iPad magnetic cover gives a false sense of strength

ani23 · Apr 2, 2011

Not sure if this has been discussed so just wanted to put it out there.

When i got my ipad one of my colleagues told me to be careful while using the magnetic cover as it snaps of if you try and use it as a kind of pivot while holding it or moving it.

I was like yeah of course i know that. come this morning i had the ipad on my nightstand and tried to pick it up and inadeverently used the base as if it was firmly connected. the ipad flew out and luckily landed on my bed so no damage done.

however just keep in mind. although we all know it's not to be used for picking up, i think our minds are conditioned to work in a certain way and since the cover fits so flush you might also run into a similar problem so be extra careful.

just wanted to get the word out.

Please note that this is in no way a rant against the cover. i think its great and i love it.

It more or less reminds me of how electric cars need noise generating speakers cos they are so silent and people might not notice em.

Blorzoga · Apr 2, 2011

ani23 said:
Not sure if this has been discussed so just wanted to put it out there.

When i got my ipad one of my colleagues told me to be careful while using the magnetic cover as it snaps of if you try and use it as a kind of pivot while holding it or moving it.

I was like yeah of course i know that. come this morning i had the ipad on my nightstand and tried to pick it up and inadeverently used the base as if it was firmly connected. the ipad flew out and luckily landed on my bed so no damage done.

however just keep in mind. although we all know it's not to be used for picking up, i think our minds are conditioned to work in a certain way and since the cover fits so flush you might also run into a similar problem so be extra careful.

just wanted to get the word out.

Please note that this is in no way a rant against the cover. i think its great and i love it.

It more or less reminds me of how electric cars need noise generating speakers cos they are so silent and people might not notice em.

Wow, thanks for the heads up. Good to know. I owe you one.

mcarthon · Apr 2, 2011

Well it seems your friend already told you to be careful and you didn't listen. I never pick it up by the cover. Even if it were there permanently connected, I wouldn't pick it up by the cover. But thanks anyways.

Surf Monkey · Apr 2, 2011

Same here. I never pick it up by the cover.

bossxii · Apr 2, 2011

Common sense prevails once again!

ani23 · Apr 2, 2011

mcarthon said:
Well it seems your friend already told you to be careful and you didn't listen. I never pick it up by the cover. Even if it were there permanently connected, I wouldn't pick it up by the cover. But thanks anyways.

actually i didn't pick it up by the cover thats why i wrote this. the ipad was stood up with the cover folded. i picked up the base and had the triangle and front of the screen in my hand which I think many people will do. while in the process of moving the pressure on the screen reduced and it just flew off.

yeah it was stupid but i think many people might be picking up or holding the ipad like this and might inadvertently cause this to happen. would be such a shame to crack such a beautiful device.

aibo82 · Apr 2, 2011

I havr found out also if you roll it up reverse so the microfiber is inside to use it as a desk stand the ipad disconnects at the hinge! Then slides forward hurtling off our sideboard nearly onto the floor!!!!

Tip: dont roll the smart cover in reverse to use as a desk stand!

MadDragon1846 · Apr 2, 2011

aibo82 said:
I havr found out also if you roll it up reverse so the microfiber is inside to use it as a desk stand the ipad disconnects at the hinge! Then slides forward hurtling off our sideboard nearly onto the floor!!!!

Tip: dont roll the smart cover in reverse to use as a desk stand!

Lol! This is what happened to me.

Luckily I managed to catch it before it hit the floor.

I find though that rolling it up in reverse is fine for when you want to use it for typing. I don't think i'll be risking using it as a desk stand again like that though.

fizzwinkus · Apr 2, 2011

i've been rolling the smart cover with microfiber on the inside since i got the ipad and haven't had any problems

dmaul1114 · Apr 2, 2011

I never pick up anything with the cover.

Regarding rolling it up, it's more stable with the microfiber side facing out as the magnets stick together more strongly.

But doing it the other way isn't likely to cause problems, it just collapses and goes flat more easily.

bowlerman625 · Apr 2, 2011

Good PSA!

RKpro · Apr 2, 2011

Also, don't stick it to your fridge.

ani23 · Apr 2, 2011

dmaul1114 said:
I never pick up anything with the cover.

Just to clarify again. This isn't about picking up by the cover. It's picking up when the cover is in folded up in a triangle and parts of your hand put pressure on the cover and tends to make us think it's a secure grip but the cover can just slide off and the iPad just flys out.

Hope no one has to experience this first hand

Night Spring · Apr 2, 2011

ani23 said:
Just to clarify again. This isn't about picking up by the cover. It's picking up when the cover is in folded up in a triangle and parts of your hand put pressure on the cover and tends to make us think it's a secure grip but the cover can just slide off and the iPad just flys out.

Maybe I'm missing something, but that just sounds like a variant way of picking the iPad up by the cover. Part of your hand may be on the iPad, but most of your grip is on the cover, right?

ani23 · Apr 2, 2011

Night Spring said:
Maybe I'm missing something, but that just sounds like a variant way of picking the iPad up by the cover. Part of your hand may be on the iPad, but most of your grip is on the cover, right?

No. That's why I want to warn people because it's so subtle. Imagine you are watching a movie with the iPad cover in a triangle and sitting on table at the higher angle around 80 degrees or something. Once done if you pick it up at the right bottom corner and try to move it let's say in front of you depending on how you picked it, how fast you move it if the pressure is too much it can slide straight out of your hand. The thing is it will happen because you have gotten used to the firm grip of the cover and subconsciously use it like a pivot.

Again maybe it was just me being stupid but I really think this is something that might happen quite often. You really can't appreciate it till it happens to you. And I hope it doesn't for anyone.

rworne · Apr 2, 2011

My biggest gripe about the smart cover is this:

When on the go, I tuck the ipad under my arm. With the first generation and the Apple case, this worked really well. With the smart cover, I've caught it quietly disconnecting and the iPad 2 starts slipping downwards toward oblivion.

MultiMediaWill · Apr 2, 2011

ani23 said:
Not sure if this has been discussed so just wanted to put it out there.

When i got my ipad one of my colleagues told me to be careful while using the magnetic cover as it snaps of if you try and use it as a kind of pivot while holding it or moving it.

I was like yeah of course i know that. come this morning i had the ipad on my nightstand and tried to pick it up and inadeverently used the base as if it was firmly connected. the ipad flew out and luckily landed on my bed so no damage done.

however just keep in mind. although we all know it's not to be used for picking up, i think our minds are conditioned to work in a certain way and since the cover fits so flush you might also run into a similar problem so be extra careful.

just wanted to get the word out.

Please note that this is in no way a rant against the cover. i think its great and i love it.

It more or less reminds me of how electric cars need noise generating speakers cos they are so silent and people might not notice em.

This is why knowledge of english grammar must be a requirement to post on these forums.

Night Spring · Apr 2, 2011

ani23 said:
No. That's why I want to warn people because it's so subtle. Imagine you are watching a movie with the iPad cover in a triangle and sitting on table at the higher angle around 80 degrees or something. Once done if you pick it up at the right bottom corner and try to move it let's say in front of you depending on how you picked it, how fast you move it if the pressure is too much it can slide straight out of your hand. The thing is it will happen because you have gotten used to the firm grip of the cover and subconsciously use it like a pivot.

Again maybe it was just me being stupid but I really think this is something that might happen quite often. You really can't appreciate it till it happens to you. And I hope it doesn't for anyone.

No, I've had this happen to me, I know what you are talking about, but I still think this phenomena fits under the category of "Do not pick iPad up by the cover." Or maybe it's more, "Do not depend on the magnet holding when moving the iPad and the smart cover together." In any case, one of the first things I discovered was never to use the smart cover as a pivot. Any force at an angle snaps the cover right off.

dmaul1114 · Apr 2, 2011

Night Spring said:
No, I've had this happen to me, I know what you are talking about, but I still think this phenomena fits under the category of "Do not pick iPad up by the cover." Or maybe it's more, "Do not depend on the magnet holding when moving the iPad and the smart cover together." In any case, one of the first things I discovered was never to use the smart cover as a pivot. Any force at an angle snaps the cover right off.

Yeah, however you want to phrase it, just make sure you always have a solid grip on the iPad as the smartcover can slide around or detach.

Just be careful and make sure you've got a solid grip and you'll be fine. If you're a klutzy type, or have kids using it etc., then you probably need a full case that won't slide off and provides drop protection etc.

cb911 · Apr 3, 2011

ani23 said:
It more or less reminds me of how electric cars need noise generating speakers cos they are so silent and people might not notice em.

Hard to notice something if you're not even paying attention and looking in the first place... that kind of thinking is what makes the roads so dangerous for motorcyclists. Let's not even go there...

iVeBeenDrinkin' · Apr 3, 2011

Unstable magnets? Good tow know.

miamialley · Apr 3, 2011

My arms gave me a false sense of security. I thought it if I flapped them fast enough I could fly. Oh well.

I never pick it up by the cover.

iPad magnetic cover gives a false sense of strength

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