Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Macally SmartMate for new iPad on Amazon!
- Thread starter sparkstsa
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
They're both different cases, not just different colors, let me clarify. There are presently 2 different types of materials used for back cases these days:
Hard Plastic: The crystal-clear cases are made from this material. The good news? They are completely transparent, like a window, doesn't hide the iPad at all. The bad news? The material is akin to a clear plastic fork you'd get at a family picnic. It's hard, somewhat uncomfortable to hold, slippery, and scratches easily. It'll protect the aluminum from scratches, but if you drop it you're getting practically no protection at all.
TPU: The cases that are more flexible and milky-looking are made from this material. The good news? They have great grip, are very rubbery and offer shock protection, comfortable to hold, and will not scratch unless really abused. The bad news? They aren't completely clear, they're frosted and milky looking, they're thicker and add bulk.
So the issue isn't a matter of coloration; it's a matter of the raw materials being used in the construction. To get crystal-clear sexiness you need to sacrifice protection and case-scratch resistance. To get great protection and a great feel in your hands you need to suffer with a milky and frosted appearance.
Note that the colored (non-crystal-clear) back cases out there made of hard plastic tend to have rubber coating which is the best of both worlds, but they don't make a crystal-clear case with rubberized finish because it obscures the crystal-clear presentation.
Hope that helps.
BJ
Just got my white macally in. Looks good and has a rubberized feel to it. The only thing I don't like is how high the edge of the case comes above the iPad screen. I understand that it's for better protection but it doesn't feel good in the hand as the cut outs scratch your palm as you hold it. It may get returned due to the uncomfortable feel of the cut out edges. Everything else about the case is great though as it does lock the smart cover in place. The speaker section is a great addition and works well.
It's unfortunate that it's uncomfortable to hold.
It's unfortunate that it's uncomfortable to hold.
Yuck. Those are the edges of the SmartMate for the The New iPad? Please say it isn't so.
BJ
It really sucks because I was hoping that it would be the perfect case with the smart cover.
Thanks man. Looks fine to me. I ordered the white one to see if I like it more than my Belkin.
Haven't really had a chance to use it I'll get back tomorrow if it does bother me.
I just received mine and I held it as normal (one handed as well as in landscape with two hands) and I don't feel any type of pain in doing so...
The sound difference is huge.
----------
are you saying that I'm holding it wrong
The sound difference is huge.
----------
are you saying that I'm holding it wrong
I think I know what your talking about but nothing that can't be fixed if you don't mind fixing it.
On the bottom right corner where the speaker is, where it appears mended together it protrudes a little, it didn't really hurt but seem sharper than the other edges. I took some sand paper to it but if trim it down that should fix the problem.