iPad Portfolio with Paper Pad Holder Viewing Angles (manufacturer image)

I’m one of these guys who goes through several iPhone cases and iPad cases a year. Not because they’re worn out or broken, but because they just don’t “work” for me. I’m sorry to say it, but the Apple iPhone and Apple iPad cases don’t cut it for the business user, and that’s coming from a die hard Mac fan.

As I started using my iPad more and more and my laptop less and less I needed something more than just a screen cover, so the search was on for what I would consider a “mobile workstation” for my iPad. I wanted something that I could take with me that would hold my stuff, like a laptop bag would, and not weigh me down like a boat-anchor.

After trying out a few different cases, I settled on the iPad Portfolio from Zsxiaozhi.com which is for the Apple iPad and iPad 2. This iPad Portfolio is more than just a case to protect the iPad, it’s loaded with features that make this the perfect companion for travel and the conference room.

The iPad Portfolio from Zsxiaozhi.com comes in two sizes, letter size and legal size. I opted for the legal size since legal size pads are much easier to find in office supply stores. The Portfolio is made with a black cowhide leather accented with heavy white stitching which makes for a nice contrast.

Storage is not a problem here, the outside of the iPad Portfolio features a large outside pocket that can easily hold several documents and is covered up my the flap that secures the Portfolio using two heavy-duty magnet snaps. Inside, on the left side of the Portfolio, is another storage pocket which can also accommodate documents. As with any portfolio, there’s a spot for your pen, business cards and what’s billed as a pocket for your cell phone. That pocket is actually better suited for small items like change, paper clips, credit cards, keys and earbuds. The right side of the Portfolio is reserved for your legal or letter size writing pad.

So where does the iPad come into play here?

On the top left side of the iPad Portfolio is a built-in case for your iPad that when closed provides complete protection of the front and back of the device. No worries about scratching the case or screen here! The iPad can be adjusted to four different landscape viewing angles and all buttons and inputs are completely accessible when the case is opened, and removing the iPad from the case doesn’t require super-human strength.

All that’s missing is an iPad compatible USB keyboard which you can pick up any any office supply store or specialty electronics retailer. Add that piece of hardware and you’ve got a sweet setup.

The measurements for the legal size iPad Portfolio is a comfortable to carry 14” x 10.5” x 1.5”.

While this iPad case is one that worked for me, you may want to take a look at the others offered by Zsxiaozhi.com. They carry a great selection of cases for laptops, Apple MacBooks and also have a selection of computer briefcases. I found the quality of the case I purchased to be very good, so I would expect the quality carries through to their other products as well.

Here are images of the iPad Portfolio from the manufacturer’s website:

iPad Portfolio showing front storage pocket.	iPad Portfolio front image.
iPad Portfolio opened with iPad case closed on top left.	iPad Portfolio open with iPad shown in one of four different viewing angles.

Here are images of the iPad Portfolio that I took:

iPad Portfolio showing front storage pocket and magnet snaps.	Back of Ipad Portfolio.
Front of iPad Portfolio when closed.	iPad Portfolio opened with iPad in one of four different viewing angles.

It takes a lot to get me excited over a new product.

In fact, today is the first time I tried the “new” Domino’s pizza. Loved the marketing campaign where Domino’s admitted their product was bad and needed to reinvent themselves. Made me want to give it a try. The only problem was, the Domino’s who delivered my pizza obviously didn’t get the memo about the recipe change. My hand-tossed pie with extra sauce and pepperoni lacked the garlic-buttery crust, the sauce didn’t have the “kick” it’s supposed to, and I never knew Mozzarella cheese was yellow like cheddar.

It’s reasons like this that account for my lack of excitability. So when Steve Jobs announced that Apple is coming out with their version of a tablet pc, the iPad, I didn’t get too caught up in the frenzy. Sure, I’m a Mac guy. I was driven to the other side not by drinking the apple flavored Kool-Aid, but out of frustration. Simply put, Windows is just too damn unstable and crashes way too much. Since switching over to a Mac, I’m off my blood pressure medicine and even kicked the anti-depressants to the curb.

So what’s all the fuss about this iPad? I turned to my dear friend, Dr. Michael Neal, who gets excited about things like this for his comments. The rest of this blog post belongs to him. Me? I’m going to email Domino’s and tell them their pizza sucks.

I was glued to the computer yesterday. Had 3 sites running on auto refresh so I got all kinds of info on the newly launched Apple iPad.

I think I’m slightly underwhelmed by it. On face value, the hardware is incredible in battery life, performance and the general look. But it isn’t magical as they state. There are other tablets that are very similar except for the thickness. I’ve got a 12inch Asus from 3 years ago that was close to that. But close isn’t good enough.

What’s remarkable about the iPad isn’t the device. Its the following:

• AT&T is offering unlimited data for 30 bucks without a contract. That’s a first that everyone seems to be overlooking. That’s half price of a laptop connect deal. Possibly less even. But AT&T sucks so whoopee.
• The iPad is unlocked. It will take T-Mobile less than a month to find a micro sim adapter and launch an unlimited plan so they can capitalize on this. It will be a boon for them.
• You won’t be able to type on this for even short periods of time without a keyboard. Put your keyboard on your lap and look straight down at it. Tell me how long it takes for your neck to get sore. 5 min? That’s why they demoed it seated with their leg up. In that capacity it will rock.

So basically, it’s a great piece of hardware.

Oh yeah, the book reader looks great. Till you take it outside. Ever use a kindle? It seriously rocks if you are a book reader.

It will also be pretty cool to watch TV on but good luck downloading TV over 3G.

What everyone seems to be missing is that this is just a platform. The magic will come in the apps. There are 140,000 reasons this tablet will turn into something incredible. Wait until developers get their arms around this thing. Imagine all the things you can do with 10 inches of multi-touchable super fast computer. That’s Jobs’ magic.

Apple will take the 70 million iPhone customers and convince some, if not most of them that this magic is worth buying. And buy it they will.

Dr. Michael Neal, OD lets his tech side show as CEO of Wink Interactive in Scranton, PA.