The iPad Smart Case – Smart Protection for Your iPad Tablet

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smart_case

Photo courtesy of Apple.com

The iPad Smart Case is a great way to protect your iPad without the added weight and bulk of other cases. Similar to the original iPad Smart Cover, the iPad Smart Case contains a magnet that automatically wakes the iPad upon opening and puts it to sleep when closing, helping to preserve your battery power. It can be configured to hold the iPad low to the desk to write emails or work on presentations or more upright to view movies and video clips. Transforming the cover into the stand takes some practice, as the flaps don’t always fold the way you’d like, but after some practice, you’ll get the hang of it and have your iPad propped in no time.

The back cover is a nice addition that protects against scuffs and scratches. It’s thin and lightweight, but will not offer much protection against high drops and falls. The top cover creates a nice seal with the iPad and the back cover, which is helpful when storing the iPad in a bag or purse. While you won’t have to worry about the cover accidentally opening up in your bag and spamming your entire address book, you may find that the seal actually makes the cover difficult to open since there no flap, tab, or overhang to assist with lifting the cover.

When the Smart Case is used as the low profile stand, you can rest assured that the iPad won’t slide or fall your desk. However, the same cannot be said when the Smart Case is used as a movie or video stand. Because the front and back cover is one piece, there is extra bulk underneath and behind the iPad, causing it to lean forward. You can maneuver it and eventually get it to stay, but you will not have a strong base on which to type or do work. You’d have to flip it over to the low profile stand for that. Also, any gentle taps on the device or desk while it’s in the upright position will more than likely cause the iPad to fall.

The Smart Case comes in six different color options and costs $49.00. You also have the option of engraving the back cover for an additional fee.

Apple-Smart-Case-for-iPad

Photo courtesy of phonearena.com

Overall, the iPad Smart Cover is a great cover if you are a responsible iPad user who doesn’t need strong protection. If you are looking to make your iPad indestructible, then the Smart Cover may not be for you.

MSRP: $49.00 from Apple.com

What I Like: Thin and lightweight; Nice color selection

What Needs Improvement: Difficult to open; Takes some practice folding correctly into the stand; Pricey for light protection

Source: Personal purchase

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About the Author

Stacey Brauner
Stacey is the proud mother of two young children and a high school English teacher. Stacey is always on the lookout for the most innovative methods to integrate technology into her lessons and life as a mommy. In her severely limited free time, Stacey enjoys playing with her kids, exercising, cooking, and baking.

3 Comments on "The iPad Smart Case – Smart Protection for Your iPad Tablet"

  1. Stacey – that is really cool looking. I have always gone for just the smartcover because I really don’t like any added bulk. So just this little extra seems pretty reasonable. Now they just need one for the Mini!

  2. I’ve had this since I bough the iPad 3. It’s ok, but I don’t love it. The typing landscape method is ok, but seems to hold the iPad lower than the smartcover does. The other method, to stand the iPad in a way to watch video, is unstable no matter how hard I try and I don’t trust it – my iPad kept falling at random times, or when somebody walked by, or a door closes, no matter how stable your surface. Also, there is no way to stand the iPad in a portrait orientation.

    I do like this better than the smartcover for the simple reason that the smartcover occasionally just disconnects and the iPad falls over.

    I’m still looking for a case that will be better for all of those uses.

    • Stacey Spector | December 17, 2012 at 12:30 pm |

      Doug, I agree with you. I’m sure there are more stable cases out there for a cheaper price. When you stand the iPad to watch a video, try slightly unfolding the case just a bit so that the iPad sits in a more reclined position. I found that worked for me, but I still don’t fully trust it.

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