To this point I have not be a fan of the Smart Cover b/c of 1) price and 2) no back protection. Looking for alternatives I came upon the Macally Bookstand2 which looks a lot like the Smart Cover but w/ a back. I ordered on on eBay and received it yesterday.
It was $29 shipped, $10 less than the Smart Cover. It is a folio style case w/ hard back and tri-fold cover exactly like the Smart Cover. The iPad2 slides into a hard form fitted backing. Two plastic pockets hold it in place. There are two hidden magnets in these pockets which secure the cover when closed but it does not have the auto sleep feature of the Smart Cover b/c there are no magnets in the center edge of the case. I though it was odd they'd design it that way but guessing Apple had not disclosed that feature to partners when they when into production.
The case itself if feather light, yet, oddly, the iPad2 feels heavier (like an iPad 1) when installed. I immediately hated this b/c the naked iPad2 has such a great heft. That was strike one for me.
The inside of the cover, which really doesn't touch the iPad2 screen is lined w/ microfiber. Great package selling point b/c everyone knows microfiber doesn't scratch. Problem is this "inside" becomes the outside when folded into the stand. It then attracts dust balls and debris like they were giggling schoolgirls at a Justin Bieber concert. Yuck. Strike Twooooo.
Then there is the look and feel. It has a cheap pleather feel to it, which I don't mind per se, it's just that it's trying too hard to be cheap leather, you know the stiff rubbery kind. I also don't like the feel when I hold it with the cover folded all the way back. Steeerike Three. Ouuuuuuut.
What I've learned is whereas the iPad was so blocky shaped a back case didn't really detract from the natural feel or weight. The iPad2 is completely different. I love the feel of it's naked body. So my game plan now is to go naked and use the Bookstand2 case only to transport and travel. It might be exactly what some are looking for but it's not for me, but I think I've learned I don't think any iPad2 case is right now.
It was $29 shipped, $10 less than the Smart Cover. It is a folio style case w/ hard back and tri-fold cover exactly like the Smart Cover. The iPad2 slides into a hard form fitted backing. Two plastic pockets hold it in place. There are two hidden magnets in these pockets which secure the cover when closed but it does not have the auto sleep feature of the Smart Cover b/c there are no magnets in the center edge of the case. I though it was odd they'd design it that way but guessing Apple had not disclosed that feature to partners when they when into production.
The case itself if feather light, yet, oddly, the iPad2 feels heavier (like an iPad 1) when installed. I immediately hated this b/c the naked iPad2 has such a great heft. That was strike one for me.
The inside of the cover, which really doesn't touch the iPad2 screen is lined w/ microfiber. Great package selling point b/c everyone knows microfiber doesn't scratch. Problem is this "inside" becomes the outside when folded into the stand. It then attracts dust balls and debris like they were giggling schoolgirls at a Justin Bieber concert. Yuck. Strike Twooooo.
Then there is the look and feel. It has a cheap pleather feel to it, which I don't mind per se, it's just that it's trying too hard to be cheap leather, you know the stiff rubbery kind. I also don't like the feel when I hold it with the cover folded all the way back. Steeerike Three. Ouuuuuuut.
What I've learned is whereas the iPad was so blocky shaped a back case didn't really detract from the natural feel or weight. The iPad2 is completely different. I love the feel of it's naked body. So my game plan now is to go naked and use the Bookstand2 case only to transport and travel. It might be exactly what some are looking for but it's not for me, but I think I've learned I don't think any iPad2 case is right now.
