Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Given that its a mobile device there is always a risk of dropping it which is why I have a full body cover. You never know when someone might give walk into your shoulder. Plus a back cover means that I can lay my ipad down on any surface without hesitating.
 
I really don't get the obsession with covering the back to keep it scratch free. What is the pointy in there not being any scratches if you cover it up, and therefore can't even see how amazingly scratch-free it is?

A clear film such as from BestSkinsEver protects without hiding.

Peace of mind / not worrying about the surface you're setting it down on is worth a lot to me. I can put it on the desk/table/counter without worrying if there's any grit or sand or something.

Why are you concerned with what others choose to do with their devices?
 
The back should never get scratched. When you lay the ipad on a surface, simply flip the smart cover to cover the back. Just dont drop it?

I lay mine screen-side-down on the table or desk with a smart cover on. Back of my iPad 2 never scratched.
 
maybe I'll use the RadTech suede sleeve instead for protection. .

Is that the RadSleevz? I love their products but from their pix it looks like the iPad sticks out a bit, and I'm not sure I like that it slips in the long way. Most of the time I'd be sticking it in a bag in the portrait orientation and would hate for it to slip out partially.
 
I really don't get the obsession with covering the back to keep it scratch free. What is the pointy in there not being any scratches if you cover it up, and therefore can't even see how amazingly scratch-free it is?

If anything, leave it uncovered, and if it does get scratched and you can't stand to look at it anymore, then cover it up.

Amen.

Stop worrying and enjoy your iPad. Be careful with it and don't put it down on top of surfaces that carry razors, nails or naked flames.

There's a reason that Apple don't sell cases that cover the back of the iPad - it's meant to be touched and enjoyed.
 
It’s almost as if us mere mortals are unworthy of touching the pristine backs of our iPads.

Having said that, I think I’m going to put a skin on the back of mine. I’m worried about scratching it with my wedding ring. The ring is titanium and has two raised edges encircling it. Pretty sure that would do a number on the aluminum back of my iPad.
 
Is that the RadSleevz? I love their products but from their pix it looks like the iPad sticks out a bit, and I'm not sure I like that it slips in the long way. Most of the time I'd be sticking it in a bag in the portrait orientation and would hate for it to slip out partially.


The RadSleevz does fit pretty snugly, enough so that the device does not easily slip out. Actually, I am still using the RadSleevz that I bought for my first-gen iPad and while it was a teeny bit loose on the iPad 2, it fits the new iPad very nicely. I don't use it all that often, just in situations where I want to use a particular bag and the Smart Cover adds just a little too much bulk. 99.5% of the time I use the Smart Cover.
 
Sena do an "ultraslim" case that accommodates the iPad and the Smartcover.

It allows you to use the iPad with just the Smartcover, then protect the whole thing when you chuck it in your bag.

Perfect.
 
The RadSleevz does fit pretty snugly, enough so that the device does not easily slip out. Actually, I am still using the RadSleevz that I bought for my first-gen iPad and while it was a teeny bit loose on the iPad 2, it fits the new iPad very nicely. I don't use it all that often, just in situations where I want to use a particular bag and the Smart Cover adds just a little too much bulk. 99.5% of the time I use the Smart Cover.

Do you use it with the Smart Cover too? (the Radsleevz). I see they still sell the original one. The iPod cover I bought from them did stretch a bit over the years. If the iPad sleeve is similar in thickness I am sure I will love it. Thanks so much for the input!
 
I'm currently sporting just a smart cover, but I think i'll add a back for it as well. Maybe the Incipio Smart Feather or the Aviiq Smart Case
 
I really don't get the obsession with covering the back to keep it scratch free. What is the pointy in there not being any scratches if you cover it up, and therefore can't even see how amazingly scratch-free it is?

If anything, leave it uncovered, and if it does get scratched and you can't stand to look at it anymore, then cover it up.

so if you drop your device, the insides dont brake..
 
I'm in the same boat as the OP; was thinking about a combo cover or a back cover with the smart cover, but I love the slim form factor with just the smart cover.

I'm thinking InvisibleShield; there's a mall near me with a kiosk where you can buy them and have them install it.

Does it make the back more slippery to have a film on the device? The back is a little slick on its own but just grippy/tactile enough to feel nice.
 
After a year with only the Smart Cover my Ipad2 remained in mint condition and I was able to get the best resale price for it.
 
I went smart cover + sleeve for carrying only for my iPad 2. Got a few dings and scratches on the back. I also felt that the device was too light and easy to topple over with the smart cover at times.

Then, it didn't survive a fall unscathed right before I got my iPad 3 and dented the case near the charging port and the home button stopped working.

iPad 3? I went with smart cover + Marware Microshell Case + Roocase Super Bubble Sleeve. Feels more protected when carrying it and the added weight fo the microshell case is actually pleasing rather than distracting.
 
Using the smart cover and getting invisible shield for the back only

----------

I'm in the same boat as the OP; was thinking about a combo cover or a back cover with the smart cover, but I love the slim form factor with just the smart cover.

I'm thinking InvisibleShield; there's a mall near me with a kiosk where you can buy them and have them install it.

Does it make the back more slippery to have a film on the device? The back is a little slick on its own but just grippy/tactile enough to feel nice.
Not at all...I like the grip invisible shield provides, however I recommend buying it online, a lot cheaper on amazon versus the $35 they were charging me at the kiosk for just the back
 
Using the smart cover and getting invisible shield for the back only

----------


Not at all...I like the grip invisible shield provides, however I recommend buying it online, a lot cheaper on amazon versus the $35 they were charging me at the kiosk for just the back

Just got the invisible shield for front and back as well as a smart cover. I put on the back shield first and I think that's how I'm going to leave it. Will also be putting it in a sleeve to carry around.

It feels silly to protect the iPad with something twice as thick.
 
I only use the smart cover and a sleeve. I can't bear to put some garish looking back protector on it because if I'm using it for reading, I like the feel of the metal back in my hands. I use the the sleeve only for travelling, and I haven't had any back scratches on either my iPad 1, 2, or 3.
 
I would recommend getting the Brookstone Leather Case for $49.99

It's really nice looking..... Will be returning my smart cover for a refund!
 
Do you use it with the Smart Cover too? (the Radsleevz). I see they still sell the original one. The iPod cover I bought from them did stretch a bit over the years. If the iPad sleeve is similar in thickness I am sure I will love it. Thanks so much for the input!

No, just the iPad itself in the Radsleevz.....I don't think the new iPad will fit with the Smartcover into the sleeve, but I have not tried it. That might work with the iPad 2,though....Hm......

I really do like the RadSleevz and it worked great with the first generation and now I'll be from time to time using it with the new iPad as well.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.