“Possibly the most rapturous reaction to anything at the unveiling of the iPad 2 was not in response to the significant improvements in the device but to the Smart Cover,” Steven Levy writes for Wired. “This soft, foldable accessory, which fits over the screen of the iPad 2, was even the star of the commercial that Jobs showed at the end of the presentation.”
“Apple’s full-on devotion to something as lowly as a cover is a classic example of how the company concocts advantages in areas that rivals previously hadn’t considered all that important,” Levy writes. “Accessory makers have always been at a disadvantage: Jobs’ notorious veil of secrecy means they often don’t know what the specs for their next product will have to be until Jobs makes the public announcement. But the consequences are really disastrous when they realize that they’ll be competing not only with one another but with Apple itself. Take Zagg, one of the larger manufacturers of protective covers for i-devices. Between the moment Jobs introduced the Smart Cover at the iPad 2 launch and the Nasdaq close a couple of hours later, Zagg’s stock price dropped 22 percent.”
Levy writes, “There is one thing the cover does not do, though—protect the entire iPad. It’s more like a hospital gown, shielding the full-frontal valuables while exposing the rear. That omission allows participants in the billion-dollar industry for i-device accessories to breathe a bit easier. But only a bit.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Apple’s so-called Smart Cover also exposes the same side that covers the screen to the elements when folded back or into a stand, plus it seems made of a material expressly designed to pick up dust, dirt, and oil. When closed, it then smashes all that accumulated crap right onto the iPad screen that it’s supposed to protect. Not so smart. Apple Smart Cover is bad design with magnets. Apple needs to go back the drawing board on this one again.
Agree. The smart cover is a disappointment. It’s limitations are the main reason I am sticking with my iPad 1 and the awesome Apple case made for the iPad 1. I sure wish Apple would make it’s iPad 1’s cover available for the iPad 2.
—– And the biggest disappointment of all…..
its not available in plastic BROWN… So sad…. 🙂
I cannot get it to match my Zune. 🙂
Just a thought here. 🙂
en
Its.
Try CaseCrown cover …. Almost exact duplicate of iPad original cover ….
I love Apple’s original iPad cover. To me it turned a useless, delicate wafer of a device into an indispensable, go-anywhere machine. It’s so rugged and grip-able. At first I thought it was “un-Apple-like”, but after using it I felt it was exactly right.
An iPhone doesn’t need a full case. It can be sleek and tiny. A MacBook is removed from it’s case before use. The iPad really does fit in between.
People that use it, like it.
So, there.
Plus, there are tons of cases, folders, shields, etc if you want those too.
So, there.
yeah, but…I ordered mine at the same time I ordered my iPad2, and was immediately disappointed. What a waste of $70. I’ve been looking around at alternatives and found an outfit called Powis in Berkeley CA that makes a nice multi-position cover that protests both top and bottom. They have a nice range of leather colors as well.
I love my smart cover.
I too saw the same screen cover would be put right back on the screen when folded… So I flip tithe other way. The colored side is down, not the screen side.
Only one thing I do not like about it, it’s on the wrong side. It puts the volume buttons on the table side, press the screen enough and you CAN change the volume.
That and it puts the home button on the left, I always used the home button on the right.
I use an enki gear case in the back, clear. Protects the entire iPad and doesn’t add a ton of bulk. With both on, it’s still thinner than the iPad 1.
I fold mine the same way and it works fine. I love the thing. I can yank the thing off easily when I want to, but otherwise it stays put. I’m a lefty so the home button on the left is good 🙂
I don’t like wrapping my iDevices in full covers – I call them condoms. My iPhone and iPad may get a few little scratches, but they are surprisingly durable as they are. And I figure, Apple spends so much time designing their stuff to feel good in the hand, and they do such a good job of it, that I hate wrapping them up. The smart cover is genius.
that’s funny: That’s the way I thought it was supposed to go. Goes to show you how dumb I can be. However, as MacDaddy points out, I like the home button on the left.
Is there a Betty White version where you can get a specially made pair of Levi’s into which to fit the iPad?
I’m glad to see MDN’s take on this. It’s totally accurate.
My girlfriend dropped her iPad 2 when the cover caused her to lose her grip. It happened a couple of times, but the one time it happened in the garage, it shattered the screen when it hit the concrete floor.
Apple replaced her iPad 2 at no charge.
Take a look at the picture of Obama carrying his iPad 2 while getting on board Marine One. It’s come undone as well.
On the other hand…
The magnets on the iPad 2 itself are really smart, if you can find a case compatible with them. I have one that has magnets in the cover including the part of the cover that goes over the screen (so closing doesn’t smash against the glass), and it also sleeps when closed. The downside is that it greatly increases the thickness and even the weight of the iPad 2.
I’ve been thinking about getting the Ion Carbon Cover as advertised here. Any thoughts from people who have it?
Mossberg mentioned that at times the magnets used are not enough. More magnets are needed to keep the cover more firmly.
I bought the ion cover. It’s great and sucks at the same time. The back of the cover is great – thin, lightweight, protects well. The front cover is a disaster. Slips around so the iPad is constantly clicking on and off when you carry it. When you fold the cover flat against the back of the iPad the magnet is so strong it triggers the iPad to turn off when the front cover is resting against the back. Finally, the cover folds up but is not held closed by magnets. After a few days of use the cover loosened up and would no longer retain the triangle shape or work as a stand. My solution was to take a razor knife to the ion cover and cut off the front cover. I use an apple smart cover on the front and the back of the ion cover on the back. I’m very happy with the result but it was expensive because I bought two cases.
You’re out of your mind. The smartcover is fantastic. I love. It’s genius. Brilliant in it’s simplicity. I don’t want the back covered. I like looking at it. And the dust collection you’re talking about is pure BS. Dust your place once in awhile.
I agree with your opinion wholeheartedly…amazing design and functionality. btw… the magnets are not supposed to be strong enough to support the whole iPad…you still have to be conscious when carrying it. The dust thing…really? how often do you clean your iPad. Every month? Its a perfect cover when combined with the invisishield….now your all protected!
It’s.
You’re
The Apple Smart Cover is the Paris Hilton of iPad 2 covers. It seems pretty at first, but soon you wonder why it exists at all.
“What does it do?” — South Park
It doesn’t protect the back AT ALL.
It doesn’t protect the display if the iPad hits hard on its side.
It doesn’t protect the display when the cover comes undone in a drop.
It may actually cause the iPad to be dropped when it the magnets become loose.
Really, the only 3 things it does:
1) Protect only if the iPad 2 lands flat face down.
2) Works as an alternative to the button for sleeping, although in of itself, this isn’t easier.
3) Works as a partial prop (one angle and only horizontally).
Who the hell holds a $500-$830 electronic device by a $40 cover that is MEANT to come off easy?
@FTB,
“Who the hell holds a $500-$830 electronic device by a $40 cover that is MEANT to come off easy?”
Nobody that I’m aware of. You didn’t see the Obama photo did you? Look again:
Notice in the second picture the cover has lost its magnetic grip? This means the cover is now loose and can slide around. As you’re holding the iPad like this, with the loose cover, it’s very easy to lose your grip as the cover slides and the iPad can drop.
I’ve seen it happen many times to many people.
It’s precisely why Apple replaced my girlfriend’s iPad 2 for free when she broke her display.
Look again silly the cover is not loose it is open. The cover is over the back side of the iPad. If your smart cover comes loose you probably cheaped out and bought a crappy knockoff.
This is why you can’t have nice things !
Love my smart cover. Got the leather- not sure I would love the plastic one.
I love the Smart Cover. I haven’t had any issues with dust at all. And as for dripping it because the magnets aren’t strong enough, are people carrying it around by the cover like it’s a handle? I don’t think that’s what was intended.
Apple usually only makes a couple accessories, either hardware or software, iPhone4 bumper, iPad2 smartcover, iWork apps, Texas Hold’em, leaving plenty for 3rd-parties. For software, it’s usually used as a way to raise the bar, for developers to show them what can be accomplished. For hardware, it’s a way to bump up margins.
Really? MDN hates the Smart cover? How about don’t sit your iPad/Smart cover down in garbage and you won’t have any trouble?
The core concept isn’t bad but the execution on materials is pretty poor. Also I found that while it forms an awkward kind of handle while holding it, it it is silly when unfolded flat over the back.. It flaps loose.
Plus it really is possible to fold it improperly making it useless and it does NOT function as a stand in portrait mode.
I had the iPad1 and now the ipad2. With a small hole made in the back (camera) my old cover works just fine for the ipad2. Honestly I can’t tell much difference in the performance of the 2 over the 1 other than FaceTime and that’s why I upgraded. That is really nice. I think the ipad3 will be out before Christmas and hopefully it will be faster. But I have to admit I rarely use my desktop since buying the iPads. Only when I have to.
If you can’t tell the difference in speed between the iPad 1&2, you need to dial back the quaalude dude. It’s like night & day.
GM, I’ve got an iPad 1 with the Apple case and an iPad 2 with the leather Smart Cover.
I prefer the older cover for the iPad. It feels better in the hand, is more protective and makes a better stand than the Smart cover. The result is that, when I’m going somewhere, I’m more likely to grab the iPad 1 than the 2. Yes, the iPad 2 has better performance for some operations, but for taking notes or reading an ebook there’s no meaningful difference, so that ‘feel’ and protection are more important.
I’m looking for an alternative to the Smart Cover. If I don’t find anything better, I’ll probably end up finding an Apple case for the first iPad and drill a hole in the back to allow the camera to function. Perhaps then it will be the iPad 2 that I grab when leaving. 🙂
I have the Smart Cover and I hate it. Where can I buy the same cover that Apple sold for the iPad 1, but with magnets?
Check out the Bella case, that will be my meeting case.
The Smart Cover is fine for me. 4 small pressure sensitive cork bumpers added to the bottom protect it from bottom scratches.
Good points regarding the Smart Cover MDN, but I still LOVE mine. A black leather cover works well for my mostly clean, indoor use and the iPad 2 and cover fit nicely into my InCase neoprene sleeve for travel.
While we’re on the subject. Why can’t anyone make a case for the iPhone 4. The requirements are simple:
1) Don’t infringe on any of the ports, sensors, camera, flash, or buttons. The headphone jack should still be useable from any “thick” connector. The dock port should still work with any 3rd party connector as well as Apple’s original dock cable. Give lots of extra space for the ports! Bonus points for port plugs.
2) The case shouldn’t be too thick. It should still fit in *most* iPhone 4 holders. Better yet, offer the same case in different thickness models.
3) The Apple logo should show through a hole or transparency in the back, but the rest of the back should be covered.
4) The front needs protection covering across the glass where the display is not present…This means the front and the bottom.
5) The case should have a non-slip material with low lint attractiveness. Special silicone is really needed here.
6) The mid-section of the case should be snug/rigged. This is where the Otterbox Impact fails. If the iPhone 4 were to hit an edge halfway down the screen, the Otterbox Impact wouldn’t protect it. Also it makes the case feel awkward and insecure.
7) Few cases have made it this far, but it should also be easy to remove, clean and put back on.
I guess being presented with a stick with the moon on it would have you pointing out it’s deficiencies. FWIW, I have the free clear Belkin one, and that’s more than adequate, with a clear gloss screen to protect the glass. Phone fits into my Arkon screen mount for Satnav purposes.
I have to join the chorus of those who love the smart cover. I had the same concerns about picking up stuff off of a table, but it simply hasn’t been an issue. I love the instant on and instant off (I know it isn’t really off). Several people I know actually purchased an iPad simply based on the Smart Cover.
The Smart Cover helps make the iPad 2 more usable fro people like my mother-in-law. Not having to turn the thing on and off is one less thing to learn/remember. Sure, it’s easy for us, but for her (71 y.o.) there is enough other things going on for her to try and remember. The simpler = the better. She also has not experienced and of the dust/dirt/grime collection that MDN has complained about. The cover works for her – and for her that’s all that matters.
Get this cover instead; it’s cheaper and pretty awesome: http://www.marware.com/top-10-products/c-e-o-hybrid-ipad-2-case
Ok, how does the smart cover cause you to drop your iPad exactly? You aren’t actually carrying it by holding just the cover are you? because, really, that would be silly. I can’t imagine carrying it in a way without having a hand on the actual iPad itself at all times.
I love mine.
I just bought a Rubberized Snap on Hard Back Shell Case from HandHeld Items. Costs about $14, available in four colors plus black, quality material and it has a beautiful fit–it snapped right onto the back and doesn’t fall off. Works just like I needed it to! No more worrying about the back of the iPad for me!
Check it out:
http://www.handhelditems.com/ipad-rubberized-snap-back-shell-black-compatible-with-smart-cover-p-163391.html
My iPhone edge is 3.5 years old. No protectors whatsoever. If you treat it with slightly more respect than a remote control, it will last. iPhone covers are so ugly, I don’t understand why people do it. How do u slide it in/out of pocket?
I’ve had every iPhone since each launch day. I’ve dropped each one at least a couple of times in a way that would damage it had it not has a case. The same with the iPad.
The first iPad cover was good enough that you could toss the iPad around. I had cases for the 3G/GS that I also found myself tossing them (just casually without care).
Sure, the cases are not as pretty, but you know what’s less pretty? A shattered screen.
There are cases that are slick and thin if you have pocket issues. I don’t. I prefer the sticky rubber so I can place it on places and not have it slide off (boat, car, train, etc…)
MDN’s take seems like they need to put down Apple’s cover because MDN has lost revenue from the usual garbage ads for ‘protective coverings’. I have never used a case and especially have never used a ‘screen protector’ because they make the devices look like junk.
Apple makes the best designed products and if you add crap to the outside, it is just like your mother or grandmother covering the couch with plastic. People who use these covers probably use ugly blankets over their new couches to keep them ‘new’ looking. I have news for you, the new expensive couch looks like hell and so does your iDevice when covered.
I love my smart cover. I have the black leather one. It protects my screen sliding it in and out of my bag. It also cleans the screen to a point. The best part is if I want it off when I get home it’s really easy. You can buy plenty of back protectors that work with the smart cover. If you want a durable case then go get a otter box. Apple never claims this is a case. It’s simply a cover for your screen.
Fold it in half so the inside touches the other inside. Then you won’t get sand and stuff on the part that touches the screen. That also gives your hand a little extra to hold it with, both in landscape and portrait.
+1
and it leaves the camera usable.
+1; folded in half, inside with inside leaving the back camera usable, better grip and free from dust.
To each his own. I have used the red leather one since day one. I am very pleased with it. It as not gotten dirty dispite having been used in cafe environments etc., and still looks like new.
My smart cover works just fine magnets and all. Use it as designed learn how to fold it. Works flawlessly. I have a poly version not the leather. Can’t speak for that version. No complaints here. Maybe people should take their products to the apple store to see what they think.
Smart cover for screen, Aviiq on the back.