Tag: apple

Hermes vs Travelteq // iPad 2 Cases

As the iPad 2 continues to flood the market, and those with the first generation iPad are trying to  sell it off for as much as possible, companies have started to come with some great cases for Apples´  latest device. Like the original iPad, known brands have again started to sell cases that personalize the iPad 2.
I am a fan of cases that are simple and beautiful, and have fallen for iPad 2 cases from both Hermès  and Travelteq. The question is, which one is the best?Let’s start with the Hermès Swift (left), a slipcase that is available is the 10 different colours, including the iconic Hermès orange. The slipcase is made from calfskin leather and has the Hermès logo embossed in it.

If like me you are a person who loves the natural feeling of the iPad 2, then a simple slipcase is the thing for you. If you need a case that also doubles as a stand, then the Hermès Station (pictured above) is more your thing. The book-style cover, made from the same material as the Swift, is reminiscent of the original apple cover and is available in four colours. I love this simplicity of the Station and how the use of it emphasizes its material. But is this the only leather case that is both beautiful, functional, and easy to use?

I would have forked out the €580 for the Swift or even asked a €990 loan needed for the Station, but then last week I came across the new iPad 2 case from Travelteq. Travelteq is a company known for it’s bags and the materials used to make them, so it was no surprise to see such a great product come out of their workshop, that is made of Florentine Vachetta leather with high quality alcantara lining.

I love the detail put into this product, but don’t feel they really took the time to create something new. I feel as if they took the Apple iPad case, and just reworked it with the vegetable tanned Italian leather. Yes it is handmade, and I love that, but Travelteq is known for their innovation and innovating it is not. I do have to admit I haven’t held the case in my hand, so I could be wrong, but there is one big advantage Travelteq has versus the Hermes products, the price. Retailing at just €225, you don’t have to take out a double mortgage on your house to buy one.

That is what it comes down to, price versus quality. I do prefer a slip case instead of a book case, but I don’t believe in paying twice as much just because it has a French brands name embossed in it. So if I was to advise on of the three cases, the handmade Travleteq case is worth the €225, and by this time next year you would probably be looking for a new case for the iPad 3.