Duchess Case Apple iPad / 9” Tablet Sleeve

Upon receiving our sample of the Duchess Case iPad sleeve, the Tablet2Cases crew mostly guffawed at the silliness of the thing. With basically zero functionality (even the chain which appears to be suitable as a handle is expressly noted as not for that purpose), Duchess touts this overgrown change purse as a “classy design for the modern woman” – except the company seems to define “modern” as “early 20th-century.” All seemed lost in the quest for any positivity, until I remembered my kitsch-loving friend Gwen…

Editor's Rating 

We’re categorizing the Duchess tablet case as a “sleeve,” but for a description, we can essentially cut to the chase and tell you this one is essentially a coin purse on steroids and/or growth hormones, right down to the clasp lock closure and dangling chain (available in gold- or nickel-plating) at the top.

But there’s a reason why more tablet case producers don’t fashion their accessories to look like coin purses, namely the utter lack of functionality. What does the Duchess do for the iPad or like-sized tablet? Holds it – that’s the sum total. The interior is nicely padded for some pretty good protection against drops and the like, though this is hardly outstanding stuff in a tablet sleeve.

So the Duchess Case is all about style over substance – not too unusual in a tablet accessory, after all. But we at Tablet2Cases really did some major metaphorical head-scratching over the question of just who might be interested in this thing. And then a phrase from the Duchess marketing material struck me: “vintage lovers.” Could they possible mean “retro” or “kitsch”? (Probably).

Thus I called up my friend Gwen, a true authority and devotee of all things kitschy and dear. After mulling it over briefly, her three-word review came back as “Super cute! I'd consider it!” Make of that what you will, kitsch connoisseurs; if I were this sort, though, I’d be slightly concerned about the lack of “totally” within her pithy review.

Pros

• Nice thick interior padding
• Good clasp locks
• The ultimate in tablet case kitsch

Overall: OKAY

At least we can credit the Duchess Case for one hallmark: A limit within the tablet accessories universe for pure cheesiness may have been reached. This may be a best case scenario for the utterly kitsch-addicted (or perhaps as a gag-gift or comedy-movie prop), but we can’t really tout this to the masses.

Features

• Designed to fit any generation Apple iPad
• Works with other tablets, maximum size: 8 x 10 in.
• Smart Cover compatible
• Classy design for the modern woman
• Soft cotton exterior
• Choice of gold- or nickel-plated frame and chain
• Padded quilted black satin interior
• Net weight: 225g / 7.9 oz
• Clasp lock for secure closure
• Decorative chain not intended for use as a strap or handle
• Duchess Case cases can be custom handmade to fit any tablet

Specifications