Pitaka MagEZ Folio 2 review: Lightweight iPad case

Pitaka MagEZ Folio 2 case both protects your iPad when you’re carrying it around and offers an origami kickstand when it’s time to use the tablet. It can be configured to hold the tablet at a variety of angles, in both portrait and landscape modes. Plus there’s a strap to hold an Apple Pencil in place.

I tested the version with my new M4 iPad Pro, and I like the sleek, lightweight design. Read on for more of my thoughts on this case.

Pitaka MagEZ Folio 2 review

I really don’t recommend anyone carry your iPad around “naked,” but I use the super-slim iPad Pro and I didn’t want to add a big bulky case. Pitaka MagEZ Folio 2 is just the sort of thing I was looking for. It wraps around the front and back of the tablet to prevent scratches but contributes minimally to the thickness and weight.

Most iPad folio cases add a kickstand, but not all of these work in landscape and portrait orientations, as Pitaka’s does.

I tested the version for the new M4 iPad Pro, as noted, but there are also ones for older Pro and Air models.

Table of contents:

Thin and lightweight iPad folio case

Pitaka MagEZ Folio 2 starts out looking like a simple folio case. And it is — it’s just not that simple.

The composite fiberglass board easily handles the basic job of protecting the screen and back of the tablet from nasty scratches. Just don’t expect it to do more. No slim lightweight case will be much help if you drop or sit on your iPad.

But there’s no doubt the folio case is svelte. The version for my 13-inch iPad Pro adds 0.7 pounds and less than 0.25 inches. The 11-inch version is smaller, of course, so it adds only half a pound.

Magnets in the case make it cling to the tablet. And closing the case also puts the computer to sleep — both standard features.

My review unit is black, while blue or white are other color options for the iPad folio case.

Clever origami kickstand

The ancient Japanese who created origami would surely be surprised at modern uses. But the sort of folds that turn a flat piece of paper into a crane can also a flat iPad case into a kickstand.

Flip the front cover of the MagEZ Folio 2 around to the back and fold it along preconfigured lines and it becomes a prop to hold up the tablet screen so you can easily see it while working or watching video.

Actually, there are a couple of different ways it can be folded. One of them, with the tablet in landscape, tilts the screen back about 35 degrees from vertical. Flip the iPad to horizonal without reconfiguring the kickstand and the tablet leans back about 30 degrees.

I find either option very useful when the computer is on a deck or table in front of me. And it’s plenty stable enough to tap on the display or use the on-screen keyboard.

Change the flap to another configuration and set the iPad down in landscape mode. The tablet will be propped up at about 30 degrees (leaning back 60 degrees, if that’s clearer.) You’re ready to draw on the screen with an Apple Pencil or other stylus. The kickstand will hold the computer steady, even when I rest my hand on the screen. This configuration isn’t useful in portrait mode, though.

An important point not to overlook: I don’t find any of the kickstand options useful in my lap. The design depends on a triangular brace that works well on a table but poorly on my legs.

Some rival iPad folio cases include an option to hold the tablet up nearly vertical. It’s a useful arrangement when leaning back and watching video. But it’s something Pitaka’s case doesn’t offer.

And an Apple Pencil holder

The Pitaka MagEZ Folio 2 includes a flap with built-in magnets that keeps the folio closed. But it has a secondary task too: it holds an Apple Pencil on its magnetic charger on the side of the iPad.

It’s a big improvement over walking around without some protection for the stylus.

Pitaka MagEZ Folio 2 final thoughts

I like how slim and light this iPad folio case is. My M4 iPad Pro still feels thin and super-portable, even in the case.

And it offers all the basic features one would want. It covers the front and back of the tablet, and provides a built-in kickstand, all without adding too much bulk. There’s even extra protection for an Apple Pencil.

★★★★☆

I wish it was more useful in a lap, though, and could prop the tablet up closer to vertical.

Pricing

The version of Pitaka MagEZ Folio 2 for Apple’s 11-inch tablets is $49.99, while the 13-inch version is $59.99.

Buy from: Pitaka

Pitaka provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out more in-depth reviews of Apple-related items.