Review: Incipio Feather case for the Surface Pro 3

The Incipio Feather case for the Surface Pro 3 is a tale of two cases. For the most part, it lives up to what you would expect from an Incipio product. Overall, it looks great and is very comfortable to hold.
On the other hand, there are a few uncharacteristic things that make you scratch your head.
Design
The Incipio Feather is a two-piece case that the Surface Pro 3 slides into. It comes around the back of the tablet and extends around the sides, giving you full protection, even on the front bezel. The polycarbonate shell appears to be tough enough to prevent damage from most everyday use and occasional drops. However, I wasn't about to test this theory out.
Much like the Incipio smartphone cases you are used to seeing, the Feather for the Surface is very lightweight and does not add a lot to the size of it. There are cutouts in all the right places. The main body of the case is just as sleek as their phone cases, making a complimentary addition to the work of art that is the Surface Pro 3.
The back of the Feather case is both hinged and magnetic. You can easily manipulate the kickstand and have it feel like it is one cohesive piece. It is made of synthetic vegan leather, which is great for those of us who don't buy real leather, but is a mismatch with the rest of the case. Unlike the main housing, the back feels more like coated cardboard, and frankly, rather cheap. It also can be easily marred by a pen or fingernail.
The biggest knocks against this Surface case mostly stem from the same root: it was designed more for a straight-up tablet and not a device with the unique features that the Surface Pro 3 has.
Using the Incipio Feather case with a Type Cover only works well if your Surface keyboard is flat on a table or desk. The magnetic keyboard hinge cannot stick to the bezel, so you cannot go into the tilted position, which is ideal for using it on your lap.
The case is also thick enough that it prevents the Type Cover from closing completely flush to the screen. Therefore, you get a keyboard that will flop around if you are not holding it to the body of the tablet. Folding the keyboard behind the Surface for tablet-mode is still pretty comfortable.
My last complaint is that there is no home for the Surface pen. I know, I initially missed the stylus holder on the MoKo Smart Shell, but if there is one on the Feather case I sure as heck couldn't find it. The magnet on the side of the Surface is still accessible, but I wouldn't trust it to hold the pen securely.
Conclusion
It's a hung jury on this one, folks. When I am looking at the Incipio Feather or holding my Surface as a tablet, I love it. But when I try to use my Surface as a laptop, I am bewildered at some of the design choices that were made.
It is almost as if whoever created the case had no idea that the Surface had an optional keyboard or came with a pen. If the Incipio Feather were a case for a full-on tablet, like the Dell Venue 8 Pro, it would be near perfect. However, given the versatility of the Surface Pro 3, I feel that Incipio missed an opportunity for greatness.
The Feather case comes in a decent array of colors. You can choose from dark blue, cyan, red, dark purple, and black. It appears to be a relatively new item and not readily available around the web. I got mine from Incipio directly{.nofollow} for $44.99.
Got a phone or tablet case you want to see reviewed? Let us know in the comments.
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I want that wallpaper!
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I don't have a direct link, but I know I found it somewhere on Reddit
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Here ya go! http://simpledesktops.com/browse/desktops/2014/apr/04/floppydsk/
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Thanks! :-)
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What is the best case for the surface pro??
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That's a tough question because it depends on what you want in a case. I have only had my SP3 for a few weeks and haven't tried many cases. I am going to be reviewing more in the near future though. Stayed tuned.
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i picked up this one. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KGOBFBS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s0... works with the typecover and has a place to hange the pen when you are not using it.
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I use this case also... I use the pen slide at the top but found it bending my pen's clip... so I used the previously un-used pen holder for my type cover and fixed it on the back of the case like so: http://1drv.ms/1wvAmCO The only trouble is with the type cover connected the magnetic clip won't hold the cover up... other than that I am very happy with this case!!
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I use this case also... I use the pen slide at the top but found it bending my pen's clip... so I used the previously un-used pen holder for my type cover and fixed it on the back of the case like so: http://1drv.ms/1wvAmCO The only trouble is with the type cover connected the magnetic clip won't hold the cover up... other than that I am very happy with this case!!
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You should check out freedom case.. It's only available for surface pro 1 and 2
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Wow. That's disappointing. Love their phone cases, especially the one I have on my 1520.
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Thanks for the review. I've had a few Incipio cases for my phones, and have always felt that they were/are an overrated brand. I've always been able to find some very inexpensive cases on eBay or Amazon that rival or even surpass Incipio in terms of quality and protection.
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I bought the Maroo Leather Case with my SP3 because I carry it with my daily and wanted to protect it. Looks professional, protects it BUT that's where it ends. Our main concerns and issue with the SP1 and SP2 was the kick stand and the multi viewing positions. The leather Maroo gives you two positions, neither are particularly comfortable use. I personally would stay clear. After as lengthy wait I finally got my Freedom Case for SP2, it gave me the extra positions I required but I was rather under whelmed with the product and don't think I would order even if they did produce it for SP3.
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Is it possible to review the Toast wooden covers? I suppose it's more aesthetically pleasing vs. functional protection, but I think it looks ever so classy with some of the different finishes
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Sure thing. I added it to my list. Keep an eye out in the next couple of weeks.
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Try the Urban Armor Gear Rogue case for Surface Pro 3. They have cases for previous models too. Industrial design that looks unreal. My case turns heads and gives great protection. Buy from Amazon ($52) and make sure it's fulfilled by Amazon or buy directly from the companywhich I would not suggest because I read they have terrible customer service. DO NOT buy from Ebay. UAG products fakes are rampant.
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You can achieve a similar effect to the magnetized Type Cover elevation by using a band (elastic, rubber, etc.) around the Feather case and Type Cover. Think along the lines of a Moleskine/journal with the book closure band. Also, this would function as a normal book closure as well when wanting to keep the Type Cover closed against the Surface - you'd just have to shimmy it up when wanting to keep the Type Cover and Surface closed. It might not be the best looking solution but I think it has its benefits!