Are Apple's "Smart Covers" worth it?

Leaves too much room for scratches on the back--would worry me constantly with all the commuting I do.

Returned mine

I had one for about 10 days and returned it. Not enough protection, too expensive (had the red leather one), kind of awkward to use.

Looking for a case like the apple branded iPad 1 case.

I think smart covers are expensive for what they are. With that said, I really like mine.

The reason there are all sorts of different iPad cases is because everyone uses their differently. I am not a fan of folio style cases, i've tried several and just never got used to them. I prefer something light, but grippy on the back, and the smart cover is a nice companion accessory that covers the front and acts as a portable stand.

As for back protection, several of us have been discussing this for awhile now. Smart cover compatible cases are slowly making their way to the market. I have created a list of the ones we are aware of so far, and if you do a search you should be able to find a thread or two about the specific case (i.e. Enki, Belkin, Incipio Smart Feather, etc.).

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1139927/

You left off the most important reason they stink from your poll...the stand positions are horrible and very unstable. Wish I had returned mine in time for a refund, but stuck with it. Black leather.

I need to add an asterisk to my no. I don't think the Apple Smart Cover is worth it. However, I do think the idea of the wake sleep function is worth it. I like the idea of the case that auto wakes and sleeps the iPad is totally worth it. For example: C.E.O. Hybrid iPad 2 Case is absolutely worth the $50 price tag.

brudog68 said:

You left off the most important reason they stink from your poll...the stand positions are horrible and very unstable. Wish I had returned mine in time for a refund, but stuck with it. Black leather.

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I have no problem with my stand positions...

I've spend about 50 bucks on cases on eBay and none of them left me feeling satisfied. I went to Target this past Friday and got the blue smart cover and I love it, I should have just tried it out on the first place.

jedolley said:

I have no problem with my stand positions...

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Top heavy and will topple easy in the "viewing" position, worthless if trying to prop while on your lap etc...

I didn't realize it til I tried others like targus360 and switch easy canvas...

Sure, if you set it on a table and no chance of touching or moving it your fine, but otherwise it's less than sturdy.

I tried to like it, I really did

Want another one cheap? Lol

But even if you like the form factor I personally feel they are overpriced for what you may find in third party options.

brudog68 said:

But even if you like the form factor I personally feel they are overpriced for what you may find in third party options.

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who makes a cover like the smartcover? Link please....I think they are overpriced too but most apple stuff is....and the ability on a whim for people to return it because they don't like it or it does not match their eyes is pretty strong...try returning another item like that - it's all in the whole presentation you are paying for...

glen e said:

who makes a cover like the smartcover? Link please....i think they are overpriced too but most apple stuff is....and the ability on a whim for people to return it because they don't like it or it does not match their eyes is pretty strong...try returning another item like that - it's all in the whole presentation you are paying for...

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+1

gorskiegangsta said:

see, my problem with the whole price thing is that Apple may set a[n annoying] trend which will convince the 3rd party manufacturers to make more expensive cases with less functionality.

Or maybe I'm just too paranoid

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I disagree, if anything case manufactures will try to under cut Apple.

I love my Smart Cover. Gives just the right amount of screen protection with minimal bulk. As for protection of the back, I leave that up to iCarbons.

Each to his own. I had my Smart Cover and an Ebay TPU back for a week. I love the look of that combination.

However, I found the Smart Cover to be very unstable and really awkward to use.

I returned it today and am over the moon with my Maroo case which is a true keeper.

xraytech said:

I love my Smart Cover. Gives just the right amount of screen protection with minimal bulk. As for protection of the back, I leave that up to iCarbons.

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X2 - black smartcover with black or white icarbon is minimal bulk and everyone that sees it comments on it's look..

brudog68 said:

But even if you like the form factor I personally feel they are overpriced for what you may find in third party options.

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glen e said:

who makes a cover like the smartcover? Link please....I think they are overpriced too but most apple stuff is....and the ability on a whim for people to return it because they don't like it or it does not match their eyes is pretty strong...try returning another item like that - it's all in the whole presentation you are paying for...

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Sorry, I didn't mean JUST like the smart cover, but rather options with the same front cover function and form like this, they stand and fold the same etc...
http://www.macally.com/en/product/ArticleShow.asp?ArticleID=387

gorskiegangsta said:

Are smart covers worth it?

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NO.

I got mine in green poly.

Was highly disappointed and eBay'ed that crap.

the poly material collects marks and dirt that are hard to clean off!

if they were $19.99 they would be worth it.

Just got a poly gray off of craigslist, brand new for only $20 and i would say its definitely worth it. Im going to get the back invisible shielded and then its perfect combination.

Definitely not worth $40, I only bought one because I had a $20 gift card at best buy. Tried it out and still feel the same way, it should be no more than $20 MAXIMUM. Would I buy it if it was at full retail price? Probably not.