iPad Pro Poor cutout of 9.7 iPad Pro Smartcover - not perfect with the Smartcase either

[bob24]

OK so since there has been reports of the Smartcover being cut-out to work with the Smartcase and not great on its own as it sticks out too much, I though I would give the combo a try.

I am now actually wondering if it is not a design/manufacturing issue rather that just an intent of Apple to optimise the cover for the case, as even with the SmartCase the Smartcover doesn't look symmetrical in the iPad. It isn't much of an issue from an ergonomics point of view but seems quite un-Apply in terms of ascetics and doesn't serve any function (see pictures below).

1) When the SmartCover is closed on the screen, it sits within the limits of the Smartcase both on the left hand side and at the top/bottom (picture doesn't show the bottom but it looks the same as the top)

2) However, on the right side the SmartCover does stick out of the limit of the SmartCase quite a lot. Not only it doesn't sit within the limit of the SmartCase lips as with all 3 others sides, but it actually goes further than the outer limit of the case similarly to what it does on a naked iPad (though it is MUCH less pronounced).

I can't see why this could have been done on purpose ... unless they thought the cover would be too difficult to open if it doesn't stick-out significantly, but then if it is the only solution they could find I would call it poor design.

 

[HiItsMe]

You answered your own question. The slight overflap is so that you have a place to grip and can open the cover. I love the design. I was always having to awkwardly bend the top flap of the leather smart case to open it on my Air and found it very annoying. This is easy and second nature.

 

[bob24]

You answered your own question. The slight overflap is so that you have a place to grip and can open the cover. I love the design. I was always having to awkwardly bend the top flap of the leather smart case to open it on my Air and found it very annoying. This is easy and second nature.

If this is the reason, I personally find it to be a poor hack for a flawed design idea. Everybody seems to agree it makes the SmartCover a worse product when used without the SmartCase. And even with the SamartCase, while some people might find it more convenient it has a negative aspect in terms of ascetics and will lead to premature wear on the only side of the cover which stands out from the unit (and is therefore much more subject to friction).

 

[tgara]

If this is the reason, I personally find it to be a poor hack for a flawed design idea. Everybody seems to agree it makes the SmartCover a worse product when used without the SmartCase. And even with the SamartCase, while some people might find it more convenient it has a negative aspect in terms of ascetics and will lead to premature wear on the only side of the cover which stands out from the unit (and is therefore much more subject to friction).

Bob, mine looks exactly like yours does in the pictures you posted. Same overhang about 1 mm or so. The overhand does make it easier to lift the cover.

I have the Midnight Blue case and cover, too!

 

[Sir Ruben]

Bob, mine looks exactly like yours does in the pictures you posted. Same overhang about 1 mm or so. The overhand does make it easier to lift the cover.

I have the Midnight Blue case and cover, too!

Just received my midnight blue Smart Cover and it's the first thing I noticed. Not liking it! The colour combo is great but do they all overshoot the iPad itself?

 

[HiItsMe]

Just received my midnight blue Smart Cover and it's the first thing I noticed. Not liking it! The colour combo is great but do they all overshoot the iPad itself?

Yes. Per design.

 

[sixxmum]

Just received my midnight blue Smart Cover and it's the first thing I noticed. Not liking it! The colour combo is great but do they all overshoot the iPad itself?

The gold looks much more "gold" than the iPhone 6. Is it? I haven't actually seen an iPad Pro in real life and was imagining the gold to be similar.

 

[tgara]

Just received my midnight blue Smart Cover and it's the first thing I noticed. Not liking it! The colour combo is great but do they all overshoot the iPad itself?

Yes. It's designed to be used with the Apple silicone case. Go get one and you'll be good!

 

[dannys1]

I sent mine back, hideous design - they've decided that everyone should buy the horrible back cover and make their device 2x as thick so the Smart Cover doesn't actually work on its own anymore.

Not only is it ridiculously too large but the spine is now twice as long so when you fold it from behind it creates a gap. Its feels horrible in the hand compared to the Air 2 cover and I returned it straight to Apple and complained. If they wanted it to fit with the case then they should have bundled it together and sold a smart cover that fitted properly like every one since the iPad 2 did - just yet another baffling decision from Apple in the last 2-3 years.

The question is - are there any knock off cases that fit the iPad Pro (in terms of the magnets) and are cut like the iPad Air 2 cases - there is a gap in the market for people who just want a cover here - bizarrely every single smart cover copy on Amazon come connected to a rear case that I don't want.

 

[sixxmum]

That is so dissapointing. I was planning to buy one. I really don't prefer a full body case.

 

[dannys1]

That is so dissapointing. I was planning to buy one. I really don't prefer a full body case.

It wouldn't be so bad if a 3rd party made an iPad Air 2-esque (perhaps even better quality?) smart cover, but nope - none of the third parties do. Can't find one anywhere and i've looked through pages and pages on eBay.

Looks i'm just going to use it naked then.

 

[bob24]

Yes. It's designed to be used with the Apple silicone case. Go get one and you'll be good!

To be fair nowhere on the box does it say it is designed to work exclusively with the silicone case, and the picture at the back of the box explaining how to use the cover shows it on an iPad without case.