Featured Cases
Switch iPad Satchel by Brenthaven
In addition to the Bill-Fold iPad Sleeve, Brenthaven sent us the totally rad Switch iPad Satchel in Gray GI Jo / Natural. This small iPad messenger bag really sets itself apart from the rest of the oh-so-crowded crowd by offering an astonishing assortment of pockets and pouches, solid build quality, and impeccable attention to detail. There is also a sneaky little trick to this devil too. Got your interest? Good, read on to find out.
iPads are meant to be mobile but it goes without saying that having to carry something around all the time can be a pain. That’s why whatever solution is chosen it must be hands-free and as versatile as possible. That’s where the Switch iPad satchel comes in. It’s a messenger bag that is custom fit for the iPad that keeps in mind Apples minimal styling and yet manages to pack in tons of features. On the front there are 2 pouches meant for pens or pencils, and another larger pouch that could fit a cell phone. All three pouches are housed in a pocket that runs the full size of the bag and there is a smaller zippered pouch on top of that (Seriously folks, look at the pictures – it’s hard describing this). One detail to note is the rubberized edges of every zipper. They won’t be scratching your gadgets! Finally, A small dangling key clip completes the front side.
On the back is another backslip pocket that spans the size of the bag, this time with a Velcro strip to seal it shut along with a sturdy little hidden handle. It’s also on the back that this iPad bag reveals its dirty little secret; Brenthavens patent-pending “flip it and clip it” system. You see, the reason this bag has such a funny name like “Gray GI Jo / Natural” is that the front flap is reversible! Gray on one side and GI Jo / Natural on the other. The formerly mentioned Velcro strip sandwiches the flap into place along with 2 clips. Switching the flap is as easy as “unstick it, flip it, and clip it.” The front flap is securely held closed with 2 magnets which is a neat little feature.
All this functionality is well and good but what about it’s main purpose; protecting the iPad? With nearly all bags and backpacks of this nature you’ll need a secondary case to really protect the iPad’s screen. The inside is certainly well padded but the canvas material *might* damage the iPad. Even if it were the softest material in the world I don’t think I’d stick my iPad inside a bag or backpack without a nice screen protector. What this bag does offer that screen protectors don’t is shock protection. The foam padding is very thick and any drops or shocks would be well protected against. This bag would work best as part of a two pronged iPad protection strategy.
The whole bag is topped off with Brenthaven’s legendary lifetime guarantee and their “Zero Impact” promise. You see, Brenthaven is a carbon neutral company. What they can’t reuse and recycle they offset with carbon credits making this bag for the iPad, and all their products, truly eco-friendly solutions. So, if you’re in the market for a well made messenger bag with both form and function make sure to keep in mind Brenthaven’s Switch iPad Satchel. It retails for $39.95 and also comes in the Hwy 99 / Amsterdam style.
4 Responses to “Switch iPad Satchel by Brenthaven”
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I don’t understand why all the cases and covers don’t have at least a carrying strap on them. It seems the only way to carry the ipad is under your arm or in a case that has a bunch of extra spaces and weighs a poung or more. Why can’t someone make a simple case with a shoulder strap and a hand strap? This is almost a no brainer and yet no one has bothered to make the case that everyone needs.
Thanks for the comment! This case does have a little strap (you can see it poking out from the back on the last picture) but I wouldn’t necessarily consider it a “hand strap.” It’s more like the strap you’d find at the top of a school backpack. I do agree with you though – a nice, simple case with both a shoulder strap and hand strap would be great.
Very informative review! Still a question though. Will this satchel hold the iPad *in the Apple case*, or is the iPad compartment in the Brenthaven switch satchel too snug for the Apple case? Thanks.
I purchased one of the Switch cases for my iPad and I love it. It has plenty of room, to hold my iPad which is in my Apple iPad Case, along with my current issues of MacWorld and MacLife, and the thin bluetooth Apple wireless keyboard. and in the front pocket I keep my Apple Touch. There is also a small hand strap on the back where you switch between the two sides of the cover. The shoulder strap is nice and long so it should work for most everyone. I can wear it cross body style and it rides on my hip. Give this bag five out of five stars in my opinion.