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My Dark Grey Apple SmartCase (Pics + Video)

I finally cracked open my Smart Case last night...the fit was fairly good but what i did not like was that the fit / seal along the "long outside edge" "peeled away" were one to pick up the iPad by the outer edge...

I went to the Apple Store today and they were more than happy to give me a replacement...same problem...while I am an admitted "Type A" personality I kept it as I believe that all the pluses overcome this minor flaw....

One thing I did learn at the Apple Store...use Purell to get the screen as clean as possible, that is how they do it there...

Hope this helps,


Joel
 
JoelBC said:
One thing I did learn at the Apple Store...use Purell to get the screen as clean as possible, that is how they do it there...

Hope this helps,


Joel
Click to expand...

Purell? Somebody at that store is either uninformed or lazy. I really hope people don't follow this advice- the alcohol will totally strip the coating on a bare screen. People should use iKlear. Buy the 8oz spray bottle on Amazon. It's not a bank breaker. It's safe, never leaves streaks (not for me anyway). Their gray microfiber cloths are unbeatable- cannot recommend them enough.
 
myrtlebee said:
Purell? Somebody at that store is either uninformed or lazy. I really hope people don't follow this advice- the alcohol will totally strip the coating on a bare screen. People should use iKlear. Buy the 8oz spray bottle on Amazon. It's not a bank breaker. It's safe, never leaves streaks (not for me anyway). Their gray microfiber cloths are unbeatable- cannot recommend them enough.
Click to expand...

Sorry to break it to you.. but iKlear is just snake oil man.. Not to say it doesn't work.. but you don't need some name brand stuff to clean your ipad/iphone/anything with a coating.. Go to you drug store/any store with an optical section.. go get a big 2 dollar bottle of eyeglass cleaner. PROBLEM solved. Use a lint free cloth and that and your set.. it's safe enough for glasses with all SORTS of coatings (it's just water and alcohol mixture with a VERY mild detergent) and it's Super cheap.. used it on ALL products and my glasses. :p
 
The Afroman said:
Sorry to break it to you.. but iKlear is just snake oil man.. Not to say it doesn't work.. but you don't need some name brand stuff to clean your ipad/iphone/anything with a coating.. Go to you drug store/any store with an optical section.. go get a big 2 dollar bottle of eyeglass cleaner. PROBLEM solved. Use a lint free cloth and that and your set.. it's safe enough for glasses with all SORTS of coatings (it's just water and alcohol mixture with a VERY mild detergent) and it's Super cheap.. used it on ALL products and my glasses. :p
Click to expand...

Sorry, I believe you are wrong. I am not an idiot and I know "snake oil" when I see it- and this is no snake oil. I have tried everything before going for the iKlear (which I got cheaper on Amazon than the same amount of most eyeglass cleaner). It is much better than anything else I used, and it is not in my head. It works immediately on any surface- glass or aluminum - with no streaking. Also, say what you will, but alcohol-free is important. Their microfiber cloth is different than just a run of the mill microfiber or lint free cloth. If people try it, they will see what I am saying. I don't go for the cheapest solution, I go for the best solution - and iKlear is it, at least for me.
 
Smart Case loose fix

A couple of weeks ago I purchased a Smart Case with high hopes for it and ended up returning it due to its loose fit. I purchased a Belkin back cover and for a few days I was satisfied but I soon could see dust and lint underneath and the matte, translucent finish looked greasy after a while. I also was not a huge fan of hard cases in general. I returned it and decided to see what I could do with the Smart Case again.

Well, it came this morning and I rigged it - pretty simply - and it is no longer loose! I took two sheets of bubble wrap, popped the bubbles, and cut them to the size of the Smart Case and cut notches by the ports, buttons, and speaker. I then taped the two pieces together seamlessly along the edges and placed it in the case. Then, I simply placed the iPad in it and it is a success! You cannot even tell it is there. I think the trick is to make sure you cut the sheets as close as possible to reach the edges and the ports. I would assume anyone could do this with some felt as well. I have an iPad 2, so those with a 3rd gen iPad may only need one layer to produce a tight fit.

I am not usually one for rigging things like this, and I am very picky so if I noticed any problems with this method, I wouldn't do it. While it is a shame that Apple couldn't simply make the material a bit thicker or tighter around the iPad so this didn't have to be done, this works. I like the idea of a soft one-piece case that looks seamless and sleek, and by Apple. The first Smart Case I purchased was a dark gray one, but this time I went for the light gray and it looks great. The dark gray looked a bit tacky with the white Apple in my opinion, wheras the slightly darker gray Apple looks better. The only thing I can forsee as a minor issue is the case getting dirty and grungy looking over time. We'll see how this works out!

Update: I decided to replace the bubble wrap with a piece of felt to see how it would work for people. It's perfect, and much easier to make than the wrap... even feels a bit firmer and snugger. Simply use a pair of scissors and make sure to cut as precisely as possible around all buttons and ports.
 
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myrtlebee said:
A couple of weeks ago I purchased a Smart Case with high hopes for it and ended up returning it due to its loose fit. I purchased a Belkin back cover and for a few days I was satisfied but I soon could see dust and lint underneath and the matte, translucent finish looked greasy after a while. I also was not a huge fan of hard cases in general. I returned it and decided to see what I could do with the Smart Case again.

Well, it came this morning and I rigged it - pretty simply - and it is no longer loose! I took two sheets of bubble wrap, popped the bubbles, and cut them to the size of the Smart Case and cut notches by the ports, buttons, and speaker. I then taped the two pieces together seamlessly along the edges and placed it in the case. Then, I simply placed the iPad in it and it is a success! You cannot even tell it is there. I think the trick is to make sure you cut the sheets as close as possible to reach the edges and the ports. I would assume anyone could do this with some felt as well. I have an iPad 2, so those with a 3rd gen iPad may only need one layer to produce a tight fit.

I am not usually one for rigging things like this, and I am very picky so if I noticed any problems with this method, I wouldn't do it. While it is a shame that Apple couldn't simply make the material a bit thicker or tighter around the iPad so this didn't have to be done, this works. I like the idea of a soft one-piece case that looks seamless and sleek, and by Apple. The first Smart Case I purchased was a dark gray one, but this time I went for the light gray and it looks great. The dark gray looked a bit tacky with the white Apple in my opinion, wheras the slightly darker gray Apple looks better. The only thing I can forsee as a minor issue is the case getting dirty and grungy looking over time. We'll see how this works out!
Click to expand...

Glad you made it work. However Apple really needs to release 2 new versions of this case, each specifically tailored to the iPad 2 and 3. This situation is very un-Apple like, I don't think Steve would have ever signed off on it as it currently is.
 
docprego said:
Glad you made it work. However Apple really needs to release 2 new versions of this case, each specifically tailored to the iPad 2 and 3. This situation is very un-Apple like, I don't think Steve would have ever signed off on it as it currently is.
Click to expand...

amen...really surprised this got past the apple designers...it's a pathetic move and I certainly hope it's not the start of a trend...my stock will plummet....:(:(
 
docprego said:
Glad you made it work. However Apple really needs to release 2 new versions of this case, each specifically tailored to the iPad 2 and 3. This situation is very un-Apple like, I don't think Steve would have ever signed off on it as it currently is.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I know, I said that, but it will have to do for now (for me) and if you already have one you can make it work this way. I love the idea of the Smart Case, but I don't understand the issue with the fit becaude after rigging it like I did, it's clear this is the way it was supposed to be... how was i so hard for the, to get the fit right? Did someone design it in one day?
 
Yes, aPple needs to redo it for proper iPad 2 fitment, oh, and bring out a black!
and leather option, tho price would be $99, for sure.

I went back to my iPad 'parts' bin and am loving my matte black Power Support 1mm back shell that locks in the smart Cover. it's slimmin'! grippy and sleek. dark-grey poly cover for casual days, black leather for dressyups.
 
^--- Man I'd LOVE to see this case in a slightly thicker leather option, would be sooo nice :cool:
 
Took mine back, couldnt get passed the poor fitment. Ended up ordering an Ozaki Y+ and I am super happy with it.
 
Well here's my update to the grey apple smart case I got when came out. Honestly it's been a great case so far but it needs some fixes/versions as some of you say. At first with a critical look around the case I did not like how the case was not "perfect. I have 3rg gen iPad, and the dock hole and mic jack both seem to be too high, meaning the actual position of the dock is lower than the clearance holes. So could it be because iPad3 is thicker? As for fit around entire iPad, it's fit is good. Has protected my iPad great and can say the dock fit is the ONLY real issue with its function.

Reason I got case was because I had leather smart cover with feather case, and one drop on concrete left my iPad with a chamfered metal end, thankfully no damage to glass. Only thing was glass was lifted about 1mm, yet no apparent cracking or exposure. I'm sure the feather case helped (while popping of after first hit!), but I wanted further corner protection from damage without having to get some huge case...

The other day the iPad (with smart case) slipped at height of 3 ft straight onto corner again (Murphy's law) and the iPad made a little cartwheel with a very slight sound. Just from the sound of the drop it assured you how it was OK, and it was! I must say the "sharp" lip that some have even complained about is actually great design. Shock absorption looks evident when just pushing end with finger. Lot of flex but sturdy. Thin edge makes holding it or leaning it easier to have a lip to maneuver...

Overall I say 9/10 score from me. It's very slim, feels great and is easy to hold under arm, in hand. The way the cover sticks onto the iPad better just makes me appreciate the smart cover even more than before. And the folding to stand it up is fine, if pure in doubt of getting it just GET IT! Or wait till they fix the dock/fit, I may just trim it myself.
 
Just got one today, it feels like it was made for a device thats a bit taller than the iPad by a few MM. The fitment its just loose which is very un-Apple like.

I'm not sure if I'm going to return it or just give it to a friend, it feels like a $20 case, not a $50 case.
 
After nearly a month with my second Smart Case, I have decided to return it to Apple. After a while with the fix I mentioned above, the case slowly became looser and the frame of the case began popping off the edge of the iPad constantly. I guess the case stretched? Who knows, but not just that, the polyurethane began to peel apart from the fuzzy lining where the Smart Cover flap joins with the frame of the case along the inner left edge. This case has some serious quality issues, and I can no longer endorse it. Have decided to switch to a black leather Smart Cover, but have yet to settle on a back protection solution. A bit concerned that the black dye will start rubbing off everywhere. I just ordered one so we'll see how that goes...
 
I have the New iPad and the smart case is a perfect fit. I love it. I don't know why some people are saying it feels cheap. It doesn't. The microfiber interior is smooth and soft to the touch. The case is light and with a solid grip.

I'm not one of those people who want an armor-like case like the Otterbox Defender. I want something simple. It's a good compromise for those who want a scratch-free back, but not at the cost of entombing their iPad.

Perhaps the smart case is not ideal for those whose iPad is always on the go and thrown into their backpacks or bags, but for others I think it serves its purpose.
 
SLH112 said:
I have the New iPad and the smart case is a perfect fit. I love it. I don't know why some people are saying it feels cheap. It doesn't. The microfiber interior is smooth and soft to the touch. The case is light and with a solid grip.

I'm not one of those people who want an armor-like case like the Otterbox Defender. I want something simple. It's a good compromise for those who want a scratch-free back, but not at the cost of entombing their iPad.

Perhaps the smart case is not ideal for those whose iPad is always on the go and thrown into their backpacks or bags, but for others I think it serves its purpose.
Click to expand...

This is often the response from those who have not seen a lot of other cases. There are far better.....Both in fit and quality for the same money.
 
glen e said:
This is often the response from those who have not seen a lot of other cases. There are far better.....Both in fit and quality for the same money.
Click to expand...
I'm sure there are other much more superior products out there, glen, but that doesn't negate the quality of the smart case. There's a sea of products for people like me and I chose the smart case and I haven't regretted it at all.
 
No it's bad quality. I was at the apple store in Raleigh last month and there was a stack of returns of cases and the apple guy told me they were coming back in droves. Yours may be fine for you, but overall, it's a product unlike all other apple products in that it does not fit, and not well thought out. The edge is sharp and the positions are not rigid enuf long term. Read any of the posts about it here, it's about 1 to 10 like vs dislike. I tried THREE and none of them fit....
 
glen e said:
No it's bad quality. I was at the apple store in Raleigh last month and there was a stack of returns of cases and the apple guy told me they were coming back in droves. Yours may be fine for you, but overall, it's a product unlike all other apple products in that it does not fit, and not well thought out. The edge is sharp and the positions are not rigid enuf long term. Read any of the posts about it here, it's about 1 to 10 like vs dislike. I tried THREE and none of them fit....
Click to expand...
Too much effort to convince people. I like mine, from the other positive posts I doubt your 1 in 10. Not that it matters, refer to "I like mine" :apple:
 
glen e said:
No it's bad quality. I was at the apple store in Raleigh last month and there was a stack of returns of cases and the apple guy told me they were coming back in droves. Yours may be fine for you, but overall, it's a product unlike all other apple products in that it does not fit, and not well thought out. The edge is sharp and the positions are not rigid enuf long term. Read any of the posts about it here, it's about 1 to 10 like vs dislike. I tried THREE and none of them fit....
Click to expand...


I totally disagree. I've spent tons of money on great cases for my iPads...and I like this one very much. I don't particularly care how you feel about yours....the point here is that it's a product that a lot of people like...and it serves it's purpose just fine.
 
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