Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

iPad Pro Any brand producing good smart cover alternatives? (cover only - no case at the back)

B

bob24

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Sep 25, 2012
641
641
Dublin, Ireland
Just ordered a 9.7 Pro - I use my iPads with a smart cover only (no case at the back), but I think Apple is going a bit crazy new selling a piece a plastic for 59 euros (plus a review mentioned that it is more designed to be used alongside an Apple silicon case and will stand out from the iPad edges if you are using it on its own).

Are there any brands producing well built similar products? (I'm not after a cheap knock-off which will fall apart after a few months). I'd pay decent money if someone makes nice leather ones (I find it a shame Apple stopped making leather smart covers for newer models).
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: broadbean, lyngo and StPatty33
Very much interested in this as well. This is all I want:

A smart COVER--not a case, just the cover that functions just like Apple's.

Leather (which Apple doesn't make any longer)

Form fitting (now that Apple's is meant to fit their silicone case rather than the iPad itself--I don't want a case and won't be using a case, just a leather skin on the back--I don't need goofy hangover).

Someone make it happen!
 
  • Like
Reactions: bob24
bob24 said:
Just ordered a 9.7 Pro - I use my iPads with a smart cover only, but I think Apple is going a bit crazy new selling a piece a plastic for 59 euros (plus I read on a review that it is more designed to be used alongside an Apple silicon case and will stand out from the iPad edges if you are using it on its own).

Are there any brands producing well built similar products (I'm not after a cheap knock-off which will fall apart after a few months). I'd pay decent money if someone makes nice leather ones (I find it a shame Apple stopped making leather smart covers for newer models).
Click to expand...

I am using a Moko brand black Smart Cover from Amazon $6.99 you can't tell the difference.
 
TheRealAlex said:
I am using a Moko brand black Smart Cover from Amazon $6.99 you can't tell the difference.
Click to expand...
Smart cover as in, not a case? It only covers the front? Could you link it for us if that's the case? Thanks!
[doublepost=1459477284][/doublepost]
TheRealAlex said:
I am using a Moko brand black Smart Cover from Amazon $6.99 you can't tell the difference.
Click to expand...
I don't see a smart cover alone anyplace on Amazon for the 9.7. I wonder if you're referring to the non-magnetic full case from Moku that's $6.99. If so, yeah... I have that, and I'm not a fan of it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bob24 and stringbeanie
stringbeanie said:
I think he is talking about a cover only. The one you show at amazon is a full case. I am still looking for the cover only also.
Click to expand...

Yes you are correct ... I'm just looking for a decent quality cover, preferably made of genuine leather but open to a well built plastic one.
[doublepost=1459503550][/doublepost]
StPatty33 said:
Very much interested in this as well. This is all I want:

A smart COVER--not a case, just the cover that functions just like Apple's.

Leather (which Apple doesn't make any longer)

Form fitting (now that Apple's is meant to fit their silicone case rather than the iPad itself--I don't want a case and won't be using a case, just a leather skin on the back--I don't need goofy hangover).

Someone make it happen!
Click to expand...

Glad to hear I am not alone ! For me cover only is a much better option as when I read in bed, on the sofa, or on the plane I like that it is easy to take off and make the iPad as small and light as possible (much more comfortable if you are holding it for a while).

I have a sleeve I like which use to protect the iPad what I put it in a bag or suitcase (and since iPad dimensions won't change much across generations, the sleeve doesn't need a replacement when you get a new iPad.
 
Last edited:
bob24 said:
Yes you are correct ... I'm just looking for a decent quality cover, preferably made of genuine leather but open to a well built plastic one.
[doublepost=1459503550][/doublepost]

Glad to hear I am not alone!
Click to expand...
Same here!
 
  • Like
Reactions: bob24
For those not wanting a case - aren't you concerned about the lack of protection? Granted my iPad4 has only been dropped a few times (thanks granddaughter) but it only takes once to bang it up. I like the idea of no case but am too afraid not to use one.
 
Kermit262 said:
For those not wanting a case - aren't you concerned about the lack of protection? Granted my iPad4 has only been dropped a few times (thanks granddaughter) but it only takes once to bang it up. I like the idea of no case but am too afraid not to use one.
Click to expand...

AppleCare+
 
  • Like
Reactions: Capt T
Kermit262 said:
For those not wanting a case - aren't you concerned about the lack of protection? Granted my iPad4 has only been dropped a few times (thanks granddaughter) but it only takes once to bang it up. I like the idea of no case but am too afraid not to use one.
Click to expand...

Depends on how careful people are and the environment in which they use the device. I've been using iPads without case since the iPad 2 (my iPad 1 had a case as there was no smart cover at the time, but was never dropped), and the only thing I've had is a scratch on the aluminum of the Air as I inadvertently bumped it against a concrete wall in a hotel (nothing too bad).

Surely I would do things differently if I had young children at home or if I had more of a tendency to drop things.
 
Kermit262 said:
For those not wanting a case - aren't you concerned about the lack of protection? Granted my iPad4 has only been dropped a few times (thanks granddaughter) but it only takes once to bang it up. I like the idea of no case but am too afraid not to use one.
Click to expand...

I've never purchased Applecare (not that I'm against it), I've had an original iPad, and an iPad 3, never cased them and I've never dropped an iPad once. I keep a leather skin on the back to protect from surface scuffs and to improve grip over the slippery metal.

I don't take mine outside much, and when I do I transport it in my mansack (http://www.amazon.com/Visconti-Berlin-Leather-Briefcase-Detachable/dp/B007ZQIWRA). Since I plan to be drawing quite a bit on the new one, I also got one of these to make it easier to hold stable one-handed (http://www.amazon.com/TFY-Security-Hand-Strap-Tablet-PC/dp/B00SH2SY7O), yet something I can easily take off (like a smart cover) when I don't need it.
 
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
  • Like
Reactions: danny8200
StPatty33 said:
Just found this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Luxury-Fold...pad-air-3-iPad-Pro-9-7-Tablet-PC/381579527462

It's got to come from China so shipping will be slow, and it may be modeled after the real deal meaning it could be ill-fitting like the Apple brand. But it's leather, and much cheaper. I'll let you know how it is in about a month after I receive mine, haha.
Click to expand...
Thanks for all that. I actually love the feel of leather but avoid using it for environmental and humane reasons.

I take my iPad to work and to coffee shops all the time and use an Indian Jones - looking Field Museum bag for transport.

Not sure what to do yet. Will certainly upgrade from my trusty iPad4 but don't know if I'll go with the Apple Smart Keyboard, or just a cover, or a case and a cover, etc. A lot of choices to consider. (Loved your review of the Pro in another thread, btw. :)
 
Kermit262 said:
Thanks for all that. I actually love the feel of leather but avoid using it for environmental and humane reasons.

I take my iPad to work and to coffee shops all the time and use an Indian Jones - looking Field Museum bag for transport.

Not sure what to do yet. Will certainly upgrade from my trusty iPad4 but don't know if I'll go with the Apple Smart Keyboard, or just a cover, or a case and a cover, etc. A lot of choices to consider. (Loved your review of the Pro in another thread, btw. :)
Click to expand...

Thanks for the kudos for the review! In regards to leather usage, I understand where you're coming from, and with the crazy number of Apple devices out there, it's entirely possible that Apple's decision not to make leather accessories now stems from the impact you mention. If that's the case, I certainly can't be upset at that!
 
StPatty33 said:
Just found this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Luxury-Fold...pad-air-3-iPad-Pro-9-7-Tablet-PC/381579527462

It's got to come from China so shipping will be slow, and it may be modeled after the real deal meaning it could be ill-fitting like the Apple brand. But it's leather, and much cheaper. I'll let you know how it is in about a month after I receive mine, haha.
Click to expand...

Thanks for posting this. Definitly not expecting genuine leather for that price, but could be decently made and cut out.
 
StPatty33 said:
Just found this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Luxury-Fold...pad-air-3-iPad-Pro-9-7-Tablet-PC/381579527462

It's got to come from China so shipping will be slow, and it may be modeled after the real deal meaning it could be ill-fitting like the Apple brand. But it's leather, and much cheaper. I'll let you know how it is in about a month after I receive mine, haha.
Click to expand...

Looks good, but then they look like Apple's stock photos! I'll believe it when I see it. :D

I really would like a good copy, but without the overhang.

StPatty33 said:
it's entirely possible that Apple's decision not to make leather accessories now stems from the impact you mention. If that's the case, I certainly can't be upset at that!
Click to expand...

I take it you don't have an Apple Watch? Maybe that's where all the leather's gone! LOL
 
  • Like
Reactions: StPatty33 and bob24
Is that eBay one the only one located so far? I'm the same way - want a Smart Cover with no backing.

I've been using iPad's this way for years. We even have an iPad 4 with an original leather Smart Cover that has been the 'family' iPad in a home with 3 children under 5 and haven't had any issues without a case. Everyone just learned from the beginning that the iPad was an expensive piece of equipment and needs to be treated with care. So far no accidents. :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: StPatty33 and bob24
I just purchased a red one from that eBay site. I'm looking forward to receiving this in the next month and a half. ;)
 
  • Like
Reactions: StPatty33
MrXiro said:
Out of stock now.
Click to expand...
I think they only had 2 of each color available initially. I'd been scouring Amazon and eBay every couple hours, so I think they had just posted them up for sale when I linked it here.

I'm sure they'll put more up soon.
[doublepost=1459607781][/doublepost]
broadbean said:
Looks good, but then they look like Apple's stock photos! I'll believe it when I see it. :D
Click to expand...

Being that they probably had to wait for Apple to release their actual smart cover, so they could check all the dimensions and dissect it, then get it up for sale just 1 day after the iPad launches, they probably just didn't bother with the extra time of creating their own sales pictures. The pictures themselves are 100% just taken from Apple's site, but that doesn't mean the end product won't match the description, eh!
 
Under the section that says "more items like this" there was somebody else that had the same exact product from China. I ended up ordering from them for $5.48.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/Luxury-Slim-Stand-Leather-Cover-Case-For-iPad-Pro-9-7-Tablet-PC-/351687307475?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D35277%26meid%3D807f4ecd24ae4e28ada64751d7cf85fd%26pid%3D100408%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D25%26sd%3D381579527462&_trksid=p2056116.c100408.m2460&varId=620655890778

I ordered the red one to match my space gray iPad Pro.
 
  • Like
Reactions: StPatty33
lyngo said:
Under the section that says "more items like this" there was somebody else that had the same exact product from China. I ended up ordering from them for $5.48.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/Luxury-Slim-Stand-Leather-Cover-Case-For-iPad-Pro-9-7-Tablet-PC-/351687307475?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D35277%26meid%3D807f4ecd24ae4e28ada64751d7cf85fd%26pid%3D100408%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D25%26sd%3D381579527462&_trksid=p2056116.c100408.m2460&varId=620655890778

I ordered the red one to match my space gray iPad Pro.
Click to expand...

Thanks! Ordered same one. Hope it's decent.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back