Useful tips when using Strotter iPad carrying cases and bags

If you bought the Across:

For Pre-2018 iPad models:

The fit may be very tight; on some models the on/off switch of the iPad may catch onto the lining of the case. If this happens, pull back a little, and "wiggle" the iPad in. Try inserting it at an angle. Once you pass the sticking point, carefully slide the iPad all the way in. You then may use a credit card to straighten the volume control opening if needed. When removing the iPad from the case, watch again for the on/off switch opening catching onto the switch itself. Across for iPad Pro 12.9” has an especially tight fit. You may even think the iPad will not go in. It will. This is what works best: lay the fully opened case flat on a desk. Pay attention to the controls and camera, align the iPad correctly. Insert one corner of the iPad in, then another. Start pushing it in. Apply force. Use thumbs for leverage. Look at the holes for the camera and the on/off switch – they will align when the iPad is in place. You have to keep pushing until they align. Once the tablet is fully in, shape the edges of the case. The leather will stretch a little with time.

For models 2018+:

Simply snap your iPad into the thermoplastic base. Start with the corner where the camera and controls are located.

When closing the case or folding it into a stand, to fully engage the Velcro press on the flap and try moving it back and forth. Velcro engages better when hooks move a little relatively to the loops.

There are several ways of how to fold the case into a stand for typing and watching movies - look closer at the Across photos.

If you bought the Platforma:

Do check from time to time that your iPad is fully latched in the plastic snap-on cover – if you use it. Just press on all four corners when putting the iPad onto the back wall of the bag. Do not pick up or carry the bag by the closed flap, especially when the bag is heavy. Use the strap or grab the bag by its body.

Magnetic hotel cards are very sensitive to magnetic fields. Because of this we suggest you do not carry them in the bag. All your electronics and credit cards are safe, though. We suggest turning off Auto On/Off in settings>general/Lock/Unlock, the magnets in the Snap On cover may confuse the Auto On/Off switch on some iPad models.

If you need to see how to "operate" Platforma or Across when used as a mobile desk or how to wear it as a backpack, please go to http://youtube.com/strotterinc and watch the videos. There is a short learning curve; you will be a pro in no time.

FAQ

Does Platforma bag support all 9.7" form factor iPads? Yes! Also, read about other tablets below.

How about a case for iPad Mini? We have a case for the Mini 4 and Mini 5.

What's in a name? STROTTER means Street Trotter.

Do you ship internationally? Yes, we ship worldwide. We use USPS and DHL.

Are you bags and cases available at brick-and-mortar retailers? Not at the moment. When you order from us here, you will usually receive your products within 2-7 business days (within the US). We offer a generous 45 days return policy. Try our products risk free! We do offer Priority Express option, as well.

What payment forms do you accept? We take major credit cards, Apple Pay, Amazon Pay and Paypal. For large orders we may take checks, wire transfers, etc.

What about international payments? If you pay with a credit card, we may sometimes verify orders from some countries additionally: we may ask you to send us a photo of a credit card together with a photo of your ID, such as a driver's license or a passport. Please contact us regarding Western Union, wire transfers, etc. We will work with you.

What is the warranty policy? Strotter products come with a lifetime warranty. Damage from abuse, normal wear and tear don't count. The warranty does not cover contents of bags and cases. If you have any problems with our products, at any time, please let us know, we will do our best to help you. We do check every bag and case before shipping it. We stand by our products.

I have seen the video of Platforma. How does the iPad stay on the back of the bag? When you buy Platforma, you also get the polycarbonate hard case (cover) that the iPad snaps into. This plastic case has four magnets on it. The back wall of the bag also has four magnets under its fabric. When placed on the back wall of the bag, the iPad clings to the bag.

Is it safe? Yes, it is. Your iPad is securely held by Neodymium magnets. You can turn the bag upside down (see video at the product page), the iPad will not fall off.

Are magnets on the bag visible? No, all magnets are hidden under the fabric.

Do magnets cause interference with anything? We have done extensive testing. The functionality of the tablets was not affected in any way*. WiFi, GPS, and cellular radio work as usual. No problems in operation. Speed and signal strength were intact There are a couple of things you should know. Magnets cause interference with the built in compass, and understandably so. While all your credit cards are fine, as tested by us and our customers, some hotel magnetic cards are extremely sensitive to magnetic fields and should not be carried in the bag or in the pockets in contact with the bag (but then again, hotel cards are sensitive to anything). * In some iPad models auto on/off feature of the iPad+SmartCover combo is not working correctly when used with our magnetic snap-on case due to the sensor placement pattern in that specific model of iPad. Please turn off Auto On/Off in settings>general/Lock/Unlock if this is a problem.

If you are wearing a medical device sensitive to magnetic fields, such as a pacemaker, please do not use the bag.

Platforma looks sort of small. What can I realistically carry in it? Platforma is about 12 x 9 x 2.75 inches on the outside. Maximum vertical size inside is about 11.4". We did a lot of research, and produced several iterations until we settled on the current form-factor. Our customers say we nailed it size-wise. It looks very proportionate. It fits more than one thinks it would: an iPad (possibly in a case - Across or other), a book, a flat lunch box, eyeglasses in a case, charger(s), a camera (not a full size DLSR with lens attached, of course), a bottle of water or a small umbrella, and more. A standard size magazine fits in the back pocket. I personally have taken overnight trips with Platforma as my only bag. It held a pair of socks, underwear, a fresh shirt, toiletries and things from the list above. People told us they were skeptical about the bag's capacity, but Platforma became their main everyday bag, iPad or not.

What about the pockets? There are two zippered pockets on the front flap of the Platforma. The upper runs the whole length of the flap to fit your scarf or gloves. The lower is meant to carry smaller things. There are two pockets under the flap - also zippered. One of these is big enough to fit an iPad. Another is shallow, so that you do not need to fish for things. As mentioned above, there is also a magazine pocket on the back wall. The iPad enjoys its own dedicated pocket inside the bag. The bright red lining is not just a fashion statement. It helps you see the contents of the bag better. The material of the lining - high density nylon - is strong, smooth and pleasant to the touch.

Will other than iPad tablets fit into Across (Like my Nexus / Samsung Galaxy / Microsoft Surface?) Currently, we only make Acrosses for iPads. We may produce the case for MS Surface.

Can I charge my iPad without taking it out of Across? Yes. All ports are accessible and align perfectly. Across fits your iPad like a fine leather glove.

Which tablets does Platforma work with? The bag will fit many other tablets and netbooks that are close in size to the 9.7" iPads. We currently have snap-on covers (shells, cases, trays, whatever you call them) with magnets for iPad Air, Air2, iPad Pro 9.7, iPad 2017, iPads 2,3,4, iPad Mini. If you already have a plastic case, we can sell you magnets to attach to it. Ask us.

Does MacBook Air 11" fit in Platforma? It does. it is 1/4 inch taller than the inside of the bag, but the flap closes fine. Any bigger MacBook does not fit.

Does iPad Pro 12.9" 1st and 2nd generation (pre-2018) fit in Platforma? Not in the original Platforma.

Does iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd generation (2018) fit in Platforma? Yes, naked iPad fits precisely, many or most cases will fit, too.

Does an 8x11 legal pad fit? Yes, an 8x11 legal pad fits just fine, and a similarly-sized file folder fits OK, with the tab top bending a little.

What about an A4 format? It fits, but sticks out just a bit. The flap closes fine.

The bags and cases seem relatively expensive? They are not cheap because they are well made from quality materials. We pay extreme attention to details. We have narrow tolerances and very strict QA standards. Think Gucci shoes vs. Walmart variety. That's why.

You say "designed in Boston". Yes, the bags and cases were originally designed in Boston. Then the company moved to Palm Coast, FL.

Where are the bags and cases made, though? Synthetic cases and Original Platformas are made in China and assembled here in the US. As of 2015 all leather cases are made in Florence, Italy.

What kind of leather do you use? Genuine full or top grain cow hide, specially treated for water resistance and to eliminate the dye bleeding (it will not rub off). This applies to both Platforma and Across.

Do you work with wholesalers and retailers? Please talk to us.

Do you have a Facebook page? Yes, we do - like us there: facebook.com/strotterinc.

Interesting facts

Countries involved in one way or another in making the products: USA, Italy, China (many provinces and cities there - production, some components), Korea (components and materials), Vietnam (components), Taiwan(components, materials), Hong Kong (some materials, sourcing, was my base for some time), Japan (components, materials), Germany (seat belt webbing factory headquarters), UK (consultation).

Time from the initial idea to the product delivery: 22 months.

My luggage when I travel: one carry-on and a Platforma.

The most memorable city: Hong Kong.

P.S. Special thanks to iPhoneLife Magazine for their help.

Prepared by S.P.