iPad: Getting the iPad 4 for Xmas, do I want a Smart Cover or something else?

[Tydog07]

I'm getting an iPad 4 for Christmas and I want to get a cover or case for it. I see the used smart covers go pretty cheap on eBay but I also see that monoprice makes some nice and simple covers too. I don't want to spend more than $30 or so on a case or cover so if you know of any standout recommendations, please pass them along. I don't want something too crazy looking and I don't need a hand strap on it, it also doesn't need to serve any other function except for protecting the iPad, or it's screen if I get a Smart Cover. Thoughts?

[kodeman53]

My thoughts are, read some the existing threads to learn what's available or search on Amazon for iPad cover, then read the reviews of the cheap ones.

[Tydog07]

Are all Apple smart covers the same? I see that there are a couple listings for the same smart cover on Amazon. See attached photo, as there are 2 black leather listings.

[Tazzydnc]

Originally Posted by Tydog07

Are all Apple smart covers the same? I see that there are a couple listings for the same smart cover on Amazon. See attached photo, as there are 2 black leather listings.

from the reviews I've read, no. Most of the cheaper ones have weaker magnets, so they don't stay attached to the ipad as well, and don't hold the flap against the ipad as securely.

I'm a big fan of keyboard cases, especially the ones by Zagg. It instantly turned my iPad into a de-facto netbook.

If you're really set on the Smart Cover route, I recommend you get a back snap shell as well. I recommend this one: http://goincase.com/products/detail/...p-case-cl60137

It allows you to position the ipad at a variety of angles when using a Smart Cover.

[Fattytail]

Originally Posted by Tazzydnc

from the reviews I've read, no. Most of the cheaper ones have weaker magnets, so they don't stay attached to the ipad as well, and don't hold the flap against the ipad as securely.

I'm a big fan of keyboard cases, especially the ones by Zagg. It instantly turned my iPad into a de-facto netbook.

If you're really set on the Smart Cover route, I recommend you get a back snap shell as well. I recommend this one: http://goincase.com/products/detail/...p-case-cl60137

It allows you to position the ipad at a variety of angles when using a Smart Cover.

Agreed on the snap on back shell. I've got the Smart Cover, which I love, and a Caudabe Shell for the back.
http://www.caudabe.com/collections/i...er-shell-frost

[LeeM]

since the day i got my ipad 2 my recommendation has always been a combination of smart cover and zum sc ultimate. adds no bulk or weight, and offers decent protection.

[Tydog07]

I agree with you guys, I want to get a Smart Cover and just a shell for the back, maybe even just a skin. If you look at my photo, it appears there are two listings for the same apple made Smart Cover in black leather, can someone exam this?

Also, I thought about a keyboard case and if I needed to use it for real work, I would, but I have a MacBook Pro for that.

[boshii]

Originally Posted by Tydog07

I agree with you guys, I want to get a Smart Cover and just a shell for the back, maybe even just a skin. If you look at my photo, it appears there are two listings for the same apple made Smart Cover in black leather, can someone exam this?

They're the same smart cover, just different sellers.

[Tydog07]

I'm thinking about getting an apple bluetooth keyboard, so for those of you who use a keyboard case or a smaller/thinner keyboard or an Apple Bluetooth Keyboard, which do you prefer and why?

[CDutch]

Originally Posted by Tydog07

I'm thinking about getting an apple bluetooth keyboard, so for those of you who use a keyboard case or a smaller/thinner keyboard or an Apple Bluetooth Keyboard, which do you prefer and why?

I'm curious as well.

[Infinitewisdom]

I think the smart cover is a great product and I'd totally recommend it. Whether or not you want the back protected is up to you. If you do, I'd go with something like the Caudabe Shell, Incipio Smart Feather or some other hard shell. For back skins, try bestskinsever or sticker boy.

[Tazzydnc]

Originally Posted by Tydog07

I'm thinking about getting an apple bluetooth keyboard, so for those of you who use a keyboard case or a smaller/thinner keyboard or an Apple Bluetooth Keyboard, which do you prefer and why?

I prefer the keyboard case, specifically the zagg pro(plus). In terms of typing ergonomics, I'm not a huge fan of apple's BT keyboard, though I do like the design and how light it is. I feel just as comfortable typing on the zagg pro keyboard case as I do on a "full sized" laptop keyboard, however my hands are far from large.

I did a few quick online typing tests and it doesn't look like there's a significant difference in my typing speed or accuracy between the two.

Also, from what I've heard the Apple BT chews through alkaline batteries like termites through particle board, whereas the keyboard case is rechargeable and (supposedly) lasts for months. After a few good weeks of use, mine hasn't dropped in charge level at all.

since we're talking iPad accessories, obviously the keyboard cases have an advantage in that they are cases that protect your iPad and in turn take up less space. $$$ aside, it's a no brainer if you ask me.

[Tydog07]

Originally Posted by Tazzydnc

I prefer the keyboard case, specifically the zagg pro(plus). In terms of typing ergonomics, I'm not a huge fan of apple's BT keyboard, though I do like the design and how light it is. I feel just as comfortable typing on the zagg pro keyboard case as I do on a "full sized" laptop keyboard, however my hands are far from large.

I did a few quick online typing tests and it doesn't look like there's a significant difference in my typing speed or accuracy between the two.

Also, from what I've heard the Apple BT chews through alkaline batteries like termites through particle board, whereas the keyboard case is rechargeable and (supposedly) lasts for months. After a few good weeks of use, mine hasn't dropped in charge level at all.

since we're talking iPad accessories, obviously the keyboard cases have an advantage in that they are cases that protect your iPad and in turn take up less space. $$$ aside, it's a no brainer if you ask me.

Thanks for the input, Monoprice has a few cheap options for keyboard cases so perhaps I'll start there.

Though I'm glad I have a leather smart cover coming, got a new genuine apple black leather for $17 shipped via ebay.




Can't tell if I want a skin or back case yet, any input on that?

[rabidz7]

You will need lots of chargers. Make sure they are iPad not iPhone chargers.

[Tydog07]

Originally Posted by rabidz7

You will need lots of chargers. Make sure they are iPad not iPhone chargers.

Pardon?

Also,

apparently a lot of people like the ZUM SC Ultimate Back Case for the Ipad: http://www.amazon.com/ZUM-SCU-3-S-Ul...ate+for+ipad+4



I'd like to spend a little less than $20 for my back case. Anything similar to that, but less expensive?


What do people think of the Incipio Feather Case?

http://www.amazon.com/Incipio-IPAD-2...ds=ipad+4+case

[D.T.]

Originally Posted by Tydog07

Pardon?

Hahaha, exactly.

I toss my iPad4thG on the supplied charger (the OEM 4th gen comes with a 12W charger) about every 3rd or 4th day, in the evening when I'm shutting down, and it's ready the next morning for another 3 or days of use (I don't use it continuously, probably 3-4 hours a day).

[Hooterville]

Just get the Apple Smart cover and not some cheap crap from eBay.

[SnowLeopard OSX]

Originally Posted by Hooterville

Just get the Apple Smart cover and not some cheap crap from eBay.

He's looking for a back case -- the smart cover won't do him any good

Here's what I use, it's a personal favorite and keeps your iPad secure -- I haven't taken my iPad out of it since I got it last month, nor do I plan on doing so!



http://goincase.com/products/detail/...lution-cl60131

[thelookingglass]

Originally Posted by Fattytail

Agreed on the snap on back shell. I've got the Smart Cover, which I love, and a Caudabe Shell for the back.
http://www.caudabe.com/collections/i...er-shell-frost

Just got the Caudabe for my dad on Amazon. A buck cheaper than on the Caudabe website. Even less if you're a Prime member and get free shipping. http://www.amazon.com/Caudabe-Shell-...=Caudabe+shell

[Hooterville]

Originally Posted by SnowLeopard OSX

He's looking for a back case -- the smart cover won't do him any good

Here's what I use, it's a personal favorite and keeps your iPad secure -- I haven't taken my iPad out of it since I got it last month, nor do I plan on doing so!

Image

http://goincase.com/products/detail/...lution-cl60131

I meant to say Smart Case by Apple.

[Tydog07]

Originally Posted by SnowLeopard OSX

He's looking for a back case -- the smart cover won't do him any good

Here's what I use, it's a personal favorite and keeps your iPad secure -- I haven't taken my iPad out of it since I got it last month, nor do I plan on doing so!

Image

http://goincase.com/products/detail/...lution-cl60131

I appreciate the suggestion, but I already got a black/leather smart cover from Apple.

Originally Posted by thelookingglass

Just got the Caudabe for my dad on Amazon. A buck cheaper than on the Caudabe website. Even less if you're a Prime member and get free shipping. http://www.amazon.com/Caudabe-Shell-...=Caudabe+shell

It seems that the Caudabe, Incipio Feather and ZUM SC Ultimate all run very similar to each other, anyone care to comment on the differences in quality/features?

Also, I want to get a black or smoke case and not a clear one, I've seen clear cases on things such as Macbook's and I just don't like it as much as something with at least a tint on it like smoke or straight black.

Links for the products I'm considering are below:

Zum SC Ultimate $20: http://www.amazon.com/ZUM-SCU-3-S-Ul...ef=pd_sim_pc_1

Incipio Feather $19: http://www.amazon.com/Incipio-IPAD-2...ds=ipad+4+case

Caudabe ~$22: http://www.caudabe.com/collections/i...ell-pianoblack


Though, I think we can all agree these are pretty damn similar.

----------

Is the ZUM SC Ultimate the only offering that has a smart cover lock? This feature seems pretty desirable.

[thelookingglass]

Originally Posted by Tydog07

I appreciate the suggestion, but I already got a black/leather smart cover from Apple.



It seems that the Caudabe, Incipio Feather and ZUM SC Ultimate all run very similar to each other, anyone care to comment on the differences in quality/features?

Also, I want to get a black or smoke case and not a clear one, I've seen clear cases on things such as Macbook's and I just don't like it as much as something with at least a tint on it like smoke or straight black.

Links for the products I'm considering are below:

Zum SC Ultimate $20: http://www.amazon.com/ZUM-SCU-3-S-Ul...ef=pd_sim_pc_1

Incipio Feather $19: http://www.amazon.com/Incipio-IPAD-2...ds=ipad+4+case

Caudabe ~$22: http://www.caudabe.com/collections/i...ell-pianoblack


Though, I think we can all agree these are pretty damn similar.

----------

Is the ZUM SC Ultimate the only offering that has a smart cover lock? This feature seems pretty desirable.

I think the Incipio Smart Feather (as opposed to just feather) has the same locking mechanism as the Zum. I personally don't like that. There are times when I want to just take off my Smart Cover, and that's a hassle if you have it locked in. Plus, because of the added bulk of that locking mechanism, I find the Smart Cover doesn't sit flat when it's folded around. Just my two cents.

[eatmyjustice]

Thanks for the input everyone... I received an iPad as a gift and I'm also considering cases. So far, I like the combination of a smart cover and a shell for the back. Does the smart cover come off so easily that it's worth getting the Zum shell that locks the smart cover into place?

[Infinitewisdom]

Originally Posted by eatmyjustice

Thanks for the input everyone... I received an iPad as a gift and I'm also considering cases. So far, I like the combination of a smart cover and a shell for the back. Does the smart cover come off so easily that it's worth getting the Zum shell that locks the smart cover into place?

Depends on how you use it. But it hasn't come off inadvertently at all in my experience and I like the flexibility of being able to detach it from time to time.

[boshii]

Originally Posted by eatmyjustice

Does the smart cover come off so easily that it's worth getting the Zum shell that locks the smart cover into place?

The Smart Cover doesn't come off easily at all. It may slide around a but without detaching but I have a skin on mine and haven't found that to be a problem. I like to remove mine while in use then attach it when I'm done.

All I use is a back skin and the Smart Cover. The mini is way too thin and lightweight for me to weight it down with anything else.