Why doesn't iPad have a texturized case, maybe a rubber coat?

[UrsaMajor]

I like that it's not plastic, but without a case it's hard to hold safely and metal makes the heat more noticeable. Why didn't apple simply coat the backside with a thin rubber or silicone coat?

 

[coolbreeze]

It's not "Apple" and there are a bazillion cases if you don't like the slick aluminum.

Or just put an invisible shield on the back only. That way it's all grippy.

 

[verwon]

When did they do that with any of their mobile products? Kind of silly to expect it now, IMO.

 

[mobilehaathi]

For the sake of style.

 

[number84]

Cuz as soon as they did that someone else will ask "Why doesn't iPad have a smooth case, maybe an aluminum coat?"

It is what it is. If you don't like it just slap a case on it as others have suggested.

 

[dacreativeguy]

I like that it's not plastic, but without a case it's hard to hold safely and metal makes the heat more noticeable. Why didn't apple simply coat the backside with a thin rubber or silicone coat?

Yes. Rubber, and maybe ribbed, to provide a little extra grip. Assorted colors too. My wife and I would find that pleasurable.

 

[MaxxTraxx]

Why does the iPad even have a case?

---

Soon as Apple switches from the current design, people are going to complain. And frankly, it's fine as is.

 

[johnc22]

By its nature rubber or plastic would show wear over time from the oils and sweat on your hands. Aluminum, if properly protected, will look brand new years later. I prefer a case anyway for putting the iPad in a stand position.

 

[entatlrg]

Design over function.

Not always a welcome feature in the real world.

 

[spiderman0616]

Rubberized coating on gadgets ends up looking cheap and gross. End of story.

 

[Wrathwitch]

I like that it's not plastic, but without a case it's hard to hold safely and metal makes the heat more noticeable. Why didn't apple simply coat the backside with a thin rubber or silicone coat?

1) lint

2) pet hair (ever try to wipe lint or pet hair off of rubber or silicone?)

3) oils remain in rubber from skin oils etc, fingerprints. The stains are very hard to remove.

4) rubber or silicone is an insulator and would not effectively disperse heat for the device.

5) gouges/scratches are really visable compared to aluminum

6) harder to clean

7) visibly unappealing

8) Some people have allergies to various rubber/silicone products. Or maybe that is just latex haha!

9) People woud likely complain about the asthetics and then demand different colors which also increases cost of device.

10) difficult to slide into and out of sleeves etc.

I am sure there are many more but my first few examples are likely the most logical reasoning behind it.

 

[w00t951]

Rubberizing gadgets always leads to the rubber peeling off in chunks. Looks nasty and detracts from the long term usage of the product.

 

[bufffilm]

uugggh...please no. i want to make the choice on what to put on my ipad, not have apple force a choice on me.

besides, putting rubber, which traps heat on the ipad would be counterproductive. and there are 'snap-on' fit cases for the ipad.

I like that it's not plastic, but without a case it's hard to hold safely and metal makes the heat more noticeable. Why didn't apple simply coat the backside with a thin rubber or silicone coat?

 

[Snapperjw]

A gelaskin on the back to add a little flare and also helps with holding the iPad as it isnt totally smooth and a smart cover for the front.

I would recommend a gelaskin as it sets your iPad aside from others, it's a fashion statement and does help when holding the pad, stops fingers slipping on the back.

Snapper

 

[wharzhee]

u can get a casing/cover of whatever texture u want for ur beautiful iPad

but u cant get an ugly iPad to be covered with a cover that would look like ur current beautiful iPad.

 

[whtrbt7]

Design = function. The reason why the iPad doesn't use a rubberized coating and also the reason why it isn't texturized is because it wouldn't serve any purpose. Apple always uses minimalist design but everything they do, they do for a reason. The population interested in a rubberized back can attach a skin or use a gelaskin, leatherskin, plastic rubberized case, or whatever they want on the back of the iPad. Keep in mind that a rubberized case for the iPad would also mean going to cheaper materials rather than using premium aluminum/aluminium. It's all about optimizing a quality feel for the product and a quality image for the product.

 

[eneisch]

I believe the aluminum back also helps with heat dissapation.

 

[Arran]

My take on it is that Apple sees their role as providing the essential technological "innards" in the smallest possible package with zero extraneous clutter. It's then up to the user how they dress it up:

• Risk averse users would immediately slam their kids' iPads in bulky bulletproof cases. No doubt to their offspring's well-vocalized chagrin!
• Workplace movers-and-shakers might opt for a thin leather case to balance bulk against protection and making-a-good-impression?
• Frequent travelers might want the thinnest case possible to slip into their carryon luggage and an airline seat-back pocket?
• A stay-at-home design purist might prefer no case at all, because they love the simplicity of aluminum and glass.
• A lover of bling might go for something totally blinged-out to the max plus some

Apple lets us all decide. Isn't that more reasonable?

 

[MrMacNasty]

This is the best answer:

Cuz as soon as they did that someone else will ask "Why doesn't iPad have a smooth case, maybe an aluminum coat?"

It is what it is. If you don't like it just slap a case on it as others have suggested.

 

[UrsaMajor]

I'm just saying out of the box it's always loose in our hands and hard to grip without a case.

I don't bother with a screen protector as its not from apple. Does apple expect everyone using these bare? Or should they at least provide a case?

 

[Batavian]

I believe the aluminum back also helps with heat dissapation.

Agreed.

Just get a back cover. If it (the cover) gunks up, gets dirty, gets damaged, it's easy to replace. Not so easy to replace if a rubberized back were part of the design.