Since I first started using the Surface Pro 2 I have relied simply on the keyboard cover to protect the display while I’m on the go. That’s also how I typically roll with the Surface Pro 3. The cover may not be the best protection in some scenarios, though, so it makes sense to use some sort of a slip case like the Outback Slip from WaterField Designs.
Design
The Outback Slip case is a relatively simple item. The outside is comprised of waxed canvas with leather accents. The inside is a soft, padded fleece to keep the Surface Pro 3 nice and cozy.
One side of the case has a plastic insert to provide extra protection for the display—particularly if you’re carrying the Surface Pro 3 sans Type keyboard cover. The leather strap folds over the open end of the Outback Slip case and attaches magnetically.
It’s also a minimal design. There aren’t any extra flaps or hidden pockets. There is only just enough room inside the Outback Slip case for the Surface Pro 3 with the Type keyboard cover attached. If you have the Surface Pen in its pen loop on the side of the keyboard it can hang out the open end and the leather strap can be secured over it. Alternatively, the attached side of the leather strap also provide a loop that can be used to hold then Surface Pen.
My Experience
As I said, I don’t typically use a slip case like this. If I’m traveling the Surface Pro 3 goes inside my Kenneth Cole Reaction bag—along with a menagerie of other work / travel necessities like chargers, cables, headphones, and Altoids (Never leave home without ‘em!). If I’m just heading out to meet with a vendor or get some work done at Starbucks I just take the Surface Pro 3 itself with the Type keyboard cover to protect the display.
The back side of the Surface Pro 3 is still exposed to scratches or other potential damage, however, and I don’t actually want the Type keyboard cover beat up either. The Outback Slip case provides a safe, stylish way for me to take the Surface Pro 3 with me when I don’t need all the bells and whistles of the Reaction bag.
I did run into one issue, though. I abhor the pen loop and got rid of mine in favor of the Cleanint CleanStylus Pro. The Outback Slip case has just enough room for the Surface Pro 3 and Type keyboard cover—so it doesn’t work with the CleanStylus Pro. Thankfully, the CleanStylus Pro can be removed fairly easily—especially since I never peeled off the backing for the sticky pad. So, I just take the whole thing off and slide the pen through the loop on the back of the leather strap on the Outback Slip case.
The Verdict
The Outback Slip case for the Surface Pro 3 costs $70. That’s a tad steep for a slip case, but a small price to pay to protect your investment in a Surface Pro 3.
It works very well for its intended purpose. It snugly and safely allows you to take your Surface Pro 3 with you wherever you go, and lets you look good doing it. The case is crafted with quality and durability in mind as well, so your $70 slip case won’t fall apart anytime soon.
Now that I’ve had an opportunity to use a slip case I won’t go back to carrying the Surface Pro 3 “naked”. If you have a Surface Pro 3 I recommend you consider the Outback Slip case.
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I don’t suppose there is enough room to slide in a bluetooth keyboard rather than the Type Cover, is there?
It can probably be done as long as the keyboard is ultrathin. It’s pretty snug with the Type keyboard cover, but you may be able to squeeze another couple millimeters in there.
Thanks. I just might try that.