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iPad iPad Air Smart Cover Alternatives?

what about scuffing?

Do the snap on back cases have any danger of scuffing the iPad?
 
These metal hinged ones are awful, it marked my 1 day old iPad Air.

Same with the clear snap on the back cover too, the finish on the edges are rough and marked the corners.
 
Fintie makes great cases-- very low-cost, but solidly built. Look for thin, slim-fit cases.

We have one on our iPad Mini--been on for months and works like a charm. It has a solid back (micro-fiber lined) and a hinged smart cover that works very well.

We also have the one for the iPad Air-- it only weighs 7 ounces.

Here's the link
http://www.amazon.com/Fintie-SmartS...85578666&sr=8-3&keywords=fintie+ipad+air+case


However, we're finding that the Air with just about any case loses its most distinctive quality-- the airiness!

So, we're definitely with the OP, looking for a non-Apple smart case for the Air. That way, you can detach it from the Air, use it as it was meant to be used.

We're going to try a clear vinyl sheet on the back to go with it and provide some scratch protection.
 
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My setup....

Back is a Speakeasy Coverbuddy

Front is an OEM blue iPad Mini Smart Cover

Thinnest and cleanest full body protection money can buy today. Not the most protection available, but I treat my apple products with more respect than most seem to.
 

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shenan1982 said:
Saturn007 said:
Fintie makes great cases-- very low-cost, but solidly built. Look for thin, slim-fit cases.

We also have the one for the iPad Air-- it only weighs 7 ounces.

Here's the link
http://www.amazon.com/Fintie-SmartS...85578666&sr=8-3&keywords=fintie+ipad+air+case

This product is a pile of garbage.
Click to expand...

Wow! Your sweeping condemnation of this case makes it clear that you have never seen or used one of these Fintie cases and are likely a shill for a competitor and making this up.


It is well made, fits well, the smart cover feature works fantastically, it provides good protection, it feels good in the hand, etc. In no way shape or form is it a "pile of garbage".

Such crudity reflects more on you than on the product. :)


The problem with most cases for the Air, however, is that they undermine the very lightweight, thinness of the Air.

Hence, back to the OP's original question--

Can anyone suggest a decent alternative smart cover only for the iPad Air? That way, we can detach it and use the Air as it's meant to be used! :)
Click to expand...
 
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I'm also looking forward for a Smart Cover alternative. This and a ZAGG Invisible Shield with back make perfect protection and usability of the iPad.
For additional protection I'l throw it in a carrying bag when needed.
 
ref26 said:
Found and ordered this one today, purple is what I really wanted so I was very excited to see that as an option. I'll let you guys know how it is when I receive it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/200985791086
Click to expand...

So I got this today and we...it sucks. The color is way off from the photo (it's a much lighter purple), and I can't get it to work as a stand, either the magnets are too weak or the shape is off or something. I will be asking eBay for a refund.
 
FightTheFuture said:
According to the reviews, the hinges are metal for iPad Mini, I assume they will stick to that design for the iPad Air.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestion FightTheFuture! Here is the link to the iPad Air version on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Besdata-Magnetic-Screen-Protector-Cleaning/dp/B00GARWQVI/ref=cm_cd_al_qh_dp_t

I just received the product and can verify that it is a very nice, lightweigh, low-cost alternative to both the Apple Smart Case and Smart Cover. The package contains two pieces: a Smart Cover and a translucent plastic shell for the back. The two pieces can be used together or separately. By itself, the cover works exactly like the iPad 2 Smart Cover with the metal hinge. I like this much better than the plastic covered hinge on the new Apple Smart Cover. Nice find!
 
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I use a belkin case on mine and love it :)
Reason I got it was because you have full access to the iPad as there are clips on the corners keeping it in place

http://amzn.to/1bklGKB
 
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Any concerns that the metal hinge on the Besdata will scratch either the case of the screen of the Air or the Mini?

I really like the idea of the two piece combo. From what I read about the Besdata, though, once connected, you're connected. Or, rather that it's not so easy to take off (Amazon reviews). But it sound as if that might not be true.

I'm still wondering if there's a smart cover (plastic covered) out there that could be combined with a vinyl backing-- protect the screen but be truly lightweight!
 
Well, I tried a bunch of options and ended up sticking with the i-Blason back cover along with a Smart Cover.

If you don't like the anchor lock they make one without it as well, but I haven't tried it. http://amzn.to/1giMdOH
 
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Appreciate the iBlason rec. I've been using the iPad Air in its Fintie case… gotten used to it… but I know if I remove it from the case, I'll feel the elegance and magic more!
 
Donovan Dillon said:
Thanks for the suggestion FightTheFuture! Here is the link to the iPad Air version on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Besdata-Magnetic-Screen-Protector-Cleaning/dp/B00GARWQVI/ref=cm_cd_al_qh_dp_t

I just received the product and can verify that it is a very nice, lightweigh, low-cost alternative to both the Apple Smart Case and Smart Cover. The package contains two pieces: a Smart Cover and a translucent plastic shell for the back. The two pieces can be used together or separately. By itself, the cover works exactly like the iPad 2 Smart Cover with the metal hinge. I like this much better than the plastic covered hinge on the new Apple Smart Cover. Nice find!
Click to expand...


This case has a bunch of fake reviews recently. Anything like that I avoid like the plague, because they wouldn't have to put up fake positive reviews if it was all that good.
 
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