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agallowa

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jun 15, 2010
249
0
Citrus Heights, CA
We previously had the chance to review Bridgeway’s Union Cover for the New iPad and it was a total hit. Everything on that cover was perfect in nearly every way. This time with the Bridgeway things are a little different design wise but they do share some key similarities.

First off the Bridgeway comes in a variety of colorful choices for pretty much anyone which is nice. We had a chance to look at the green and pink versions and I can say they match up exactly with the stock colors on Apple’s Smart Cover options. The front of the case is basically your normal Smart Cover design that you’re used to but instead shares a thinner material than a real Smart Cover from Apple. This is a bummer unfortunately since it cheapens the overall feel of the case. While it may look exactly the same as a genuine Apple Smart Cover it does not entirely perform and feel as nice but that’s what you get with a case that is more affordable.

Opening up the case you see the microfiber inside to the front piece and the soft plastic feel to the back cover that will keep your iPad nice and safe from scratches. The two pieces are attached fairly well and I have plenty of confidence that they will last through a good amount of wear and tear.

The cutouts around the back cover of the case line up perfectly and share the same general feel as the Union case we previously reviewed from Devicewear. The Bridgeway also shares the same metal strip on the back cover that acts as a front cover magnet keeping it from flapping around when using with one hand. The metal strip holds the front cover very well even after shaking it still holds extremely well.

The Bridgeway also gives you the familiar stand options in typing mode and landscape view which is to be expected from a case like this. It performs both positions nicely with little effort and holds well.

The thickness of the case stays at a minimum with the slim back cover and super slim front Smart Cover. This is definitely a case for the iPad user that doesn’t want to compromise their iPads slim profile for added protection.

The main gripe I have with the Bridgeway is the overall feel of the front Smart Cover. While it does look great on the surface once you get it in your hands and really use it you left feeling a little disappointed. I wish they would have invested a little more in better materials that are closer to the genuine Smart Cover as that would put the Bridgeway over the top as a must have case. In my opinion I would spend the extra money and go with an authentic Apple Smart Cover and also pick up Devicewear’s Union back cover. To me that is the perfect slim profile case for the iPad without a doubt. However if you don’t want to spend the extra money for that setup then go with the Bridgeway but just be aware you could be left feeling disappointed.
 

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The smartcover part began to split and fall apart within a month. I would not recommend this case.
 
The smartcover part began to split and fall apart within a month. I would not recommend this case.

Sadly, this is true. The smartcover on my case split after only two months of light usage.

I would pay more for this case if they improved the build quality.
 
My case split in the lower right corner of the smart cover. I just used a little super glue and that has worked well. I really like this case (except for the cover material splitting) for most uses, but I've found that I'm not as crazy about the typing angle, which is lower than some other cases.
 
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