I'm not usual one who goes for cases that covers up the front of my PlayBook (or my BlackBerry device for that matter), unless it's a pouch or sleeve type of case. However, when I came across the Incipio Executive Premium Leather case, I thought I'd give it try. Still on my mission to find the perfect case for my BlackBerry PlayBook, will this be the case that takes the crown? Follow me after the break to find out.

Immediately upon taking it out of the packaging my initial reaction was "oooh fancy". It has a nice leather feel to it and the elastic strap that keeps it together is a nice touch. The inside of the case has a nice velvet-like feel to it, very smooth and soft to cushion your PlayBook. Inside the front flap is a rubber section with ridges to turn the case into a kickstand. It has three viewing angles, handy for laying on the table to watch videos as well as general browsing. I find I use this a lot.

The front flap can also be folded over all the way back so that you can just lay it on the table, with a slight angle. This helps for when I need to type things out as, it raises the PlayBook up that makes it easier to view and type. One thing about this though is that when you do this, the PlayBook sits upside down, it's not a huge problem since the PlayBook screen can rotate that way, it can just end up being a little weird for some as... well your PlayBook is upside down.

Installing the case is pretty simple, insert the right side of the PlayBook into the case into the sturdy rubber clips and you're done. There is a cut out in the back for the camera, enough not to block the camera view. While closed the buttons along the top and the headphone jack are exposed. The ports at the bottom can only be accessed with the flap open. For me this is also a downside. If I'm using the PlayBook, it's not a huge issue but if I just want to leave it to charge, I'd rather have it closed to cover the screen but I have to keep it open. It is not really a major con, more of a nitpick. It does also mean I cannot use the kickstand while charging. Though, I have occasionally turned it upside and tried to use the front flap folded over as a stand. Not always successful with that.

All in all, I am loving the case and have been using it ever since I got it. With that professional kind of look and its leather finish. I love carrying it around in the case. The front flap with the elastic strap to hold it in place means I don't have to worry about the screen getting scratched up when it's in my bag. It doesn't make the PlayBook too chunky and still fits in one of my smaller bags, along with my 'big' wallet. 

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Three more great protection options

GREAT ALTERNATIVE NON-EXEC ALTERNATIVE NON-KICKSTAND ALTERNATIVE
BlackBerry Convertible Case for PlayBook Incipio Premium Kickstand for BlackBerry PlayBook BlackBerry Journal Case for PlayBook
BlackBerry Convertible Case for PlayBook
"BlackBerry branded version, complete with kickstand"
Incipio Premium Kickstand for BlackBerry PlayBook
"Incipio's very own alternative, non-executive"
BlackBerry Journal Case for PlayBook
"BlackBerry branded leather case, without the kickstand option"

 

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