Gallery: iPad-Case Maker Preserves a Dying Craft
01-MG-8487
Dodo cases are not supposed to exist. Just like the famous flightless Mauritian native it shares a name with, traditional bookbinding should be extinct—or at least critically endangered. But instead it’s thriving at Dodo Case, a San Francisco-based manufacturer that utilizes old-school manufacturing methods to make coverings for iPads. The Gadget Lab recently got in on the ground floor of their operation, learned how the case itself came about, where its inspiration came from, and why an extinct bird is the perfect mascot for a company that’s preserving a dying craft. *(Photo by Jon Snyder for Wired.com)*
02-MG-8452
The first spark for the Dodo came when its founders Patrick Buckley and Craig Dalton heard rumors of an Apple tablet. The only problem was, the iPad was not real yet … at least officially. But they wanted to produce a cool case for the forthcoming device and have it available at launch. They scoured Apple’s website and found some rough dimensions of what looked like a tablet-like gadget. From that they were able to extrapolate the iPad’s rough dimensions and build a working prototype. In this image a worker applies the wooden board to the exterior of a Dodo case. *(Photo by Jon Snyder for Wired.com)*
03-MG-8468
Dodo uses a smattering of materials like bamboo and natural cloths to build its cases. The Dodo offers a good deal of protection but admittedly isn’t indestructible. As co-founder Patrick Buckley says, “It’s certainly better than not having anything at all.” *(Photo by Jon Snyder for Wired.com)*
04-MG-8475
Most of the machinery in the Dodo factory isn’t as old as the Gooseneck. Still binding machines like the Lawson above have been around for decades. *(Photo by Jon Snyder for Wired.com)*
05-MG-8491
Because Dodo uses book binding techniques that have been around for hundreds of years, the machinery they use is consequently just as old. The machine above, called the Gooseneck, was made over a century ago, and is used for customized printing. *(Photo by Jon Snyder for Wired.com)*
06-MG-8497
Various colored materials are used to stamp the lettering into each Dodo case.  The tray in the top left contains various bits of movable type used with the Gooseneck to create unique type. *(Photo by Jon Snyder for Wired.com)*
07-MG-8509
The red cloth seen in the picture here is hand cut and glued inside each Dodo case. Dodo plans to make cases for other tablets and eReaders in the future, but hint that they’re not sure what those devices are yet. “We’re in a wait-and-see pattern right now,” says Buckley. *(Photo by Jon Snyder for Wired.com)*
08-MG-8532
According to Buckley, the company’s mascot is an irreverent nod to the so-called death of traditional bookbinding and shows the company’s sense of humor. He also reports that with the proliferation of digital books, Dodo is exploring ways for authors to sign their work either digitally in the form of an app or physically in the form of an iPad “dust jacket.” *(Photo by Jon Snyder for Wired.com)*
09-MG-8552
The fabric covering for the Dodo case is squeezed through this machine to apply a thin layer of glue that will act as an adhesive for the binding. Dodo reports the rich textured fabric is much more pleasing to hold in hand than the iPad’s cold aluminum chassis. *(Photo by Jon Snyder for Wired.com)*
10-MG-8566
Dodo has sold some 15,000 of its $60 iPad cases. Famous adopters include Ashton Kutcher and his wife Demi Moore, and Wired creative director Scott Dadich. Near-finished cases await the Dodo label and will be shipped off to customers soon. The Dodo factory is capable of churning out over a thousand cases in a single day. *(Photo by Jon Snyder for Wired.com)*
11-MG-8582
Itching to buy one? They can be ordered [here](http://www.dodocase.com/) where you can also customize the color and add on any accessories you wish. We’re partial to the Dodo bundle bag made in partnership with Rickshaw Bags. In a maelstrom of iPad accessories that all kind of look alike (mass-produced black neoprene crap anyone?) the Dodo is a welcome change. Sure it might be a little bit more expensive than your average iAccessory but think of it this way: What kind of suit would you want to have? A Wal-Mart bought off-the-rack rayon two-piece that fits like a garbage bag? Or a pricier bespoke version built by an expert to your specs with high-quality wool? Yeah, we’ll take the bespoke suit too. And a Dodo case to go along with it.  *(Photo by Jon Snyder for Wired.com)*
The Best Ski Clothes for Staying Warm and Having Fun
From weatherproof jackets and pants to puffers, gloves, and socks, WIRED’s winter sports experts have you covered.
Chris Haslam
The Best Automatic Litter Boxes Tested by Our Spoiled Cats
With these high-tech automatic litter boxes, gone are the days of scooping and smells. Welcome to the future.
Molly Higgins
The Best Fitness Trackers Check Your Sleep, Heart Rate, or Even Your Blood
With almost ten years of hands-on testing, WIRED knows what separates the best fitness trackers from the rest.
Adrienne So
The Best Kids' Bikes for Every Age and Size
The WIRED Reviews team has kids, and we tested all types of kids’ bikes. Here are our top picks.
Adrienne So
The Best Apple Watch Accessories
You finally caved and bought an Apple Watch. These are our favorite bands, screen protectors, and chargers to go with your new smartwatch.
Adrienne So
The Best iPad to Buy (and a Few to Avoid)
We break down the current iPad lineup to help you figure out which of Apple’s tablets is best for you.
Luke Larsen
Give Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office Chairs
Sitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.
Julian Chokkattu
The 11 Best Electric Bikes for Every Kind of Ride
I tested the best electric bikes in every category, from commuters and mountain bikes to foldables and cruisers.
Adrienne So
Which Fujifilm Instax Camera Should You Buy?
Should you buy an Instax Mini or Mini Evo? Instax Square or Wide? We demystify Fujifilm’s Instax lineup to help you find the perfect instant camera (or printer).
Scott Gilbertson
Death to Dry Skin. These Humidifiers Are Better Than Chapstick
From models for traveling to humidifiers that double as planters or air purifiers, we've tested a dozen of them.
Matthew Korfhage
The Best Smart Video Doorbell Cameras
Never miss a delivery. These WIRED-tested picks will help you keep tabs on your front door from anywhere.
Simon Hill
The Best Heart Rate Monitors Check Your Cardiac Health
These chest straps and watches will help you keep your finger on your pulse—and many other heart-related metrics.
Michael Sawh