STM Graphite iPad & Tablet PC Jacket Review

STM Bags is an Australian company which was founded in 1998 and since then it has been dedicated to making laptop bags that “don’t look like a laptop bag” (according to them atleast!). Since the recent tablet PC book STM have now extended their bag range to compensate for Tablet PC’s. The result? The STM Jacket.

We took reciept 2 weeks ago of the STM Jacket, a highly portable protective carry case designed for the iPad but also fits for 13″ laptops and netbooks.

First Impressions

The STM Jacket model we recieved was in graphite grey, and on initial inspection looked like the average carry case for the average man; there were no thrills, no golden seams and the bag itself was not tubed at the sides, making a drop on to the side an action for disaster.

Upon second inspection the case itself is woven in such a way that it feels incredibly tough, and the addition of a fairly sturdy industrial feeling zip also added to the overall feel of quality. Taking a closer look at the outside of the carry case I came across no unstitched thread and no signs of pre-packaging ware, which tends to plague a majority accessories under this category. What this means is that the manufacturer of the STM Jacket means business, and genuinely ships quality products (for this model atleast!).

Practicability

This case is designed for the iPad, fact. It is evident from the outset that anything much thicker than an iPad or a similar tablet PC (Moto Xoom, Galaxy Tab etc.) will also fit perfectly, because the STM Jacket is a fairly well sized jacket. In a small way it was like Doctor Who’s Tardis; small on the outside and surprisingly big on the inside (for tablets).

The measurements of the STM Jacket are; 8-5/8 X 10.75” (11-3/8” with the grab handle) X 0.75.  The removable shoulder strap is 1-3/8” wide and it can be adjusted to be as short as 31.25” or as long as 55.75”.

This also fits 13″ laptops with ease, and adds next to no weight to ones arm when carrying it. At the top of the case held in portrait, there is a grab handle which is reinforced directly into stitch weaving, which is nice and sturdy. There is however a massive problem with this carry case when using a laptop, and that is that there is nowhere to actually store your charging cable or mouse comfortably. The simple fact is that if you add such bulk you can’t remove your laptop, and so adding a cable is a no go. Then again this STM Jacket is designed for the iPad so we can forgive it for this.

Despite this there is a front pocket on the carry case which isn’t quite big enough to store a kindle or Bamboo Drawing Tablet, although if using this case in conjunction with a tablet, you could pop these other gizmo’s straight in the jacket along with your iPad. One thing I did notice was that the shoulder strap supplied with the bag didn’t have a pad, so overloading your STM Jacket with weight could make your soar over time.

Conclusion

Keeping your accessories safe is a very important thing these days, and in line with human nature, dropping your +£500 gadgets is a common trait. So why chance it? The STM Jacket is a typical example of a fantastic iPad protection accessory, and over the course of two weeks I hugely enjoyed using it.

This case doesn’t have many downsides to it. The shoulder pad didn’t have a pad on it and the outer pocket wasn’t big enough for a Kindle. But supposing you don’t have a Kindle, but do have a Nintendo DS, you will be fine. Overall I can happily recommend this case for anybody looking to store their iPad or tablet PC safely.

8/10.