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Aluminum213

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Mar 16, 2012
3,584
4,568
compared to the leather smart case that was offered for the iPad Air 2, first they split the case so they make more money to only offer cheap silicon to just improve profit margins is truly representative of the Tim Cook era
 

Cyroceon

macrumors 6502a
Feb 9, 2008
580
100
compared to the leather smart case that was offered for the iPad Air 2, first they split the case so they make more money to only offer cheap silicon to just improve profit margins is truly representative of the Tim Cook era

I'm not sure about your characterization; "disgusting". However, I will say that it is a bit unattractive and definitely not meant to be used without the top half Smart Cover. In addition, I will also say that the fact that it's silicon and no leather is lacking quite the attraction.
 
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StPatty33

macrumors 6502
Jun 17, 2009
332
122
Colorado
100% agreed. I can't stand them. Once my leather smart cover from China gets here finally (maybe another 3 days) I can trim my leatherskin to fit and put it all together and finally USE the effing thing!
 

lyngo

macrumors 6502a
Sep 10, 2007
813
1,282
100% agreed. I can't stand them. Once my leather smart cover from China gets here finally (maybe another 3 days) I can trim my leatherskin to fit and put it all together and finally USE the effing thing!

I ordered from the same company, did you get tracking info?
 

lyngo

macrumors 6502a
Sep 10, 2007
813
1,282
I decided to pass on this combo given the nature of the cost. I couldn't justify it to myself, my wallet, and most importantly my wife. :)
 

bob24

macrumors 6502a
Sep 25, 2012
568
464
Dublin, Ireland
I also think it feels like a cheap product (though aside from the overflap it fits the iPad well and seems quite protective). I don't like the tactile feel of the silicon and it is slippery.

I usually prefer first party accessories, but my combo will likely go back to Apple (probablem is i haven't really found anything nice available as an alternative, but I might just get a cheap one as a temp and see what other manufacturers come up with.
 

Brookzy

macrumors 601
May 30, 2010
4,960
5,541
UK
The rear cases seem very un-Apple (bar the price :p) - heavy, difficult to install and remove, and a bit crap in the hand.
 
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Analog Kid

macrumors 604
Mar 4, 2003
7,568
8,454
Yeah, I had the same reaction. "Ewww..." Also: "Where do I put the damned pencil?"

I still miss the leather case I had on my Air 1, but I'm getting used to it now. I like that the front cover can pull off relatively easily-- I find when I'm handholding it I tend to remove the magnetic hinge to save some weight and bulk, then snap it back on when I'm ready to move. That's kinda slick.

I don't know if this is the Apple reasoning or just some punk's working at the Apple store, but when I asked about leather cases and suggested that plastic didn't seem to fit Apple's move towards eco-friendly he countered that "at least plastic doesn't cost a life".

I pointed out that life is cheap, especially once you've scooped the hamburger out of it...
 
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Brookzy

macrumors 601
May 30, 2010
4,960
5,541
UK
I don't know if this is the Apple reasoning or just some punk's working at the Apple store, but when I asked about leather cases and suggested that plastic didn't seem to fit Apple's move towards eco-friendly he countered that "at least plastic doesn't cost a life".

I pointed out that life is cheap, especially once you've scooped the hamburger out of it...
Probably a vegan. Good reply ;)
 

Bbqthis

macrumors 6502a
Apr 12, 2015
935
1,844
Bay Area, CA
compared to the leather smart case that was offered for the iPad Air 2, first they split the case so they make more money to only offer cheap silicon to just improve profit margins is truly representative of the Tim Cook era
Odd, I didn't know Apple made iPad cases out of silicon. That doesn't seem to fit your narrative of a cheap skate Apple, as a case completely made of silicon would be quite pricey. I bet it would look sharp, but at the end of the day, I prefer the silicon on the inside of the iPad.
 
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RamGuy

macrumors 65816
Jun 7, 2011
1,283
1,618
Norway
I don't really have any problem with there being Silicon cases for the iPad / iPad Pro. I have been asking for it for some time, as my girlfriend tends to enjoy the silicon (no pun intended) more than the leather ones, at least for the phones. They provide better protection, better grip and they tend to not lose their look and quality after extended use.

I do have one issue with these for the iPad Pro though. They cost an insane amount of money for being a silicon case. For the iPhone we have the choice of silicon and leather and the later add some additional cost (obviously as leather tend to be more expensive compared to silicon). But the situation of the iPad Pro is rather ridiculous as Apple have removed the leather option entirely and replaced it with this two-piece solution whereas just getting the back cover is more expensive than what I had to pay for the complete back and front leather case of the iPad Air / Air 2.


The pricing is simply out of hand for these cases. We have always had to pay a premium for Apple cases, and that's okay as you would normally have to pay premium for first-party cases and Apple's cases have always been really nice in terms of fit and finish. But they are really starting to push it beyond reason with these ones for sure. As one whom have always gotten the Smart Case, this new two piece solution does not only downgrade from leather to silicon, it always add a whole lot to the cost and it doesn't look and feel as good either as the two piece design feels rather wonky coming from the previous Smart Case solutions as it adds added bulk and you can't really trust the front part of the case any longer as it will easily snap-off due to the magnet.


I'm almost tempted to add some speaker holes to the iPad Air 2 Smart Case to accommodate the new top-speakers and call it a day and simply return this new combo.
 

bob24

macrumors 6502a
Sep 25, 2012
568
464
Dublin, Ireland
I don't really have any problem with there being Silicon cases for the iPad / iPad Pro. I have been asking for it for some time, as my girlfriend tends to enjoy the silicon (no pun intended) more than the leather ones, at least for the phones. They provide better protection, better grip and they tend to not lose their look and quality after extended use.

I do have one issue with these for the iPad Pro though. They cost an insane amount of money for being a silicon case. For the iPhone we have the choice of silicon and leather and the later add some additional cost (obviously as leather tend to be more expensive compared to silicon). But the situation of the iPad Pro is rather ridiculous as Apple have removed the leather option entirely and replaced it with this two-piece solution whereas just getting the back cover is more expensive than what I had to pay for the complete back and front leather case of the iPad Air / Air 2.


The pricing is simply out of hand for these cases. We have always had to pay a premium for Apple cases, and that's okay as you would normally have to pay premium for first-party cases and Apple's cases have always been really nice in terms of fit and finish. But they are really starting to push it beyond reason with these ones for sure. As one whom have always gotten the Smart Case, this new two piece solution does not only downgrade from leather to silicon, it always add a whole lot to the cost and it doesn't look and feel as good either as the two piece design feels rather wonky coming from the previous Smart Case solutions as it adds added bulk and you can't really trust the front part of the case any longer as it will easily snap-off due to the magnet.


I'm almost tempted to add some speaker holes to the iPad Air 2 Smart Case to accommodate the new top-speakers and call it a day and simply return this new combo.

Yes, given the price people should consider what they are getting the case for and what possible other options are available.

- If it is for the looks, is it really a premium product and the best you can get for that price? (it might be the case today as premium case makers don't have their products ready yet, but in a month or 2 I am not so sure).
- If if is for protection, another option could be AppleCare+ which is close enough in terms of pricing and gives peace of mind while letting the user enjoy the naked design of the iPad (it will also be much lighter and less tiring to hold with your hands while not resting on a table)

Many people will still prefer the Apple offering, but with these 2 things taken into account if could reduce the audience quite a bit compared to previous generations.
 

StPatty33

macrumors 6502
Jun 17, 2009
332
122
Colorado
I ordered from the same company, did you get tracking info?
I actually ordered from 2 different eBay sellers, though I'm certain it'll end up being the same exact product. The first I ordered was like $10 with free economy shipping, the 2nd I ordered was I think only $6 or $7, but had a faster "e-packet" shipping method available for like $2 more. That 2nd one is finally out for delivery today (ordered April 2nd), and the first one still says the last scan was in China, and just says "en route". The tracking info on that one says it could be as late a delivery as May 25th. Both have tracking info from within eBay. I'm pretty stoked about really being able to start using my iPad starting tonight.
 

Kermit262

macrumors 6502
Sep 16, 2014
296
415
Central Ohio
I actually ordered from 2 different eBay sellers, though I'm certain it'll end up being the same exact product. The first I ordered was like $10 with free economy shipping, the 2nd I ordered was I think only $6 or $7, but had a faster "e-packet" shipping method available for like $2 more. That 2nd one is finally out for delivery today (ordered April 2nd), and the first one still says the last scan was in China, and just says "en route". The tracking info on that one says it could be as late a delivery as May 25th. Both have tracking info from within eBay. I'm pretty stoked about really being able to start using my iPad starting tonight.
Let us know how it is StPatty, with pics too. I really like my silicone case but it was about $70 more than the ones you ordered!
 
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lyngo

macrumors 6502a
Sep 10, 2007
813
1,282
I actually ordered from 2 different eBay sellers, though I'm certain it'll end up being the same exact product. The first I ordered was like $10 with free economy shipping, the 2nd I ordered was I think only $6 or $7, but had a faster "e-packet" shipping method available for like $2 more. That 2nd one is finally out for delivery today (ordered April 2nd), and the first one still says the last scan was in China, and just says "en route". The tracking info on that one says it could be as late a delivery as May 25th. Both have tracking info from within eBay. I'm pretty stoked about really being able to start using my iPad starting tonight.

Yes... I would absolutely love to see pictures of the new cover and i'm also interested in knowing whether or not the cover sits flush with the edge of the iPad unlike a brand-new smart covers by Apple.
 
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StPatty33

macrumors 6502
Jun 17, 2009
332
122
Colorado
OK, so, I got both my covers at the same time, and they are the same manufacturer. Guess what... they're both hugely floppy, very inconsistent hinges, and... THEY'RE NOT LEATHER. So much for that BS! Looks like I'm going to have to rip the hinge off one of these and try to make my own damned cover now. I may do a thread on them today or tomorrow with pictures, but yeah... I'm super not happy right now.

They're the same BS material the off-brand covers have always been, definitely not leather, and they hang off the same if not more than the Apple ones. At least I was able to finally trim my leatherskin around the cover hinge so I could get something on the back of it though. So much BS.

Here are the links to the exact auctions so you can know what to steer clear of:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/351687307475
http://www.ebay.com/itm/381579527462
 

HiItsMe

macrumors 6502
Sep 12, 2014
431
196
OK, so, I got both my covers at the same time, and they are the same manufacturer. Guess what... they're both hugely floppy, very inconsistent hinges, and... THEY'RE NOT LEATHER. So much for that BS! Looks like I'm going to have to rip the hinge off one of these and try to make my own damned cover now. I may do a thread on them today or tomorrow with pictures, but yeah... I'm super not happy right now.

They're the same BS material the off-brand covers have always been, definitely not leather, and they hang off the same if not more than the Apple ones. At least I was able to finally trim my leatherskin around the cover hinge so I could get something on the back of it though. So much BS.

Here are the links to the exact auctions so you can know what to steer clear of:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/351687307475
http://www.ebay.com/itm/381579527462
Unfortunately, I'm not surprised that a case from China for less than $6 shipped is crappy quality. :( sorry for your disappointment.
 

StPatty33

macrumors 6502
Jun 17, 2009
332
122
Colorado
Unfortunately, I'm not surprised that a case from China for less than $6 shipped is crappy quality. :( sorry for your disappointment.
It's not that I'm surprised, though I've had plenty of accessories over the years from overseas that were great. All I want is a damned leather Smart Cover. Apple doesn't make them for this model, and these eBayers lied and said theirs were leather when they're not.
 
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