Review on Secure Your Tech On-The-Go with Vaultz Locking Deluxe Tablet and Laptop Case in Tactical Black, VZ03760 by Robert Xayamonty

I'll start by saying that many negative reviews are half true and half false. I say this because a lot of people think they're buying a lockable safe and a notepad. To start this review, I will first list the negative qualities. Keep in mind that I still give this product 4 stars. It's not safe. It's not made of hard metal. The lock protects children and anyone who has no idea how the lock works inside. It can be opened in less than a second. A toddler can crack them open in a quarter of a second with a plastic butter knife. It is a very thin pressed wood, similar to MDF, with a laminated board "for the optics" on the outside and a fabric material (no padding) applied with a spray adhesive on the inside. The edge is thick (thin) anodized or powder-coated aluminum, or forged, non-tempered cheap steel. All metal (tubes, hinges, locks, clips, and suspension reinforcements) is attached with rivets (for beauty, not strength). It's not meant for daily hitting. I was aware of this before purchasing product photos. The only thing that totally let me down was the texture. You won't get a smooth writing surface because the camouflage laminate is textured. To demonstrate this undesirable trait, I placed clean, lightweight thermal receipt paper on top of the paper clip and tested various writing implements (see attached photo). Luckily I use gel pens and heavy paper almost exclusively, so that's not a problem. The problem occurs when trying to stick a label onto a clipboard surface (standard labeller print) as the texture of the surface prevents it from being sealed (see attached photo). Rubber buffers are put on a steel clip. This is an undesirable feature as they can move when attempting to attach the handle or to apply lateral or horizontal pressure. When unpacked they were in the package. However, I had only one other circumstance where this became a problem. I use a clip and change about ten sheets of paper 2-3 times a day, 5 days a week. Fully molding the bumpers around the steel clip after manufacture (rather than post-processing/finishing) would be a nice improvement and would prevent tipping and/or possible loss of paper and bumpers). The compartment contains a single pen holder. There is no permanent way to attach a gel stick externally as they are usually larger in diameter. They also don't fit well with the elastic inside. Considering that these are the best writing instruments for this product with its qualities, that's also disappointing. When trying to put a gel stick under the clip to secure it between the clip and the paper, the attached papers usually come loose and end up strewn all over the vehicle or counter. You cannot attach pens with pocket clips to the handle of a clipboard clip because most plastic and metal pocket clips break at the angle. It would be nice if this included the ability to save an external handle. The texture of this product can help with abrasion resistance but is more or less just uncomfortable. For all that, I use this clipboard every day at work. It takes a little beating and gets in and out of a stuffed, unlined leather/canvas backpack on a daily basis. A padlock with a padlock is the only effective protection for a compartment. I believe the lock was added to better keep the device closed, not to prevent access. The clipboard always pops open when I lift it, but when everything inside is tucked into the mesh straps or under the velcro, nothing falls out. Loose items don't feel good inside. Small thin objects can slip out as the sealing lips are by no means airtight; they are constantly shifted slightly. The key is as unreliable as it gets - unfortunately I would say 5 times worse than US handcuff keys and 10 times less secure. This is a simple locking mechanism that locks each product with the same key. For my use, the product works semi-nominally. This product doesn't look like it will perform well in wet and harsh environments or in areas where compartment safety is a must due to its manufacture and components. I like the fabric on the inside as you can use velcro (common Hook&Loop) and attach items to the inside. You can use the inner strap to clip items with a belt clip (Leatherman [or other common multi-tools] in a pocket) through the holder and it will stay in place. All photos were taken after several months of daily use. Durability: 3.5/5 Appearance: 4.5/5 Functionality: 4/5 Build Quality and Features: 3.5/5 Choice of Manufacturing Components: 3/5 Storage Size: 4/5 Storage/Slot Reliability: 2/5 Value in My final rating as It changes all the time but I would give this a 3/5 max given I paid close to $30.