Dodocase Two Tone turns your iPad into an old-school notebook [Review]

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Dodocase Two Tone looks right at home in a classroom or coffeeshop.
Dodocase Two Tone looks right at home in a classroom or coffeeshop.
Photo: Dodocase

The Dodocase Two Tone brings a retro look to iPad or iPad Pro. You could almost write “Trig” on the cover in Magic Marker and feel like you’re in high school again.

And this case is very lightweight while still doing double duty as a stand. There’s even an Apple Pencil holder.

The Dodocase Two Tone is available for a wide range of iOS tablets, including the 2018 iPad Pro models.  Prices start at $64.95.

Dodocase Two Tone for iPad Pro Review

Dodocase says the design of the Two Tone was “inspired by the artist journals of years gone by.” It really does look like a paper notebook, an illusion aided by the extreme slimness of the iPad.

The case comes in a range of color combinations. Our sample is two-tone Granite Green with Gunnysack interior; other options involve shades of black, grey, and merlot.  Or the colors and materials can be customized with many more options for an additional $15. A printed monogram can be added for $9.95.

DodoCase Two Tone for iPad has an old-school look, and it comes in several color schemes.
Dodocase Two Tone for iPad has an old-school look, and it comes in several color schemes.
Photo: Dodocase

Of course, the Two Tone case wraps around the front and back of the tablet p[rotecting against scratches and light blows. The corners are crisp, as one would expect of something produced in a bookbindery. The cover is held closed with an elastic band. Closing the cover shuts off the computer’s screen, while opening it wakes up the device. 

On the inside is a slim and lightweight polycarbonate tray that holds the iPad securely. There are openings for all the tablet’s buttons, speakers, ports, cameras, etc.  The whole case comes in just under a pound.

On the versions for the 2018 iPad Pro models, one side of the tray is open to allow the Apple Pencil to connect and charge. Dodocase even added an elastic loop that gives this stylus some extra security without ever interfering with the connection.  

The Two Tone folds into a stand for the tablet. The computer’s screen is held up at just one angle, about 147 degrees. We say “about” because the angle has gotten noticeably steeper in the weeks we’ve tested this case. We’d be concerned it’s going to eventually collapse completely except Dodocase has been making similar products for years and there aren’t online complaints about those failing as stands.

Dodocase Two Tone final thoughts

Bigger, heavier cases offer more protection, but the Dodocase Two Tone is very slim and lightweight. It also has a retro look that must be a relief to people who aren‘t fans of the iPad’s cold expanses of glass and aluminum.

The elastic strap does its job well, but we wish the stand offers more viewing angles.

The Two Tone is available now on the Dodocase website.  The version we tested for the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9-inch sells for $69.95.

Dodocase provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out more stuff we recommend.

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