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ZUM SC ULTIMATE review - highly recommend for smart cover users

KapitanIksrog said:
I'm not looking for you to agree with me. I am letting others know of the issues I had. I agree about the magic eraser. My point is that my smart cover caused discoloration that would not come off without using one. And that was after a week of semi-regular use. I use it in a business environment so I am not doing anything strange with it.

As for my baffling comment about the bulk. Maybe that wasn't the right word. The case is supposedly 1 mm thick though I believe it to be slightly thicker (1.5mm). The iPad is 9.5mm thick so that is over 10% thickness increase that I can feel but I was one of the people bothered by the iPad2---> iPad3 thickness gain.

Like I said, not my style of case. I'd rather go naked or with a back skin.
Click to expand...

That was my nice way of saying that I thought your assessment was wrong. It was also my way of saying that I thought your negative assessment invalid.

----------
sekazi said:
Just got this the other day for my iPad 3. It is great but my complaints from most important to least important.

1. It does not lock on the bottom or top. Lock how? Its clipped on.
2. It is loose so dirt and sand can eventually get under it and scratch the back Where are you that SAND gets under? Most cases let some degree of dust get under.
3. All speaker holes are not aligned properly. 4th row starts going off and the 5-7th row is completely covered. Its appears properly aligned on mine.
4. Camera cut out is not centered True.
5. Audio jack has a square cutout instead of round To accomodate oversized plugs.
6. Mic cutout is huge Not really an issue.
7. Not 1mm thick. It is thicker. Around 1.2 to 1.5mm thick. Its pretty damn close and not really noticable.

I am thinking about using a very sharp blade to cut off the smart cover lock. Every decent case I have seen has this and I do not want to lock it on. Then why did you buy it?

I took my skin I had on off since the corners were popping up. I kind of wish I kept it on since this does not have a tight fit. I have a Matte back protector I never put on so I may use that and put the cover back on. Well you had a crappy skin that was pealing off and so you would have replaced it anyway. My case fits tight so I suspect you have not clicked the ipad in all around.

I am still deciding on a SwitchEasy ultra clear. Get yourself a TPU case from hypershop.com
Click to expand...

See above
 
new ipad is similar to iPad 2.. possible to use the iPad 2 zum case on the New ipad? I saw their warnings... but does it fit? anyone had tried??

thanks!
 
I think I'm going to go for this one. I had high hopes for the Belkin Snap Shield Secure but the reviews claim that it is basically guaranteed to crack. My only concern is that I want to use the Zum while being able to take the Smart Cover off, and to use it with the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover.. I wonder how easy it is to cut off the smart cover lock area from the Zum.... hmm..
 
So I use the ZUM when I need the lightest case possible. But most of the time I use the Zerochroma case as I need a case with the ability to stand up at almost any angle. Especially when reading books and magazines as the ipad 3 is still too heavy.

Zerochroma
 
seajewel said:
I think I'm going to go for this one. I had high hopes for the Belkin Snap Shield Secure but the reviews claim that it is basically guaranteed to crack. My only concern is that I want to use the Zum while being able to take the Smart Cover off, and to use it with the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover.. I wonder how easy it is to cut off the smart cover lock area from the Zum.... hmm..
Click to expand...

What is the reason to buy ZUM case if you want to cut off the smart cover lock area?? U know what you are doing??
 
RoyWill said:
What is the reason to buy ZUM case if you want to cut off the smart cover lock area?? U know what you are doing??
Click to expand...

to get really thin scratch protection for the back? Somebody on this forum has done it on the i-Blason. the zum had great reviews, is considered one of the thinnest back cases, etc. I've looked at the belkin and the switcheasy back cases without the lock--they both have tons of reviews about how easily they crack and I didn't like the feel of the Belkin at Best Buy.

I like my Zum a lot, I haven't attempted any kind of surgery and probably won't because I am worried, but I would have liked it better without the lock.
 
seajewel said:
to get really thin scratch protection for the back? Somebody on this forum has done it on the i-Blason. the zum had great reviews, is considered one of the thinnest back cases, etc. I've looked at the belkin and the switcheasy back cases without the lock--they both have tons of reviews about how easily they crack and I didn't like the feel of the Belkin at Best Buy.

I like my Zum a lot, I haven't attempted any kind of surgery and probably won't because I am worried, but I would have liked it better without the lock.
Click to expand...

I think the main reason people getting ZUm cases is the smart cover lock...iBlason is a COPYCAT of zum.. if you are not looking for the smart cover lock feature.. there are tons of knockoff cases available... the quality is similar to the belkin or switcheasy.. because they WILL CRACK anyway... my iBlason case crack 4 days after ... so I got the zum case again
 
I have a Zum case for my iPhone, I liked it so much I bought one for my iPad 2.

The Zum iPad case is made from a different material than the Zum iPhone case. Both seem to be of excellent quality with good attention to detail. The iPhone case has flaps to cover the charging port and earphone port. The iPad case does not have the port flaps, but it gives great coverage over most of the back and edges of the iPad.

The Zum replaced a similar case (Acase) that cracked soon after I started using it. Zum iPad 2 case will not fit the iPad 3. I bought a Zum case for my iPad 3 and love the way it fits, it will also fit the iPad 2.
 
Pictures on a black iPad

So far I have only seen pictures of the SC Ultimate on a white iPad. Even doing a google image search only returns images on white iPads. Can anyone post pictures of the Zum on a black iPad. Preferably the frost or black pearl Zum.

Thanks!
 
LTMK said:
Got the ZUM case earlier this week. Just like most of you, never heard about this brand before. So I was little bit skeptical. After reading other people’s recommendation and finished some research, why not give it a try? Worse case, just return it : )

The case was professionally packed when i arrived and it was looking good. After I have installed the case and show to my daughter, her eyes were wide open with a big smile!! (Priceless) I know Honey suckle pink is her favourite color. I would said it is one of the best case I have ever used.

My review points will focus on the following areas: function, design, build quality, packaging and overall value.

1. Functions: **** (4 star)

Basic Protection
I had tried the incipio smart feather, also recommended by other people. I dont like it. The incipio smart feather left the top and bottom of the ipad 2 unprotect and exposed for potential scratch. The zum sc ultimate case covers almost the entire iPad2 back.

Successfully Address Smart cover design flaw
Most importantly, the smart cover lock design provides a physical lock to the smart cover magnetic hinge to prevent accidental detachment. It REALLY WORKS!!! I tried to shake it on top of my sofa several times, the iPad 2 and smart cover still intact together.

Smart Cover + ZUM SC Ultimate = SLIM Folio case

This is the best feature I like. Now I can comfortably to put my ipad 2 into my purse to carry around WITHOUT ADDITIONAL WEIGHT. The combination of smart cover and zum case provides a complete protection to my ipad 2 and maintains the original iPad2 slim design. I don’t need to spend extra $50 to get a bulky folio case.

I am not expecting this case to provide any drop protection. ( I have remind my daughter about this and its her responsibility to protect her birthday gift).

Hope they can work on something that is so slim and still provide some drop protection. Therefore, I give it a 4 star!!

2. Design: **** (4 star)
The case is well designed with easy access to all the buttons. All the cut outs are in perfect shape. There is even a very detail speaker mesh to protect the speaker area. I was worrying about the sound distortion when I first got the case, but I found out I just worry too much. It works great.

One thing doesn’t bother me but may bother someone with big fingers. The mute button opening may be too small. I wish they had just made a big opening instead of two small openings.

Overall, I still believe its a good design.

3. Build Quality ***** (5 star)

The case is extremely thin and slim but amazingly tough. It does not crack even I tried to fold it like a paper. According to the packaging, the thickness is only 1mm.

The rubberized coating provides excellent grip and good protection to the case. I have used it for the last three days with my daughter and the case does not show and sign of scratch.

I have tried the incipio case before, and to be honest I think ZUM case quality is better than incipio.


The SMART COVER LOCK completely wraps around the magnetic hinge and the smart cover still works smoothly in different locations.

4. Packaging *** (3 star)
The case make up of high quality material but to me its only a packaging. It is nothing fancy. Wish they had used some environmental friendly material for the packaging. This packaging does not have any reuse value. Also, it does not include any screen protector with the case. Still thinking should I get a screen protector or not.

5. Overall value **** (4 star)
Original price is 29.99 but I paid only $19.99 + shipping from amazon. I believe the price is very fair for this quality case.

This case is well designed to fix the existing “design flaw” of the smart cover and provides enough protection for daily use. Its perfect for someone who already owns a smart cover and does not want to spend extra $50 or more to get a bulky folio case.

Good luck!!
Click to expand...

This is the same as the 'eggshell' - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EGGSHELL-...K_iPad_Tablet_Accessories&hash=item20c4535900
I've read nothing but great things about them, not to mention the price is outstanding and it includes smartcover.
 
LTMK said:
Got the ZUM case earlier this week. Just like most of you, never heard about this brand before. So I was little bit skeptical. After reading other people’s recommendation and finished some research, why not give it a try? Worse case, just return it : )

The case was professionally packed when i arrived and it was looking good. After I have installed the case and show to my daughter, her eyes were wide open with a big smile!! (Priceless) I know Honey suckle pink is her favourite color. I would said it is one of the best case I have ever used.

My review points will focus on the following areas: function, design, build quality, packaging and overall value.

1. Functions: **** (4 star)

Basic Protection
I had tried the incipio smart feather, also recommended by other people. I dont like it. The incipio smart feather left the top and bottom of the ipad 2 unprotect and exposed for potential scratch. The zum sc ultimate case covers almost the entire iPad2 back.

Successfully Address Smart cover design flaw
Most importantly, the smart cover lock design provides a physical lock to the smart cover magnetic hinge to prevent accidental detachment. It REALLY WORKS!!! I tried to shake it on top of my sofa several times, the iPad 2 and smart cover still intact together.

Smart Cover + ZUM SC Ultimate = SLIM Folio case

This is the best feature I like. Now I can comfortably to put my ipad 2 into my purse to carry around WITHOUT ADDITIONAL WEIGHT. The combination of smart cover and zum case provides a complete protection to my ipad 2 and maintains the original iPad2 slim design. I don’t need to spend extra $50 to get a bulky folio case.

I am not expecting this case to provide any drop protection. ( I have remind my daughter about this and its her responsibility to protect her birthday gift).

Hope they can work on something that is so slim and still provide some drop protection. Therefore, I give it a 4 star!!

2. Design: **** (4 star)
The case is well designed with easy access to all the buttons. All the cut outs are in perfect shape. There is even a very detail speaker mesh to protect the speaker area. I was worrying about the sound distortion when I first got the case, but I found out I just worry too much. It works great.

One thing doesn’t bother me but may bother someone with big fingers. The mute button opening may be too small. I wish they had just made a big opening instead of two small openings.

Overall, I still believe its a good design.

3. Build Quality ***** (5 star)

The case is extremely thin and slim but amazingly tough. It does not crack even I tried to fold it like a paper. According to the packaging, the thickness is only 1mm.

The rubberized coating provides excellent grip and good protection to the case. I have used it for the last three days with my daughter and the case does not show and sign of scratch.

I have tried the incipio case before, and to be honest I think ZUM case quality is better than incipio.


The SMART COVER LOCK completely wraps around the magnetic hinge and the smart cover still works smoothly in different locations.

4. Packaging *** (3 star)
The case make up of high quality material but to me its only a packaging. It is nothing fancy. Wish they had used some environmental friendly material for the packaging. This packaging does not have any reuse value. Also, it does not include any screen protector with the case. Still thinking should I get a screen protector or not.

5. Overall value **** (4 star)
Original price is 29.99 but I paid only $19.99 + shipping from amazon. I believe the price is very fair for this quality case.

This case is well designed to fix the existing “design flaw” of the smart cover and provides enough protection for daily use. Its perfect for someone who already owns a smart cover and does not want to spend extra $50 or more to get a bulky folio case.

Good luck!!
Click to expand...

Do they have a version which can secure the smart cover like the belkin snap secure?
 
drummingcraig said:
I had the smoke along with a grey smart cover and it looked nice. When they replaced it however, they were out of smoke so I had to settle for a clear one. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

I think they have the smoke color in stock now... can u post a picture with the smoke color on the ipad please ..thanks!!:D
 
KennySmith said:
anyone has the smoke color on the ipad? $19 looks good to me
Click to expand...

i have a smoke cover with a black skin on my ipad. im really liking this combo.
 

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It's odd to me that they cut a hole for the speaker on the smoke version. I have the frosted and it's covered but has perforations so the sound will come through. Personally I prefer the smoke color but wish it covered the speaker as well.
 
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