iPad 2 smart cover damaging iPad housing

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iPad 2 smart cover damaging iPad housing

I contacted Apple (Netherlands) this week to address the problem of damage on my iPad 2, caused by the (original) smart cover:

There appears to be two dots of some sort, under the magnet strip, which scratch and damage the housing of my iPad considerably. I talked to the Apple Care support desk and mailed them some detailed photo's of the damage, but their verdict was very disappointing. They told me that they conclude (from the pictures) that the damage is caused by dirt and dust in between the magnet strip and the iPad, thereby scratching the aluminum. This isn't covered by the warranty, so tough break. They also advised me to be more careful with my iPad and to always protect it from dust and so on.

Ridiculous and simply not true. Since I've bought the iPad, the smart cover has been attached and I've always carried it around in a Eastpak iWay iPad sleeve (smart cover attached inside as well). It is clear to see that the two dots are not simply dust or dirt. Something is piercing through the strip and scratching the **** out of my iPad. Apple apparently does not cover damage caused my original Apple accessories. Just like the scratch marks on the side of my iPhone 4, caused my the original Apple bumper case, this cover also damages my Apple device.

Very frustrating. Does anybody have a similar experience and maybe some advice? I'm going to the Apple store this afternoon, hoping for a different verdict. Are there any other ways to prove my point?

iPad 2, iOS 5.0.1, Smart Cover

Posted on Feb 9, 2012 4:35 AM

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Answer 1

thomas_r.

Level 7

32,031 points

Feb 9, 2012 5:01 AM in response to jevee

They are not telling you the scratches are just dirt, they're telling you that dirt got between the magnets and the iPad and caused scratches, which is all too common. Do you actually see something "piercing through the strip?"

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Answer 2

jevee Author

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Feb 9, 2012 6:09 AM in response to thomas_r.

I think I know what they told me.

As I stated, they are telling me that the damage is caused by dirt in between the strip and the iPad. I am absolutely 100% sure that there is indeed something which was part of the smart cover strip, working it's way outside. It has now surfaced (as visible on the photo, the two dots on the strip) and is damaging my iPad.

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Answer 3

thomas_r.

Level 7

32,031 points

Feb 9, 2012 6:24 AM in response to jevee

If there is something in the smart cover that is protruding, that needs to be brought to their attention, as it suggests you got a defective smart cover. However, you need to make sure that's not just something external that has gotten stuck in the smart cover. Ultimately, this is not a problem that anyone here can help you with.

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Answer 4

Ralph9430

Level 7

21,998 points

Feb 9, 2012 7:21 AM in response to jevee

I have an iPad 2 with a black leather Smart Cover, I get those little marks all the time. Periodically I dampen my finger and rub the dirt away. Did you try that?

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Answer 5

jevee Author

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Feb 9, 2012 7:27 AM in response to Ralph9430

Nope. It is actual damage (quite a deep scratch), not a mark.

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Answer 6

Ralph9430

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21,998 points

Feb 9, 2012 8:18 AM in response to jevee

Could be something in the bottom of your sleeve that is introducing something into your smart cover. Just guessing here. But I have had my smart cover on since I bought my iPad, I occassionally carry it in a homemade case my wide sewed for me and between the two I have had no permanent marks made to my iPad.

But you might carefully examine the catch on the Smart Cover looking for imperfections that line up with the scratches. If you find some then you have your answer.

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Answer 7

jevee Author

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Feb 9, 2012 8:23 AM in response to Ralph9430

Well, that is actually the case. Look at the photo, the two dots in the magnet strip align perfectly to both scratches. So the damage is definitly caused by the magnet trip of the smart cover. No dust. No dirt.

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Answer 8

Feb 9, 2012 8:46 AM in response to jevee

this is what happened to mine which you replied to, it is not from dust it is like a little metal spike which pokes through the rubber bit of the cover, i have managed to push it back in on my cover, and the damage on mine is much worse than yours, it has actually dug a small hole where the metal has worn away from the 2 metals rubbing against each other, i went to the apple shop and they said i have to book it in to be seen to but its such a ball ache as the shop isnt 2 mins away, its 30miles away from where i live, i want to get mine sorted as teh warrenty runs out soon and all i have done is look after it from day one, doesnt help that my daughter dropped it and cracked the screen now though so they might think i am doing it just to get a new screen out of them!

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Answer 9

Feb 9, 2012 8:52 AM in response to steves cleenz

I decided not to buy a smart cover, for fear that two aluminum pieces rubbing together would eventually wear down the brushed metal finish. That is why I bought a skin and the Marware CEO hybrid case; instead.

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Answer 10

jakudo

Level 1

85 points

Mar 31, 2012 9:35 AM in response to 50tonrobot

Today I've noticed the very same thing, as you descibed, on my iPad 2 and Apple Smart Cover. Tomorow (or on Monday), I'm going to the Apple store to ask what can they do with it. It definitely isn't dust or whatever. It's some metal part from the Smart cover.

I hope it doesn't get worst..

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Answer 11

Mar 31, 2012 10:20 AM in response to jakudo

forgot to update this, i took my pad back to apple and they exhanged it for a new ipad, didnt replace the cover though 😟

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Answer 12

jakudo

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85 points

Mar 31, 2012 10:22 AM in response to steves cleenz

at least, you've got new iPad;)

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Answer 13

jevee Author

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Mar 31, 2012 12:42 PM in response to steves cleenz

Really? I haven't been to a official Apple Store (first Dutch store just opened some weeks ago). I went to a reseller, who told me that there would be no way that Apple would offer a refund in any way. Do you maybe have some sort of reference number? Could be good jurisprudence.

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Answer 14

Mar 31, 2012 12:47 PM in response to jevee

no reference number, i just booked into the genius bar and told them when i was there, and showed them the cause from the cover, and so under the warrenty they replaced it

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Answer 15

jevee Author

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Mar 31, 2012 12:57 PM in response to steves cleenz

Ok, I'll give that a try. Thanks.

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