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I'm waiting for the update to the Zum SC Ultimate, my favorite iPad 2 case to use in combination with the Smart Cover. I looked at the Incipio Feather at the MacMall store here in Chicago today and almost pulled the trigger but the exposure of the top and bottom of the iPad was a deal breaker for me, I'll wait a few more weeks for a Zum.

I just don't like the Zum logo on the back. Wish it was more discrete!
 
I don't understand the whole securing the smart cover from falling off feature. I've been using the smart cover since iPad 2 and I don't see it falling frequently. I have to take it off when I want to that's it. Unless having a back shell makes it easier for the SC to fall off. I don't know this caus I didn't ever use a back cover.

I dont get it either. No, back covers dont make it easier to fall off. I thinks its just a "whole case" idea, keeping everything secure and attached. Not important to me at all.

I just want that magnet to hold the smart cover back. It makes no sense at all to design a back cover that is compatible with the smart cover and not have a magnet.

I guess its cuz Apple's whole idea with smart cover IS that you take it off completely when you go to use the device

If you have children and a Smart Cover, you know why you need the locking feature.

BJ
 
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I probably should have ordered this case but I ordered the incipio feather today. I got tired of looking for the perfect combination and really wanted my smart cover locked on.

I know the incipio will be a quality case but I have no idea why they did not extend coverage all the way?

In the grand scheme of things, all these cases/covers are inexpensive and it's worth it to buy a bunch, try 'em out, amd settle in to the one that you like best.

I've got 6 cases/shells for the The New iPad and it turns out the one I love the most is the one I shouldn't have bought.

BJ
 
I got the red Apple smart cover and the Incipio feather in red. I also ordered a Gelaskins which came with a screen cover. They all fit perfectly, and the Gelaskin on the back covered the little bits that Incipio felt didn't need covering.

I'll post pics later. I'm very happy with it.
 
In the grand scheme of things, all these cases/covers are inexpensive and it's worth it to buy a bunch, try 'em out, amd settle in to the one that you like best.

I've got 6 cases/shells for the The New iPad and it turns out the one I love the most is the one I shouldn't have bought.

BJ

I don't mind buying a couple I like and switching between them but at $30 each I don't want any laying around I don't like.

The one you like best, is it the Macally?
 
I don't mind buying a couple I like and switching between them but at $30 each I don't want any laying around I don't like.

The one you like best, is it the Macally?

The one I like best is the Monoprice Premium Shell. It's slim, offers great coverage, and has the best attach-to-aluminum-edge of any shell out there. Hard to describe, but it's the only shell that doesn't feel any different than holding a naked iPad in your hands. Except, of course, for the tactile rubber paint finish.

Oh, and the fact that it's only $5.49 is pretty cool.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10843&cs_id=1084315&p_id=8438&seq=1&format=2

As far as the topic here and "works with Smart Cover" the Macally is my choice as it offers complete back protection, does a great job of covering/locking the hinge, and looks terrific.

The combination if these two cases is all I need for daily and travel use.

BJ
 
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Pics of Incipio Smart feather over a Gelaskins skin.
 

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This cover does 1-5. Too bad it's not shipping yet.

There is a whole thread on this one.. I got mine today. Loving it more tha my Speck Smart Shell2. Nicer edges and its very secure. Not sure why people worry that it comes off easy... LOVE the speaker feature and it looks great on my white iPad with black leather cover.
 
Some will, some won't. I have tried over a dozen, both new and used, and none of them fit my iPad 3.

Not doubting you found one that did work but it seems it very, very hit or miss. And Incase themselves claims very clearly that it wasn't intended to work. The fact that some do just tells me there are some quality control issues at Incase.

Too bad because I LOVE the Mag Snap cases and used one since Incase released it last year.

That's odd. I went back and bought an extra today. They both fit perfectly. Can't beat it for $15! LOL
 
I'm considering either the Zum or the i-Blason, and noticed that they seem to have an enlarged lip running down where the smart cover attaches to the side.

I won't be using a smart cover at all, and I'm wondering if this will make it a little bit odd to use or look at without using those cases in conjunction with a smart cover.

Would somebody be so kind as to advise on this? Many thanks.
 
That's odd. I went back and bought an extra today. They both fit perfectly. Can't beat it for $15! LOL

I just don't believe that. You had to have picked up some other case. I tried my wife's mag incase from her ipad 2, and I pulled a new one out of the box at best buy, didn't fit either
 
I just don't believe that. You had to have picked up some other case. I tried my wife's mag incase from her ipad 2, and I pulled a new one out of the box at best buy, didn't fit either

At least two forum posters claimed they got Incase Mag Snaps to work when in fact they had purchased Belkin Snap Shield back covers instead. Easy name to confuse.
 
Well it looks like the Belkin Snap Secure is a no go with all the bad reviews. I think the Zum SC Ultimate is the best back case without a magnet?
 
Back Case

I bought this off of Amazon, it fits nicely and feels good in your hand.
I have more pictures, if you are interested reply to me here and i will post a few more.

BGH5i.jpg
 
Well it looks like the Belkin Snap Secure is a no go with all the bad reviews. I think the Zum SC Ultimate is the best back case without a magnet?

Only if you like translucent, see-thru back shells in mainly fem colors. If you do, I agree that the ZUM has great protection and Smart Cover integration.

But, if you DON'T want translucent, want an opaque black rubberized finish, these are the winners:

Macally Smartmate = best back shell with locking Smart Cover integration.

Marware Microshell = best back shell with unlocked Smart Cover integration.

Monoprice Premium Polycarbonate Case = best back shell with no opening for Smart Covers

BJ
 
I'm considering either the Zum or the i-Blason, and noticed that they seem to have an enlarged lip running down where the smart cover attaches to the side.

I won't be using a smart cover at all, and I'm wondering if this will make it a little bit odd to use or look at without using those cases in conjunction with a smart cover.

Would somebody be so kind as to advise on this? Many thanks.

You're looking at a shell with Smart Cover integration which you dont want to do if you don't have a Smart Cover because they either leave an entire side open letting dust in or put a plastic lock (what you're calling an 'enlarged lip') on there adding bulk.

There's another, more rare class of back shells that doesn't cater to the Smart Cover at all. The thinnest, best-handling one of the bunch is this one:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10843&cs_id=1084315&p_id=8438&seq=1&format=2

All the benefits of the other two you mention, but no Smart Cover compromises to deal with.

BJ
 
You're looking at a shell with Smart Cover integration which you dont want to do if you don't have a Smart Cover because they either leave an entire side open letting dust in or put a plastic lock (what you're calling an 'enlarged lip') on there adding bulk.

There's another, more rare class of back shells that doesn't cater to the Smart Cover at all. The thinnest, best-handling one of the bunch is this one:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10843&cs_id=1084315&p_id=8438&seq=1&format=2

All the benefits of the other two you mention, but no Smart Cover compromises to deal with.

BJ

That looks like exactly what I need! Thank you so much BJ for your kind advice! The only other ones I had previously found were the Incipio NGP (don't like the thick rubbery material) or the SwitchEasy Nude (read a lot of complaints about slipperiness and scratches). I guess I was just looking at the more established names for a bit of peace of mind, but I'll take your advice on the Monoprice. There's no danger of it scratching my iPad getting it in and out is there? Not sure whether the inside is cheap China-made plastic/workmanship or more friendly to the iPad.

Edit: I just checked out Monoprice's website, and it seems that apart from the weird slits in the corners (?!), the bottom section is exposed which is a major issue with protection and won't let the iPad balance horizontally when using a holding stand. Anything else available or recommended that doesn't cater to smart covers?
 
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That looks like exactly what I need! Thank you so much BJ for your kind advice! The only other ones I had previously found were the Incipio NGP (don't like the thick rubbery material) or the SwitchEasy Nude (read a lot of complaints about slipperiness and scratches). I guess I was just looking at the more established names for a bit of peace of mind, but I'll take your advice on the Monoprice. There's no danger of it scratching my iPad getting it in and out is there? Not sure whether the inside is cheap China-made plastic/workmanship or more friendly to the iPad.

Edit: I just checked out Monoprice's website, and it seems that apart from the weird slits in the corners (?!), the bottom section is exposed which is a major issue with protection and won't let the iPad balance horizontally when using a holding stand. Anything else available or recommended that doesn't cater to smart covers?

Like the title of the thread says, there is no perfect back shell out there. What we've got are a bunch that are 80% good and a couple that are 90% great but nothing perfect.

The reason is that a) thin back shells can crack on the corners quite easily and b) thin back shells without Smart Cover openings limit the potential audience for buying them. So manufacturers gravitate to Smart Cover compatible designs as the opening reduces surface tension and is less prone to cracks and, theoretically, they'll sell better because of the wider audience.

The Monoprice is the closest we've got to perfect right now (perfect being 100% back closure and perforations for the speaker) because they have a unique corner design that can't crack. They just blew it with the speaker opening. The best thing about the Monoprice is something you can't see in the photos and that's the juncture of where the sides meet the aluminum and leave no plastic edges or surface bumps in your hands web you hold it in book orientation. It's a huge win. This may be the only shell on the market that you can't feel when you hold it at the iPad's edges.

The The New iPad is only a month old, eventually someone will get this right.

BJ
 
I just don't believe that. You had to have picked up some other case. I tried my wife's mag incase from her ipad 2, and I pulled a new one out of the box at best buy, didn't fit either

Honestly. I don't know what to tell you. I have no need to lie about a $15 case. It's honestly more unbelievable that you "tried over a dozen" and NONE of them fit. I bought two and they both fit perfectly. Would you like me to post some pics?
 
In the end I went with the Incipio NGP case. Lovely to hold. Personally I hate smart covers as they make mediocre stands, aren't required for the front due to the use of Gorilla Glass, and just add bulk and get in the way when using the iPad hand held or in docks etc. I'll get myself a nice slip case for storing in my rucksack when travelling. Perfect solution for me :)
 
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