The Kavaj is close to the Smart Cover. But it's a much better case IMO than the Smart Cover.
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iPad iPad Air Case Roundup
- Thread starter Giuly
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The Kavaj is close to the Smart Cover. But it's a much better case IMO than the Smart Cover.
I agree the Kavaj I think is as thin as cases get. They are lightweight as well. I totally love the design of the one fold cover. For me, it just works better, gives a better typing angle and is very secure when it's tucked in the back tab. I know that many folks don't like any bevel on their screen. Even though this case has a bevel, it's very narrow and unobtrusive. Beyond the style, the feel in hand is just great. The leather smells luxurious and just feels soft as you would expect leather to. I have this case in both the cognac and the black.
My only gripe is that it took two orders of each to get a decent case. My first cognac had thread unraveling around the speaker holes and my first black one had a bunch in the back that was sewn in and would never lay flat. The company was quick to respond and take care of sending replacements. It just bugs the heck out of me to purchase something that you look at everyday with cosmetic defects. I know that I'm a little nit-picky but I'd pay more to be assured of top quality.
With all that saiid, I would still highly recommend the Kavaj cases.
Got my kavaj Berlin today as well and I'm very happy with it. Since it's a little bit stiff at the beginning I had to bend it a little bit here and there but now it fits very well. The stand function is nice too. I think it's a very good product considering the price.
I'm looking for the same exact but less expensive smart cover that are sold at apple stores for $39. This
The price wouldn't be too expensive only if I wasn't buying in different colors.
So I got couple from ebay $7 each but I didn't like it. The pictures were misleading, looking like the ones in Apple Stores. However, the magnet didn't hold the iPad Air, when in stand position and the inside color should match the outside color, which it didn't. I got a refund eventually.
When you search smart cover, most of them are covering both front/back, but I just want a front cover. I appreciate if anyone could find a cheaper cover ..
Thanks in advance.
The price wouldn't be too expensive only if I wasn't buying in different colors.
So I got couple from ebay $7 each but I didn't like it. The pictures were misleading, looking like the ones in Apple Stores. However, the magnet didn't hold the iPad Air, when in stand position and the inside color should match the outside color, which it didn't. I got a refund eventually.
When you search smart cover, most of them are covering both front/back, but I just want a front cover. I appreciate if anyone could find a cheaper cover ..
Thanks in advance.
I think repeated slamming might but I'm gentle with my iPad so all is ok so far.
It's very smooth and polished so I don't see it marking the screen but I can see where people are coming from.
How did you like this case, I just ordered the Berlin now wondering if I should have gotten this one :/
It's perfect. You get better viewing angles on the Hamburg. Better than the Berlin. You get the typing angle of the Berlin on the Hamburg anyway.
Replacement Kavaj - thread unraveling##
Okay, I've purchased two Kavaj cases - one each in Cognac and black. Both original cases were not acceptable quality for me so I got replacement cases quickly from Kavaj.
I really, really like these cases and have been thrilled once I received the quality replacement cases. So today I was looking at my husband's case and can see a loose thread up by where the case meets the cover flap. So then I scrutinize my replacement black case, which I've only been using since Wednesday - argh! In the same place but opposite side, I can see loose threads. This is so disappointing to me as it is my favorite case. I have put some glue on the threads that are loose and hopefully this keeps them attached. So for me, 3 out of 4 cases have had the thread unravel in one spot or another. The first one which had the problem by the speaker holes, I think was just a fluke with a defect. The most recent loose threads by where the case part attaches to the cover appears to be a design defect where the thread just doesn't hold up to the stress of the cover being opened and closed.
Just to be clear, neither my husband or me are rough handlers. Our cases look like new and have only been used for a few days (mine) and a week for my husband.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the glue works.....
Okay, I've purchased two Kavaj cases - one each in Cognac and black. Both original cases were not acceptable quality for me so I got replacement cases quickly from Kavaj.
I really, really like these cases and have been thrilled once I received the quality replacement cases. So today I was looking at my husband's case and can see a loose thread up by where the case meets the cover flap. So then I scrutinize my replacement black case, which I've only been using since Wednesday - argh! In the same place but opposite side, I can see loose threads. This is so disappointing to me as it is my favorite case. I have put some glue on the threads that are loose and hopefully this keeps them attached. So for me, 3 out of 4 cases have had the thread unravel in one spot or another. The first one which had the problem by the speaker holes, I think was just a fluke with a defect. The most recent loose threads by where the case part attaches to the cover appears to be a design defect where the thread just doesn't hold up to the stress of the cover being opened and closed.
Just to be clear, neither my husband or me are rough handlers. Our cases look like new and have only been used for a few days (mine) and a week for my husband.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the glue works.....
Thank goodness mine is fine. But I hope Kavaj are aware, they must have had a bad run.
Despite initially dismissing it as a gimmick, I always seem to end up with a Smart Cover. My favourite combination for the previous iPad was a leather one with a Tech21 Impact Base Case on the back.
Ive tried the Smart Case, but after using the Air without a case, I found the cover got in the way and it felt as heavy as using an iPad 4. Also, the Smart Case is not really designed to be constantly put on and taken off. Its such a tight fit that I think this would cause premature wear.
I also tried a snap-on origami style case and whilst this did offer better stand positions, it was still not as good as my previous Smart Cover combination.
The Smart Cover might offer a questionable level of protection, but its easy to take off and a convenient way to carry a stand around.
I have to say that I dont find the new one any less stable than its predecessor. Im not sure if its because Im using it with either a skin, or TPU case, on the back.
There are lots of choices on eBay, or Amazon, for inexpensive Smart Cover compatible TPU cases, but I decided to go for one of these because it offered better coverage, particularly over the speakers -
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Smart-Cov...es_Covers_Keyboard_Folios&hash=item54010bf996
It appears to be an unbranded version of this one offered by Fintie -
http://www.fintie.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=558_577_579&product_id=3705
Personally, I prefer the lack of branding, its more discreet and also cheaper.
Previously, I had purchased a clear TPU back cover, but this discoloured after a short while, which is why I now stick to the black ones.
As far as quality is concerned, some of the edges are a little rough, but this isnt really apparent when the case is on. The cut-outs for the camera, headphone jack, microphones, lock/mute switch and lightning connector all line up correctly.
The cut-out for the lightning connector is only just big enough for the official charging cable, which is something you may need to consider. Fitting the 0.2m lighning to dock connector adapter meant having to flex the top of the case up. Anything bigger than this wouldnt fit, but the case is easy enough to take off and put on again.
The edge of the case does buckle out slightly over the volume buttons (Id be interested to know if the Fintie case also has this issue?). The recess doesnt appear to be deep enough to accommodate the buttons. Having said that, button presses do work well. Usually, with these type of cases, it takes a lot more pressure.
For me, the lip on the right-hand side allows my thumb to rest against it, giving a more secure grip when holding the iPad one-handed. It also covers most of the polished bezel, only the part where the smart cover attaches is left exposed.
These cases are flexible enough to accommodate an iPad with a skin on the back of it, for when you want to take it out of the case. The downside is that if youre using a screen protecter, this will probably cause it to peel off at the edges.
The back is slightly textured and a matte finish, so it provides a good grip and doesnt show fingerprints. Being a soft material, its less likely to scratch than a hard plastic shell.
Prior to buying, I was concerned that the speaker holes wouldnt line up with those on the iPad, there are fewer holes on the case than on the device. However, theres a shallow recess behind the holes and the sound isnt impaired at all.
The case weighs approximately 70 grammes, so it really does add minimal weight.
Im not sure which colour Smart Cover I prefer, black or red, in fact I may end up keeping both. I dont think the Smart Covers are worth what Apple charges for them, but I managed to pick these up on eBay for a lot less.
I like the design of the case, the fact it fully covers the speakers is a big plus for a TPU case and the price is excellent. Ill still be waiting to see what Tech21 release for the Air, but even if its a better quality and fit, Im not sure I could justify paying what is likely to be a significantly higher price.
Ive tried the Smart Case, but after using the Air without a case, I found the cover got in the way and it felt as heavy as using an iPad 4. Also, the Smart Case is not really designed to be constantly put on and taken off. Its such a tight fit that I think this would cause premature wear.
I also tried a snap-on origami style case and whilst this did offer better stand positions, it was still not as good as my previous Smart Cover combination.
The Smart Cover might offer a questionable level of protection, but its easy to take off and a convenient way to carry a stand around.
I have to say that I dont find the new one any less stable than its predecessor. Im not sure if its because Im using it with either a skin, or TPU case, on the back.
There are lots of choices on eBay, or Amazon, for inexpensive Smart Cover compatible TPU cases, but I decided to go for one of these because it offered better coverage, particularly over the speakers -
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Smart-Cov...es_Covers_Keyboard_Folios&hash=item54010bf996
It appears to be an unbranded version of this one offered by Fintie -
http://www.fintie.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=558_577_579&product_id=3705
Personally, I prefer the lack of branding, its more discreet and also cheaper.
Previously, I had purchased a clear TPU back cover, but this discoloured after a short while, which is why I now stick to the black ones.
As far as quality is concerned, some of the edges are a little rough, but this isnt really apparent when the case is on. The cut-outs for the camera, headphone jack, microphones, lock/mute switch and lightning connector all line up correctly.
The cut-out for the lightning connector is only just big enough for the official charging cable, which is something you may need to consider. Fitting the 0.2m lighning to dock connector adapter meant having to flex the top of the case up. Anything bigger than this wouldnt fit, but the case is easy enough to take off and put on again.
The edge of the case does buckle out slightly over the volume buttons (Id be interested to know if the Fintie case also has this issue?). The recess doesnt appear to be deep enough to accommodate the buttons. Having said that, button presses do work well. Usually, with these type of cases, it takes a lot more pressure.
For me, the lip on the right-hand side allows my thumb to rest against it, giving a more secure grip when holding the iPad one-handed. It also covers most of the polished bezel, only the part where the smart cover attaches is left exposed.
These cases are flexible enough to accommodate an iPad with a skin on the back of it, for when you want to take it out of the case. The downside is that if youre using a screen protecter, this will probably cause it to peel off at the edges.
The back is slightly textured and a matte finish, so it provides a good grip and doesnt show fingerprints. Being a soft material, its less likely to scratch than a hard plastic shell.
Prior to buying, I was concerned that the speaker holes wouldnt line up with those on the iPad, there are fewer holes on the case than on the device. However, theres a shallow recess behind the holes and the sound isnt impaired at all.
The case weighs approximately 70 grammes, so it really does add minimal weight.
Im not sure which colour Smart Cover I prefer, black or red, in fact I may end up keeping both. I dont think the Smart Covers are worth what Apple charges for them, but I managed to pick these up on eBay for a lot less.
I like the design of the case, the fact it fully covers the speakers is a big plus for a TPU case and the price is excellent. Ill still be waiting to see what Tech21 release for the Air, but even if its a better quality and fit, Im not sure I could justify paying what is likely to be a significantly higher price.
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Agreed. Going to return my smart case. It's bulky. Adds weight. And doesn't close completely. May pick up a Smart Cover to keep the weight down.
Has anyone picked up the pad and quill contega case? How's the weight and durability? Thanks!
Smart covers are a rip off, they cost 25 cents to make.
Also get black, any colour and have you seen how fast these get dirty? I used 3rd party cases on my pads with the same poly front with magnet, and honestly it still looks like new after a year.
Youre better off going with ghost armour for the front.
Also get black, any colour and have you seen how fast these get dirty? I used 3rd party cases on my pads with the same poly front with magnet, and honestly it still looks like new after a year.
Youre better off going with ghost armour for the front.
106 Bucks for a smart cover??? Perhaps you mean Case... yeah?
I got a free smart cover and actually liking it a lot. I got a clear soft thin plastic shell for the back and I really enjoy being able to take the cover off compared to my last two iPads that had cases on them (1st gen Apple, 2nd Gen 3rd party). The big test will come in a couple of weeks when I fly. I'm a bit worried about its stability on a seat table. Not that it will fall down, but that it might sway back and forth a lot. We shall see!
I went for a pack of 2 of the Access Cases on Kickstarter - iPhone case + iPad Air case. The companys called nodus.
These things look awesome using suction pads to keep the iPad in place. I haven't used this suction rubber before and I am hoping that it works as well as they say it does.
They are almost funded so it looks as though I will be getting a case. Lets just hope it turns up in March like they say it will.
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Oh actually they are funded. Here it is - http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1461222838/the-access-case-slim-leather-micro-suction-iphone
These things look awesome using suction pads to keep the iPad in place. I haven't used this suction rubber before and I am hoping that it works as well as they say it does.
They are almost funded so it looks as though I will be getting a case. Lets just hope it turns up in March like they say it will.
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Oh actually they are funded. Here it is - http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1461222838/the-access-case-slim-leather-micro-suction-iphone
I've got a Contega case for the Air. It's beautifully made. It weighs a little over 12oz, and adds quite a bit of bulk. It's a great case, but definitely not for those who are looking for "thin and light."
Thanks for the info. Would you mind sharing which plastic shell you got for the back? Thanks!
I'm in Japan, so it could be a Japanese brand. But this is the one:
http://www.amazon.co.jp/iBUFFALO-Ai...d=1386559264&sr=8-2&keywords=ipad+air+ケース+クリア
I like it. I wish it were a bit thinner though and a fraction tighter, but it's comfortable and the clear is really clear. It works well with the smart cover which is important. I'm sure other brands have exactly the same feel and look and possibly a bit cheaper. I didn't have much choice here in Japan. I'd give it a 3.5/5.