Strotter Platforma iPad Case review

I have a confession to make.  I’m obsessed with iPad bags.  Since I purchased my iPad 2, I’ve been looking for the perfect bag or bags to carry it.  Strotter is feeding my obsession with their Platforma bag for the iPad and other tablets.  You know what they say: “you can never be too rich or have too many iPad bags”.  Hopefully this will fit my needs.What I’ve been looking for is a bag that will protect the iPad, but at the same time has the capacity to hold all the gadget stuff I carry around.  I’d also like to carry it in different positions depending upon my current mode of transportation.  And, most importantly, I don’t want to look like a nerd!

Features:

• It’s a vertical messenger bag
• Takes a couple of seconds to turn it into a mobile desktop
• There is a plastic cover with magnets that attaches the iPad to the back of the bag
• High quality leather
• Soft red lining
• Water Resistant
• Lots of pockets on the outside and inside
• Magnetic flap closure
• You could attach your iPad to the refrigerator door using the magnetic cover

Here’s the bag with my iPad.  The red material is very soft, and it won’t scratch the iPad.

There is plenty of room to carry all the accessories.  In addition to the iPad, I carry my iPad mini, phone, assorted cables and chargers, a FreedomPop hotspot, various printed materials, a G12 camera, assorted munchies, plus several writing instruments and paper for when I’m feeling nostalgic.

Here’s what I call the iPad shell and Strotter calls the case.  It’s compatible with the iPad 2,3 and 4.  There are also cases for some Android tablets.  You can purchase the bag without the case if desired.

On the bottom of the shell are 4 strong magnets that match up with the magnets on the back side of the bag.  The link up is very strong.  I was able to shake it loose, but I had to try real hard and in normal circumstances, I wouldn’t worry about it.

Here the bag is configured as a messenger bag.  The clips on the strap offer easy one-handed operation and clip to the four d-rings.  The pockets have waterproof zippers.

With the tablet attached with the magnets, the bag is configured as a desk top.

For those times when riding a motorcycle or bike, the bag can be set up as a backpack.  There is an adjustment on the strap that allows for one-handed operation.

Even the Queen of my Dreams likes the Platforma bag.  It makes it very easy to receive and update the electronic shopping list while at the market.  I’m  the one shopping here.  She emails the list, and I call it up and check off the items as I buy them.

The Platforma has become my everyday carry bag.  As I mentioned, I can haul all my devices and gadgets around and look good doing it.  Depending on what I will be doing, I might remove the case from the iPad and use something more appropriate for the occasion.  When acting as the Secretary to a non-profit I work with, I’ll use a keyboard case, but I can still carry it in the Platforma.

Some will wonder if this bag is worth $175.  I look at it this way.  If you’ve gone out and spent $500 – $600 on a tablet, it really doesn’t make sense to look for the cheapest bag there is.  It won’t provide the protection and versatility of the Platforma, and I’ll bet it won’t look as good.  My biggest issue is keeping other household members from appropriating the bag.