Level 1

29 points

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 “innovative” 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

35 replies

Mskjon

Level 1

0 points

Apr 5, 2011 4:53 AM in response to Steven Corum

There are actually 2 flaws from using the cover with microfiber out. The one you haven't discussed is how the hinge articulates when the fiber is out. Holding your iPad upside down with cover folded to a triangle, fiber out, you'll see that the hinge first hits the IPad back itself, then can immediately contact the microfiber if you articulate it back against the microfiber. It happens often if you use your iPad in different positions from your lap or in your hands. The hinges wore so bad on mine that they left metal dust on the microfiber side. I replaced mine cause I still prefer it but do use the poly out now. Be aware regardless of how you stand it, the hinge magnets are weaker with the poly out and is therefore more likely to separate from the iPad as you handle it. Holding the cover in this mode you can lift the IPad up. But as you turn it upward like a Kindle, the top hinge will come lose.

Martin_UK

Level 2

150 points

Apr 5, 2011 5:51 AM in response to Steven Corum

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

Exactly, lazy people who don't bother to check the surface is clean risk damaging their iPad. That's true of any item one might place on any surface.

Apr 5, 2011 6:20 AM in response to Martin_UK

Martin_UK wrote:
Exactly, lazy people who don't bother to check the surface is clean risk damaging their iPad. That's true of any item one might place on any surface.

Couldn't agree more. The words mountains and molehills come to mind in this thread.
What is being said is true of any case/cover that flips over the back of the device.
I love my smart cover, and I don't worry in the slightest about what is being said here. The cover on my iPad 1 also flipped over and propped up in a similar way, and in the last (almost) year, my screen hasn't suffered the slightest bit of damage.

Apr 5, 2011 7:19 AM in response to William YZF-R1

The obvious flaw of the smart "cover"? It doesn't protect the back! Simple as. So if I want to protect the back, I have to get a conventional case, and on top of that use a smart cover to protect the screen? Will it work?

Landrix

Level 1

29 points

Apr 8, 2011 2:33 AM in response to Steven Corum

I am not missing the point, but I'm afraid you are missing the obvious. You can fold the smart cover exactly the same way and get the same propping action functionality by folding it inward! I just read your post, and folded my red leather one immediately into a shape where the leather is on the outside and the microfiber doesn't come in contact with anything!

I know you'll kick yourself after trying it. If you don't, come over here and I'll kick you. 🙂

All the best,
LH

Aug 24, 2011 3:19 PM in response to Steven Corum

I agree. However, no matter which way you could fold it, it would still pick up nasties, either from the inside folding on to the outside, or as you mentioned. How about a thin padded bag you could store it in. When you take it out you could fold the bag which should be designed to stay folded up and then attached to the outside. A real winner!! The inside stays clean, you could then fold it to any triangle size you need then attach it anywhere on the back side to suit viewing angle. It would also be better for viewing while on your lap, in bed or any position you choose.

Kleve

Aug 24, 2011 4:02 PM in response to Steven Corum

I almost forgot. As previously posted the newly designed " FoldingSmart Bag" would also aid in removing finger prints whenever you put the pad in, took it out and when stored in the bag. You could even have handles on it to carry the bag. You would need to make sure that what ever type of closing system you put on it would not scratch the screen when you take it out. By being able to attach it anywhere on the back it will also help with the grip while taking photos, making video, etc. Wish I had a patent on it, Ha Ha!! Somebody will eventually make one, I hope it's Apple. Can I share in the profits?? I don' think so.

Kleve

Jan 21, 2012 10:14 AM in response to robbie.

I came to this thread after experiencing the same issue as the original poster. I too am worried about picking up dirt that will then gone rubbed into the screen; and while not the issue of the century seems like a clear design flaw.

But it's not quite as bad as made out here. Folding with the PU outside will not work to prop iPad up steeply for say movie viewing; it topples at the slightest touch. However, PU out works fine for the low angle propped for typing. It slides down down a little more on the hinge than with microfiber out because the hinge is backwards; but it is stable enough to type. And as a previous person noted, you can fold the cover midway back on itself, PU out, flat along the back when not in use.

So we're really only talking about problems in one situation: with the iPad propped at near right angle to the table for viewing angle.

Ralph9430

Level 7

21,998 points

Mar 17, 2012 3:30 PM in response to Steven Corum

I use my iPad in fairly clean environments so the fact that the smart cover folds back over is not an issue. But if you don't like the way the smart cover works, don't buy one. There is an almost infinite variety of alternatives.

Apr 4, 2011 9:06 AM in response to Steven Corum

nope I noticed that as well... this is why I am keep away from this and going to wait on another manufacturers take on it.

Chris CA

Level 10

82,513 points

Apr 4, 2011 9:09 AM in response to Steven Corum

I agree.
The cover should fold inwards, not outwards, so the outside still remains the outside.

Apr 4, 2011 9:11 AM in response to Steven Corum

When you fold the cover around to the back, fold it again half way so that the inner side is protected. This also allows you to use the camera.

Chris CA

Level 10

82,513 points

Apr 4, 2011 9:15 AM in response to Ron Warrick

When you fold the cover around to the back, fold it again half way so that the inner side is protected. This also allows you to use the camera.

But does not allow you to prop it up.

Steven Corum Author

Level 1

29 points

Apr 4, 2011 9:28 AM in response to thenextbutton

Thanks, next and Chris. I was beginning to wonder if it was just me considering how reviewers are all gushing about how it's so wonderful and innovative but fail to see (or at least print) this flaw.

Apr 4, 2011 7:26 PM in response to Steven Corum

Get some perspective. There are many more important things than worrying about the smart cover.

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iPad 2 Smart Cover Design Flaw