iPad 2 Smart Cover – The Best Case Your New iPad Can Get
iPad 2 will be available in black and white
UPDATE: You can get the Smart Cover from as low as $26 from Amazon. Thanks to Simon’s helpful comment below.
The long-awaited iPad 2 is now available. Although the screen size is still 9.7”, the new iPad is slimmer and slightly smaller than its predecessor. Those of you who resisted the impulse of buying an iPad as Christmas present can have it now for the same price but with the new operating system from Apple, iOS4 and with lots of additional functions such as dual video cameras, gyroscope, HDMI video out and magnetic screen covers.
iPad2 Smart Cover unfolding
The magnetic screen covers are called “Smart Covers” and they surely live up to their name, thanks to a series of interesting features which we are going to talk about here. This is not a hands-on review of the iPad 2 Smart Cover, since it’s yet to become available for purchase, but a description of its main features and benefits that make it awesome.
First of all, the Smart Cover addresses the issue some iPad users had, that it was a shame to cover such a beautiful design with a case. For the iPad 2, the case was designed right alongside the product, and the result was a cover for the glass screen. The back of the new iPad is made from durable aluminum, therefore it doesn’t need protection.
iPad 2 Smart Cover folded as typing support
The Smart Cover attaches to the iPad 2 via magnets and it bends and folds around, revealing the screen and at the same time offering support for typing or watching movies. There are magnets not only inside the cover but also inside the iPad 2, therefore the cover will snap onto the iPad in the correct position every time. It’s so easy to attach or remove the Smart Cover, that you can have more than one, so you’ll be able to match it with the colors of your outfits.
Apple will provide the Smart Covers in ten colors, five in polyurethane and five in leather.
The Smart Cover will be available in 10 colors
The cover is padded with a microfiber lining which cleans the screen any time you move it.
Another interesting feature is that the cover automatically wakes up the iPad when you open it and puts it to sleep when you close it. This will be a great battery life saver.
The price announced by Apple is $39 for the polyurethane covers and $69 for the leather covers. We are going to update this article with a list of online stores where you can order your Smart Cover as well as other iPad 2 accessories.
The First iPad 2 Accessories Have Been Announced
Mar 05, 2011 @ 10:24:54
[...] iPad 2 Smart Cover is really smart. It covers only the glass of the iPad and it gets attached with magnets. The idea [...]
Mar 06, 2011 @ 17:29:59
I’ve had many Apple products with an aluminum back. They most certainly DO get scratched up in normal use, and I see this Smart Cover as an attempt by Apple to trick users into doing that very thing. The more scratched-up your iPad 2 is when they introduce the iPad 3, the less likely you are to detract from sales of iPad 3 by selling your iPad 2. Nobody’s going to want your scratched up iPad 2 when they can spend a little more and get a shiny new iPad 3, right?
I just cannot believe the back of the iPad 2 is any more resistant to scratching than any other Apple product, and they’ve said nothing about it being better designed, better protected, or more durable. In fact, they didn’t mention the scratch resistance of the aluminum back at all, and that worries me.
If I’m wrong, I’ll be pleased. I have long said that Apple purposely uses the aluminum back on their products with the intention of inviting scratches, and if they found a way to mitigate that issue, I will be first in line for the Smart Cover.
Mar 07, 2011 @ 18:40:11
That’s a really good point Zamiel. I don’t put anything past apple these days…
I also own an iPod touch 4G, the back is stainless steel and was so shiny when it was new, but was covered in little scratches after a few weeks of normal use. It certainly makes the product feel old and worn after 6 months. We would not accept this from, for example, a car manufacturer.
Mar 09, 2011 @ 21:22:48
If you are worried about scratches you can use the Zagg Invisible Shield. I´ve used it in a Sony Camera where it worked flawlesly and also on a Nokia E71, where unfortunately it started peeling off on the sides (I did carry the phone inside my pocket everyday which I´m sure accelerated the process). I dont live in the US, but Zagg does offer a lifetime warranty on their product so that is taken care of for US residents.
I´m thinking on getting both the smartcover and the invisible shield but It would be interesteing to have a rubber skin that protects not only from scratches but small bumps as well.
iPad 2 Accessories Available on Amazon | Cool iPad Accessories
Mar 10, 2011 @ 19:43:22
[...] interesting accessory which will be available soon is the iPad 2 Smart Cover from Apple. This entry was posted in iPad Accessories and tagged Belkin, flexible case, folio, Hard Candy [...]
Mar 12, 2011 @ 06:06:41
How soon will the Smart Cover be available?
Mar 15, 2011 @ 20:47:25
It’s available now from Apple.com
Mar 18, 2011 @ 15:52:10
I WANT THE HARD CANDY Convertible CASE NOW! I bought…and hate … Apple’s “Smart Cover” (anyone wanna buy a gray one cheap?) It doesn’t protect sides, buttons, or back (WTF?) – I have to fold the cover back origami style 10x a day to type and it gets old, FAST. It also drops off the magnets holding it up if you type of press too hard on the pad, sending it clunking down onto the table. Not digging it.
Apr 04, 2011 @ 02:06:02
Just thought I’d let you know you can get the smart cover from Amazon for little as $26, better than Apple’s store.
Apr 09, 2011 @ 17:49:15
I found out that the Targus slipcase works with the iPad 2 with the smart cover on
Apr 10, 2011 @ 04:41:24
Thx for that info Joe. Good to know.
Apr 10, 2011 @ 06:50:38
Guys,
I just wanted to let you all know after trying about a thousand cases, I found one that is AWESOME! This case is the ultimate iPad accessory! It’s thin and light! And works perfectly with the smart cover! And it has a keyboard! Here’s the link.
http://accessorized.us/ipad/ipad-accessories/zaggmate-ipad-case-with-keyboard.html
Apr 23, 2011 @ 15:03:35
I’m going to buy this case, it protects the back of the ipad 2 but is compatible with the smart cover if you opt to get it. I will probably buy an additional slip sleeve case for travel…ugh I’ve loved apple for over 10 years way before they were popular but I must say this time they failed with the apple smart cover… you mean to tell me they couldn’t make it go around the back of the ipad?? Come on..they could have, and to charge 40.00 for it..in my opinion it should come with the ipad 2 especially if you are buying the more expensive models.