Apple's iPad 2 Smart Cover: Not So Smart After All?

[Jason Dunn]

<p><object width="600" height="360" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/GcOPhzG5sRM&amp;feature=player_embedded&amp;ap=%26fmt=18" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GcOPhzG5sRM&amp;feature=player_embedded&amp;ap=%26fmt=18" /></object></p><p>I'm curious to hear from anyone who has an iPad 2, and Apple's smart cover: are you seeing the same thing? If this is a wide-spread issue, Apple seems to have made a serious error in the manufacturing of this product.</p>

[Bob12]

It'll be interesting to see other responses. But the first thing that struck me about the video was how he closes it -- not sure I'd let it slap that hard against the face.

[Macguy59]

I have the black leather smartcover for mine and I don't see that. Either on the cover or screen but then again I don't try to make mine double as a mouse trap :rolleyes:

[Jason Dunn]

It'll be interesting to see other responses. But the first thing that struck me about the video was how he closes it -- not sure I'd let it slap that hard against the face.

I think he was closing it that hard because he was pissed off - I doubt he'd use the level of vigor in day to day use. :)

[Vincent Ferrari]

Let's see...

His screen is filthy...

The back is scratched...

The cover is filthy...

And the inside of the cover is filthy...

He's right. Poor design on Apple's part. It has nothing to do with the fact that he's a slob.

And to be clear, I'm not defending the smart cover as brilliant, but with that much filth, maybe some self-examination is in order. My original iPad, which I've had since July (it was a replacement for the one I got when it first came out), does not have a scratch on the back of it at all. Nor does my 2, which I've had since last week (about 4 days after it came out).

It's not surprising to me, though, that a screen that coated in fingerprints would have oil residue on it, and it's not surprising that that oil residue would appear as dirt on the smart cover. Seems pretty obvious when you think about it. :rolleyes:

[ggore]

It's not Apple's job to keep him from getting his bratwurst grease all over his new Smart Cover or his iPad 2. Good grief, from the looks of them he never washes his hands! I bought one probably the same day he did and mine still looks pristine, but I wash my hands fairly regularly, maybe that has something to do with it.

[Vincent Ferrari]

It's not Apple's job to keep him from getting his bratwurst grease all over his new Smart Cover or his iPad 2.

This made me laugh really hard. :D

[Michael Knutson]

I bought the smart cover with the iPad 2, used it for a couple days, and then found one from Marware that is a real protective cover, the iPad slips inside, and the front and the back are covered. To me the new cover is all flash (ha! pun intended) and no substance, as it is more of a pain to use than an aid. I will be returning it (the leather $79 version).

[Macguy59]

no substance, as it is more of a pain to use than an aid. I will be returning it (the leather $79 version).

Don't agree about no substance but it is limited in terms of protection. I do like being able to bypass the lock screen though

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

Oh wow. Someone needs to clean their bag. Or at least, empty it of dust. I'm sure the Smart Cover is going to be another overpriced accessory, but given the marks left behind, I don't think it's 100% due to the cover.

[Jason Dunn]

I will be returning it (the leather $79 version).

They charge $79 for it??? :eek: Yikes.

[Macguy59]

They charge $79 for it??? :eek: Yikes.

Yikes is reserved for Vaja cases

[Jason Dunn]

Yikes is reserved for Vaja cases

Vaja cases are works of art and priced accordingly. Apple's mass-produced cover they probably pay $3 for? Comon'...

[Macguy59]

Vaja cases are works of art and priced accordingly. Apple's mass-produced cover they probably pay $3 for? Comon'...

The non custom (read solid color) cases are hardly works of art and still cost almost double that. Now I'm not defending Apple's pricing but $79 for leather (mass produced or not) is not that far out of whack with 3rd leather products. Now $39 for the poly covers . . .

[Vincent Ferrari]

Vaja cases are works of art and priced accordingly. Apple's mass-produced cover they probably pay $3 for? Comon'...

Works of art? lol

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHA

Sorry, I couldn't contain myself. I got a few to review and give away when I was Editor. I would not use the word "work of art" on any of them. They were okay. That's about it. In fact, I remember opening what I got and thinking "wow, these are the cases everyone goes so crazy over? I don't get it."

Sorry. They're way overpriced.

That doesn't mean the Smartcover isn't (it obviously is), but I reckon a lot more engineering went into the Smartcover than these "works of art" that Vaja puts out.

[Jason Dunn]

I would not use the word "work of art" on any of them. They were okay. That's about it. In fact, I remember opening what I got and thinking "wow, these are the cases everyone goes so crazy over? I don't get it."

[cue Ricardo Montalban voice]

<IMG SRC=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LLc74FKuF8o/SW9WDYEBB5I/AAAAAAAABek/Afgo3eVWODI/s400/MontalbanVillechaize.jpg" border=5>

You do not fully appreciate the smell and feeling of fine Argentinean leather...the supple curve, the soft, velvet smoothness of it...

:D :D :D

[Macguy59]

You do not fully appreciate the smell and feeling of fine Argentinean leather...the supple curve, the soft, velvet smoothness of it...[/I]

:D :D :D

Or rich corinthian leather :D

[Vincent Ferrari]

Or rich corinthian leather :D

I have the sudden urge to drive a Chrysler Cordoba ;-)

[Phronetix]

I have the sudden urge to drive a Chrysler Cordoba ;-)

OMG.... the memories of my family's 1977 brown Cordoba have flooded my mind. The tan leather seats, the eight track hifi sound system, the car sickness, errr, the engine trouble.... lol

[Phronetix]

I don't have an issue with the cost.

The amount of leather required for the cover is not insignificant. Nor is the need to sew in magnets at extremely specific locations.

I'd say that the best a third party could do is 5-10$ cheaper.

My take on the video... bad combination of poor hygiene, confidence and histrionic traits... don't believe everything you see on the internet.

I will let Jason play with mine at church when it arrives, then see if he recants or not. ;-)

Oh, and don't even think about quoting me out of context there! lol

[Deslock]

Vaja cases are works of art and priced accordingly. Apple's mass-produced cover they probably pay $3 for? Comon'...
A lot of companies sell cases/covers/shells that cost $50-70, many of which are aesthetically pleasing or professional looking, but offer little functionality or protection. Still, I agree that Apple's "smart" iPad2 cover is a bit pricey (I bought a discounted open-box polyurethane one).

But $3 Jason? Have you actually seen one? The word precision comes to mind, especially compared to most <$40 cases. Given the smart cover's size and weight, I assume they contain earth magnets, and some R&D had to go into its slick design and operation. It seems obvious to me that Apple would lose money if they sold them at $3 each.

The guy in the video has unreasonable expectations. Any touchscreen device is going to need its screen cleaned periodically.

Edit: Here's (http://m.gizmodo.com/5785974/all-the-third+party-ipad-2-cases-with-magnetic-auto+wake-sensors/) a roundup of 3rd party "smart" cases... $689 for Crocodile skin!

[Jason Dunn]

I will let Jason play with mine at church when it arrives, then see if he recants or not. ;-)

I saw Chase's iPad 2 yesterday along with the vinyl cover, and it all looks quite nice - but I'm hoping that the leather one has a more premium feel...if I bought one, it would probably be the red leather one. Yes, I'm actively pondering buying an iPad 2. Ponder, ponder. :D

[Jason Dunn]

But $3 Jason? Have you actually seen one? The word precision comes to mind, especially compared to most <$40 cases. Given the smart cover's size and weight, I assume they contain earth magnets, and some R&D had to go into its slick design and operation. It seems obvious to me that Apple would lose money if they sold them at $3 each.

You're right, the precision engineering/manufacturing that would have to go into that design would drive up the cost a bit - but remember there's a reason why there are hundreds if not thousands of companies making iPod/iPhone/iPad case, shells, covers, etc....the mark-up on accessories in INSANE. I'd be shocked if it cost Apple more than $5 to make the poly iPad covers.