An Honest In-Depth Review of the Smart Cover (With Pics) - Also, Why I'm Returning It

[Blarneystone]

Good review above. But I am on the opposite side. I bought the cover and do like it despite it's limitations.

One plus is I don't like docking gadgets. I rarely dock my iPhone. And much prefer just using the cable. But without this cover, I wouldn't be able to put it in display mode.

Also for typing, I mainly type at a desk, so the angle for typing is just right.

As far as smudging and scratching the glass, it is my understanding that the glass (like the iPhone) can withstand a lot of abuse. Sure, try to avoid anything but your fingers and cover on the screen. but if a magnet touches it, as it has mine, it probably won't scratch.

An old leather tanner once told me that leather is like your skin. Yes you can stain it, but minor stains, oil, etc will go away with time. Though, it's a good idea to keep your hands clean when using any device.

But I can also see the reviewer's main points and they are weaknesses of the cover. If you are working mostly from the couch or recliner, the cover sucks. Take it off. But for office and transit, it's one of the better I've seen in my 10 years of mobile device ownership.

 

[Mako5]

Ok, take a deep breath and calm down. I just wanted to share what my day-day experience was with the cover. I don't have any other agenda but to share information. It obviously didn't work for me but I also didn't have access to a review like mine to help me decide whether to buy it or not as there really weren't that many out in the public to review. Now that I know what it's like, I've returned it and am happy I did so, but before doing this wanted to help other potential smart cover owners with an honest review. I tried to keep the review as practical as possible from real life usage. Obviously I have no idea how other people are going to use their smart covers, but I can share my experiences. Also, there's no such thing as holding it wrong, I personally think that folded over is even more uncomfortable and didn't think most people would be doing that so didn't include it as mentioned above.

Just trying to help out, no reason to be negative. I obviously would not have spent this time writing the review unless I thought there was something to report.

I for one TOTALLY appreciate your review. It was thorough, well structured and like any good review, offered a perspective and opinion. It helped me to more carefully consider before I spend $69. I am going to wait and look at one at an Apple Store first. Very helpful and appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Night Spring]

I really don't want to use it this way because you can end up getting the microfiber side dirty, which will rub on the screen. In some tests/reviews of the Smart Cover, like this cultofmac article(http://ow.ly/1scFRH), they have found that getting oils and dirt on the microfiber side will lead to smudging on the screen if there is pressure put on the cover when it is closed.

Have people noticed any smudging on the screen like this w/ dirt and oil on the microfiber side?

I agree that it would be preferable if the cover were made to stand with the poly/leather side out, as any dirt or smudges would be easier to clean off that side. For now I just double check to make sure the surface is clean before plopping the cover down on a desk or table. The smart cover forces me to handle the iPad a lot more delicately than I did the original iPad, which I had in a TPU case with a screen protector. But it's incredibly convenient when I need a stand. So far I've been unable to get hold of a screen protector or TPU case for iPad2, so I have no choice. When I do get them, I'll have to spend some time with and without the smart cover and see which I prefer.

 

[AVInc]

This so called ' Smart Cover' is overrated. It comes off from the iPad at times after a day or two of playing with it.

Will probably look for a good case now.

 

[richlee111]

But it's incredibly convenient when I need a stand. So far I've been unable to get hold of a screen protector or TPU case for iPad2, so I have no choice. When I do get them, I'll have to spend some time with and without the smart cover and see which I prefer.

I have decided to keep it for now because of the convience of having the triangle propped up in typing mode. As far as I can find right now, this is the only portable solution for such a case/stand.

As far as a TPU case, I am on the look out for one that will also accommodate the Smart Cover so that I can have both on at the same time. If I find one, I will certainly post it up.

And yes, I check the table and wipe it if need be before I plop the triangle down w/ the microfiber side

 

[yderochefort]

Non Attaching Cover

You did not mention something that just happened to me today. The smart cover detached from the iPad (known problem) and the iPad dropped to the floor. When I tried to reattach the iPad however, the smart cover would no longer attach and it seemed as though the polarization of the iPad magnets ha d reversed. Re-booting the iPad fixed the problem. Has anyone else had this experience?

 

[Knowimagination]

You did not mention something that just happened to me today. The smart cover detached from the iPad (known problem) and the iPad dropped to the floor. When I tried to reattach the iPad however, the smart cover would no longer attach and it seemed as though the polarization of the iPad magnets ha d reversed. Re-booting the iPad fixed the problem. Has anyone else had this experience?

What do you mean detaching is a known problem. It is supposed to be able to detach. As for not reattaching the only time I had an issue is when it was dark and I didn't realize I was trying to attach it to the wrong side of the iPad.

What on earth would rebooting have to do with a magnet?