Apple Smart Folio + frame wrap for 2021 iPad Pro 12.9". Anyone try it?

[bananataffy]

So my 2021 iPad Pro 12.9" is coming very soon, and I was hoping Nomad would have released their updated rugged folio by then, but that doesn't look like it's happening very soon. I prefer Nomad's design over Apple's Smart folio simply because of the edge protection.

I'm now thinking of using Apple's Smart Folio, as well as a dbrand wrap for the frame/edges. I know the wrap won't provide much of anything in terms of actual protection, but just as long as it can mitigate scratches and knicks, then I'm fine. I also like that this combination would provide a very clean look while maintaining a slim form factor.

Has anybody tried this combo yet? If so, what are your thoughts?

 

[Surfman]

No lol. Used the folio on my 2018 11” for 2.5 years and sold it 2 weeks ago as new.

 

[B_T_W]

So my 2021 iPad Pro 12.9" is coming very soon, and I was hoping Nomad would have released their updated rugged folio by then, but that doesn't look like it's happening very soon. I prefer Nomad's design over Apple's Smart folio simply because of the edge protection.

I'm now thinking of using Apple's Smart Folio, as well as a dbrand wrap for the frame/edges. I know the wrap won't provide much of anything in terms of actual protection, but just as long as it can mitigate scratches and knicks, then I'm fine. I also like that this combination would provide a very clean look while maintaining a slim form factor.

Has anybody tried this combo yet? If so, what are your thoughts?

I tried something like this recently, but it didn't quite work out. I had a black Smart Folio which seemed to pick up every smudge and dirt particle imaginable, so I thought I'd cover it with a sweet Sunrise Orange dbrand skin, but the problem is that the magnets weren't strong enough to function with the decals on, so when the cover got folded back around, it no longer stuck to the back of the Folio, which is the entire reason why I pay Apple's crazy price for it in the first place.

So I stripped the decals off, returned the black Smart Folio, and got one in white from Amazon that had a slightly damaged box, and so I got it for half price (!), which was awesome, and strangely, it's way more resistant to everyday dirt particles and dust than the black. I heard that the white Magic Keyboard was holding up pretty well for people in comparison to the black, so thought the same might be true for the Smart Folio as well.

But to hedge my bets, I've also ordered a TomToc case that I'll use to store it when it's sitting around the house, in the car, etc. I also use stands a lot when using my ipad in general, which will probably also help keep it looking fresh. Agree that nothing beats that slim form factor, and I've tried every case in the book, but just can't quit the Smart Folio. LOVE that it lies flat when the cover is folded around, and since the majority of the time I'm reading comics on it, that's the little detail that matters to me the most.

B

 

[Nhwhazup]

I originally started with the Apple folio and the magic keyboard, switching between them. Then I also bought a zippered pouch to carry them all in. Lastly, ordered the DBrands skin for my iPad. Easy installation and I like the clean white look. Once having the skin on, I really don’t use the folio anymore. I just swap the skinned iPad in and out of the keyboard. The folio has been collecting dust ever since. I always go with a case on my iPhone as I’m moving it in and out of a purse or pockets or walking around with it. The iPad is mostly used sitting down and not walking around with it.

I know a lot of people really don’t like skins. I love them as they give me the freedom to go caseless with my iPads. And this iPad is so much easier to install a skin with the squared edges.

My setup with the Nedrelow magic sleeve/desk mat.

 

[Itsedstech]

I did this with my 2020 iPad Pro, as well as skins for the folio itself and back of iPad. Loved it!

 

[jazz1]

So my 2021 iPad Pro 12.9" is coming very soon, and I was hoping Nomad would have released their updated rugged folio by then, but that doesn't look like it's happening very soon. I prefer Nomad's design over Apple's Smart folio simply because of the edge protection.

I'm now thinking of using Apple's Smart Folio, as well as a dbrand wrap for the frame/edges. I know the wrap won't provide much of anything in terms of actual protection, but just as long as it can mitigate scratches and knicks, then I'm fine. I also like that this combination would provide a very clean look while maintaining a slim form factor.

Has anybody tried this combo yet? If so, what are your thoughts?

I've got a skin on my 2020 MK keyboard folio. I'm glad I did it, as it has kept the folio from getting scarred up, and it is easier to clean than the naked MK. It does make the rig a bit slippery on a very smooth, slightly tilted surface like my laptop, lap desk/board. So, just be aware of that. Maybe other style skins would not have that issue.

I do like Nomad, and a couple of other third party folio and sleeve brands. But, they seem to be very slow on getting out updated wares for the 2021 iPP 12.9". Is it the Pandemic?

 

[SigEp265]

I originally started with the Apple folio and the magic keyboard, switching between them. Then I also bought a zippered pouch to carry them all in. Lastly, ordered the DBrands skin for my iPad. Easy installation and I like the clean white look. Once having the skin on, I really don’t use the folio anymore. I just swap the skinned iPad in and out of the keyboard. The folio has been collecting dust ever since. I always go with a case on my iPhone as I’m moving it in and out of a purse or pockets or walking around with it. The iPad is mostly used sitting down and not walking around with it.

I know a lot of people really don’t like skins. I love them as they give me the freedom to go caseless with my iPads. And this iPad is so much easier to install a skin with the squared edges.

My setup with the Nedrelow magic sleeve/desk mat.
View attachment 1790673View attachment 1790674

Gorgeous

 

[bananataffy]

I tried something like this recently, but it didn't quite work out. I had a black Smart Folio which seemed to pick up every smudge and dirt particle imaginable, so I thought I'd cover it with a sweet Sunrise Orange dbrand skin, but the problem is that the magnets weren't strong enough to function with the decals on, so when the cover got folded back around, it no longer stuck to the back of the Folio, which is the entire reason why I pay Apple's crazy price for it in the first place.

My plan is to only use a dbrand wrap on the edges and not the back of the iPad, as I had that specific fear that a back wrap would interfere with the magnets of the folio case. I'm not an Apple pencil user, but I've heard the pencil doesn't have any issues magnetizing over the wrap either way. I'm hoping just an edge wrap on the iPad + the folio will be a good combo.

I do like Nomad, and a couple of other third party folio and sleeve brands. But, they seem to be very slow on getting out updated wares for the 2021 iPP 12.9". Is it the Pandemic?

I'd venture it's the pandemic. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any other case maker that provides a folio similar to Nomad (with edge coverage, minimal, sleek, slim, no branding, and made out of very high quality Horween leather.) They have a page set up for notifications for the 2021 iPad Pro here: https://nomadgoods.com/pages/ipad-12-9-inch-sign-up

 

[jazz1]

I did recently buy a BookBook from Twelve South. I could not resist the leather faux bonded book thing 😁

 

[rgarjr]

yeah, Nomad is sure taking their sweet time with that 12.9" M1 Folio case. I'm always asking them about it, keep getting the same copy/paste response that they're working on it and they don't know when its going to be avail.

Anyhow, I would suggest getting yourself a Smart Folio (magnetic attached) Moko from Amazon and just waiting for that Nomad one.

Here's my 11" M1 Pro

 

[Nhwhazup]

My plan is to only use a dbrand wrap on the edges and not the back of the iPad, as I had that specific fear that a back wrap would interfere with the magnets of the folio case. I'm not an Apple pencil user, but I've heard the pencil doesn't have any issues magnetizing over the wrap either way. I'm hoping just an edge wrap on the iPad + the folio will be a good combo.



I'd venture it's the pandemic. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any other case maker that provides a folio similar to Nomad (with edge coverage, minimal, sleek, slim, no branding, and made out of very high quality Horween leather.) They have a page set up for notifications for the 2021 iPad Pro here: https://nomadgoods.com/pages/ipad-12-9-inch-sign-up

The back wrap on the iPad doesn't interfere with the magnets on the keyboard or folio. But I also only have the wrap on the iPad and not the keyboard or folio.

 

[bananataffy]

yeah, Nomad is sure taking their sweet time with that 12.9" M1 Folio case. I'm always asking them about it, keep getting the same copy/paste response that they're working on it and they don't know when its going to be avail.

Here's my 11" M1 Pro

View attachment 1791052

See that looks fantastic. I'm a sucker for Horween leather and always loved the look of Nomad's offerings. Maybe if we get enough people blowing up their inbox, it'll show them there's a great demand for updated cases.

And if I eventually go for Apple's Folio, it's unlikely that I'll ever switch to the Nomad whenever they choose to release it, because I can't imagine dropping another $150+ after swallowing the already absurd cost of Apple's case.

The back wrap on the iPad doesn't interfere with the magnets on the keyboard or folio. But I also only have the wrap on the iPad and not the keyboard or folio.

Good to know. I wasn't planning on doing a back wrap either way but it's probably worth it to order one from dbrand, just to reach the minimum for free shipping.

 

[B_T_W]

The back wrap on the iPad doesn't interfere with the magnets on the keyboard or folio. But I also only have the wrap on the iPad and not the keyboard or folio.

That’s cool, but wrapping the Smart Folio itself (and not the iPad) does wipe out the magnets on the outside of the folio. It will definitely still attach to the interior micro fiber layer, but when you fold the cover back around, it no longer sticks to the back of the Folio, and just kinda flops loose.

B

 

[Nhwhazup]

That’s cool, but wrapping the Smart Folio itself (and not the iPad) does wipe out the magnets on the outside of the folio. It will definitely still attach to the interior micro fiber layer, but when you fold the cover back around, it no longer sticks to the back of the Folio, and just kinda flops loose.

B

I hear you. I wouldn’t wrap the folio or keyboard. My main reason for the skin is to avoid scratches while using the iPad without a case.

 

[Bleeedorange]

yeah, Nomad is sure taking their sweet time with that 12.9" M1 Folio case. I'm always asking them about it, keep getting the same copy/paste response that they're working on it and they don't know when its going to be avail.

Anyhow, I would suggest getting yourself a Smart Folio (magnetic attached) Moko from Amazon and just waiting for that Nomad one.

Here's my 11" M1 Pro

View attachment 1791052

Could you provide the link for this? I'm not seeing it anywhere. I'm curious if the speaker grill is lined up correctly or not. Any more photos would be appreciated as well

 

[Student of Life]

yeah, Nomad is sure taking their sweet time with that 12.9" M1 Folio case. I'm always asking them about it, keep getting the same copy/paste response that they're working on it and they don't know when its going to be avail.

Anyhow, I would suggest getting yourself a Smart Folio (magnetic attached) Moko from Amazon and just waiting for that Nomad one.

Here's my 11" M1 Pro

View attachment 1791052

Wow that looks really nice and classy. Will the fit with the magic keyboard?

 

[rgarjr]

Could you provide the link for this? I'm not seeing it anywhere. I'm curious if the speaker grill is lined up correctly or not. Any more photos would be appreciated as well

more pics, also have it for the Air 4.

Wow that looks really nice and classy. Will the fit with the magic keyboard?