iPad 2 Smart Cover Design Flaw

Am I the only one to recognize that the Apple Smart Cover's greatest feature is also its fatal flaw? The Smart Cover’s ā€œinnovativeā€ feature is that it folds to prop the iPad up for typing or better viewing, with its primary function to serve as a cover to protect your treasured iPad’s glass screen. However, hasn't anyone noticed that when you fold the Smart Cover into either of the two propping positions that the inner portion of the cover (the micro-fiber that supposed to "protect" the screen) comes in contact with whatever surface it is that you're using as a base. So, when you fold the cover back onto the iPad, any nastiness (e.g., dirt, dust, food, etc.) that was on the surface of the base (e.g., table, desk, airplane fold-out tray, etc.) has now attached to the inner portion of the cover and will then be in direct contact with your iPad's precious screen.

I love Apple, but this is one case where I believe they missed the mark and added fuel to the argument that they sometimes put too much emphasis on form and not enough on actual function. And, for the price that they’re asking for the Smart Cover, I, for one, expect more from Apple.

Message was edited by: Steven Corum

iPad 2, iOS 4

Posted on Apr 4, 2011 9:03 AM

Reply
35 replies

Apr 4, 2011 4:10 PM in response to Dah•veed

I think some of you may be missing the point here. The simple point is that the cover which is supposed to protect your screen could, in fact, be its worst enemy. Especially to those that don't operate their iPads in a completely dust, dirt and grime-free environment, or if they don't have the time or inclination to meticulously check every work surface where they place their iPads before propping it up.

Though, I'm very surprised to hear those of you claiming to take such great care of their iPads are not bothered by the fact you're essentially cleaning the surface that you've placed your iPad down on with the micro-fiber cloth of the inner cover and then laying that cloth on top of your screen. Bleck!

Personally, I like David.Austin.Allen's set-up.

Note: Many other manufacturers are now following Apple's lead and designing covers that are functionally similar. You've been advised.

Apr 4, 2011 6:00 PM in response to Steven Corum

You really don't get it do you, most people (myself included) would not place our Ipads in the sort of environment whereby screen damaging objects can contaminate the SmartCover.

I already stated I would use a napkin as a barrier, alternatively the napkin could be used to actually wipe up the mess first. If its too bad or just not possible for whatever reason I just would put my Ipad down whether it had a SmartCover or not.

If you are still not convinced buy a screen protector but please stop bashing an Apple accessory using what I consider to be a totally flawed logic.

I believe the SmartCover does exactly what it was designed for very well and the design should be applauded not condemned.

Interestingly, in this thread people are grumbling about marks on the OUTSIDE of their SmartCover, if you had your way that thread would be a lot longer!

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2801428&tstart=0&start=15

Apr 4, 2011 12:01 PM in response to Steven Corum

However, hasn't anyone noticed that when you fold the Smart Cover into either of the two propping positions that the inner portion of the cover (the micro-fiber that supposed to "protect" the screen) comes in contact with whatever surface it is that you're using as a base. So, when you fold the cover back onto the iPad, any nastiness (e.g., dirt, dust, food, etc.) that was on the surface of the base (e.g., table, desk, airplane fold-out tray, etc.) has now attached to the inner portion of the cover and will then be in direct contact with your iPad's precious screen.


The same is true of the cover for the original iPad.

At the end of the day, why would you be putting the iPad or its cover into food or dirt ?

Apr 4, 2011 12:21 PM in response to Steven Corum

It takes an extra moment of thought, but my Smart cover can be folded either direction and still can be used in the two positions. But as others note, I would never set my iPad down on any surface that I had not checked to see if it was clean. Just as I do not use it with dirty fingers or hands.

I think that folks are expecting much more from a Smart Cover than it was actually designed to meet. It is for protecting the display, and incidentally was given the ability to hold the iPad in the two display positions. But it is only a cover, it is not a case. If you need the facilities of an actual case, this is not the product for you. It was made to apply and remove in a second. It facilitates its application by self-adjusting its position with the magnets.

But I am happy with mine as a cover to protect the glass display when not in use and nothing more. I remove the cover when I use the iPad. I have bough the Compass tripod stand by 12 South for positioning the iPad for serious use. I love using it with my Apple BT keyboard when I am using it for serious writing. However, for casual use like lounging in a comfy chair or in bed to read, surf or watch videos, I use it without the cover or anything else. If I am watching videos it is paired with BT headphones for the audio channel.

Rather than finding all the flaws of each accessory that does not meet your needs, why not look for the ones that other geniuses have devised that perhaps do?

Apr 4, 2011 2:12 PM in response to Steven Corum

You can fold the iPad smart cover so that the microfiber remains in the inside of the stand, just fold the cover open so that it's flat with microfiber facing up, then it's easy to fold into the stand with the microfiber on the inside. However, although this works, when using the stand in what I don't know how to describe as anything other than 'movie mode', the stand isn't very strong at all and can unfold at the slightest touch.

Apr 4, 2011 4:15 PM in response to Steven Corum

Especially to those that don't operate their iPads in a completely dust, dirt and grime-free environment, or if they don't have the time or inclination to meticulously check every work surface where they place their iPads before propping it up.


People who don't take time to ensure the surface is clean

a) risk scratching the rear of the iPad
b) have only themselves to blame for any damage

there really isn't a reason not to check a table doesn't have tea, food or sharp content on it.

Apr 4, 2011 4:49 PM in response to Martin_UK

People who don't take time to ensure the surface is clean

a) risk scratching the rear of the iPad
b) have only themselves to blame for any damage


a) No where does the Smart Cover claim to protect the rear of the iPad.
b) Agree that only you are to blame if you don't clean every surface with a sanitary wipe to ensure there is no dust, dirt, food particles, sand, grime, germs, hair, dander, something wet, something sticky, or any other nasties that might transfer to the inner surface of the cover. Who cares about the outer part of the cover because that's what it supposed to be for, right?

šŸ˜‰

Apr 4, 2011 6:12 PM in response to William YZF-R1

...please stop bashing an Apple accessory using what I consider to be a totally flawed logic.


I'm sorry, but I believe that you may be the one to not get it. Again, the simple point is that if you do not first ensure the surface on which you use the Smart Cover as a prop is perfectly clean, you risk contaminants being transferred to the inner portion of the Cover and then directly on to your screen. There is no flaw in that logic. It's a fact validated by your statements, "I would use a napkin as a barrier..." and "...alternatively the napkin could be used to actually wipe up the mess first."

Lastly, a "cover," by its very definition, is intended to protect what's underneath. So, no, I would not be as concerned about the outside as I would be the inside.

Apr 4, 2011 6:20 PM in response to William YZF-R1

please stop bashing an Apple accessory

Didn't see anyone "bashing".
Simply that the inside of the cover, which is designed with microfiber to "clean the screen whenever you open and close it" is on the outside setting on the table (or wherever).
Microfiber is designed to pick up dust.

Sure you likely wipe off a surface if it's grungy but I highly doubt you go around and scrub everything before you set your iPad down.

You would not use a cleaning cloth to wipe your desk/table (even after you wiped it down) then clean your glasses or television…
Why do it with the iPad cover?

Apr 4, 2011 7:45 PM in response to anilsudhakaran

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iPad 2 Smart Cover Design Flaw

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