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FrozenDarkness

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Mar 21, 2009
1,826
1,123
I tried doing a search and couldn't find anything interesting but I'm thinking of using my ipad outside of the case (i started disliking the cases due to the bulk of holding an ipad). curious how the metal back holds up to wear and tear. I'm not talking about dropping it, just throwing it on tables and stuff.
 

Newtons Apple

Suspended
Mar 12, 2014
22,757
15,254
Jacksonville, Florida
I tried doing a search and couldn't find anything interesting but I'm thinking of using my ipad outside of the case (i started disliking the cases due to the bulk of holding an ipad). curious how the metal back holds up to wear and tear. I'm not talking about dropping it, just throwing it on tables and stuff.

It is soft anodized aluminum and will in time, if just "thrown on tables and stuff", will wear by loosing the anodized finish and actually wearing on the aluminum. The aluminum will actually dent pretty easy so it depends on your idea of throwing or tossing on a table.

If you do not care what the back looks like, you will be fine.

I would at least put a clear skin on it but if you do not care . . . .

Enjoy!
 
Last edited:

MacDevil7334

Contributor
Oct 15, 2011
2,537
5,758
Austin TX
I tried doing a search and couldn't find anything interesting but I'm thinking of using my ipad outside of the case (i started disliking the cases due to the bulk of holding an ipad). curious how the metal back holds up to wear and tear. I'm not talking about dropping it, just throwing it on tables and stuff.
I've used all my iPads over the years with Smart Cover only. The back is actually pretty durable! I've never had anything worse than the occasional hairline scratch. But I am careful when putting it down on tables, etc. I always set it down gently and never throw it or anything like that. I do agree with the previous poster that the back does dent fairly easily (it's made out of the softer 6000 series aluminum rather than the 7000 series found on the latest iPhones). So you may want to be careful of that. In general, I think as long as you treat the iPad with care, it should hold up fine with maybe a few small scratches.
 

jqc

macrumors 6502
Jun 30, 2007
394
204
try bestskinsever or similar; ive used it with ipad air 2, mini 4 and now 12.9 pro; its like going nude but with scratch protection and better grip.
 

myrtledog

macrumors regular
Aug 15, 2015
148
65
try bestskinsever or similar; ive used it with ipad air 2, mini 4 and now 12.9 pro; its like going nude but with scratch protection and better grip.

This looks good. Any other potential solutions for the back of an iPad? Anything sold at say Best Buy that they'd actually put on for you with purchase?
 

Nhwhazup

macrumors 68040
Sep 2, 2010
3,472
1,717
New Hampshire
try bestskinsever or similar; ive used it with ipad air 2, mini 4 and now 12.9 pro; its like going nude but with scratch protection and better grip.
This! BestSkinsEver are the best! Not sure what they offer at the kiosks anymore for back skins but I've never been happy with their installations or products. BestSkinsEver actually are almost invisible. They take time to install but the installation is pretty forgiving if you have patience and take your time. The result is awesome - invisible look, a little better grip and no worries regarding scratches from laying it on the table or sliding in your bag with no other protection.
 

Tsuchiya

macrumors 68020
Jun 7, 2008
2,310
372
We use space grey iPad Airs for work without a back cover. They told up quite well in terms of scratches, but the dark finish does start to fade if you are rough with them and constantly slide them across desks etc.
 

throAU

macrumors G3
Feb 13, 2012
9,072
7,224
Perth, Western Australia
I tried doing a search and couldn't find anything interesting but I'm thinking of using my ipad outside of the case (i started disliking the cases due to the bulk of holding an ipad). curious how the metal back holds up to wear and tear. I'm not talking about dropping it, just throwing it on tables and stuff.

I have 2 iPads with metal backs that have never had cases. An iPad mini (original) and an iPad 4.

They are unmarked. Now maybe i'm just super careful with my gear, but the variety of dead iPhones i have killed would suggest otherwise.
 

FrozenDarkness

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Mar 21, 2009
1,826
1,123
Does anybody know how skins and smartcovers work? Will magnets lose more of its connection?
 

rasputin1969

macrumors 6502
Mar 4, 2010
417
257
Over the years I've gone through many back covers and, while some were better than others, I was never happy. Then I came across wet apply skins, which were perfect - incredibly thin, light and see-through with the added advantage of added grippyness.

A skin for the back, and smart cover for the front is the perfect solution (unless you are in the habit of dropping your iPad). They are 100% compatible with the smart cover.
 

Nhwhazup

macrumors 68040
Sep 2, 2010
3,472
1,717
New Hampshire
does bestskinsever not offer a lifetime replacement warranty? i'm pretty surprised.
Over the years I've gone through many back covers and, while some were better than others, I was never happy. Then I came across wet apply skins, which were perfect - incredibly thin, light and see-through with the added advantage of added grippyness.

A skin for the back, and smart cover for the front is the perfect solution (unless you are in the habit of dropping your iPad). They are 100% compatible with the smart cover.

I agree with you wholeheartedly. The skin on the back is great - no chance of scratches. Unlike my iPhone, I'm usually sitting down with my iPad either on my desk or in my lap. So I've been fine with this way - love the flexibility and no added bulk.
 
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spiderman0616

Suspended
Aug 1, 2010
5,670
7,499
I have never had the guts to go cover-less on an iPad. When rumors started swirling that there would be a 9.7" iPad Pro, I thought it would be cool to have an Apple Smart Keyboard on the front and a Best Skins Ever skin on the back, but then that camera bump happened, and I will never be cool with sliding that around on the table. So I got the silicon back too.
 

Newtons Apple

Suspended
Mar 12, 2014
22,757
15,254
Jacksonville, Florida
I have never had the guts to go cover-less on an iPad. When rumors started swirling that there would be a 9.7" iPad Pro, I thought it would be cool to have an Apple Smart Keyboard on the front and a Best Skins Ever skin on the back, but then that camera bump happened, and I will never be cool with sliding that around on the table. So I got the silicon back too.

To me a naked iPad is just too slippery and I use mine both at home and out in the field and the silicone case and cover allow me to carry it with some grip and confidence. I know I would drop my iPad somewhere through out the day if I did not it something on it.
 

Simacca

macrumors 65816
Jul 31, 2008
1,338
620
UK, South East.
I have never had the guts to go cover-less on an iPad. When rumors started swirling that there would be a 9.7" iPad Pro, I thought it would be cool to have an Apple Smart Keyboard on the front and a Best Skins Ever skin on the back, but then that camera bump happened, and I will never be cool with sliding that around on the table. So I got the silicon back too.

Naked for me this time round seeing as I've just paid out for applecare+. Also I begrudge paying an extra £10 (compared to air 2), for their oversized Smart Cover!
 

FrozenDarkness

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Mar 21, 2009
1,826
1,123
for me, I use my ipad most often in bed, on the couch, and in a car so I want it to be as thin as possible. It's too late for me to buy an applecare+ but I wish I did for the most supreme confidence.
 
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