Reviews for iPad Smart Cover - Leather - Black

The reviews here are some of the weirdest I have ever used, ranging from "amazing" to "horrible"...
This is a cover that is what it is -- it protects the FRONT SCREEN of the iPad, and is designed to do nothing else. It does not protect the iPad from user-drops. It does not protect the iPad if you grab it from the cover without supporting the iPad. It does not cause that damage...YOU cause that damage when you do not pay attention to what you are doing.
Never advertised as an iPad protector, but simply a front screen cover. They look stylish, they work well on all the current new iPads (even though some here say they don't -- they work exactly the same on the new iPad as they do the iPad2...I administer 20 iPads in my office, and not one person has complained about the cover -- even though many remove it and purchase their own full-protection covers.
Decent cover. Does what it is supposed to do. Ignore all the complaints herein.

When i bought my iPad2 i was surprised of how the magnets work and how it cleans your screen and how it stands. This case is perfect for typing, at least i use it for school, and when you watch movies it has the other position which is perfect.
When reviews complain about gaming, they do not know what they are talking about. If you flip the case so it has behind and make it flat and put it on your jeans when you are sitting on your bed for example it will not fall and you can game as much as you want.

One thing I didnt like is the price, but in the long run it is worth it. Other thing is that is doesnt cover the back, but other than that its perfect. Recommend :)

I've used the (Red) Leather and Orange Polyeurethane "rev1" covers on the iPad2, and the newer "rev 2" Grey Polyeurethane, and Black Leather on the iPad3. I noticed that the "rev 2" covers have a nicer feel (they silently updated them a few months ago. I believe the "rev1" models start with "MC" as the part number, and the "rev2" start with "MD"). The inside of the "rev2" is more suede-like, probably due to thicker microfiber to keep dirt off the screen. I also noticed the "rev 2" leather seems to be more resistant to scratches and cosmetic damage which used to be my primary complaint with the Red leather cover.

That said, I can see people either loving or hating this cover. Luckily you can get a full refund if you dislike it. The love/hate primarily depends on how you intend to use (and treat) your $500+ glass tablet. I personally don't need to cover the back since I'm always mindful as to where I set it down. I certainly never hold my iPad by the Smart Cover or without a firm grip on the tablet itself so I don't need an "Otterbox" (which ironically isn't waterproof). I'm confused by those who say this was "hard to install". You literally just place the smart cover on the glass as if it were in the "closed" position, and let go. The magnetic hinge does the rest. You can remove it by using a bit of force to pull the cover away from the iPad when in the "open" position. I do enjoy the "Smart" aspect of this cover, in that automtically turns the screen off when closed and turns it on when open.

If you do want to protect the back from scratches, a "happy medium" would be to add one of the "Smart cover compatible" back covers by InCase or Belkin, or for a classier look, add a matching leather "Zagg Skin" to the back.

If you like to keep the aesthetics "clean" and don't have kids or a tedency to drop things, I highly recommend this case. If you don't want to have to worry about where you set it down, then get a massive "Otterbox" case and toss at will! However, I equate that to wrapping your nice couch in plastic like grandma used to do. I give it 4 stars only because it's over-priced, but that isn't really unexpected from an Apple accessory.

I ordered the black leather Smart Cover when I ordered my New (3rd Gen) iPad. Looking at the design and knowing the environment I would be taking my iPad into when I went to work in the field (tree service), I thought better of using the Smart Cover as a means of protection and ordered an Otterbox Defender case.

I used the Smart Cover for two days while waiting for my Defender case to be delivered and even brought it out in the field with me (being very careful with my iPad). If you are thinking this is going to offer solid protection for your iPad then think again because it is not going to protect it in a rough environment. That is not what the Smart Cover is designed to do.

I stowed the Smart Cover in my closet thinking that I would never use the thing and cursed myself for wasting money on it. However, I grew tired of using my iPad in the bulky Defender case while working in my office and around the house. I really enjoy the feel and aesthetics of the iPad naked, without the bulky case so I began taking it out of the case on days when I work in the office and when I am at home. I dug out the Smart cover and began using it again on days when I can use my iPad in the office and at home. The Cover is awesome for light duty, indoor protection. It compliments the iPad with stylish good looks and turns the screen on and off without having to use the slider.

For what it was designed for, it is a very nice cover. You just have to have the common sense to know what level of protection you need for your iPad and choose accordingly. I would definitely recommend it for times when you do not want to use your iPad with a bulky case and want to enjoy the lightweight feel of the stand alone iPad. The only reason I am giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is I believe it is overpriced.

I have purchased Black leather Smart Cover for my IPad 3. I think it is a great design. I would like (especially) Black, Red and other colors to be available also in Polyurethane material. The colors will be more intense while longevity and price will be better. Fit for IPad 3 is fine but I can see where the edges will show wear and tear, but what doesn't?

This screen protector works pretty well. I've had mine since the IPad 2 first came out with no disappointments. I've ordered another for the New IPad.

Apples description-overview does specify "screen protection" but perhaps could suggest better options for users needing more protection. This covers the screen only, thus the back of your IPad is not protected. The magnetic hinge is adequate for careful/light use, but will come off if bumped. (Murphy's Law definitely applies here)

If you do a lot of traveling, have kids, or use outside your home or office environment, this cover may not offer enough protection.

I have to say that while the cover is not completely protective (the rear housing is exposed) the cover, particularly leather, is beautiful and supple. Soft to the touch but stiff enough to protect your screen against bumps. I paired my Black Leather Smart Cover with an InCase soft touch black back protector which is still very thin and attractive, its specially made to work with the Smart Cover by leaving a slit on the side open for the magnets of the cover. The rear of the InCase also has an internal thin magnet that attracts and hold the smart cover back when in use which is.. smart.

In general I really like this offering from Apple. I wish the design had thought of the practical need to protect the entire unit but this is a typical elegant Apple solution to protecting the delicate glass of the iPad 2.

Not sure about the plastic version of this product but the soft underside of the leather will tend to transfer any oils to the glass which bothers me- thats a reason I favor the matte screens over the shiny ones. Those can be had for around $19 or so in other places. So this product isn't perfect as pointed out above hence the 4 stars but its close. If you can afford leather then I would suggest it.

The Smart Cover is a fairly standard concept, but when I had to choose, the black leather was best, because...

A: It isn't some ugly color.
B: It is flexible
C: Its kind of pretty.

However, my two problems with it, are...

A: The cover is easily scratched.
B: The inside becomes really dusty.

Overall, it's a good case, and thats why I'm typing on it now. :)