Most asthetically pleasing iPad 2 carbon fiber skin?

[jacoder]

Yikes on the cut job

One question, why do you need to have access to the sim port?

I need to go oversea from time to time and I usually get a microSIM from
local wireless company to have internet accessibility.

I have swapped the microSIM on my 1st gen iPad, I want to do the same for iPad 2.

That's why...

 

[Jemi9OD]

I need to go oversea from time to time and I usually get a microSIM from
local wireless company to have internet accessibility.

I have swapped the microSIM on my 1st gen iPad, I want to do the same for iPad 2.

That's why...

That's a surprisingly good reason.

 

[sweteg]

the carbon skin from phantomskinz actually looks like it has the best of both worlds. from the pictures it looks like it extends closer to the edge than the icarbonz model. it also has pretty good corner coverage, with 2 small slits in the carbon thats are very minimal and tough to see. think im going to give this a try. a user on page 4 posted a low res picture of his and the coverage and corners look great!

http://phantomskinz.com/appleipad2chromatics.aspx

I had to fix it a few times to get it on as flat as possible with the slits, but I was able to extend them to the end almost with enough heat. They're sending me a black apple logo, but I might keep the white one on because I like the look.

 

[titans1127]

I got the black iCarbons in the mail today and just put it on. The install video was a big help. I got the thing spot on with the alignment. I tell ya this thing looks HOT!! The black back with the white apple logo goes great with my white iPad. Plus it went over my Bodyguardz back film with no issues and it looks like I will be able to take the iCarbons off and reuse it if I choose since its not sticking to the aluminum. The top corners had a little wrinkling issues but a few tries with the hair dryer on high eventually did the trick. Completely satisfied with my first ever 3M type of skin.

 

[gigaguy]

They told me you can just peel back the skin where the sim is, but I guess it depends how many times you have to do it. Most users never touch it. But I did on my ipad1 cause I just sold my Unlimited plan (nee SIM) to some needy high data user. Paid for my years worth of ipad data fees.

 

[maestrokev]

I need to go oversea from time to time and I usually get a microSIM from
local wireless company to have internet accessibility.

I have swapped the microSIM on my 1st gen iPad, I want to do the same for iPad 2.

That's why...

Covering the SIM tray is also a deal breaker for me and I'd guess anyone who travels with their iPad and wants to use local SIMs. Too bad.

 

[gigaguy]

I wish this skin had more grip to it. It's slippery on a formica desk and in my hand. I turn it over on my work desk and the leather smart cover is much more grippy on the desk. I have a leather portfolio case on order, hopefully that will have some grip.

 

[kevjen888]

has anyone just bought the black carbon front? i don't think i like the all black look. also i have an AT&T model, don't want it cover up the SIM trey. i'm thinking just order the front skin, anyone else has a picture of only the front?

 

[OatmealRocks]

Does anyone here have experience with the skins after say.. 4-5 months? I want to know if the edges start to peel off. This is my concern.

 

[Benny90]

Covering the SIM tray is also a deal breaker for me and I'd guess anyone who travels with their iPad and wants to use local SIMs. Too bad.

Why would that be a deal breaker?? Just use a pair of scissors and cut it out BEFORE you put it on and it will look perfect. Better yet use a exacto knife and it will look even better. Most of the people with the 3G iPad will never touch the SIM card.

 

[Benny90]

I had to fix it a few times to get it on as flat as possible with the slits, but I was able to extend them to the end almost with enough heat. They're sending me a black apple logo, but I might keep the white one on because I like the look.

I definitely like the coverage on that one but the carbon fiber back skin seems to be really dull/flat in color. Unlike the iCarbons one which reflects a lot of light. Is that right or is it just the fact that there isn't much light in your picture?

 

[sweteg]

I definitely like the coverage on that one but the carbon fiber back skin seems to be really dull/flat in color. Unlike the iCarbons one which reflects a lot of light. Is that right or is it just the fact that there isn't much light in your picture?

There is no light in my pictures. I forgot to mention that, but you can tell if you look closely at the background that everything is semi-dark.

 

[Zandian]

Icarbons and smartcovr

Installed my icarbons without a hitch. Love the look and feel.

Only issue though is that the skin sits about halfway under my smart cover. This seems to cause the smart cover to not hold quite as strong. When I shiftmthe iPad 2 from landscape to portrait and vice versa the over becomes disengaged from time to time. I don't remember this ever happening before I installed the cover. I wish the edges were just a little thinner to clear the smart cover mount point.

Anyone else experience this?

Z

 

[route42nj]

Installed my icarbons without a hitch. Love the look and feel.

Only issue though is that the skin sits about halfway under my smart cover. This seems to cause the smart cover to not hold quite as strong. When I shiftmthe iPad 2 from landscape to portrait and vice versa the over becomes disengaged from time to time. I don't remember this ever happening before I installed the cover. I wish the edges were just a little thinner to clear the smart cover mount point.

Anyone else experience this?

Z

I am having this issue as well. The smart cover still holds but the magnetic strength is noticeably weakened by the skin.

 

[MattZani]

I had to fix it a few times to get it on as flat as possible with the slits, but I was able to extend them to the end almost with enough heat. They're sending me a black apple logo, but I might keep the white one on because I like the look.

Have to say I am LOVING this, fit seems perfect, prefer the white to black I think, however I like the black apple logo more.

Went on Phantom's website and they don't mention anything about the logo skin's though

 

[Benny90]

Installed my icarbons without a hitch. Love the look and feel.

Only issue though is that the skin sits about halfway under my smart cover. This seems to cause the smart cover to not hold quite as strong. When I shiftmthe iPad 2 from landscape to portrait and vice versa the over becomes disengaged from time to time. I don't remember this ever happening before I installed the cover. I wish the edges were just a little thinner to clear the smart cover mount point.

Anyone else experience this?

Z

Nope, I even put it on, held it from the end and shook it in the air to see if it would slip off (over a padded surface of course) and it held perfectly, just like before. Maybe the magnets in yours aren't as strong or something cause mine doesn't come off unless I pull hard directly near the hinge.

 

[orpheus1120]

I doubt the strength of the magnets will be weakened by a mere thin film. But I guess I will only find out when I receive it.

 

[jkolton]

As I said in an earlier post, I too am having slight trouble with the smart cover over the icarbons skin.

Now, I don't believe that the problem is that the skin itself weakens the strength of the magnets. What you'll notice when you put the smart cover on, is that the film only extends about halfway under the hinge. What I think this does is create an uneven surface for the smart cover to adhere to, and because of this, allows the cover to slip up and down, left and right.

To demonstrate, put your smart cover on, fold it into the triangular stand, and (Being careful not to drop the ipad) place a slight bit of downward pressure on the cover. You'll find it slips and loses adhesion every time.

The simple solution would be to trace the outline of the hing onto the right side of the cover (as it lays on the sheet) before you apply it, and cut it out using an hobby knife. As for those of us who have already installed the skin, I have no idea how you would go about removing the material without damaging the ipad underneath. The only solution would seem to be to remove it, order a second skin, and modify it.

 

[BIG BOSS]

I've had my iCarbons skin on for a couple of days now and I have to say "I like it a lot". The skin was easy to put on and the corners laid down nicely. I love the feel and look of the black carbon skin. My only complaint is the white apple logo was slightly larger than the skin and it isn't smooth on one side. I wish I had another apple logo to replace it with. Overall I very happy with the iCarbon skin.

 

[Benny90]

As I said in an earlier post, I too am having slight trouble with the smart cover over the icarbons skin.

Now, I don't believe that the problem is that the skin itself weakens the strength of the magnets. What you'll notice when you put the smart cover on, is that the film only extends about halfway under the hinge. What I think this does is create an uneven surface for the smart cover to adhere to, and because of this, allows the cover to slip up and down, left and right.

To demonstrate, put your smart cover on, fold it into the triangular stand, and (Being careful not to drop the ipad) place a slight bit of downward pressure on the cover. You'll find it slips and loses adhesion every time.

The simple solution would be to trace the outline of the hing onto the right side of the cover (as it lays on the sheet) before you apply it, and cut it out using an hobby knife. As for those of us who have already installed the skin, I have no idea how you would go about removing the material without damaging the ipad underneath. The only solution would seem to be to remove it, order a second skin, and modify it.

I just did what you said and it still holds just as good as it did before. The difference could be taht my skin seems to cover the entire bottom, if only just barely. Could just be a slight difference in how your skin was put on compared to mine?

 

[Zandian]

As I said in an earlier post, I too am having slight trouble with the smart cover over the icarbons skin.

Now, I don't believe that the problem is that the skin itself weakens the strength of the magnets. What you'll notice when you put the smart cover on, is that the film only extends about halfway under the hinge. What I think this does is create an uneven surface for the smart cover to adhere to, and because of this, allows the cover to slip up and down, left and right.

To demonstrate, put your smart cover on, fold it into the triangular stand, and (Being careful not to drop the ipad) place a slight bit of downward pressure on the cover. You'll find it slips and loses adhesion every time.

The simple solution would be to trace the outline of the hing onto the right side of the cover (as it lays on the sheet) before you apply it, and cut it out using an hobby knife. As for those of us who have already installed the skin, I have no idea how you would go about removing the material without damaging the ipad underneath. The only solution would seem to be to remove it, order a second skin, and modify it.

I agree with this. The issue may not be weaker magnet-it is pretty solid pulling straight away. But it does seem to shift and twist more, sometimes it twists until the magnets lose the connection. I'm considering purchasing a second one and cutting it around the smart cover mount point to assure a solid connection.

Z

 

[frenzo142]

Hey guys, thank you for a very engaging thread on a product that I'm 90% I'm going to buy.

However, I didn't see one of concerns in anyone's post, so your help will be appreciated.

I have a 3G/AT&T iPad 2 ... which means it's got the black area on the back.

I looks like the iCarbon skin covers this area, so does it affect the 3G signal? This is the remaining 10% that will determine whether I will buy it. It's pretty much a deal-breaker too, because I want to make sure I didn't spend the extra $130 for 3G for nothing.

Thanks guys!

 

[cbronfman]

Hey guys, thank you for a very engaging thread on a product that I'm 90% I'm going to buy.

However, I didn't see one of concerns in anyone's post, so your help will be appreciated.

I have a 3G/AT&T iPad 2 ... which means it's got the black area on the back.

I looks like the iCarbon skin covers this area, so does it affect the 3G signal? This is the remaining 10% that will determine whether I will buy it. It's pretty much a deal-breaker too, because I want to make sure I didn't spend the extra $130 for 3G for nothing.

Thanks guys!

Good question - I have mine installed (and love it), but Ihaven't activated the AT&T data plan so can't answer. If anyone has, it would be good to know. My priors are "no" since there are other skins that cover the whole iPhone and iPad1 and no one has complained.

 

[frenzo142]

Good question - I have mine installed (and love it), but Ihaven't activated the AT&T data plan so can't answer. If anyone has, it would be good to know. My priors are "no" since there are other skins that cover the whole iPhone and iPad1 and no one has complained.

Good to see you're in DC too! And thanks for your reply. I did some Google searches on this and so far, I've found that people have not had any problems with their 3G service on their iPad 1s.

Anyway, I hope anyone else who reads this thread can chime in on their experience(s).

 

[sotie]

Good to see you're in DC too! And thanks for your reply. I did some Google searches on this and so far, I've found that people have not had any problems with their 3G service on their iPad 1s.

Anyway, I hope anyone else who reads this thread can chime in on their experience(s).

I have the SurfaceSkins installed over my iPad 2 3G and there was no difference in service. I conducted a speedtest immediately before installing the skin and right after.