We promised you more accessory reviews for the Microsoft Surface, and we intend to deliver. A growing number of accessory manufacturers sell cases for either version of the Surface. Some users will balk since the Surface is one beautiful tablet on its own, but other users just want to protect their devices as much as possible. Enter MiniSuit, who produces a handful of cases and screen protectors for Microsoft’s premiere tablets.
Today we look at two of those cases. The Classic Flip Case protects the Surface RT tablet, while the Classic Stand Case Cover shelters the Surface Pro. Both cases come in any color you want – as long as it’s black. Head past the break for our complete review of both cases with video!
Flip it good
Both cases are extremely similar in design. Folio style, the Surface device goes into one side of the case while the other side closes over it for protection or folds behind it to allow access to the tablet. Each case has an elastic band on the front that can be used to hold the case closed by pulling the band behind the back of the case. You don’t want it flapping open while you’re carrying your tablet around.
Like most quality folio cases, the Classic Flip Case and Classic Stand Case Cover can each be used to stand the Surface tablets upright. Just fold the front of the case behind it and insert it into the clip on the back of the case to make a triangle shape that will support your Surface. Considering that these cases cover the Surface’s built-in stand, it’s a good thing they substitute for the feature on their own.
The two cases allow access to the Surface’s keyboard port, so you can use a Touch Cover or Type Cover with either one. You can’t fold the keyboard behind the Surface when using it as a tablet because of the thickness of the case though. Just snap it off and set it aside at those times. The keyboard does fold over the front of the Surface without issue. Close the keyboard and case over the front of your Surface and it’s doubly protected.
Both the RT and Pro cases have a stylus holder on the side as well. Don't want that stylus falling off and into a vat of electric eels, as so often happens without a proper holder.
Little differences
The two cases do have a few differences, starting with their textures. The Classic Stand Case Cover for the Pro has a rougher texture than the RT’s Classic Flip Case. I like the smoother style a bit better, but it all comes down to user preference. Also, their microfiber interiors are different shades of black – not that it makes any real difference.
The main difference between the two cases is the way they hold the tablet in place. The RT case uses one large Velcro flap to hold the device in, just like the Elsse cases we reviewed last week. The Pro style case however has two smaller, separate Velcro flaps instead of one big one. They give it a bit less holding power (I found it looser than the RT case) but it’s easier to insert or remove the tablet.
Also, the Pro case has much more open sides rather than individual cut-outs for every port on the Surface Pro. The plus side is it won’t block access to ports much. But on the downside, less coverage means a bit less protection.
Overall Impression
Both the Classic Flip Case for the Surface RT and the Classic Stand Case Cover for the Surface Pro are good options for the safety-minded Surface owner. Color choices would be nice, but the standard black matches the Surface just fine. You can find MiniSuit’s cases at Amazon, where they are available for Prime shipping.
- MiniSuit Classic Flip Case for Surface RT – $19.95 – Amazon Link
- MiniSuit Classic Stand Case Cover for Surface Pro – $16.95 – Amazon Link
