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iCarbons, hands down.



Noticed in a previous post that someone trimmed out a notch to accommodate for a Smart Cover. Not really necessary, Smart Cover holds just fine.
 
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on the fence of getting one of these icarbon.com ones. Anyone know if there is a discount code currently available?
 
I especially like it when it's under plastic or clear coat:

icarbon/xgear back:
9c830961.jpg
 
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I am more undecided than ever after reading these posts whether to trim the skin before applying it. It seems that if the skin is not trimmed the smart cover is most likely to release if the iPad is in the standing position.

My impression is that in this position the hinges on the smart cover are straddling the edge of the skin more which makes it more likely that the cover will release and allow the iPad to fall.

I guess I will decide once the skin arrives and I see how difficult it is to accurately measure and cut a 1/8" slot to clear the hinges. If it is not too difficult I will probably do it just to avoid having to apply the skin a second time.
 
I am more undecided than ever after reading these posts whether to trim the skin before applying it. It seems that if the skin is not trimmed the smart cover is most likely to release if the iPad is in the standing position.

My impression is that in this position the hinges on the smart cover are straddling the edge of the skin more which makes it more likely that the cover will release and allow the iPad to fall.

I guess I will decide once the skin arrives and I see how difficult it is to accurately measure and cut a 1/8" slot to clear the hinges. If it is not too difficult I will probably do it just to avoid having to apply the skin a second time.

I guess it depends upon how you use it, what level of difference is acceptable to you, and possibly some difference in the magnets in various Ipads and/or SmartCovers. I myself had the Ipad with Smart Cover for a period of time and had no problems. When I installed the ICarbons I found myself more and more annoyed that the cover was coming loose in various situations. I ordered a new Icarbons, trimmed it and now haven't had the case slip or come off. I myself came to the conclusion that it was worth going through a little more trouble to trim. I chose to live with my not so perfect cut lines in exchange for what I believe is a more solid connection. Since mine is solid now I myself believe removing part of the cover made a difference. I could be too anal-retentive, but it was significant enough for me.

However, I also see that many are doing just fine without doing anything to their Icarbons.

So, it's a bit hard to say if this is strictly a subjectiveness issue or there really is some physical difference between Ipads and the SmartCases. I would tend to believe that it is subjective and that the magnets between devices are pretty consistent--but then again we are talking magnets and I don't know what the margin for error is with those.

Bottom line is that if you want to be sure and you think you can cut a straight line without too much difficulty, go ahead and give try. It may give you peace of mind. If you don't want to mess with it, as others have said here, you probably will be just fine as well.



Z
 
I guess it depends upon how you use it, what level of difference is acceptable to you, and possibly some difference in the magnets in various Ipads and/or SmartCovers. I myself had the Ipad with Smart Cover for a period of time and had no problems. When I installed the ICarbons I found myself more and more annoyed that the cover was coming loose in various situations. I ordered a new Icarbons, trimmed it and now haven't had the case slip or come off. I myself came to the conclusion that it was worth going through a little more trouble to trim. I chose to live with my not so perfect cut lines in exchange for what I believe is a more solid connection. Since mine is solid now I myself believe removing part of the cover made a difference. I could be too anal-retentive, but it was significant enough for me.

However, I also see that many are doing just fine without doing anything to their Icarbons.

So, it's a bit hard to say if this is strictly a subjectiveness issue or there really is some physical difference between Ipads and the SmartCases. I would tend to believe that it is subjective and that the magnets between devices are pretty consistent--but then again we are talking magnets and I don't know what the margin for error is with those.

Bottom line is that if you want to be sure and you think you can cut a straight line without too much difficulty, go ahead and give try. It may give you peace of mind. If you don't want to mess with it, as others have said here, you probably will be just fine as well.



Z

I'd cut it - it's a simple razor cut with a straightedge - a new razor blade is a must. That being said I was looking at my install and not on purpose, my icarbon is a bit off and runs up to the edge on the normal side which leaves a 1/16" aluminum space where the magnet bar mounts. So I may be getting a better "bite" than some that align it perfectly.
 
I'd cut it - it's a simple razor cut with a straightedge - a new razor blade is a must. That being said I was looking at my install and not on purpose, my icarbon is a bit off and runs up to the edge on the normal side which leaves a 1/16" aluminum space where the magnet bar mounts. So I may be getting a better "bite" than some that align it perfectly.

In the comments under this YouTube video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlLHYX2VyFs

Someone asked...

pisa13
Just ordered mine today. Can I use it with the smart cover?

iCarbons
@pisa13 Yes absolutely! It does not interfere with the apple smart cover :)
 
just pulled the trigger on the icarbon today, hopefully it will be here by the weekend.

For those who have installed it, was watching the youtube/install video all that you did to make your install smooth as possible? For someone who has never put on one of these before is there anything to be cautious of? I can see myself having trouble getting the backing back on the skin perfectly in the middle to line up the camera and dock connector.
 
I focused on lining up the camera and the apple logo. Those are the only places you are really going to notice if it is off.
 
just pulled the trigger on the icarbon today, hopefully it will be here by the weekend.

For those who have installed it, was watching the youtube/install video all that you did to make your install smooth as possible? For someone who has never put on one of these before is there anything to be cautious of? I can see myself having trouble getting the backing back on the skin perfectly in the middle to line up the camera and dock connector.

Easiest skin application ever, just follow the video. =D
 
Got my icarbon skin in today and it looks great.

I had some trouble with the corners on low heat,
after being unsatisfied with two corners I tried the remaining corners on high and the install was as easy as can be.
Even went back and fixed my first two corners.

Install didn't take more than a few minutes.
The skin is durable so it allows you to experiment a little with your blow dryer.
 
CS at iCarbons is so good

I liked the look so much on my iPad2 that I ordered the iCarbons skin for my 11" MBA. I ordered 04/02. It arrived today. PLUS they included the black Apple logo I wanted for the black skin on the iPad2.
 
Got my icarbon skin in today and it looks great.

I had some trouble with the corners on low heat,
after being unsatisfied with two corners I tried the remaining corners on high and the install was as easy as can be.
Even went back and fixed my first two corners.

Install didn't take more than a few minutes.
The skin is durable so it allows you to experiment a little with your blow dryer.

How well do the edges of the skin stick to the back of the ipad? Are you at all worried that after extended use the edges will start to peel back or curl up?

Thanks for your help!
 
Had to return my iPad for a problem I had (got a replacement). Removal of the skin was very easy. It didn't require any heat, removed cleanly and in one piece.

Now to get a replacement skin =(
 
Had to return my iPad for a problem I had (got a replacement). Removal of the skin was very easy. It didn't require any heat, removed cleanly and in one piece.

Now to get a replacement skin =(

Sorry to hear. What happend to the ipad? (unless you posted this in another forum)
 
Sorry to hear. What happend to the ipad? (unless you posted this in another forum)

To be honest, I dropped it while using it on the loo.

There was a scratch on the glass. I knew warranty wouldn't cover the dmg so I took it to Apple to see if they would repair it for me.

Lo and behold they gave me a new one fresh out of the box.
 
To be honest, I dropped it while using it on the loo.

There was a scratch on the glass. I knew warranty wouldn't cover the dmg so I took it to Apple to see if they would repair it for me.

Lo and behold they gave me a new one fresh out of the box.

That's fantastic. Is icabon gonna replace your skin too? lol
 
That's fantastic. Is icabon gonna replace your skin too? lol

Considering the amount of business this thread probably gave em that prompted them to reply to this thread?

Probably not, I respect their warranties outlined on their site. :D
 
I received my skin from here. What appealed to me compared to iCarbons and juststickit is that they are the only ones that offer a skin specifically for 3G iPads that cuts around the antenna and the SIM card.

As you can see in the pics below, around the antenna it overhangs by about 1mm on each side. I've sent him a note because I'm a little bummed about that. Otherwise, I think its a great product.

IMG_0298.jpg


IMG_0299.jpg



I'll update the thread on his response.
 
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I made my own from CarbonGear.com and used a hole punch for the camera and had enough left over for iPhone.
 
I made my own from CarbonGear.com and used a hole punch for the camera and had enough left over for iPhone.

That link should have 'store.carbongear.com' I think. Anyway, thanks for the link.

I'm going to try just buying a sheet of 3M Di-Noc carbon fiber vinyl. I know the stuff, it's great. You have to cut it right though, from some kind of template.

Any hints on how to do this? (it ain't cheap, but is REALLY expensive at some sites)
 
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I wrote iCarbon's customer service and explained to them how badly I messed up my initial install and they promptly sent out a new skin! I'm very impressed with the level of customer service icarbons gave me. It was all my fault and they still issued me a new skin.

I just installed my replacement and nailed it! Perfect.

I'm not a plant and I don't work for icarbons but after dealing with some other products and brands that don't give a lick about the customer (mentioned in other threads here) I was blown away by icarbons.
 
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