Sent to you by nunok via Google Reader:
I previewed the Somersault by iBackflip a month or so ago because it was definitely a unique and intelligent approach to what an iPad bag can be, and now that I've been fortunate enough to run around with one for a couple days, let me give you the low down!
Tough and well constructed, the thick n' beefy nylon on the Somersault is noticible at first touch and will certainly live up to it's claims of being water resistant and weatherproof. The Somersault's signature feature is it's unzip and fold out access to your iPad while still wearing the bag – and it's awesome. Though you wear it on your back, it's not a backpack – it's a sling, and there's a huge difference between the two. With a one strap style going crossbody, the sling form allows you to easily swivel the bag around the body while wearing it for fast access, and in the case of the Somersault, fast iPad access. Lets face it, traditional 2 strap backpacks are just a little bit too middle school for most of us. The very cool sling look, for some reason, is pretty tough to find nice modern looking bags in, so I was thrilled when I saw this one. The last time I had a nice crossbody sling like this was from A&F back in 2001.
This smart design keeps your iPad hands free secure in front of you at a perfect desk like angle giving you quick iPad access without removing the bag from your body or iPad from the bag. Everything close to your person and secured. As you can imagine, there's plenty of instances where this is going to come in very handy – a subway or any public transit comes to mind. You may want to use your iPad but not want it out in the open where it can be grabbed at, spilled on, or whatever else. Even on a walk or hike, swivel the bag and open up for your Maps or whatever you need. Embedded magnets give you a smart cover like instant on when you open the iPad compartment and stiff foam padded walls make sure it's safe during all transport with no hardware inside that might scratch the screen.
Real road warriors will appreciate that this one is TSA approved as well, so no need to remove the iPad from the bag during inspection, you're good to go.
While the Somersault is primarily an iPad bag and shines at being just that, it's actually a very capable laptop bag. The iPad zipped compartment is one thing, in the middle of the bag seperate and secure from a larger flat compartment that is flat against your back. That compartment is easily big enough for my 13″ MacBook Air and would hold a Pro too, albeit it a little tighter. That compartment turns this from a cool iPad bag into a completely NECESSARY travel bag. This will likely become my go-to bag. I exclusively travel with an iPad and MacBook Air, and almost no bags out there offer a bag that comfortably fits the two together in seperate equally padded uncompromised zipped areas. You're getting a lot of function in the Somersault in a relatively svelte pack too.
I hate bulk and there's no bulk here. Every inch of this bag is put to good use, including zips and tabs on the sling strap, key/utility hooks at the top, and two other zipped flat pockets on the front panel. The front zip opens to reveal a hole cut out for the iPad camera. It's nice to have for sure but it's unlikely you'll use your camera much anyway, and folding the flap out of the way of the lens isn't ideal, but if you must take a pic while your iPad is in the bag, you can.
All in all, the Somersault is an original idea perfectly implemented. It combines everything you'd want in a standard iPad sling with it's unique functionality as a centerpiece. High and style, ease of use, and built to last you many travels, you're going to love the Somersault.
You can order direct from iBackFlip Studios for under $100, now shipping.
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