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Apple iPad Smartcovers vs $10 Amazon Smartcovers

MusicEnthusiast

MusicEnthusiast

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jun 23, 2010
442
53
Los Angeles
Hey all.

I'm about to preorder the iPad 4 32 GB in black this Friday, and I was thinking of buying a smartcover and a sleeve to place it inside.

1. Does this combo work well?
2. Is there a big difference between Apple's $40 Smartcovers and the $10 Smartcovers sold on Amazon/eBay?

Thanks!
 
If I were you and dead set on a smart cover, I'd get the real thing in an Apple store. Too many Chinese knockoffs on Amazon. Granted, they're cheap but still......

I've tried a zillion cases and I still keep coming back to the genuine Apple Smart Cover plus a nice clear or matte back shell. Perfect combination of functionality and thinness. Have used a variety of back shells, but the one I like the most is the Caudabe Shell. Get the frost version, though. Crystal or clear shells usually scratch up over time. My frost one has been fine for a while.

Picked up the Apple Smart Cover in an Apple store (duh). You can get the Caudabe shell here: http://www.caudabe.com/collections/ipad-accessories/products/ipad23-shell-frost
 
I'd say stick with the Apple ones, but if you're going to get a knock off, look for the Khomo ones. They seemed to be the best, of the ones I tried, next to the authentic Apple ones.
 
Thanks for the input everyone. I went ahead a preordered a Black 4th Gen 32 GB WiFi iPad with a dark gray smartcover - all in the same order.
 
MusicEnthusiast said:
To those who are considering Amazon, I would advise against it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64yxYHizwH4&feature=related

This is a review that compares a real vs counterfeit smart cover. Glad I went with one from the Apple store!
Click to expand...

Yeah, that's the risk of buying on Amazon and eBay these days, unless you go with an established brand (read: a brand who actually has a legitimate website aside from an Amazon/eBay storefront). Might be cheaper, but then you don't really know what you're getting.
 
netdog said:
$30?
Click to expand...

Just about choked on my coffee, thanks :p.


Seriously though, I was wondering this myself. I'm assuming the overall quality of the materials used would be generally higher with Apple manufactured smart covers vs. cheaper knockoffs. Example, you can always tell third party dock connector cables apart from the Apple provided ones.
 
Fattytail said:
Yeah, that's the risk of buying on Amazon and eBay these days, unless you go with an established brand (read: a brand who actually has a legitimate website aside from an Amazon/eBay storefront). Might be cheaper, but then you don't really know what you're getting.
Click to expand...

Exactly.. lots of counterfeited items are selling at amazon... you get what you paid
 
thelookingglass said:
If I were you and dead set on a smart cover, I'd get the real thing in an Apple store. Too many Chinese knockoffs on Amazon. Granted, they're cheap but still......

I've tried a zillion cases and I still keep coming back to the genuine Apple Smart Cover plus a nice clear or matte back shell. Perfect combination of functionality and thinness. Have used a variety of back shells, but the one I like the most is the Caudabe Shell. Get the frost version, though. Crystal or clear shells usually scratch up over time. My frost one has been fine for a while.

Picked up the Apple Smart Cover in an Apple store (duh). You can get the Caudabe shell here: http://www.caudabe.com/collections/ipad-accessories/products/ipad23-shell-frost
Click to expand...

I second this input. Rule of thumb: go for the original. Some knockoffs are pretty decent and cheap but the duration of usage does not go far. Yes, there is a price diff but most likely it will last longer w/ better quality.
 
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