Belkin Smart Cover Compatible Snap Shield Case Review

[EDH667]

EDH667, Thank you for your post and picture about adding the back magnet feature to the belkin. I am very close to cancelling my Speck order. That was the only reason for me to go with the Speck. A slimmer case would be ideal for me. How good is the feel of the back of the Belkin case to you? Does it feel like it will slip easily out of your hands?

Now if only I could find one somewhere other than BestBuy. I plan to check my local Target tonight but they have very few things for the ipad 2 the last time I checked a few weeks ago.

It doesn't feel slippery since there is a slight texture. Also, BestBuy matched J&R's $29.99 price for me (even when J&R was out of stock). It may be worth a try. I tried one of the Smoke color ones from Target, but it seems to have a different material and felt like it had sharper edges around the corners.

 

[3goldens]

I agree I like the Belkin the best. You are correct that it is very easy to insert a strip of metal between the case and iPad. In my case I used a very thin section of a Feeler Gauge. Works like a charm!

Brilliant! Sorry what is Feeler Gauge>

 

[TypeMRT]

I agree I like the Belkin the best. You are correct that it is very easy to insert a strip of metal between the case and iPad. In my case I used a very thin section of a Feeler Gauge. Works like a charm!

How did you attach the feeler gauge to the case (spray adhesive, super glue)? What thickness feeler gauge did you use?
Thanks.

 

[EDH667]

How did you attach the feeler gauge to the case (spray adhesive, super glue)? What thickness feeler gauge did you use?
Thanks.

I didn't attach it, I just positioned it in the case and then put the iPad on top and snapped it in. It doesn't move around. I suppose some spray adhesive would work to keep it in the same spot on the case. I used .005 or .127 mm feeler gauge and cut it with tin snips.

 

[xStatiCa]

I just used 3M RF shielding tape to make the apple smart case stick to the back of the belkin case. I no longer want the Speck. The Belkin is now the perfect case for me.

I didn't need to use such a long piece because the magnet in the apple smart cover doesn't extend that far from center but it works so I left it long. I will probably cut it shorter though sometime and round the corners of it so it looks like the antenae shape.

I messed up the forum name in the video but I corrected it in the video description.

Quick video I made.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLxcnm_37gg&sns=em

 

[TypeMRT]

I think I'm happy with the Dark Titainium Carbon skin by Stickerboy, Belkin Snap Shield in Smoke, & Black Smart Cover. Adding that feeler gauge metal strip has made the difference!
The Speck SmartShell is being shipped but I found the Belkin in stock at Target locally and couldn't wait. I can't see how the Speck could be much better than what I have, except I got the Speck for $10 cheaper.

 

[Night Spring]

I just used 3M RF shielding tape to make the apple smart case stick to the back of the belkin case.

That looks great. But where would I get that tape? Tried googling, but couldn't find it.

In the meanwhile, I taped a paper clip to the back of my Belkin cover. It looks a bit strange, but it works!

 

[xStatiCa]

A feeler gauge is easier to obtain. The 3M tape is 3M EMI Absorber AB-5030 which is 0.3mm thick. It can only be obtained in sheets or rolls and is kind of expensive. I just used the 3M tape because that is what I could obtain quickly where I work and it is soft so I figured it would not scratch the iPad. I actually had 1 piece left over but someone PMd me and asked for it already. If a bunch of people want some I guess I could get a sheet of it but I doubt many would want some based on the low post count since this was revealed. Feeler gauge seems like the best bet for anyone that wants to do this since that is easy to obtain from any auto parts store.

 

[cole01]

What a cheap piece of plastic this case has turned out to be. I loved it at first but after gently removing it a few times the plastic next to the speaker cut-out snapped! I'll be getting a replacement from Belkin as soon as I send this one in.

Am I the only one desperately waiting for the belkin grip vue (maybe even a smart cover compatible version?)

 

[Night Spring]

A feeler gauge is easier to obtain. The 3M tape is 3M EMI Absorber AB-5030 which is 0.3mm thick. It can only be obtained in sheets or rolls and is kind of expensive. I just used the 3M tape because that is what I could obtain quickly where I work and it is soft so I figured it would not scratch the iPad. I actually had 1 piece left over but someone PMd me and asked for it already. If a bunch of people want some I guess I could get a sheet of it but I doubt many would want some based on the low post count since this was revealed. Feeler gauge seems like the best bet for anyone that wants to do this since that is easy to obtain from any auto parts store.

Thanks for the info. I'm still trying to figure out if this functionality is worth the hassle of going out of my way to get a feeler gauge. I've also been looking into magnetic sheets. I have a magnetic card from a local store on my fridge, but it is so weak it barely sticks to the smart cover. The paper clip I have now gets the job done, so I guess I'll just stick with that until I run across a better solution.

 

[3goldens]

What a cheap piece of plastic this case has turned out to be. I loved it at first but after gently removing it a few times the plastic next to the speaker cut-out snapped! I'll be getting a replacement from Belkin as soon as I send this one in.

Am I the only one desperately waiting for the belkin grip vue (maybe even a smart cover compatible version?)

That's too bad, glad your getting it replaced. Is this the Belkin Snap Shield or grip vue?

Grip Vue is not smart cover compatible right?

 

[Night Spring]

That's too bad, glad your getting it replaced. Is this the Belkin Snap Shield or grip vue?

Grip Vue is not smart cover compatible right?

Grip Vue is the TPU case they have for iPhone, iPod touch, and the first iPad. There isn't a Grip Vue for iPad 2.

 

[jennyfer]

What a cheap piece of plastic this case has turned out to be. I loved it at first but after gently removing it a few times the plastic next to the speaker cut-out snapped! I'll be getting a replacement from Belkin as soon as I send this one in.

Am I the only one desperately waiting for the belkin grip vue (maybe even a smart cover compatible version?)

This is EXACTLY where mine cracked a few days ago. I did order a replacement from Amazon for $10 cheaper though (and it was the full coverage one!). I still love this case and hope it does NOT crack again. I'm being VERY careful when removing it.

On a side note, any one have suggestions on how to clean this? Dumb question I'm sure. But I'm seeing A LOT of fingerprints now.

 

[bouda]

What a cheap piece of plastic this case has turned out to be. I loved it at first but after gently removing it a few times the plastic next to the speaker cut-out snapped! I'll be getting a replacement from Belkin as soon as I send this one in.

Am I the only one desperately waiting for the belkin grip vue (maybe even a smart cover compatible version?)

I remove it from the top 2 corners, seems easier that way. Then the bottom comes off with ease.

My other thought on this is if this is happening a lot, maybe they are moving to the bottom with less coverage that is posted on bestbuy/j&r/belkins sites...

 

[3goldens]

This is EXACTLY where mine cracked a few days ago. I did order a replacement from Amazon for $10 cheaper though (and it was the full coverage one!). I still love this case and hope it does NOT crack again. I'm being VERY careful when removing it.

On a side note, any one have suggestions on how to clean this? Dumb question I'm sure. But I'm seeing A LOT of fingerprints now.

you should call Belkin on Monday and have them replace that, it should be covered, then when you get your replacement send the Amazon one back!

 

[jennyfer]

you should call Belkin on Monday and have them replace that, it should be covered, then when you get your replacement send the Amazon one back!

Actually, I returned my cracked one to Best Buy but they didn't have the full coverage ones in stock after I bought the initial one. So I just ordered it from Amazon. Just hoping it doesn't crack again.

 

[Warbrain]

I bought one yesterday and love it. It's really the thing that makes me like the smart cover now. I'll see if I end up keeping it, though.

 

[3goldens]

Actually, I returned my cracked one to Best Buy but they didn't have the full coverage ones in stock after I bought the initial one. So I just ordered it from Amazon. Just hoping it doesn't crack again.

if it was me that's like wasting forty bucks. Belkin will replace it under warranty. And it wont happen if you don't force it. Do you have a skin protector on it?

If you do, be even more tender slipping it off, one tab at a time.

 

[clyde2801]

if it was me that's like wasting forty bucks. Belkin will replace it under warranty. And it wont happen if you don't force it. Do you have a skin protector on it?

If you do, be even more tender slipping it off, one tab at a time.

And the award for the biggest number of unintentional double entrendres in a post goes to....

 

[C-Dub]

just got smoke version from Target for 29.99 and I love it!! It's the one with full coverage.

It reminds me very much of my iPhone 4 Incase Snap case in smoke.

highly recommended!

 

[duk]

The snap shield saga continues and is hopefully now concluded. Target now has the smoke version on the website with store availability checker etc.
I picked up one at my local target @ 29.99 and promptly returned the clear one to Best Buy, wasn't intested in a price match as best buys price gouge was offensive and they don't deserve my business.
I still like the case, smoke version looks slick, hoping it doesn't get as many fingerprints as the clear, but realistically it prob will. 29.99 is a much better price for this product, I'm satisfied, although I did put in a hilarious amount of time and effort into this case, that time wise far exceeds the $10 I just saved.
Hopefully now everyone interested can pick them up at target which also has an excellent 90 return policy should future problems (cracking) arise. Good luck.
Also thought I should mention, this is the full coverage version of this case.

 

[3goldens]

I did put in a hilarious amount of time and effort into this case that time wise far exceeds the $10 I just saved.

Ain't it the truth for us all!!!!

Also thought I should mention, this is the full coverage version of this case.

That could be a good omen!

 

[phooi]

Just picked up the clear snap shield from Best Buy. I have the full coverage version. They were willing to price match it to Target without a hassle.

It was very easy to install and remove. The only issue I had was removing the tiny specks of dust and lint between the iPad and the case during installation. I had no trouble whatsoever in removing the case. What work for me was to remove from the corners where the power switch and camera are located and then slip the bottom off. No fingernails are necessary. Just steady pressure on the corners.

The fit is precise and leaves a very small lip around the iPad. It works perfectly with the smart cover. However there are a couple of nits. First, the speaker cutout obscures two of the speaker holes. Second, some of edges around the case are a little sharp. It has the feeling of scraping your finger across a knife blade. I believe that can be fixed with some fine grain sandpaper or a sharp blade.

Overall, I am extremely happy with the snap shield and would recommend it as a great solution to a back cover + smart cover.

 

[3goldens]

I just used 3M RF shielding tape to make the apple smart case stick to the back of the belkin case. I no longer want the Speck. The Belkin is now the perfect case for me.

I didn't need to use such a long piece because the magnet in the apple smart cover doesn't extend that far from center but it works so I left it long. I will probably cut it shorter though sometime and round the corners of it so it looks like the antenae shape.

I messed up the forum name in the video but I corrected it in the video description.

Quick video I made.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLxcnm_37gg&sns=em
YouTube: video

Can you point us in the direction of finding this tape!
thanks

GleeMobile has the Belkin Snap Shield, full coverage!
Free shipping!

http://www.gleemobile.com/ipad/ipad-2g/cases/belkin-snap-shield-case-for-ipad-2-smart-cover-compatible.html

 

[duk]

Something I didn't notice on the clear version of this case are hideous burrs around the edges (smoke version). The more I used it, it became very apparent there was no way I was going to be able to stand those razor sharp burrs digging into my palms. I just got through using a razor blade to carefully scrape Most of them down, although not perfect, it is better off then it was. How much trouble is it for Belkin to refine a piece of plastic that they are charging a 100000000000% markup on, come on! Also worth mentioning, the clear version cut out section for the smart cover was off, every time I'd snap the cover on, one side of it would end up partially on top of the Belkin case, I'd then need to physically move it into place. The new one does not have this problem, so it is very apparent that although this is a great back cover, there is ZERO quality control associated with it.