Portenzo Bookcase for Nexus 7: A Handmade Wood Case Reviewed

About the case

Portenzo was known for book-style iPad cases and made a range for the Nexus 7 after the tablet sold well. The company sent a case for review. Each case is handmade, with a stated build time of 2 to 10 business days depending on how busy the company is, so delivery took a while, though less than cheap cases shipped from China. The box included a small custom order form listing the buyer and the person who assembled it.

Build quality

The reviewer found no loose seams or bubbling and noted that all parts were glued well. The frame that holds the tablet is American Maple, layered to look like book pages. The moulding is clean and the tablet sits flush. Rubber corner pieces make it hard to press in at first, but once in, the tablet will not pop out. Removing it is also difficult, even with the supplied instructions.

Magnets and stand

• Smart Cover. The case works with the Nexus 7’s Smart Cover feature, turning the screen on and off as the cover opens and closes. The reviewer thought every case should have this.
• Closure. The magnets on the cover are weak and could be opened with light pressure, so the reviewer preferred the elastic strap, which also gives a Moleskine look.
• IntelliStand. Magnets hold the tablet at several angles, including low, high and wedge positions. It keeps the Nexus 7 in landscape mode, though the home screens do not rotate.

Sound

Portenzo advertises an Audio-Flow Sound Chamber to improve audio. The reviewer noticed higher volume with a richer sound, probably from the echo-like chamber behind the speaker. It is not enough to impress everyone, but it is a real improvement.

Drawbacks

• The outside corners are rounded but the inside ones are sharp, which poke into the hands in landscape gaming, especially in games that cannot rotate.
• Folding the cover back makes a thick wedge, like the Sony Tablet, which is awkward in landscape mode.
• The case is thick enough to make NFC unusable, so heavy NFC users must take the tablet out.
• The power and volume cutouts are tight to reach, although Smart Cover reduces the need for the power button.
• It adds heft and thickness to a slim tablet, though it did not tire the arm during long use.

The reviewer dropped the case once by accident, and the tablet was unharmed.

Price and service

The case starts at $39.95, and added features push the price up. Shipping costs extra, like most US sellers. The reviewer called the customer service friendlier and more helpful than any other encountered, and said it alone helps justify the price.

Verdict

For a high-quality, professional-looking case, the reviewer would recommend it. It may be among the pricier options, but build quality and features outweigh the flaws.