iPad Mini: Love the mini... hate the smart cover

[CalWizrd]

I got my 64GB Verizon mini last Thursday, and have been using it for the last 4 days. As far as the device itself, I love it.

I have no issues with the screen size/resolution, and I have retina devices to comapre it with (iPad 3rd gen and iPhone 5). I like the size and weight, and find it very easy to use holding it in one hand.

The smart cover, on the other hand, is a disappointment.

I assume they went with the different hinge configuration for two reasons... 1) the aluminum hinge would probably scratch and mark up the black version (the one I have), and 2) the new configuration is probably cheaper to manufacture.

The biggest problem I see is that the new hinge mechanism leaves the smart cover way too "floppy" on top of the screen. What I mean is that it can move around on the surface too much... the larger smart cover with the aluminum hinge is much more stable in place.

Just my thoughts.

[profets]

I agree.

I'm a big fan of the smart cover on the iPad, been using one since the iPad 2 launched.

But my wife has an iPad mini with the smart cover and it does sit ok, but feels too loose or floppy when folding it behind while using the device, almost not comfortable to have there at all.

[Guy Mancuso]

Agree I'm not crazy about the Smart Cover. Very nice device the mini but the Smart Cover brings the experience down a notch. I ordered a back , cover setup from Hong Kong. See how that will work. New buyers not sure I would get the Smart Cover. I'll hand mine down to my son to get him started for his mini for Christmas.

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I ordered this . Hopefully it will be better

http://www.jisoncase.com/product/Cla...iPad-mini.html

[Defender2010]

True, I returned mine as it was pretty useless! It keeps opening in a bag regardless of how well you place it in there. Why no Smart Case? (Waiting to see if this sells Apple before committing yourself to making a case?)
The stinger is this miniature piece of crap polycrap is priced the same as the full size version when it should be priced at £9.99 for all the use it is!!! iRIPOFF

[Scarpad]

I won't be getting a mini till after xmas, but I've ordered a plastic backing shell on ebay , I'll use that and probably a Sleeve of somesort to store the mini in when carrying it around.

[RenoG]

Originally Posted by Defender2010

True, I returned mine as it was pretty useless! It keeps opening in a bag regardless of how well you place it in there. Why no Smart Case? (Waiting to see if this sells Apple before committing yourself to making a case?)
The stinger is this miniature piece of crap polycrap is priced the same as the full size version when it should be priced at £9.99 for all the use it is!!! iRIPOFF

Wait, what!! its the same price as the full size smart cover!?!?!

[BrianSoCal]

Get one these and thank me later

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o00_s00_i00

[Defender2010]

Originally Posted by BrianSoCal

Get one these and thank me later

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o00_s00_i00

Sorry Cali, I am not really into Leatherette!

[AndersOlson]

^Agreed, I prefer TPU or a Poly case

[davideotape]

i love the ipad smart cover, but i had the mini smart cover for literally 25 minutes before i walked right back into the apple store and returned it.

the missing extra fold is sloppy, the magnet, while seemingly stronger, doesn't catch as cleanly, the thing feels more cheaply made, and the whole thing just isn't designed well for the new device, feels like an afterthought. and yes, $39, the same price as the full sized version.

for maybe $10-15 less than that I just ordered 3 cases online based on a few suggestions from these threads.

[MacDarcy]

I am still waiting for my white, 64gig, AT&T iPad mini from Fed Ex to arrive, but I did get a FREE smart cover sent to me when I called up to ask Apple where my iPad mini was. So I will keep it regardless. When my iPad mini does arrive, I will test it out. If I don't like it, it won't matter cause I gots it fo free. Heh heh heh.

I kinda prefer a cover that covers the front and back anyway. Apple makes one for the full sized iPad, but not the mini yet.

[Appl3FTW]

Originally Posted by MacDarcy

I am still waiting for my white, 64gig, AT&T iPad mini from Fed Ex to arrive, but I did get a FREE smart cover sent to me when I called up to ask Apple where my iPad mini was. So I will keep it regardless. When my iPad mini does arrive, I will test it out. If I don't like it, it won't matter cause I gots it fo free. Heh heh heh.

I kinda prefer a cover that covers the front and back anyway. Apple makes one for the full sized iPad, but not the mini yet.

uhm both the smartcovers from apple are front only...

[virginblue4]

Originally Posted by Appl3FTW

uhm both the smartcovers from apple are front only...

He's talking about the smart case for the regular iPad....

[MacDarcy]

Originally Posted by Appl3FTW

uhm both the smartcovers from apple are front only...

Not true. Go to an Applestore....they just came out with a smart cover that covers the back as well for the regular sized iPad.

Also, I still have my original black apple iPad cover for my first gen iPad. Thing is tattered, but still does the job. :-)

[reckless2k2]

Is anyone getting weird lines consistent with the Smart Cover creases on the back of the mini when you found the cover behind? I have a slate black mini and noticed this.

[CalWizrd]

Got this:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009JRMBVG/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00

and it's quite nice. Much better, IMHO, than the Apple smart cover.

Thanks to BrianSoCal for the recommendation.

[MrXiro]

Originally Posted by reckless2k2

Is anyone getting weird lines consistent with the Smart Cover creases on the back of the mini when you found the cover behind? I have a slate black mini and noticed this.

Yeah... clean your cover. It's oil/grease/smut from the polyurethane. Take a bit of windex to it or dish soap.

It's plastic so nothing can really "hurt" it.
Besides fire... fire kills all things.