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I used to have everything in a case but just last week I starting going naked with my 5S, it's been holding up very well with no damage. I bought a sleeve from byrdandbelle to protect it when needed. I'll also be getting a sleeve from them for my iPad Mini Retina.
 
this is my attitude as well. the first scratch will set you free. i can see putting a screen protector on there as that can break if you drop it, but otherwise - who cares? in my experience, devices with cases end up getting scratches from the dust and detritus that gets trapped under the protection layer anyway so might as well enjoy.

now, if you have kids that may be another story ;)

Lol, I agree. That first scratch you realize, damn - it's just a device. Have fun with it.

Besides, Apple products are too beautiful to hide under a case. SET THEM FREE! :D
 
Mine was scratched up out of the box. Luckily it went right in the smart case so I can't see it. :)
 
Mine was scratched up out of the box. Luckily it went right in the smart case so I can't see it. :)

Scratched right out of the box? I would return that immediately! If I was the one who scratched it right out of the box, then I probably wouldn't, though.

I love the chamfered edges. I baby my devices so I can't imagine it getting messed up any time soon. I will likely be buying a carbon fiber vinyl for the back so I don't have to worry about setting it down and getting scratches, but the chamfered edges are going to be proudly exposed. :)
 
I used my iPhone 5 naked for a while and the edges got nasty. Luckily the home button broke and the Apple Store gave me a new one, so I put it in a case immediately. I do the same with the iPad.

Its a shame that such a beautifully designed and built device has to be covered in cheap plastic to protect it.
 
I used my iPhone 5 naked for a while and the edges got nasty. Luckily the home button broke and the Apple Store gave me a new one, so I put it in a case immediately. I do the same with the iPad.

Its a shame that such a beautifully designed and built device has to be covered in cheap plastic to protect it.

I mean, it doesn't have to be. Lol. My iPhone 5 has been nekkid since launch and if it wasn't for the drop that left it with a couple of scratches and a minor dent in the top aluminum, it would be near perfect. The edges have flaked a little here and there but all in all, the device has held up nicely for the beating I have put it through.

Drop after drop on concrete, carpet, floor, tile. Sliding across surfaces. Being thrown down in a fit of rage over someone I was texting. Laying it face down to protect my privacy during "fun" texts. You all should try it sometime. These things are much more durable than you think :)
 
I hate the chamfered edge. Completely unnecessary and easily damages.

you have to have a chamfered edge or you would have a sharp edge. Then you would be wining about it being too sharp. When you machine metal you have to chamfer the edges
 
Scratched right out of the box? I would return that immediately! If I was the one who scratched it right out of the box, then I probably wouldn't, though.

I love the chamfered edges. I baby my devices so I can't imagine it getting messed up any time soon. I will likely be buying a carbon fiber vinyl for the back so I don't have to worry about setting it down and getting scratches, but the chamfered edges are going to be proudly exposed. :)

Yeah, I used to do that but have slowly begun to let go of little cosmetic issues since I always end up exchanging it for one with a different problem.
 
Cases in general are a scam for the benefit of the case manufacturers. These beautiful Apple products are not made to be covered at all times upon purchase. The whole case scam I think started with the antenna problems with the iphone 4 and the free case fix offered. Since then, everyone is like, OMG, you need a case for your iOS device. People can't believe I don't have one.

My iphone 5 is naked and has been since day 1 (it looks great and I don't baby it). And have the black one with the chamfered edge and black back that everyone worried about. I carry it with me everywhere, every day.

My ipad air is naked, but I generally leave that at home. I have a smart cover for when I need a stand -- that's it.

I could see buying a case for specific use scenarios:

1. Carrying for outside job/work; like construction sites, etc.

2. Young kids who may be rough with it.

If you are simply going by plane or car from office to office, etc., the smart cover should be more than enough.
 
I used my iPhone 5 naked for a while and the edges got nasty. Luckily the home button broke and the Apple Store gave me a new one, so I put it in a case immediately. I do the same with the iPad.

Its a shame that such a beautifully designed and built device has to be covered in cheap plastic to protect it.

Same. I have a yellow 64GB iPod touch 5G. It didn't get its first nick until April 2013, and then it just got worse. There is now raw aluminum where the bevel was, and it's annoying and I can't use it anymore. I'm shortly selling it for a base price of $249 on eBay and purchasing a black and slate or space gray one. And it's sadly going to be tucked away in a LifeProof case. :(
 
Had the iPad 2 from day 1 and never had issue with smart cover. Got the iPad 4 on day 1 and never have had issue with it either. Not sure if Air is any different.
 
Naked is best feel in hand and comfort. Add even the smart cover and it adds bulk and weight and doesnt feel as comfy.

Im using a sleeve and honestly, unless you are resting your ipads on sandpaper, you shouldnt need a case.

Im most likely going to put a ghost armour carbon skin on the back, but honestly at $40...im debating. I know it comes with lifetime warranty and install, but cmon...is $40 not a lot for a back skin?
 
Just get the smart cover. The more you add to it the worse it looks and feels.

I used the smart cover for a week and didnt like it. I found it made the ipad uncomfortable and it adds noticable bulk. I liked the air much better barebones with just a sleeve.

I have ways to workaround the stand aspect. But having the lightest and most comfy in hand ipad with it bare and just a sleeve is perfect.
 
I used the smart cover for a week and didnt like it. I found it made the ipad uncomfortable and it adds noticable bulk. I liked the air much better barebones with just a sleeve.

I have ways to workaround the stand aspect. But having the lightest and most comfy in hand ipad with it bare and just a sleeve is perfect.

agreed. smart cover was completely unnecessary for me. just slip the ipad in a sleeve when traveling
 
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