellar protection for my new 13″ MacBook. Vaja, in their usual form, has created an equally stylish, form-fitting i-volution Leather Suit for the new unibody MacBooks; for the Air, 13″ and 15″ MacBook Pros…giving all but the 17″ MBPro stellar, full-time 24/7 protection.

In many ways, the two Leather Suits I have had the luxury to protect my Apple laptops are functionally the same. So, I will be using some of the same language from my earlier i-volution Leather Suit for the MBAir review and highlighting the differences between the two.

Vaja has designed the i-volution Leather Suit to be worn all the time…never to be taken off. Vaja has engineered the i-volution Leather Suit like leather body-armor for a motorcycle racer. It is absolutely form-fitting; providing a rigid shell of protection over 95 percent of the aluminum casing. I love how it provides constant protection against scratching and/or denting the finely crafted aluminum casing of the unibody MacBook.

The i-volution Leather Suit wraps around all of the MacBook’s edges while, surprisingly, not getting in the way or diminishing the laptop’s functionality. Measuring 13.0in x 9.21in x 1.37in, the Suit adds little to no bulk to the MacBook. However, it does add approximately a pound to your laptop.

The leading edge of the Suit provides access to the latch opening but conceals the power indicator.

The left side allows access to the power, ethernet, usb, video, mic, earphone, and lock ports.

The back of the suit does leave the back edge of the unibody MacBook a bit exposed on the ends.

The right side allows access to the disc drive slot.

Airport Security

I have been through many, many airports since I began using the i-volution Leather Suit from Vaja. Airport security has never ask me remove my laptop from an i-volution Leather Suit. Fortunately, they allow the MacBook/Suit combo through the x-ray machine without a second glance. While the Suit is easy enough to take on and off, it definitely would be a bother to have to do it every time you went through security.

The Leather Suit comes in Vaja’s usual plethora of colors and allows for an almost infinite choice of color combination’s. You are able to personalize/choose the colors of the grip, outside, and inside/trim.

The i-volution Leather Suit is not cheap, starting at $280, it is one of the most expensive options for protecting your Macbook available. If you have the extra funding, I highly recommend considering Vaja’s stylish, perfectly fitted, continuous protection for your Mac laptops.

Being the AR tech-guy that I am, I really love the functionality and protection the i-volution Leather Suit provides my MacBook. I did stress a bit when I was using my MB, especially during my travels (using sleeve/slipper cases). But to be honest, a majority of those fears have gone since I began using the Suit.

Filed in categories: Laptops and Gear

Tagged: Case, Vaja

The Vaja i-volution Leather Suit for the 13″ MacBook originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 25, 2009 at 12:15 pm.

With every new device I receive, the first thing I do, (after the new tech-toy rush wears off, of course) is start to think about which case am I going to order to protect it. Typically this pondering weighs function, form and style. That said, the place I look to first is vajacases.com to see what they have available for my latest and greatest device. After nearly a decade of ordering from them, they have yet to let me down or even come close to disappointing me.

The ivolution SP case for the Blackberry Bold is no different. Instead of my usual all black case, I decided to try the SP version of Vaja’s Bold case which adds a bit more spice/sportiness to its look. The accenting leather stripe down the center of the case is made of a soft, supple leather. With 39 colors to choose from, the color combination are nearly endless.

I chose ‘brownie’ as my SP color which nicely matches the limited edition 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 that I have been drooling over for months. Since the Challenger SRT8 (sadly) gets 13mpg, the matchbox car I bought for myself (& this case) will have to do, but I digress…..

The ivolution Top SP is very form fitting. However, it does add a little bulk to the already thick Blackberry Bold (at least compared to my old 8820). The Caterina leather and the workmanship are of the highest quality and truly second to none. When closed, the front flap/cover protects the entire front face of the Bold. The back of the device is also well protected but has a fitted cutout that allows efficient use of the camera.

The Bold slips into the case from the top and is snugly held in place by the side rails that wrap around the lower half of the device. Compared to a slipper or open-faced case, the front flip cover of the ivolution Top SP provides a great deal of added protection to the screen and keyboard.

The right side of the case allows easy access to the Bold’s earphone and USB ports and the quick launch button.

The left side allows access to the volume controls and a push-thru point that activates the camera quick launch button. The camera push-thru point was initially very stiff and difficult to actuate. But has become easier to use with time.

When closed, the case covers approximately 95% of the Blackberry. The only parts of the Bold exposed to the outside world are the edges and upper corners of the of the device. This case is nearly identical to the Vaja case I have for my iPod Touch. That case protected my Touch during one very extreme accident. I was running for the bus and my iPod fell from my jacket pocket, hit the sidewalk, and then I kicked it several feet. Not only did the Vaja ivolution case keep my Touch from being ruined but was only mildly scuffed up itself. So, I am expecting that this case will protect my Bold just as well.

The front cover has an embedded magnet that puts the Blackberry Bold to sleep when the case is closed. A very nice and needed feature of the case.

The case has a stiff, leather-covered clasp that slips over the edge of the device to hold the cover in place.

Here is a better view of the clasp holding the front cover in place. This design does a good job keeping the flap where it is suppose to be but does allow some movement and could be a bit tighter. However, I doubt that the cover will accidentally come undone leaving your Bold exposed.

I have always kept my Blackberry on my belt and wanted to try this case without a clip. It is perfect for sliding into a coat pocket, purse, gear bag, etc. If I had to do it again, I would have ordered it with an ultra clip. Either way the lack of belt clip takes nothing away from my overall impression or functionality of the case. It is just causing me to modify how I transport my Blackberry. As I stated above, the quality, form, function, and style of this case is second to none. And even though the ivolution Top SP for the Blackberry Bold costs $85; nearly two to three times others it’s definitely worth the premium price.

Filed in categories: Blackberry related, Gear

Tagged: Blackberry, Case, Vaja

Vaja’s ivolution Top SP Case for the Blackberry Bold originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 6, 2009 at 1:00 am.

Ooooh, look at this. Vaja has just announced the Slim Jacket for the Sony Vaio P notebook. Seeing this makes me want to buy the Vaio P. And the Vaja case… Must.resist.must.remain.strong. Where’s my Visa card?

Filed in categories: Uncategorized

Tagged: Leather, Sony, Spotlight Gadgets, Vaja

Vaja tempts with leather goodness for the Sony Vaio P originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 8, 2009 at 3:41 pm.