Review and GIVEAWAY: DODOCase For BlackBerry PlayBook

If you’re not familiar with DODOcase, you should be. They have been around since April of 2010 and have been extremely successful with manufacturing cases for the iPad using traditional book binding techniques. The great news for all of us is DODOcase has decided to make an equally awesome case for the PlayBook!

I have had the privilege of trying this case out for the last week and I am impressed. The workmanship is excellent, the functionality is impressive, and it looks amazing. Keep reading to find out how you could be the lucky BerryReview reader to receive a FREE DODOcase for your PlayBook!

The first thing I noticed about this case is how cool it looks. Since the PlayBook is a portable 7”, when nestled in a closed DODOcase, it looks like a moleskin journal or notebook; elastic enclosure and all. Upon closer examination one can tell that those are not pages from a book, but bamboo; precision carved to fit the PlayBook snugly with no worry of falling out. There are also 4 rubberized pieces in each corner for added protection.

The DODOcase has an opening to allow access to the bottom ports. This is the only hint that this is not your grandma’s notebook when the DODOcase is closed. There are also openings to allow access to the top buttons and headset jack. I have heard of concerns about the DODOcase covering the mics at the top of the PlayBook. There is actually a very small amount of space at the top allowing for the mics to function properly. I can tell that this is true when I look closely and compare the gaps on top and bottom.

The DODOcase can fold back to function as a stand. Initially I had problems balancing it since the back tends to slip out when it is pushed back too far. The angle shown below is close to the maximum angle I have found that works on smooth surfaces.

When folded all the way back the DODOcase provides a nice angle for typing. It makes it a bit cumbersome when holding the PlayBook for extended periods, but not a big deal.

This is definitely a nice way to look sophisticated while reading through some ebooks from kobo, but not a position I favor for very long. I like to have the cover out of the way.

Summary:

Pros

• Unique and stylish look disguises your PlayBook as a moleskin notebook.
• Fits the PlayBook snugly but not so tight as to make it difficult to remove.
• Excellent protection from nicks and bumps since the PlayBook is almost completely enclosed in the closed position.
• Standup and typing positions are convenient for watching videos or tapping out emails.
• Elastic keeps case firmly closed when not in use.

Cons

• No cutout for rear camera. This is a tough one. If there was a cutout, it would mess with the cool notebook disguise. It would also be awkward to take pictures because you would have to hold the cover so it wasn’t blocking your view of the screen or the camera’s view. Since the PlayBook is not too difficult to remove, this is not a huge issue for me.
• A bit cumbersome when holding open for extended periods
• Standup slips on some smooth surfaces if angle is too steep. Small rubber grippers on the edge of the cover would be a cool feature to fix this problem.

The kind folks at DODOcase have offered to send a PlayBook case to one lucky BerryReview reader! To win a FREE DODOcase for PlayBook, simply leave a comment on this post. You must be registered for your comment to count. I would also recommend following @dodosays on twitter and liking DODOcase on Facebook. The deadline for comments is this Saturday (May 14) at 11:59pm EDT. Only one comment per person will be counted.

For more information on DODOcase for BlackBerry PlayBook click here. It retails for $59.95.

To learn more about DODOcase and their unique approach to quality and craftsmanship, check out the video below.