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ACCESSORY GUIDE
IPAD 2 BUYERS’ GUIDE
Smart Covers + Shells
Despite its name, Apple’s iPad Smart Cover was designed solely for the iPad 2: the lid attaches
magnetically, deactivates the iPad 2’s screen when closed, and turns it on when opened. Smart Covers
inspired developers to create smarter alternatives - some with rear protection. They’re all iPad 2-only.
Apple iPad Smart Cover
Apple’s Smart Cover was the only protective solution the
company made available to customers during the launch
and first months of the iPad 2. Polyurethane plastic ($39)
and thin leather ($69) versions are available in ten total
color and material variations. Magnets inside the folding,
plastic-reinforced lid enable it to fold into a triangular video
or typing stand, and auto-lock iPad 2’s screen, both neat
features, seemingly inspired by Incase and Speck designs
for the first iPad. Unlike them, Smart Cover doesn’t provide
enough protection on its own, and the prices are
crazy for what it offers; that said, many people
bought them in the iPad 2’s earliest days, anyway.
$39+
Simplism
Smart Back Cover
Smart Back Cover was the first
Smart Cover-ready rear shell,
in three colors. There’s a wide
opening along the left for the
magnets, but top and
bottom edges are left
largely exposed.
$25
SwitchEasy
CoverBuddy
Almost identical to Smart
Back Cover, CoverBuddy
has the added benefit of
extending all the way to the
top and bottom edges. There
are precisely cut holes for all
of the openings and buttons, as well as a line of
pill shaped openings over the speaker. Definitely a
better value for the same price, in five colors.
$25
iFrogz BackBone
BackBone is practically the
same as CoverBuddy, but the
selection of colors is much
wider. There is a shade to
match each of the Smart Cover
options, plus white
and clear. You’re
paying for the colors.
$35
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