Thanks. Now I gotta figure out how I can get the plastic that holds the smart cover removed. I like taking the cover off to play games and browse.
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Macally SmartMate for new iPad on Amazon!
- Thread starter sparkstsa
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Thanks. Now I gotta figure out how I can get the plastic that holds the smart cover removed. I like taking the cover off to play games and browse.
Do you have any pics of the sanded down case? What grit did you use?
I don't mind fixing it myself if it turns out well.
Those aren't edges, they're trenches. What were they thinking?
We've got a real contest for Worst Uneccessary iPad Case Design Cues between the Macally Trench and the Targus Crater.
BJ
Got my case today, but for some reason the bottom corners are not smoothed out as well as the top. It is uncomfortable to hold it in the normal portrait mode because of this. Also, the fit on this case is a little loose. If somebody accidentally pushed against one of the corners, this could easily come off. I don't remember the Smart Feather for my iPad 2 being like this.
Pros:
Sound amplifier (it does help)
Full body coverage (compared to other ultrathin cases)
Reasonable price
Cons:
Sharp corners
Loose fit
Not sure if I'm going to keep this or get the Incipio Smart Feather in Translucent Mercury once it is released.
Pros:
Sound amplifier (it does help)
Full body coverage (compared to other ultrathin cases)
Reasonable price
Cons:
Sharp corners
Loose fit
Not sure if I'm going to keep this or get the Incipio Smart Feather in Translucent Mercury once it is released.
Last edited:
The answer:
Neither.
The Incipio Smart Feather has very exposed upper/lower edges which feel uncomfortable in the hand and let dirt/grime get in there which will scratch the aluminum over time.
The Macally SmartMate has an atrocious edge design that looks ugly when opened and is a double-ridged crumb-catcher.
Be like me and just wait it out. We're in Week 2 of the The New iPad's existence, within 2 months there will be dozens of these Smart Cover compatible locking cases on the market. Rushing to get the only two options right now isn't working. Plenty of cases in the short-term that don't lock to choose from (the Marware MicroShell is very good and is working for me perfectly right now) so just be patient for a few more weeks and the right case will emerge.
BJ
Here's one that I found: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938811&pf_rd_i=507846
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
So you sanded the raised edge off the bottom right corner? I wish there was a before and after. I was really hoping to get this case but I love the fit of the Belkin Snap Shield.
Also, this case looks really thin. Is it?
Just a shame since there are very few of these cases that hold the smart cover in place. Most don't.
It's the last two images, the last image is before, the one before is after(not sure how to rearrange in flickr)
It's thin it's not thick imo, just not sure if it would stay in the case with a face drop. That's my only real concern about this case.
Hey all, writing to say that I'm in receipt of my white SmartMate. It's totally fine, in my opinion. The edges are a bit high, that's for sure...it doesn't look so bad when my Smart Cover is closed (light gray), but it's more noticeable against my black iPad. The fit is not super tight, and I wonder how the iPad would fare if it fell forward. The case does have seams that I don't like. I haven't really tested the "amplifier."
I like the matte finish on the case. It's very smooth but not slippery. The white looks quite nice with the light gray Smart Cover and adds little bulk to the iPad. Furthermore, I really appreciate the understated branding. Hate big logos on my cases (Incipio, STM).
Again, for my needs, the SmartMate is totally fine. The Smart Cover and hard shell back serve as a secondary case for me (home use), and I really don't see myself spending $35 on a piece of plastic. These are only first impressions so take them with a grain of salt. The SmartMate is okay. If it broke, I would probably shop around for a different case.
I like the matte finish on the case. It's very smooth but not slippery. The white looks quite nice with the light gray Smart Cover and adds little bulk to the iPad. Furthermore, I really appreciate the understated branding. Hate big logos on my cases (Incipio, STM).
Again, for my needs, the SmartMate is totally fine. The Smart Cover and hard shell back serve as a secondary case for me (home use), and I really don't see myself spending $35 on a piece of plastic. These are only first impressions so take them with a grain of salt. The SmartMate is okay. If it broke, I would probably shop around for a different case.
That one looks very nice. I'm going to keep an eye out for that one, see what others report once they have it in stock on April 2.
Thanks.
BJ
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No problem. I don't think I want to test it out, so I'll probably be waiting as well.
Just did a drop test with the smart over not covering the screen(folded back), 3 feet into my chair and the iPad popped out on the rightside. Now when I did put my smart cover over the screen it didn't pop off but that's probably because the cover is taking the hit.
Just FYI. Seems the case is mainly to protect the back from scratches, hold the smart cover on and reaim the speaker. It won't take a screen drop unless the smart cover is covering it.
Just FYI. Seems the case is mainly to protect the back from scratches, hold the smart cover on and reaim the speaker. It won't take a screen drop unless the smart cover is covering it.
it was into a kooshy chair that couldn't really go left or right
And rather curious if it really would protect it rather than find out the hard way.
These thin covers will always pop out or crack. My iPad 2 smart feather cracked when my dad dropped it.
Got my Macally SmartMate in black today, thought I'd try it on and see if my first reaction from seeing the earlier photos of the white case was incorrect.
I'm happy to say that it's actually a nicely done case with some major positives and a few negatives. Overall, I'm going to keep it. My thoughts:
- In the black color against the black The New iPad you can't see or perceive the bezel edge as being out of place. With a white case, different story because of the black-on-white contrast.
- The back is really well protected, the best protection I've seen yet on a plastic back case. There are no big gaps for the LTE antenna, the bottom edge, or the sides. A+ there, an industry leader.
- The way that it installs over the Smart Cover's magnets and holds it firmly in place is great. I held the device by it's Smart Cover, bounced it up and down, and that cover is on tight, isn't going to let go.
- The redirected speaker is really subtle, not as much of a protrusion as it appears in photos. It sounds better, and it's really a non-issue from a cosmetic standpoint. Doesn't feel bad in the hands either.
- The rubber paint finish is great, feels really smooth and grippy. Against the leather Apple cover, looks like the whole thing is one continuous matching cover. Great presentation.
- On the downside, when you hold the The New iPad in your hands you feel the sharp edge of the plastic case in your palms as well as the slippery aluminum edge and some of the side glass. It's a strange sensation as the plastic creeps up and over the glass in some spots and then dips down below the aluminum in other spots.
- Lastly, I've learned a valuable lesson about Smart Cover cases in general. Not sure how people use this on a daily basis when the iPad is used in mid-air in your hands. The Smart Cover flops around, is awkward, is slippery, adds weight, and causes a balance issue. Not the Macally's fault, but in general I don't like the extra feeling of dragging the Smart Cover around with me all the time.
If you're looking for a thin back case with very few dust openings that also keeps the Smart Cover locked tightly on, look no further, the Macally SmartMate is the choice. I've seen 'em all, this the one.
In the end for me personally however, I'll keep this case for those instances where maximum protection is needed and/or when I travel and need to use the stand function for watching movies. I'll never be able to have the Smart Cover on the The New iPad 24/7 as it's too annoying to hold it in my hands which is the single most important ergonomic must-have for me.
BJ
It definitely looks better in black. But I have to agree with BJ's observation about the protection and feel of the case, especially the way it secures the Smart Cover. In these aspects, it is tops. I still wish it was a bit more snug and included some dock/headphone protectors, though. Still, I have been using the SmartMate in place of my Moko for a few days and find myself appreciating it more. Especially at $20 (or even less) - it really shows you how overpriced those $35-$40 cases are.
Thanks for the great pictures and review. However, I just don't care for the looks of that back case as compared to the Incipio Smart Feather. I don't have an issue with the top and bottom being open and I think it adds to to overall look.
I especially don't care of the edges on that at all. I'll stick with my Incipio Smart Feather.
I do agree with you in regards to the smart cover itself. Its a pain in the butt in practical use sense. On my iPad 2 I was using the ZooGue case which added so much bulk to it. But the usability of that case over my current setup was huge in comparison. I will likely end up ordering myself a dark gray ZooGue once these get the newer model in stock with the working smart cover.
My iPad is white by the way, so I don't want a black cover or case on it. Just a personal preference.
Again thanks for the review, I am sure this back case will serve many well, just isn't for me.
I especially don't care of the edges on that at all. I'll stick with my Incipio Smart Feather.
I do agree with you in regards to the smart cover itself. Its a pain in the butt in practical use sense. On my iPad 2 I was using the ZooGue case which added so much bulk to it. But the usability of that case over my current setup was huge in comparison. I will likely end up ordering myself a dark gray ZooGue once these get the newer model in stock with the working smart cover.
My iPad is white by the way, so I don't want a black cover or case on it. Just a personal preference.
Again thanks for the review, I am sure this back case will serve many well, just isn't for me.
