Powis iCase mini iPad mini case review

When it comes to cases for your favorite gadgets, it’s always tough finding the absolute perfect one that ticks all your must-have boxes. I’ve been on a quest to find a case that will protect my iPad mini while it’s in my gear bag. I’ve been through several so far (see related links at the end of this review) and the next up for review is the iCase mini from Powis.

Note: Images can be clicked to view a larger size.

My iPad mini perfect case must-haves:
1. Thin design
2. Protection for both the display and back
3. No holster style holders – yuck
4. Cover must be able to fold completely underneath the mini for easy one-handed use
5. Magnet in cover for wake/sleep activation

Powis offers 11 leather iCase styles and 39 patterned laminate styles for the iPad mini. I was sent the Malibu Blue Leather version which is made with handcrafted Spanish leather. It’s a very pretty glossy case, but it doesn’t really feel like leather to me. There’s no yummy leather smell either. If I wasn’t told that it’s made of leather, I would guess that it was really some type of thick paper like a hardback book that you might find anywhere.

I appreciate that there are no logos on the front or back of the case. The front is plain except for the Black rubber covered edges.

The back has the same rubber covered edge and a cutout for the mini’s camera.

With both a front and back cover, the Powis iCase mini adds a little bit of bulk to an otherwise very thin tablet. The bulk does have the benefit of adding protection from everyday abuse.

Open the cover and you’re greeted with optional Gold or Silver foil personalization for an additional $9.95.

On the Right side is the holder for the mini. I personally hate holster style holders, so I was happy to see the snap in holder used with the iCase.

It’s easy to insert or remove the mini from the iCase. Once inserted all the ports, switches and buttons can be used without restriction.

There are several ways that you can use the iCase. The top cover can fold beneath the mini as shown above. In this orientation, it creates an angled view which is good for typing.

A hidden slide out stand provides another angled view.

The stand is actually sturdier than what it may look. The edge is covered in rubber to prevent it from sliding / slipping.

Here’s yet another way to hold use the iCase. Again, the rubber covered edges keep the stand and mini in one spot.

If you’re worried about dropping your mini, there’s an elastic band that helps provide a secure grip.

Having multiple ways in which you can use this case is nice, but it doesn’t work the best in the one orientation that I prefer to use 99% of the time.

 That’s folding the cover completely under the bottom cover. It’s possible to fold the cover under the mini, but as you can see the cover then sticks out on the right side.

One other problem I noticed with the iCase is that the top cover slides back and forth. The cover has a magnet embedded in it, to activate the wake / sleep function. Sometimes when I’m carrying the mini in my bag and walking quickly with the bag bouncing on my back, I’ll hear the iPad wake tone. The movement of the cover will wake up the iPad when I don’t want it to.

The way the cover / spine is designed will keep me from making this my everyday iPad mini case. That said, Powis makes a nice case which provides multiple viewing angles and many patterns/styles to choose from.