REVIEW – A few months ago, e-ink device maker Boox released the new Flip-fold Protective Case for the Palma e-ink mini-tablet. I jumped on this one, because I am a hardcore butterfingers, and I drop everything I own. I previously had the OEM hard shell case, which just covered the back of the device. This case has full protective coverage for front and back.
What is it?
The Boox Palma Flip-fold Protective Case is a portfolio-style cover for the Palm e-ink tablet that is made of a PU-leather-like material. PU is polyurethane leather and is an artificial leather made of a thermoplastic polymer.
Design and features
This flip-fold case has a cover that, as the name implies, flips over and folds into a stand to prop up the device. This is par for the course with this kind of case design, but there is one key feature missing from Boox’s offering here: friction between the inner surface of the cover and the phone when the case is flipped into kickstand mode. The inner material is very smooth microfiber, and my Palma just will not stay put in kickstand mode if I’m in bed with insomnia, using my device on my side. It falls over a lot, which is annoying.
The magnetic closure on this case is novel to me – it’s two small flaps that snap together, rather than a wrap-around strap or a magnetic no-flap cover. These little tabs do a great job of staying out of the way when the case is open in any position, which I really like.
The TPU shell portion of this case appears identical to the plain TPU shell already available from Boox – it fits the Palma perfectly, and is quite easy to remove from the device without prying or stretching too much.
What I like the about the Palma Flip-fold case
This case does what it’s supposed to: it keeps my Palma well-protected. The case stays closed when the device is dropped from standing height, so I’m not too worried about it flipping open and shattering the screen in a fall. The material feels nice, and I like the TPU shell. It feels quality to me.
What needs to be improved?
The inner and outer material is just glued together, which means it’s going to eventually start peeling apart as the case wears out. The kickstand’s floppiness is annoying, and I might end up putting some little rubber feet along the edge of the TPU shell portion to help keep things in place more reliably.
Adventures in sublimation
One more small note on this case: I attempted a sublimation print transfer on this case, and the result is very faint. My heat press doesn’t get hot enough for proper sublimation, though, so you might have better luck attempting something with a real heat press. The adhesive melted a bit from the pressing, and I’m not sure if I’m going to make another attempt.
Final thoughts
This is a decent case, but it’s not really anything special. I’d love a stitched option for a little more money, because I know those glued layers are going to peel apart. I bought a couple of these cases along with the sample provided by Boox, and USPS shipping was just under $10. A single case is still shipped for $10, making the total cost $25.99, which is a bit hefty for a case of this quality. It’s currently the only covered case available for the Palma, so if you need protection for your device, this is your best option.
Price: $15.99 (plus $9.99 USPS shipping)
Where to buy: shop.boox.com
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Boox. Boox did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
