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Belkin Smart Cover Compatible Snap Shield Case Review
- Thread starter clyde2801
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Hmm.. I found three of those cases on Amazon from 11,50 to 28... Not sure if I can trust that.
Does your new one have the bigger camera hole, plastic around the power button, and more space by the hinge? Seems all new ones are shipped that way. Pics of it? Maybe I got lucky, kept the one that did not have perfectly straight cuts on the side, but can't notice it on the iPad. Full coverage and the littlest space by the hinge... No cracks and have taken off several times. Funny thing is I have seen 3 separate models of this case - both sides with the cut out of the hinge and bottom open, full coverage, and full coverage with plastic around the buttons but too much space by the hinge. And still have yet to see the model posted on all the retail sites with full coverage but the bottom open. If belkin is only making the newest model with the big cut outs, then it looks like switch easy is the best option, big hinge cut out but grill over the speaker, except if you want clear it looks like shiny plastic which would scratch easy. Other colors could be cool with matching smart covers. Belkins clear is perfect though in terms of looks.
Hey I have both the one with open volume buttons and just got a new one because the old one cracked when I dropped iPad (btw this case is pretty strong thank God I picked one up). The new one is much more comfortable to hold and the closes edges make the buttons slightly less accessible but I think i can adjust. The only complaint is the lock button is much more harder to reach. Otherwise it is way more comfortable to hold
2 of the 3 guys that bought the belkin snapshield locally at target are also having cracks in the case. That makes 3 out of 4 including mine that have cracked with normal usage. I haven't talked the fourth guy yet so I am unsure what his is like. These were all full coverage smoke versions from Target.
The copy I bought (and subsequently returned) from Best Buy also developed a crack in one corner. It was a Clear full coverage version.
I've pretty much given up on snap-on back covers. It's just my iPad and a SmartCover now. Feels good!
I've pretty much given up on snap-on back covers. It's just my iPad and a SmartCover now. Feels good!
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Mine has cracked too under normal usage. Nothing crazy, but it's there on the corner with the speaker. I guess Belkin didn't test these too well. On the bright side, it was only 30 and I'd much rather it crack than scratch/ding my iPad.
After the cracks developed I got the Tucano Magico (snap back cover) and love it. It weighs about the same as the belkin but is a little thicker. It doesn't feel bulky and it has the metal on the back to magnetically attach the Apple smart cover when flipped flat against the back. Nice and soft feeling and doesn't feel bulky. I definitely recommend it. I created a thread about it with some pics if you search the forum. I really like the look of it too.
I've had this case for less than two weeks and have never removed it. I just noticed cracks developing in two corners. I'm going to return it and look for another brand. I don't think the plastic used by Belkin is up to the task. Too bad because I like the design.
Have cracks?
I just got off the phone with Belkin and the rep stated they are out of the clear and smoke versions. They will be getting more in sometime in August so if you're looking to do an RMA, wait until then. He also said they have a 1 year warranty so at least they'll replace them when they begin to crack.
I just got off the phone with Belkin and the rep stated they are out of the clear and smoke versions. They will be getting more in sometime in August so if you're looking to do an RMA, wait until then. He also said they have a 1 year warranty so at least they'll replace them when they begin to crack.
I replaced mine with an ifrogz Backbone. Similar design, but no evidence of cracking at the corners.
How's the thickness? The Belkin feels pretty thin so that's why I've stuck with it.
I didn't measure it, but the thickness of the ifrogz appears to be about the same. The plastic on the ifrogz seems less brittle. The ifrogz does expose some of the aluminum near the Smart Cover hinge, but at least one of the Belkin variations of the Snap Shield does also.
Had errands to run at target tonight, so I brought my second cracked Belkin shield for an exchange... Target is now carrying the revision with the larger camera hole and larger open space where the smart cover snaps on.
Here is my opinion of this version of the shield. The extra area is left on the side so the smart cover can stand up as it was originally intended, the other version that goes directly to it's edge pushed it out a bit in standing position increasing chances for your iPad to fall forward. This case seems to be thicker than the last version, I'm guessing it won't crack anymore as a result. The change about it that I wasn't expecting, is the snap part on the front of it is much different than before. There is a very large lip all the way along the side where the volume toggle is located, and in some places, there is no lip/snap at all (the insides of the corners, the entire top and bottom). There are raised portions throughout (just outside the corners), I guess they did this to allow you to lay the iPad face down and have it raised a bit from surface and for easy removal if necessary. Not sure I like these new more obtrusive edges, especially the one along the volume rocker side. Overall, the case does seem sturdier (not as cheap feeling) than the last one I had. Good thing I bought it at target, because they have an excellent return policy.
Here is my opinion of this version of the shield. The extra area is left on the side so the smart cover can stand up as it was originally intended, the other version that goes directly to it's edge pushed it out a bit in standing position increasing chances for your iPad to fall forward. This case seems to be thicker than the last version, I'm guessing it won't crack anymore as a result. The change about it that I wasn't expecting, is the snap part on the front of it is much different than before. There is a very large lip all the way along the side where the volume toggle is located, and in some places, there is no lip/snap at all (the insides of the corners, the entire top and bottom). There are raised portions throughout (just outside the corners), I guess they did this to allow you to lay the iPad face down and have it raised a bit from surface and for easy removal if necessary. Not sure I like these new more obtrusive edges, especially the one along the volume rocker side. Overall, the case does seem sturdier (not as cheap feeling) than the last one I had. Good thing I bought it at target, because they have an excellent return policy.
