Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
I had a leather smart cover on my 2 so I choose to get the RED poly version for my Air. Didn't have them at best buy obviously so I ordered one online and am awaiting it. Planning on doing one of the skins for the back of the ipad and just roll with that. I had a cheap Speck cover on the back of my 2 but I don't want to add bulk to the air
 
I like the Air Smart Cover. It feels more substantial than previous covers and the magnet is def stronger. No issues here.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_3002.JPG
    IMG_3002.JPG
    1.6 MB · Views: 215
  • IMG_3001.JPG
    IMG_3001.JPG
    1.1 MB · Views: 212
when you fold it so the cover is folded flush against the back, does it magnetically stay against the back or does it flop?

If I hold the section closest to the hinge, the last section will fall away from the back of the iPad. If hold it in the middle section, it stays flat against the iPad.
 
Do you find this to be annoying, or does it hardly effect daily use?

Hardly affects daily use. If I'm holding the iPad, my fingers are usually holding it close to the center anyways.

I usually take the cover off if not propping it up or typing. I prefer the naked feel of the iPad and iPhones.
 
Hardly affects daily use. If I'm holding the iPad, my fingers are usually holding it close to the center anyways.

I usually take the cover off if not propping it up or typing. I prefer the naked feel of the iPad and iPhones.

Thanks for the quick response! I will be returning my Smart case today and picking up the smart cover.....its half the price and keeps the bulk down, I just need a sleeve to travel with it.
 
Thanks for the quick response! I will be returning my Smart case today and picking up the smart cover.....its half the price and keeps the bulk down, I just need a sleeve to travel with it.

I've purchased a lot of cases over the years for different iPads and always go back to just the Smart Cover and a back skin with sleeve for transport. These devices are beautifully designed and it's a shame to cover them up with a bulky, ugly case.
 
I've purchased a lot of cases over the years for different iPads and always go back to just the Smart Cover and a back skin with sleeve for transport. These devices are beautifully designed and it's a shame to cover them up with a bulky, ugly case.

I agree! Any back skins you recommend?
 
I agree! Any back skins you recommend?

I've used sticker boy in the past but recently haven't had great experiences with them. I just ordered Best skins ever gloss front and matte back. Based on reviews by members here at MR, BSE seems to be good value and good product. Less orange peel, easy install and decent price. I'll post some pictures after I receive and install.
 
Just had my red Smart Cover and Belkin shell. The shell is great, however it's only available in darkish grey so now my silver iPad Air looks like its space grey lol. Protection matters more though I suppose.

As for the the Smart Cover, I am a little disappointed in general but I will probably keep it as it suits my needs. I want to be able to remove the cover completely whilst still having protection on the back.

Pros:

* Lovely strong red colour
* Quality is nice in general
* Strong hinge magnet

Cons:

* Weak magnet for keeping the cover closed. Barely feels like there is a magnet at all (see vid below)
* Hinge magnet is not aligned correctly and is a few mm off
* Cover does not sit completely flat when closed (May improve with wear)
* Folding into a triangle as a stand is not as sturdy as before.

More cons than pros, I'm considering getting it replaced as the magnet to hold the cover closed is incredibly weak, almost undetectable. Is anyone else's like that?

Anyway some pics, it looks nice I reckon, however it takes a little away from the sheer thin-ness of the Air. Weight difference is pretty minimal:

10693704583_5e6027a409_b.jpg
10693511634_e790610ebb_b.jpg

10693473495_679d33923f_b.jpg
10693517054_431dc4e6a7_b.jpg


Here's a vid of the weak magnet issue:

http://youtu.be/HJkUR56LmG0

I still recommend it if the cons above don't bother you too much.
 
Last edited:
I was considering a skin also but it kinda seems like the skins fail to protect the most scratch prone areas. For example, Gelaskins leaves the corners and the chamfered edge exposed. Using my black iPhone 5 as reference, those are the areas that have the most dents/scratches while the back plate is in perfect condition.

goed.jpg
 
Just had my red Smart Cover and Belkin shell. The shell is great, however it's only available in darkish grey so now my silver iPad Air looks like its space grey lol. Protection matters more though I suppose.

As for the the Smart Cover, I am a little disappointed in general but I will probably keep it as it suits my needs. I want to be able to remove the cover completely whilst still having protection on the back.

Pros:

* Lovely strong red colour
* Quality is nice in general
* Strong hinge magnet

Cons:

* Weak magnet for keeping the cover closed. Barely feels like there is a magnet at all (see vid below)
* Hinge magnet is not aligned correctly and is a few mm off
* Cover does not sit completely flat when closed (May improve with wear)
* Folding into a triangle as a stand is not as sturdy as before.

More cons than pros, I'm considering getting it replaced as the magnet to hold the cover closed is incredibly weak, almost undetectable. Is anyone else's like that?

Anyway some pics, it looks nice I reckon, however it takes a little away from the sheer thin-ness of the Air. Weight difference is pretty minimal:

10693704583_5e6027a409_b.jpg
10693511634_e790610ebb_b.jpg

10693473495_679d33923f_b.jpg
10693517054_431dc4e6a7_b.jpg


Here's a vid of the weak magnet issue:

http://youtu.be/HJkUR56LmG0

I still recommend it if the cons above don't bother you too much.

Where did u get the grey belkin back shell from?
 
My cover doesn't lay completely flat. It is rising up from the iPad at the first crease (from the left of the smart cover). It doesn't wake the iPad but its rather annoying. Anyone else having this issue? Perhaps its just because it is new?

Yes. Mine does the same. I assume it will flatten with use. Or maybe not. Maybe because it bends all the time it won't... mmm...

----------

Pros:

* Lovely strong red colour
* Quality is nice in general
* Strong hinge magnet

Cons:

* Weak magnet for keeping the cover closed. Barely feels like there is a magnet at all (see vid below)
* Hinge magnet is not aligned correctly and is a few mm off
* Cover does not sit completely flat when closed (May improve with wear)
* Folding into a triangle as a stand is not as sturdy as before.


Mate, great review. Totally on the money.
 
Does anyone have a third party Smart Cover? I see a few on eBay and I'm curious, I would settle for one. Not sure if I like my black Apple Smart Cover. I want to keep protection at the minimum and just cover the screen.
 
I tested my iPad air smartcover (green) and it sticks much better than yours Sir Ruben on the front of the iPad.

It unfortunately no longer holds the cover when it is open on the back of the iPad (like my old iPad3 cover used to).

So the magnet in the cover seems weaker :confused:
 
I tested my iPad air smartcover (green) and it sticks much better than yours Sir Ruben on the front of the iPad.

It unfortunately no longer holds the cover when it is open on the back of the iPad (like my old iPad3 cover used to).

So the magnet in the cover seems weaker :confused:

Hi, thanks for letting me know. Im still in two minds whether to just keep it or try another one. Its not going to cause me a problem as such but I noticed it straight away compared to my previous smart cover on my ipad 3.
 
Last edited:
Just got mine in Red also.

Quality is much better than expected. I had a red leather cover for the 4 and was not excited about a poly cover, but the feel is very good.

Magnets on mine are plenty strong.

Folding into a stand is easier and seems to be a bit more stable.

Not sure I love the red color as it's a lot brighter than the old red. May exchange for black.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.