Horizontal iPad Cache

[bnett]

I received my new horizontal iPad cache today for my new iPad 2 and thought I'd offer the following:

First, it is a quality piece of gear, likely to last forever. It also provides a fair bit of padding. I won't have any hesitancy about throwing the cache into my Empire Builder.

That said, it isn't my perfect solution. I find the case to be bit too big, even with an Apple cover and a snap-on shell on the back. The iPad is sufficiently loose inside the cache that I'm a bit concerned that if I happen to be carrying the iPad in only the cache, it could fall out.

Mostly, it seems too tall (since this is the horizontal version, it is really too "wide" for the iPad side-to-side). I was hoping for a tighter, more secured fit.

One other minor thing: the TB tag is sewn into the side of the bag (the top/bottom of the iPad). My iPad kept getting caught on the tag when I tried to insert it. I had to cut the tag off to get it to work.

Again, a minor detail, but I'm kind of surprised by it. TB bags always seemed to take these things into consideration. (I have several TB Bags, and I hope to own many more.)

I have a Breve on back order and looking forward to trying that out.

Bottom line: quality sleeve, will protect the iPad in the EB, but wish it was a more tailored fit.

Regards,
Brian

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TB bags in the house: EB, Brain Cell, Brain Bag, Aeronaut, 2x cafe bag, Swift, numerous small pouches and sacks.

[Scattered]

My iPad horizontal cache has been delivered, but I'm still waiting for my iPad2 to make it here from China. It does look a little big to me, but I thought it might be to accommodate those that might want to store their iPad in the Cache while it has a silicone sleeve or other back protector installed. If that's the case, I think it was a good idea, since I wouldn't want to have to take my iPad out of a case or folio to fit it into my Cache whenever I travel. Maybe the solution would have been to have two iPad Cache sizes - one for an unprotected iPad and one for an iPad in a skin or folio. Good be tough to schedule and stock with a smaller company like TB.

I had the interior TB tag problem with the Cache that I purchased for my Unibody 15.4" MacBook Pro; it catches every time I try to slide the laptop in and out of the cached. Especially if I have my Speck SeeThru Satin skin attached to my MacBook.

[bnett]

I have the Apple cover and a plastic back on mine, so I don't think that is the reason it is so wide. There really is quite a bit of empty space at the top of the cache. I haven't seen any iPad case that would widen the iPad that much.

There must be some other reason the pouch is so wide. Strangely, the side-to-side (iPad top/bottom) is pretty precise, making the space at the top even more puzzling.

Interesting to note you've experienced the tag-hang issue. I'm sure the fact that I have a Belkin back in my iPad contributed to the problem. I literally could not slide the iPad into the cache with the loop tag in place. It was no big deal to snip it off, but a surprising glitch nonetheless.

BTW, my iPad was ordered around 3/20 and arrived end of April. I thought they were getting wait time down. You won't be disappointed. Mine was a gift; I wouldn't have purchased it myself, believing that it was more toy than tool. I was SO wrong. I'm using this device extensively everyday at the office. My top two apps so far: Note Taker HD and GoodReader.

Cheers,
Brian

[doornum3]

I've got the vertical version of this pouch and use it only at home, so far (home office, not much traveling). Mine is naked except for ZAGG protection front and back, so it really rattles around in the case. I wouldn't have a problem stowing it in my Swift and feeling that it would be protected, although a snugger fit would definitely be nice. It does attract a good bit of dog hair! I appreciate the non-fussy, non-velcro opening/closing flap that gives me quick access.

[iDorb]

Bnett, Nice review and info. I think you will be pleased with the Breve and may regret purchasing the Cache. I use my breve for everyday, I pack a iPad2 with smart cover/iTouch/iPad2 charger & cable. All fit perfect. I have been checking to see it the Breve would be all you need to stick in another travel bag with mixed results. (it almost acts as a Cache) I did purchase a Ristretto for when I need to pack the keyboard and other equipment as a carry-on for air travel. At the end of the day I would like to find a bag that would use the Breve as a Cache that you could pull out of a bigger bag and would serve as double duty.

[Scattered]

I wish I had held off on ordering the iPad Cache until I had received my iPad2 - then the Breve would have been released and I could have ordered it instead. It would have been a better all around fit for my needs. While I haven't used the Cache for anything but checking the fit - my iPad was only delivered on Thursday evening - I had removed the tag so can't return and order the Breve. Live and learn, I guess.

[bnett]

At the end of the day I would like to find a bag that would use the Breve as a Cache that you could pull out of a bigger bag and would serve as double duty.

Thanks for the info. I was hoping that perhaps the Breve would fit inside my EB. That wasn't my original plan (that's what the cache was for), but I'm eager to check the fit.

[Pilar]

I have just received a horizontal cache for my iPad2 and although it will give it plenty of protection, it is definitely too big for it. The cache I have for my MacBook Air is a much better fit.
I guess it was probably designed to fit the original iPad with its case but because the new version is significantly thinner, a naked iPad with just a smart cover doesn't fit as well.

[Shiva]

I am sure Darcy or Tom should have an answer for this. I have a vertical cache for the Macbook Pro 13 but the interior tag does not seem to bother it too much for whatever the reason. Although I could see it being a problem for the Ipad. In general though, the cache does run a tad bit "looser" than the tight fits of some other covers. I too love the lack of velcro!

[wennefer]

Yes, I've found that the interior tag in both the iPad and MBA caches sometimes get snagged. I find that if I make sure the tag is straight and I guide the iPad or MBA carefully with one hand, it doesn't snag. One thing I've learned from Maverick's videos is that it pays to be careful and deliberate when packing things inside Tom Bihn bags: it helps you put more stuff inside than you'd think would fit.

[Darcy]

We agree: with the iPad 2 (vs. the previous generation iPad) in the Cache for iPad, there was a little extra space at the top. We did try rather violently shaking the Cache upside down with our iPad 2 inside of it and weren't able to make it fall out, so even though there's that extra space at the top, we don't think (and haven't experienced ourselves, as we carry our iPad daily in the Cache) that the extra space will compromise the protection that the Cache provides. We will also be changing the care label inside the Cache from a loop label to a flat label to eliminate the possibility of the iPad catching or hanging up as you slide it in or out.

That said, we are going to make a new size of Cache that specifically fits the iPad 2. It's named for the iPad 2 and is available for pre-order now. We'd be glad to replace, at no charge, any previous model iPad Cache for those of you who have the iPad 2 and feel your current Cache isn't a good fit. If you'd like a replacement Cache, please email [email protected] with the subject "Replacement iPad Cache" and the last name associated with your order and/or your order number. Note that it may take 4-6 weeks for your replacement Cache to arrive as our Seattle factory is just beginning work on the new size of Cache.

To sum it up, there's now a size of Cache for the iPad and a size of Cache for the iPad 2:
Size iPad 2 in Vertical or Horizontal (designed to fit the iPad 2 with or without a Smart Cover)
Size iPad in Vertical or Horizontal (designed to fit the previous model iPad with or without the Apple case)

[maverick]

To sum it up, there's now a size of Cache for the iPad and a size of Cache for the iPad 2:
Size iPad 2 in Vertical or Horizontal (designed to fit the iPad 2 with or without a Smart Cover)
Size iPad in Vertical or Horizontal (designed to fit the previous model iPad with or without the Apple case)

and the cache for the ipad 2 said to the cache for the ipad: "this town's big enough for the both of us!" ;-)

[Pilar]

Hmm, I wish I had held off on ordering mine, I don't think it will be worth returning it since I live in the UK :(

[Darcy]

Hmm, I wish I had held off on ordering mine, I don't think it will be worth returning it since I live in the UK :(

We can send you a replacement Cache! Just email us.

[bnett]

First, let me say that this is why I will always buy TB products. I can't imagine another company that makes this kind of product and -- after receiving this kind of feedback -- quickly announces a redesign and offers customers the chance to exchange for the new model. Understand: this is not a defective product, they are just going to make it better and give you the chance to trade up.

Outstanding.

I should address this point, however:

We did try rather violently shaking the Cache upside down with our iPad 2 inside of it and weren't able to make it fall out

My experience was a bit different. Although I haven't experienced my iPad2 coming out of the cache, after reading Darcy's post I felt the childish impulse to try this experiment myself. Mine came out, and pretty quickly.

It is important to note that, although I wasn't shaking especially hard, I do have a Speck clear back snapped onto my iPad, which adds a bit of weight and reduces the friction between the case and the back of the iPad. (I think my Belkin shell is better, and I'll probably put it back on anyway).

I other words, I'm not inclined to tempt fate by carrying the cache upside down while I jog in place. On the other hand, I have used the cache as a separate carrying case almost daily since getting it, and I haven't sensed that -- under actual use conditions -- it would likely fall out (despite my original concerns on this point in my initial post). I still welcome the more custom fit of the new design.

Glad you're changing the tag, too. Hope that wasn't too much hassle.

Thanks so much to Tom, Darcy, and everyone else at the company for an exceptional product experience.

My breve should arrive soon, and I can't wait to try it out.

Thanks again,
Brian