iPad (REVIEWED) Another Smart Case alternative

mpayne2k · Mar 24, 2014

will25u said:
Here's some pics.

It's definitely a fake, but good effort. I may get one...

I notice the speaker grill cut-outs are less than the "real" case. Also, the leather grain is much larger than the real thing. Most likely leatherette?

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will25u said:
I bought this case and received it during the weekend. Although it looks real, the ports don't align perfectly, especially the charging port. I have to take it out of the case to charge it. Also the headphone port is a little off too. I bought two of these, one for my girl and one for me and her cutouts were more accurate than mine so it might be just mine.

Based on your pics the charging port looks the same size as the real case. Did you have to do any sort of mod to the port areas to fit your headphones?

will25u · Mar 24, 2014

This brown one is the one that fits ok. The black case is the one that has issues with the charging port and the headphone.

BJB Productions · Mar 24, 2014

will25u said:
I bought this case and received it during the weekend. Although it looks real, the ports don't align perfectly, especially the charging port. I have to take it out of the case to charge it. Also the headphone port is a little off too. I bought two of these, one for my girl and one for me and her cutouts were more accurate than mine so it might be just mine.

Thanks for the pics! Very helpful. For $20, I'll be satisfied with what you're describing. How long did it take for you to receive them? How does the leather feel?

will25u · Mar 24, 2014

I bought the case on the 3/10 and arrived on 3/22 so not that long at all. The leather feels good and not cheap. All I can say is if the cutouts were better I would be satisfied.

Btw the case weighs 132 grams if anyone is wondering

mpayne2k · Mar 25, 2014

will25u said:
I bought the case on the 3/10 and arrived on 3/22 so not that long at all. The leather feels good and not cheap. All I can say is if the cutouts were better I would be satisfied.

Btw the case weighs 132 grams if anyone is wondering

Did you buy from the same seller as the OP? If not, mind adding a link to your purchased listing?

Kisey · Mar 25, 2014

will25u said:
This brown one is the one that fits ok. The black case is the one that has issues with the charging port and the headphone.

I have a legit black one for my rMini, and I can tell just by looking at those photos that the eBay ones are indeed fake. The leather on the authentic ones is a lot more smooth. I guess for $20 you really can't complain, though.

will25u · Mar 25, 2014

mpayne2k said:
Did you buy from the same seller as the OP? If not, mind adding a link to your purchased listing?

Here's the link.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400672181551?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

BJB Productions · Mar 25, 2014

mpayne2k said:
Did you buy from the same seller as the OP? If not, mind adding a link to your purchased listing?

will25u said:
Here's the link.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400672181551?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

So yes - that's the same seller.

BJB Productions · Mar 26, 2014

Still no case or tracking update. If I don't receive it in the next few days I'll start to get a little more concerned.

TWO2SEVEN · Mar 26, 2014

BJB Productions said:
So yes - that's the same seller.

BJB Productions said:
Still no case or tracking update. If I don't receive it in the next few days I'll start to get a little more concerned.

Same here

BJB Productions · Mar 27, 2014

Finally! I've got a shipping update. I think most likely it will arrive tomorrow.

mpayne2k · Mar 27, 2014

BJB Productions said:
Finally! I've got a shipping update. I think most likely it will arrive tomorrow.

Sweet! I've personally held off buying until either one of you guys get your shipment. Would you post some more pics of this case? I'm intrigued indeed

TWO2SEVEN · Mar 28, 2014

BJB Productions said:
Finally! I've got a shipping update. I think most likely it will arrive tomorrow.

Where are you going to do the tracking? I tried the China Post tracker and it wasn't helpful.

BJB Productions · Mar 28, 2014

TWO2SEVEN said:
Where are you going to do the tracking? I tried the China Post tracker and it wasn't helpful.

USPS. It's out for delivery today.

TWO2SEVEN · Mar 28, 2014

BJB Productions said:
USPS. It's out for delivery today.

Thanks! Mine was in Chicago, IL thirty minutes ago. Hopefully it will be here tomorrow.

BJB Productions · Mar 28, 2014

TWO2SEVEN said:
Thanks! Mine was in Chicago, IL thirty minutes ago. Hopefully it will be here tomorrow.

Great! I'll post some pics and a short review as soon as I can.

TWO2SEVEN · Mar 28, 2014

BJB Productions said:
Great! I'll post some pics and a short review as soon as I can.

Sounds good!

BJB Productions · Mar 28, 2014

I received it and will post some pics tomorrow with a little more of a review. First impressions:

- Yes, it's a knockoff, (same product as what's posted in the YouTube video on page 1) the build quality is definitely lower than Apple standards but still good.
- I'm still extremely pleased with the case.
- It fits very snug and the cutouts are correct.
- I don't think it's real leather.

All in all, I love it. Esp. for $20! More to come...

BJB Productions · Mar 29, 2014

Case REVIEW

Here's (finally) a short overview on the case. I've uploaded the most important images to this post. The post below will have a few more images.

Yes, it's a knockoff. But for the price I paid, I'm completely satisfied.

Pros:
- Build quality is good. I was expecting worse.
- The interior of the case is soft.
- The iPad snugly fits inside the case. It's a perfect fit.
- Cover works very well as a stand and does not fall if tapped.
- Buttons work.

Cons or drawbacks:
- Apple logo on the back of the case is not quite straight. (hehe)
- Not sure if the leather is real.
- While ports are cut out pretty well, I am unable to plug in my iPad with the case on. This is definitely a drawback. I think with a little trimming I can make the hole big enough. (This may vary from case to case, though)
- Buttons work, just not very defined.

Overall:
Does it have the craftsmanship of an Apple product? Not quite.
Is it worth it? Yes, I am happy. It protects the iPad in Apple style for a lot less $$. The only drawback for me is that you cannot plug in the iPad with the case on.

BJB Productions · Mar 29, 2014

A few more images.

BJB Productions · Mar 29, 2014

A few more images.

TWO2SEVEN · Mar 31, 2014

Looks like mine should be here today. I will write up a review later if my experience is any different than BJB's.

mpayne2k · Mar 31, 2014

Thank you, great photos!

musicjunky · Mar 31, 2014

For $20, this is a pretty slick looking case. At 1/4 the price, I reckon you get about 3/4 of the quality of the real Smart Cover. Nice pick-up.

TWO2SEVEN · Mar 31, 2014

Got mine today as well. It looks just like BJB's so I waste space with pictures. I agree with the previous review. I too have a slighty crooked :apple:

logo. Truth be told I probably wouldn't have noticed if he hadn't brought it up haha.

The only differnece is that my lightning cable fits with the cover on. I guess I got lucky.

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musicjunky said:
For $20, this is a pretty slick looking case. At 1/4 the price, I reckon you get about 3/4 of the quality of the real Smart Cover. Nice pick-up.

I agree with this statement.

iPad (REVIEWED) Another Smart Case alternative

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