Belkin Smart Cover Compatible Snap Shield Case Review

[clyde2801]

http://www.belkin.com/uk/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=544455

While cruising the Enki Gear Genius Case thread, I noticed mrrish discovered that some Best Buys had received the smart cover compatible Snap Shield case by Belkin. It's not on BB's website, but you have to call the closest store with the SKU (2538172) and hope you'll get an employee on the phone who will go in the back and look for it. Since we're all still talking about it on the Enki thread, but I figured the Belkin deserves its own review. I'm reposting my review here:

The BB nearest my office was able to find it in the back of the store, but there was only one left. This is Clyde bait, so naturally I got it.

Not a bad case at all. Not wild about the clear color, but I'll live. It doesn't feel like a hard case after it's installed, but defintely feels sturdier than the ebay and mall kiosk TPU's. Danged pricey enough at $39.99 (ah, the price of instant gratification), but I've resigned myself to the fact that everything in a brick and mortar store is going to be more expensive.

It does work with the smart cover (allowing the on off function and to work as a stand without much impairment), fits inside of my targus leather tote with the smart cover, and does NOT peel off my Ghost armor on the front or back. The belkin, unlike the TPU's, does not have to grip the edges of the screen with a top lip to stay attached.

It also easily attaches and detaches, but promises not to easily come loose accidentally. My gear now has a modular level of protection vs bulk....ipad with smart cover and ghost armor, add belkin case, slip into targus leather tote and bring incase origami workstation (stand and bt kb case), depending how much protection I need and how much I want to carry.

I did place a order last Sunday at gleemobile for the black case, and got an email in response saying that speck didn't ship as early as anticipated and they expect them to go out the first week of May, and they should be the first to get them. I don't think I'll demand a refund just yet, since it is a black case for slightly more than half the price of the clear. The Belkin logo isn't too obvious or glaring.

 

[jedolley]

Thanks for starting this thread. I was thinking about doing this when I got home. I also scored this case, but literally just sat down and haven't even unboxed it yet. My BB showed 1 instock, but they couldn't find it anywhere. The guy helping me went in the back and couldn't find it, but brought back someone that was more familiar with that section. He looked through the computer again and stated it's got to be out on the floor. We went back to the iPad accessories section (which look like a tornado had blown through), and sure enough the BB guy that was helping me found it laying between two large stacks of the Incase cases (seems no one wants those ).

Very first still in the box impressions: The frosted plastic that Belkin is using makes it feel sort of like a TPU case, but with the rigid durability of a hard shell. I think this case may hide scratches better than the clear polycarbonate cases, but it also may get dirtier easier (just a guess at this point).

That's all I have for now. Got to put this thing on and see what I think.

 

[clyde2801]

And....? It takes all of five seconds to put this sucker on.

 

[clyde2801]

And for those wanting pics, I can't do any better than the ones mrrish posted on the enki thread....(scroll down to post 41)

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1136896/

 

[jedolley]

And....? It takes all of five seconds to put this sucker on.

LOL. Yeah, it goes on real easily, but it's a secure fit. Initial impressions with it on are really good. It makes me wonder why the other hard shells don't have complete coverage. I didn't understand it before, and now I'm even more baffled. Also, I like the feel of the case. My main concern about getting a clear hard shell case was that I would lose the grip of a TPU case. The belkin is more of a frosted clear, but it has a nice matte grip feel to it.

I attached a quick pic that shows the thing I like most about the case, and what I like the least. Belkin got the smart cover cut about as perfect as possible. There's almost zero gap between the hinge and the cover. The thing I like the least is the white Belkin logo. The logo isn't usually a deal breaker for me, but I can easily see this one turning some people off (at least some people on this forum ). It's small enough, but the white really stands out. I think a etched logo might have worked better.

 

[hcho3]

LOL. Yeah, it goes on real easily, but it's a secure fit. Initial impressions with it on are really good. It makes me wonder why the other hard shells don't have complete coverage. I didn't understand it before, and now I'm even more baffled. Also, I like the feel of the case. My main concern about getting a clear hard shell case was that I would lose the grip of a TPU case. The belkin is more of a frosted clear, but it has a nice matte grip feel to it.

I attached a quick pic that shows the thing I like most about the case, and what I like the least. Belkin got the smart cover cut about as perfect as possible. There's almost zero gap between the hinge and the cover. The thing I like the least is the white Belkin logo. The logo isn't usually a deal breaker for me, but I can easily see this one turning some people off (at least some people on this forum ). It's small enough, but the white really stands out. I think a etched logo might have worked better.

Question for you. Sorry if this is off topic, but what case is that under the iPad?

Is that a slip case or something? It looks like Waterfield's iPad slip case. Am I right?

 

[jedolley]

Question for you. Sorry if this is off topic, but what case is that under the iPad?

Is that a slip case or something? It looks like Waterfield's iPad slip case. Am I right?

Yup. Waterfield/SFBags Slip case. It's blue, kind of a navy or dark blue, even though it looks black in the pic. I got the one that fits the smart cover and it fits with the shell case on as well as the TPU case I have.

 

[pevensen]

Does it work with an invisibleshield?

I got a Marware MicroShell but I also have a Zagg invisibleshield on the back. I'm not sure if that is the reason, but I couldn't not put the Marware shell on my iPad 2. I pressed so hard my thumbs started to hurt. I could not get the lower left corner to snap over the edge.

I was wondering if the Belkin Snap Shield was as tight or if it had enough rough that one could snap it on and off even with a thin film on the back.

 

[clyde2801]

I got a Marware MicroShell but I also have a Zagg invisibleshield on the back. I'm not sure if that is the reason, but I couldn't not put the Marware shell on my iPad 2. I pressed so hard my thumbs started to hurt. I could not get the lower left corner to snap over the edge.

I was wondering if the Belkin Snap Shield was as tight or if it had enough rough that one could snap it on and off even with a thin film on the back.

I have Ghost Armor on my front and back, and it goes on with nary a problem.

 

[Josh125]

Scored one yesterday and will try to get another one today. Overall not much to add to your review. The price is rediculous for what it is, however that goes with the territory. We came from a speck pixel wrap HD to this back and smart cover front and the difference is very noticable. Much less bulk and weighs less, a solid improvement IMO.

The one item I can add is that when I first put it on I thought the case was defective because the corner tabs didn't completly cover. After a closer look, the plastic tabs were designed so that only a portion of the tab actually snap on to the iPad and the trailing edge let's call it was designed to taper off. I hope that makes sense, for those that have it you probably know what I'm talking about.

 

[sotie]

I just found this review on youtube. Thanks to the reviewer for the quick look at it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYfmji__B9M

 

[clyde2801]

Not a bad review, pretty even handed and balanced.

As for his minus points:
1. "It's a plastic shield, so it won't protect it as a TPU cover if it's dropped." Not sure if it would do any better or worse than a TPU, and I'm unwilling to drop my ipad on the ground to try. Every design has pros and cons, and this case, like the tpu's, are for people who value slimness and weight over maximum protection and bulk.

2. "Bottom covers up all but the port itself, can't put some 3rd party accessories on it and he has trouble putting in the dock connector." Again, pros and cons. If it had a bigger opening on the bottom, some people would complain about the lack of protection. And it comes out of the case very easily, so a monster car charger/fm transmitter could be accommodated. As for problems with the dock connector, I haven't had a single problem getting it in through this case.

3. "Harder to open up smart cover with case installed, you have to insert your finger nail in the case's cut out for the volume rocker." Possibly so in that it may be a touch tougher to open than without the case, but the difference is so slight that I don't see that as an issue.

4. "The price is really, really high." Okay, can't argue with that one. I think anything officially licensed by apple is high (unlike the bootleg TPU cases on ebay) because apple wants a cut in addition to the manufacturer making a profit. Possibly subjective, considering the people who would buy this case have presumably spent $40 to $70 on smart covers. This is the criticism I most agree with.

5. "The case is very hard to take off." Couldn't disagree more. Maybe it's due to the fact that my pad is ghost armored up, but mine is extremely easy to remove without it coming off accidentally. Put a little pressure on the two tabs furthest away from the smart cover hinge, and it's off in under two seconds. I don't know, maybe the reviewer has 2 finger nails.

I don't think the Belkin is perfection, don't get me wrong. But my niggles, but one, are different than his. But for maximum slimness, acceptable protection and full smart cover compatibility, it's the best I've come across...so far.

 

[jedolley]

I haven't had a chance to watch the video yet (at work). Just had a few comments to add.

Not a bad review, pretty even handed and balanced.

As for his minus points:
1. "It's a plastic shield, so it won't protect it as a TPU cover if it's dropped." Not sure if it would do any better or worse than a TPU, and I'm unwilling to drop my ipad on the ground to try. Every design has pros and cons, and this case, like the tpu's, are for people who value slimness and weight over maximum protection and bulk.

I think TPU will provide more drop/shock protection, but neither will provide much protection, so just avoid dropping it in the first place. These types of cases are for scratch and bump protection.

2. "Bottom covers up all but the port itself, can't put some 3rd party accessories on it and he has trouble putting in the dock connector." Again, pros and cons. If it had a bigger opening on the bottom, some people would complain about the lack of protection. And it comes out of the case very easily, so a monster car charger/fm transmitter could be accommodated. As for problems with the dock connector, I haven't had a single problem getting it in through this case.

I also have not noticed a problem putting in the 30-pin cable. I think the curve of the iPad 2 makes it slightly hard to insert than the iPad 1, but I don't think the case makes it anymore difficult.

3. "Harder to open up smart cover with case installed, you have to insert your finger nail in the case's cut out for the volume rocker." Possibly so in that it may be a touch tougher to open than without the case, but the difference is so slight that I don't see that as an issue.

Have not noticed a problem opening it.

4. "The price is really, really high." Okay, can't argue with that one. I think anything officially licensed by apple is high (unlike the bootleg TPU cases on ebay) because apple wants a cut in addition to the manufacturer making a profit. Possibly subjective, considering the people who would buy this case have presumably spent $40 to $70 on smart covers. This is the criticism I most agree with.

IMO most "brand name" iPad cases are over priced. However, if you compare the price of the Belkin case to it's main competitors, then its not as bad as it sounds.

Speaking strictly in regards to MSRP:

The Marware Microshell is the same price at $39.99
The Incipio Smart Feather (Not Available Yey) is $5 cheaper at $34.99
The XGear is only $5 cheaper at $34.99.
The newcomers Enki & Joy Factory are $10 cheaper at $29.99

Belkin is just one of those brands that has no problem pricing their stuff at the higher end. I'm actually surprised they aren't asking $50 for it like they did the Grip Vue. I would like to see this at $25-$30, but in comparison to the competitors it's not an outrageous price.

5. "The case is very hard to take off." Couldn't disagree more. Maybe it's due to the fact that my pad is ghost armored up, but mine is extremely easy to remove without it coming off accidentally. Put a little pressure on the two tabs furthest away from the smart cover hinge, and it's off in under two seconds. I don't know, maybe the reviewer has 2 finger nails.

I haven't tried taking mine off yet, but will tonight when I apply my BSE back.

I don't think the Belkin is perfection, don't get me wrong. But my niggles, but one, are different than his. But for maximum slimness, acceptable protection and full smart cover compatibility, it's the best I've come across...so far.

It's a very solid case, with very little to dislike about IMO. Full coverage, nice grip feeling, light and sturdy. Really, my only cons so far are the price, and logo. My iPad 1 case of choice was the Grip Vue mainly because it was the best TPU out there (arguably until the Switch Easy Vulcan released). I'm going to try out the other shells, but would not be surprised if I hang on to the Belkin in the end.

 

[clyde2801]

IMO most "brand name" iPad cases are over priced. However, if you compare the price of the Belkin case to it's main competitors, then its not as bad as it sounds.

Speaking strictly in regards to MSRP:

The Marware Microshell is the same price at $39.99
The Incipio Smart Feather (Not Available Yey) is $5 cheaper at $34.99
The XGear is only $5 cheaper at $34.99.
The newcomers Enki & Joy Factory are $10 cheaper at $29.99

Belkin is just one of those brands that has no problem pricing their stuff at the higher end. I'm actually surprised they aren't asking $50 for it like they did the Grip Vue. I would like to see this at $25-$30, but in comparison to the competitors it's not an outrageous price.

And unlike the others, the Belkin is available in the real world now. There is also the chance that Best Buy may be sticking a premium price on it since it's not in their website and no one else has it in stores. Fiendishly simple strategy...if someone is willing to stalk the item without it even being listed online, they're likely to pay a premium and not complain. They added an extra $10 to the incase origami case before it was officially listed.

It's a little tough to pay $40 + for a piece of plastic, though. Even if you realize that everyone else is going to roughly charge the same price for their plastic pieces. At least it's a piece of plastic that I can live with.

 

[briankeith513]

Here's my review, already posted in the other thread:

I just got the Belkin Snap Shield from Best Buy, Sku 2538172, for $39.99. http://www.belkin.com/uk/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=544455


It has a soft-touch hard case feel, very thin, hardly any bulk added. And even better, adds full protection! For those that don't want to wait, I definitely suggest you call your local Best Buy, and give them the sku 2538172, to see if they have it in stock.

Ok, just got back home from Best Buy, here in Atlanta. I have to say, my first feelings, are that this is just about excellent. It's better than the hard shell cases that I've used in the past. This has a softer, thinner feel to it. It offers complete coverage, unlike many cases that work with the smart cover, and truly adds very minimal bulk, and feels great. Mrrish, thanks for the recommendation.

 

[clyde2801]

Also a nice little touch...was able to slip in one of my business cards between the back of the ipad and the belkin case. Now my iPad is branded (at least temporarily) so that a honest person may easily return it to me without even having to turn it on.

 

[spacepower7]

Interesting that Belkin does not show this one the US version of their website. And like many of their cases, there is only one bad picture of the product.

Has anyone spotted these in a grey/black color?

I have the Grip Vue for my iPad 1 in a translucent black.

I love this case and want to find the exact thing for my iPad 2.

The Grip Vue has a small "lip" around the front of the iPad 1. I find that this makes gripping the Ipad 1 even easier.

Can anybody post some pics of the front of the iPad 2 with this Belkin case, with and without the smart case. All of the pics in that other thread are of the back.

 

[jedolley]

Interesting that Belkin does not show this one the US version of their website. And like many of their cases, there is only one bad picture of the product.

Has anyone spotted these in a grey/black color?

I have the Grip Vue for my iPad 1 in a translucent black.

I love this case and want to find the exact thing for my iPad 2.

The Grip Vue has a small "lip" around the front of the iPad 1. I find that this makes gripping the Ipad 1 even easier.

Can anybody post some pics of the front of the iPad 2 with this Belkin case, with and without the smart case. All of the pics in that other thread are of the back.

Keep in mind that this is not similar to the Grip Vue. The Grip Vue was a TPU case and needed the "lip" to help the case stay on. The Snap Shield is a hard shell and has ridges that help the shield snap in place. Since the point of this case if to be thin, light, and low profile, there is no lip nor a need for one IMO. I've attached some pictures per your request.

 

[theautopilot]

Anyone seen this in the uk yet?

 

[dreamphyre]

I just picked one of these up at my local best buy as well based on the reviews here. Like others I think its a bit expensive for what it is, but I think it might be one the the best snap shields available online or in store at this time. It's very light, very thin, fits perfect, and has a great feel to it. I had picked up one the the cheapo snap shells on ebay and the belkin is way nicer. I also have stickerboy carbon fiber skin on the ipad and while the look is not as pronouced as a crystal clear shell, it has a very nice look with the frosted clear belkin. I will try to get some pics later this evening when I'm home from work.

 

[EDH667]

I just picked one of these up at my local best buy as well based on the reviews here. Like others I think its a bit expensive for what it is, but I think it might be one the the best snap shields available online or in store at this time. It's very light, very thin, fits perfect, and has a great feel to it. I had picked up one the the cheapo snap shells on ebay and the belkin is way nicer. I also have stickerboy carbon fiber skin on the ipad and while the look is not as pronouced as a crystal clear shell, it has a very nice look with the frosted clear belkin. I will try to get some pics later this evening when I'm home from work.

I purchased two at my local Best Buy and love them in conjunction with the smart covers. J&R is taking pre-orders for clear and smoke for $29.99.

 

[spacepower7]

Jedolley thanks for the picks - I'm going to try to hunt down a smoke one.

 

[Night Spring]

J&R is taking pre-orders for clear and smoke for $29.99.

Where did you see the pre-orders? I just searched J&R's website but couldn't find it.

 

[EDH667]

Where did you see the pre-orders? I just searched J&R's website but couldn't find it.

Do a search on their site for Belkin Snap or the numbers of F8N631EBC01 for clear or F8N631EBC00 for Smoke.

 

[Night Spring]

Do a search on their site for Belkin Snap or the numbers of F8N631EBC01 for clear or F8N631EBC00 for Smoke.

Found them, thanks!