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Have you tried the Apple Smart Case?

Yes, it's expensive. I balked at the price too. But I plunked down the cash, and honestly, it's one of the most form-fitting, nice looking, ergonomic cases I've ever had on any product. Fully worth the cost, especially if you carry your iPad Air around a lot.

Considering the device it's protecting can cost over $800 (Mine is the 64GB cellular version), spending a tiny fraction of that on a good case isn't that big a deal.

The problem with Smart Case is that it hides the aesthetic aluminum body and the beautiful details of your iPad Air, and it also makes it thicker.
 
I'm not too fussed about "beauty" but my iDevices are always naked. I use the smart cover for the purposes of using a stand, but my iPhone always sits naked (often in the same pocket as my keys). It gets a lot of usage, but still looks new.
 
With two young kids (8 and 4), unprotected iDevices are just not going to happen for me. I have the RooCase Origami for my iPad, and it's awesome.
 
This has just reminded me actually of the last time I was in the Apple Store (Kingston) getting my ATV swapped out.

There was a woman behind me who was trying everything possible to get a replacement iPad after her son had smashed the screen. The Apple guy was trying to be nice telling her how much it would cost. He suggested she used a screen protector (she said her kid found he had to press too hard on the screen). She tried telling him he'd know how bad it was if he had kids (he explained he had four). She then turned on the waterworks saying she'd had a terrible day and her car had broken down on the long journey in.

Whether she was being truthful or not, the Apple guy did a great job of standing firm, being respectful when she was rude and presenting her with options.
 
My iPad mini is naked right now and I don't even take it out of the house and it always stays on soft surfaces until my smart case comes in the mail.

apple products are pretty when they are naked but they scratch wayyy too easily.
 
For me, I use Zagg Glass and it's the best one out there. Case is a must for me as I would rather protect my device than being sorry.
 
My iPad mini is naked right now and I don't even take it out of the house and it always stays on soft surfaces until my smart case comes in the mail.

apple products are pretty when they are naked but they scratch wayyy too easily.

It depends on what scratches them. I've had my iPad 4 for almost 2years now, still looks new even though I use it in and out its case. I've slid it on surfaces with bits of dust and where I've heard it sounding like it's being scratched only to see no damage is done, but I don't blame you, my 1st couple of months with my iPad I kept it in its case, but you'll soon find that they can take a few knocks here and there.
 
I have a snugg case for my ipad air which I reluctantly use from time to time when I'm out, however I'm not keen on the extra weight that these cases add. I much prefer to use my Apple smart cover with a slip case do protect the back cover when not in use.

I have insurance on it and a three year warranty.

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My iPad mini is naked right now and I don't even take it out of the house and it always stays on soft surfaces until my smart case comes in the mail.

apple products are pretty when they are naked but they scratch wayyy too easily.

My ipad mini developed some hairline scratches on the screen. However I've barely used a screen protector on my ipad air and it doesn't have any scratches. The rears are both immaculate, however I do clean them once a month or so.
 
Well I have gone through case after case after case on my iPad Air and I just can't find something I like. So today I took my final case back and put on a Zagg Original screen protector. Going case-less. I am pretty careful with my iPad and never drop it. What do you guys think, will I be okay like this? Anyone else go ceaseless with your iPad?

I used a Armorsuit skin on the back of my iPad Air just to make it less slick. The main drawback I have found about a naked Air is that it can still get damaged in a backpack or bag. In my case, the Air has actually become noticeably bent thanks to being in a backpack. That likely would not have been bent if it it was in a case. Thank goodness for AppleCare+!
 
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