As great as the iPad Air 2 is, it’s the apps and accessories that really make Apple’s tablet stand out. The Moshi MetaCover System is one of those accessories that will sneak up and take you by surprise. It protects your iPad while making the tablet usable in situations where it would otherwise be a bit cumbersome at best.
To get the most functionality out of the MetaCover you will want to not only pick up the cover and case itself but also get the Wall and Magnetic Mounts that are sold separately. It is a bummer that the company isn’t selling a set that includes the cover and two mounts at a discount but that should not stand in the way of you picking one up. So while the case and one of each mounts will run you about $150, I think you will find the investment to be money well spent. After all, with the MetaCover system you not only get a protective shell for your iPad AND a folio cover that both protects and holds you iPad in a variety of orientations, but you get mounts that let you “hang” your iPad pretty much anywhere you might want to use it. It is a smart system that will quickly win you over. And since we can assume the company will come out with MetaCovers for future iPads, once you purchase the mounts they will be usable even after you upgrade to Apple’s latest and greatest tablet.
We are going to run down the three different components of the system but before we do why don’t we take a look at how the entire system works together to deliver ease and functionality that you would otherwise not find with your iPad Air 2.
So that’s a look at the system as a whole. Let’s run down the three key components that make this system what it is.
The MetaCover:
The centerpiece of the system is the MetaCover itself. The cover has the same built-in stand functionality as the Moshi VersaCover but does a great deal more. For starters, the MetaCover is a folio cover AND a protective shell. That means you can disconnect your iPad from the cover and still know it is protected inside the shell. For someone like me, who uses his iPad for speaking engagements and likes to keep it protected but as light as possible it is ideal.
The key is the locking mechanism. Half of it sits behind the shell. The other half, which locks into the one on the shell, sits on the inside of the folio’s back portion.
As Moshi explains:
Mount your iPad anywhere with MetaCover. This premium portfolio case combines the functionality of our best-selling VersaCover with Moshi’s proprietary MetaMount System. A durable, hybrid construction inner case protects your device against shocks and bumps and easily detaches when you want to mount it. Simply rotate to remove the inner case and mount it to a Moshi Wall Mount or Magnet Mount (sold separately) for convenient iPad viewing in the kitchen, garage, office, workshop, etc.
MetaCover features magnet-assisted alignment so mounting/demounting is effortless and no tools are required. As a regular portfolio case, MetaCover’s front cover folds into a stand with three different viewing angles, making it ideal for watching videos, surfing the internet, and writing emails. With truly unmatched versatility, MetaCover not only offers first-rate protection but lets you get more from your iPad by mounting it in flexible and creative ways.
I like the fact that the cover diconnects from the shell.
I LOVE!! the fact that the shell covers the entire bottom of the iPad minus the opening for the Lightning connector and, to compensate, has ports that feed the sound toward the front of the iPad. This has the affect of making the iPad sound louder and, if you ware watching video, is a huge side-benefit.
It doesn’t hurt that the MetaCover has the same ingenious oragomi-style folding stand as the VersaCover the company also sells.
That means you can use the cover as a stand for watching movies, reading handsfree, or typing when using a Bluetooth keyboard.
Features include:
- Mount your device anywhere; Moshi MetaMount required.
- US military-grade drop protection (MIL-STD-810G, SGS-certified)
- Magnet-assisted alignment for easy mounting/demounting
- Supports iPad’s auto-wake/sleep function
- Folding cover provides landscape, portrait, and typing modes
I wasn’t sure I was going to like the MetaCover but, after using it for a bit I was totally sold on the design. I tend to keep my iPad in a keyboard case but, for times when I am not doing so, the MetaCover will be my go-to form of protection going forward.
It has an MSRP of $74.95. Check it out here.
As noted, the key to the MetaCover system is the locking mechanism on the back of the shell itself.
It not only connects to the folio cover but also works with either of the two mounts.
The MetaCover Magnetic Mount
The Magnentic Mount is exactly what it sounds like. It has the connector to grab hold of the Meta Cover shell on one side and a strong magnet on the other. Simply put the magnetic side to something like your refrigerator and the mount takes hold quite securely.
Once it is securely in place the next part of the Mount, the part that grabs the MetaCover shell, slides over in as equally secure a manner.
You then secure the iPad in place in the same manner as you would for the Folio portion. The result looks like this:
Here’s a side view.
As Moshi explains:
Designed for the MetaCover Series, Moshi’s Magnet Mount lets you mount your iPad to any metal surface. This is the perfect solution for hanging your iPad on a refrigerator, filing cabinet, toolbox and much more. A permanent installation isn’t required as extra-strength magnets securely affix the mount to any metal surface, but let you move it to a new location as desired.
While other mounts only provide straight-on viewing, Moshi’s Magnet Mount features an adjustable dual-hinge design that offers a 30-degree viewing angle in all directions. No tools are required, mounting and demounting your iPad is fast and secure thanks to a magnet-assisted connection port. Moshi’s Magnet Mount is the ideal choice for users looking for a strong, functional, and portable solution for mounting an iPad on any metal surface.
Features of the MetaCover Magnetic Mount include:
- Extra-strength magnetic backplate for mounting to metal surfaces
- 30-degree viewing angles in both portrait and landscape mode
- Proprietary dual-hinge head design for long-term reliability
- Magnet-assisted female port for easy mounting and demounting
- Moshi MetaCover required
It has an MSRP of $49.95. You can check it out here.
The MetaCover Wall Mount
The Wall Mount takes the same approach as the Magnetic Mount-in fact they share the same portion for grabbing hold of the iPad shell- but uses screws and adhesive to secure the first-level plate to the wall.
As Mohi explains:
Designed for the MetaCover Series, Moshi’s Wall Mount lets you mount your iPad to any flat surface using an extra-strength, no-residue adhesive backplate. Save countertop space in the kitchen, keep your device away from grease in the garage, or mount your iPad as a second monitor in the fitness room.
While other mounts only provide straight-on viewing, Moshi’s Wall Mount features an adjustable dual-hinge design that offers a 30-degree viewing angle in all directions. No tools required, mounting and demounting your iPad is fast and secure thanks to a magnet-assisted connection port. Extra adhesive backplate included. Moshi’s MetaMount Series Wall Mount is idea for users looking to get more from their iPad by mounting it in new and creative locations.
It features:
- Extra-strength, no-residue adhesive backplate for mounting to flat surfaces
- 30-degree viewing angles in both portrait and landscape mode
- Proprietary dual-hinge head design for long-term reliability
- Magnet-assisted female port for easy mounting and demounting
- Extra adhesive pad included
- Moshi MetaCover required
It has an MSRP of $39.95. You can check it out here.
Overall this is a great approach to protecting and using your iPad Air 2 in a variety of ways. If you are out and about with your iPad the folio cover will protect the device while also letting you have a flexible stand along for the ride. If you want to use your iPad in as light a way possible while still having it protected you can pop the iPad out of the cover and simply have the shell protect it. If you want your iPad on the refrigerator while you cook you can attach the shell to the magnetic mount. And if you want to secure the iPad to a wall you can use the Wall Mount. and, best of all, moving from one approach to another takes a matter of seconds. Yes, at $150 for the system this isn’t cheap but can you put a price on protection and functionality like this? I think not.
Check out all of the company offerings here.
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample
What I Like: Protective; Flexible; Pushes iPad sound to the front; Built-in stand with the cover; Switch use modes in seconds
What Needs Improvement: No “system pricing”; Not inexpensive