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Maybe Jony Ive goes around Cupertino with an iPad Pro and a MacBook. Or maybe it's Tim Cook. The fact is that this could be the reason why Apple has created two unique products, never tried before: the leather case for the MacBook and the one for the iPad Pro 10.5. We tried them, on the basis of the consideration that the Cupertino company has already made, over time, various covers also in leather, all of excellent quality (notable those we have been using for years for the iPhone Plus 6-6s-7-8) , but with the idea that with these, made with Italian leather, it has really been overcome, as we will see.
But let's go in order and start from one consideration: they are exclusive products and you can understand it immediately from the price: the case for iPad Pro 10.5 costs 149 euros while that for MacBook even 169 euros (despite the dimensions are substantially the same), this regardless of the colors. For iPad Pro we have Midnight Blue, Leather, Fuchsia, Taupe, Black and Product RED. And Grigio Talpa is the official translation chosen by Apple for the original name of the color, “Taupe”, which in English means nothing but “light gray” but in French it means “mole”. For MacBook there are two colors: midnight blue and leather.
Packaging
Apart from the greater or lesser elegance of the names, that what matters is the substance of the enclosures that has emerged since the beginning of this review. Which, as Apple tradition, look good right out of the box. Released almost a year later, both have very similar packaging: it recalls that of the other products to cover or container iPads, but this time Apple does a “leather job”.
A little trick of the packaging, sober and essential as we said: the drawer closure when opened has an internal “step” so it pops out only by exerting a certain, more intense pulling force. Then it flows like a well-oiled gear. What makes the difference is a well-hidden thickness in the opening actuation mechanism, which no manufacturer usually inserts in a product of this type, and is further proof of Apple's attention to detail. In this way, in fact, the box always remains closed even after having been removed the seal, and not lopsided and half open as usually happens after having “unpacked” the object.
Furthermore, the packaging of the leather case for iPad Pro (both in the 10.5-inch version we purchased and in the 12.9-inch version) “fills” the space of the Apple pencil with a rolled paper pencil, complete with a pocket clip. It's a totally useless little item, but extraordinarily well done. You will only see it once, before throwing it away, but it gives a perfect idea of where the Apple Pencil will go and what will be returned to sight. Also, it could be a preview of the Apple Pencil 3 …
Materials
As we said, the leather cases are made with Italian leather. Here it must be said that the level of treatment is very high and it is immediately appreciated for the softness and consistency of the color. However, there is a substantial difference in the two examples we took.
The history of the two cases is quite different: the first was taken in Italy together with the iPad Pro 10.5, now quite a few months ago, while the second one has just arrived thanks to a friend who went to the United States (where it costs 149 dollars excluding taxes; the one for iPad Pro 10.5 in the States costs 129 dollars, always excluding taxes). There are two things to note: the first is that the color is the same, that is Midnight Blue (Midnight Blue in the original) but in the specimens in our possession two things are noticed: the first is that the shades of blue are quite different the one from the other, probably because they belong to two lots of leather processing very far from each other, or even made in two different factories. It is difficult to photograph the different shade because the two cases also reflect light differently.
This opens the way for the second thing to consider for this review: the iPad Pro case. 10.5 is super-resistant to scratches and marks that wear releases on leather objects, while the latter is very sensitive. We have not asked any expert, but the feeling is that perhaps the difference in color nuance and light reflection is the result of a different treatment: the leather case of the iPad Pro 10.5 has been treated to resist scratches while the second no. Error in the production process or strategic choice, the fact is that after a few weeks the effect is very different.
A third note: the inside of the cases is padded with scratch-resistant microfiber to preserve iPad and MacBook in the best conditions, and the size is substantially the same, with the addition that the one for the iPad Pro has an objective complication in the processing to obtain the front pocket for storing the Apple Pencil. A complication that certainly makes the production of this object slower and more expensive. So why is the iPad Pro case cheaper than the MacBook case? Mystery.
The iPad case and the MacBook case side by side 
MacBook case also has a replica of the support feet 
Here is the iPad Pro 10.5 case pen holder
Style
These are two really beautiful pieces. Regardless of the minor or major scratches, the material is really top quality and the effect of the Midnight Blue is very pleasant. Probably other colors also make it equally well: brown and gray above all, given the light glossy patina and the soft pleasantness of the material.
The leather is sewn with nylon-reinforced thread and, as already mentioned , inside there is a layer of microfiber that protects objects stored inside from scratches. There is no protection neither in the edges (with the exception of the mechanical one that can be given by the seams) nor in the long sides. Other brands that produce cases in leather or synthetic materials, such as our favorite Acme Made (in San Francisco), insert a metal foil to parry the blows and somehow shield iPad or MacBook, as well as a Moleskine-style elastic, for keep the product indoors. Apple does without it thanks to the precision and solidity of the workmanship, which fits like a glove and does not seem to have to give up even after months of intense use.
Usability
The first thing you notice about the leather case for iPad 10.5 is that it barely fits use with an iPad hooked to its Smart Cover, Apple's optional keyboard (costs 179 euros) which is essentially a “must” for anyone who takes this device. Apple has chosen to make a single model of case and has made sure that it fits like a glove on the iPad Pro “naked”, but manages to also fit the version with keyboard. Practically only the Apple keyboard, because it is so flush that it takes up very little space and is able to pass with one or two millimeters of difference compared to a normal original Smart Cover. For the new iPad Pro 10.5 we remind you that there is no “back”, a cover that protects the back of the device.
After using the leather case with our iPad Pro 10.5 for months, even parking the Apple Pencil in the space provided, we have seen that the reinforced seams have not yielded even one millimeter and that the usability is still more than good. Indeed, the case fits so tightly that, even taking the case from underneath and waving it with the iPad Pro inside, there is no way that the latter comes out and crashes. However, do not repeat the experiment at home, because we take no responsibility in case yours falls and breaks.
As for the MacBook, the speech is even more interesting . The design of the case has a direction: underneath there are four “bulges” to house the bumpers, the black rubber feet that protrude slightly under the MacBook and hold it slightly raised (this is the case on all MacBooks, basically to avoid scratches to the body aluminum) while the computer must be inserted with the zipper from the outside, because the seam is made in such a way as to leave a little space uncovered to be able to hook both a USB-C socket to the only data / energy port of the computer, that the mini-jack output.
In this way, even if the computer is closed and even stored in the backpack with the power supply side up, it can be recharged. Others equipped with external monitor with USB-C socket use it in clamshell mode (closed screen and with external mouse and keyboard) keeping it inside the leather case: the first-second-third generation MacBook has no fan and does not heat particularly, therefore it can be safely used in this way.
Conclusions
In conclusion of the review it must be said first of all that the functionality of the two cases it is remarkable. The defects are related to the inferior workmanship of that for MacBook (but it could be a defect of the example in our possession) and to the difficulty in inserting the iPad Pro 10.5 with the Smart Keyboard. The lack of a “strong” protection, such as metal or plastic slats inside the sides is not a problem.
The two covers perfectly fulfill their task of “cases” of MacBook and iPad Pro. The iPad Pro case also solves the “problem” of carrying the Apple Pencil, which does not attach to anything and risks getting lost, left at home or in any case little used. On the other hand, with the leather case it's always close at hand.
But we're really enjoying the 12-inch MacBook case. Both because there is the novelty effect (we have taken it a few days ago) and because it is really elegant and well done. The idea that this MacBook, so close in conception to an iPad, and the iPad Pro, so close in conception to a MacBook, both have the same type of case also reinforces the idea that Apple is creating a common language to bring them closer together. and prepare the jump of the moat by one of the two.
In the immediate future, having always used various types of thin “second skin” type cases with all our MacBooks, we can say that this is really the most elegant, best made and for now more resistant. Putting together the iPhone 8 Plus with the case also in Blu Notte leather (but there are two others with a different point of blue: Cosmo Blue or Aubergine) and we have an excellent level kit at our disposal.
Click here to buy MacBook version, click here for iPad Pro 10.5
Pro – Very high level of finish (with a small “caveat” below) – Elegant and functional – Choice of colors all pleasant and spot on
Cons – MacBook case skin quality is inferior to iPad Pro – The cost is quite high – The iPad Pro version hardly fits the Smart Keyboard cover-keyboard
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