I’m really not a fan of covers in general. I pay a premium for good looking devices that are very thin because I want a good looking device that’s very thin. Padding and covering it solves the issue of protecting it, while defeating the purpose of why you’d want to protect it.
That said, I understand the practical need to protect the investment. If I am going to apply any sort of case or cover to my devices, Toast is the sort of cover I would choose—something that provides protection and actually increases the visual appeal of the device without adding any notable bulk.
Here is my review:
Form
Toast makes covers for devices of all shapes and sizes—smartphones, tablets, 2-in-1 machines, laptops, and gaming consoles.
Each cover is real wood veneer with an adhesive backing. They are intricately carved to align perfectly with the ports, cameras, and other elements of the device in question, and they can have logos or text burned into the back panel for a custom look.
Function
There are two things that make the Toast covers unique. First, Toast covers are made from real wood. You can choose from walnut, ash, bamboo—and a fourth option, ebony, which I believe is just ash with a darker stain based on the grain of the wood.
Second, it’s a cover and not a case. A case would offer more complete coverage of the whole device, and greater protection against damage when dropped. The Toast covers do provide scratch resistance, and possibly some negligible amount of impact reduction.
My Experience
Toast sent me a couple covers to test out—the Surface Pro and the Nintendo Switch. I’ll focus on the experience with the Surface Pro. Applying the Toast cover was simple and straight forward. I was concerned that the cover might be too flimsy—and that it might be brittle and break as I tried to apply it to the device. The wood veneer is undeniably thin, and I am sure it’s relatively easy to break, but that wasn’t an issue during installation.
I didn’t opt for any custom etching, but the Surface Pro cover Toast sent has a cutout in the shape of the Windows logo, which is cool because it lets the chrome Windows logo show through. The cover is very precisely cut. It is impressive how well it fits over things like the camera hole in the back of the Surface Pro.
That can also be a bit of an issue because it means there is also little room for error in getting the cover
properly aligned when applying it. I didn’t have an issue with the large back piece, but getting the proper alignment to wrap the Toast cover around the sides of the Surface Pro was a bit of a challenge. That is not Toast’s fault, though. It’s a function, primarily, of the fact that the side of Surface Pro is angled, and it is difficult to keep everything perfectly lined up and straight while wrapping the cover around corners.
The end result is pretty awesome. The Surface Pro is impressive looking on its own, but there’s a sense or luxury and prestige that comes from having a Surface Pro encased in a gorgeous real wood veneer.
The Verdict
The Toast covers are pretty awesome. They provide protection for your devices, combined with a classy, customizable look that will make your device stand out in a crowd.
You’ll pay a bit more than you might for a run-of-the-mill case. Prices range from $5 or $10 up to around $90 depending on the type of device and the customizations you add. In my opinion, though, it’s worth it. If you have to cover your device you may as well look good doing it.
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I’ve always wondered how good the Toast covers are, since I am a fan of the concept – i’d love to win one!
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Gives a very good view of what is basically a wood skin for the Surface. I have looked at something like this, but have been undecided. Is there a finish of some sort on the wood veneer? If not, I think the lighter wood might get a bit dirty over time.
Form following function. An age old concept beautifully realized.
I just think it looks cool – I use a case so protection is not the issue.
I would love to add wood to my surface pro.
I was, at one time, waiting to buy a Surface. Now it’s just finding the time to do so and a Toast real wood cover adds a new perspective to the whole business. Get a Surface. Get Toast.
Worst mailing process. I have been waiting a month for the product and still waiting.
Have you inquired to see if there is an issue? I’ve received covers from them twice and they always arrived in a matter of days.