The cover isn’t magnetized like Samsung’s OEM tablet cover, but does feature an elastic strap that you use to keep the cover closed. I actually prefer this method, as it looks more attractive and the case actually stays closed, even if dropped. Because there’s no magnets, you don’t have access to the “cover screen mode” of the tablet (a lock screen that lets you immediately jot down notes and displays your calendar and other things).
The spine of the case has a hole cut out for the USB port, so you can easily charge the unit with the case closed. Unfortunately, there’s not an easy way to charge the unit while it’s functioning as a stand, as there is no clearance to attach a cable in this mode. You can, however, attach a cable in “keyboard” mode, as the tablet’s orientation is flipped upside down.
The case also features a cloth loop which you can use to carry an electrostatic stylus, bigger S-pen (my personal recommendation), or an actual pen if you so choose. I find that anything in this loop just gets in the way. If you’re carrying this tablet around the office, then you’ve already been labeled a nerd. Go ahead and break out the pocket protector for real pens. Here’s another little fun fact: you can transform the box of office PENS into hilarity with a strategically-placed “i”.
The case works as a stand but pulling out the plastic tray and placing the two bottom grooves in one set of notches in the inner flap of the case. You can enjoy multiple viewing angles in this way, but only in a horizontal orientation. There is another “keyboard mode” accessed by rolling up the crease of the cover and placing behind the plastic tray. In this mode the tablet is inverted (the home button is on top and the “back” and “context” buttons are reversed).
The inside of the case has a smooth interior lining which has a nice feel, but we can easily tell this is a synthetic material, and it distributes any oil on your screen into a nice little pattern that’s easily noticable. There are two pockets for business cards, but honestly adding more than one or two will make the case bulge a bit. I think the real reason for these pockets it to etch out an area of negative space so the home button cannot be accidentally pressed while the case is closed.
