Protecting the Surface Book is likely a high priority for people who forked over two grand for the prized two-in-one convertible. While there are plenty of cases and sleeves for the device, this Navitech 'Executive' Folio is something I have not seen before.
Costing around $32, the genuine leather cover wraps the Surface Book from top to bottom yet lets you operate it like normal. The case simply wraps around the Surface Book with corner pocket sleeves for the lower base and simple elastic straps that grab the corner of the display.
Closing the Surface Book and the case reveals an interesting gapped back that gives some room for the unique fulcrum hinge.
The inside of the Leather Folio Case is soft suede ensuring the case itself won't add any scratches to the Surface from daily usage.
What I like
The Leather Folio Case feels quite premium even if the $32 price tag is cheaper than what you may expect. In fact, I find the cost of this case quite reasonable. The plush leather is slightly cushioned too. That means this case is not just about scratch prevention — it offers some shock protection as well.
The all-in-one design means you can toss this and the Surface Book in a bag and not have to worry about disassembling it.
Finally, reflecting the 'executive' branding on this the Navitech Folio does give the Surface Book some elegance that would make it fit quite well in the board room. Meanwhile, taking it off is simple: you just slide it off. That also means popping off the display for using the Surface as a tablet is a non-issue.
What I don't like
There are a few things that keep me from loving the Navitech Leather Folio Case. For one, the front edge of the Surface Book is exposed when the cover and device is closed. This exposure is partially due to the unique hinge on the Surface Book that expands the base when opens, but contracts when closed. Nonetheless, this shortcoming in the design exposes a whole side of the laptop to the kind of damage this case should be able to prevent.
The elastic wrap for the top of the display also just slightly interferes with the power button (located on the top left of the Surface Book screen). It does not trigger the device to turn on, and it is still easy to toggle, but the strap is ever so slightly in the way.
I did notice when I first installed the Folio my Surface Book did not like to stay fully closed with the display touching the base in the front. As the leather stretched out and was broken over the first few day this issue went away.
Finally, there is no loop to store the Surface Pen, which seems like a no-brainer. Sew in a leather loop to the side and slide it in, right? I'm not sure why that is missing, and it seems like a pretty big oversight.
Wrap up
I have not seen too many covers like this for the Surface Book. The Navitech Leather Folio Case is not a huge investment, and I do like the premium design and even its look. I think for most protection and everyday wear and tear the Navitech Folio is a good choice.
My biggest concern is the exposed bottom edge when closed, which will only be relevant if you bump up against something hard... which you're not planning on doing, of course, but it happens. It is something that should be addressed and perhaps will be lessened as the case breaks-in and stretch a bit.
Still, while the Navitech Leather Folio Case is not perfect, it's a unique offering that is priced in such a way that you won't break the bank. I just wished they paid a little more attention to the small details.
