Does your hand often tense-up when holding your iPad Mini tablet? If you wish to reduce such stress then the Chil Notchbook may be your best case scenario. That’s because the Notchbook features a patent-pending notch grip design for allowing the user to hold his/her iPad Mini tablet more comfortably like a book. The Notchbook case also includes an adequate viewing stand and nicely padded pleather cover for everyday tablet protection.

Editor's Rating 

Kudos to Chil for creating a novel concept with their patent-pending notch grip design. This special feature is a neat idea that gives the sensation of reading a book. Though book worms like me would still actually prefer to hold the genuine article. More so, gripping the Notchbook does feel rather constrained and may simply be to awkward to hold for left-hand dominant individuals.

Putting those opinions aside, the Notchbook case is well-crafted out of premium PU leather that is scratch and water-splash resistant. During travel, the four internal elastic straps hold the tablet ultra secure while soft Microfiber lining keeps the screen clean and free from scratching. The cover is also nicely padded to provide some extra shock-absorption.

Still, the inserted padding does have its drawbacks. For starters, a rather unattractive crease forms easily on the cover as soon as the fold-out viewing stand is put to use. Also, the thickness of the padding seems to cause the tablet to be a bit too wobbly in hands-free mode. Tap a little too hard on its screen and your tablet can slip out of the upright position.

On a more positive note, the Notchbook does give clear access to all iPad Mini buttons, ports and rear-camera. There is also a magnet in the cover to activate the tablet’s auto sleep/wake function. In the end, the Chil Notchbook offers an adequate amount of everyday function and protection at an affordable price.

Pros

• Unique notch-grip design
• Nice, soft padded cover

Overall: AVERAGE

The idea of a grip notch cutaway is a good concept yet fails to consider left-handed users. As a whole, the Notchbook does offer adequate functionality and protection making it a fair choice for those iPad Mini owners who want to spend as little as possible on a folio case for everyday use.

Features

• Universal elastic straps to fit a range of tablets
• Patent-pending notch design offers familiar book-like grip
• Padded leather exterior
• Plush microsuede interior lining
• Auto sleep/wake function
• Integrated stand for hands-free display
• Smudge- and scratch-free cover

Specifications