There's no magnets in the CoverBuddy. Just a thin piece of plastic three pogo pin extensions. The plastic is thin enough to only minimally attenuate the magnetic attraction between iPad and keyboard/folio.
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Ipad Pro Magic Keyboard and CoverBuddy combo order thread
- Thread starter marine0816
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Just got my 11” pro. Mkb on the way. Anyone heard if there is something similar to the cover buddy minus the pencil holder and missing edge of protection in the works made exclusive for mkb? For now I’m gonna have to carry a case to switch out when using mkb which is a pain. I’m too clumsy to go naked. Loving this thing btw. So much faster than my 1st gen 12.9.
New 2020 Edition Ipad Pro 11 Inch 12.9 Inch Protective Film Body Stickers
Check this out for $11.98 on Shopee! Download the app now: http://goo.gl/9uHd1v
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Looks like it wouldn’t provide much in drop protection but thanks for sharing.
New 2020 Edition Ipad Pro 11 Inch 12.9 Inch Protective Film Body Stickers
Check this out for $11.98 on Shopee! Download the app now: http://goo.gl/9uHd1v
You might want to consider a skin of some sort. I have always used my iPads in some kind of case, but the MK doesn't play nice with that situation, so I got a dBrand skin for the back of it to keep it from getting scuffed. dBrand isn't making side protection skins for some reason though, so I ordered another set from SopiGuard just to use the side pieces.
It's actually a really nice solution--feels like you're using the iPad without anything else on it, but it's still protected from wear and tear. (Won't do anything if you drop it though.)
So my CoverBuddy for the 11” iPad Pro arrived (2020) (cc @SimonMScott )
But sadly I think this suffers from the same thickness issues the 12.9 does and it feels like Switcheasy are saying the 11” works when really it needs thinning / reworking.
Really disappointing as the case doesn’t close and stick to the front magnets.
I’ve emailed then to see about refund / return as this clearly isn’t fit for purpose. Think they should be clear that those with Magic Keyboards for both sizes need to wait for a dedicated version.
But sadly I think this suffers from the same thickness issues the 12.9 does and it feels like Switcheasy are saying the 11” works when really it needs thinning / reworking.
Really disappointing as the case doesn’t close and stick to the front magnets.
I’ve emailed then to see about refund / return as this clearly isn’t fit for purpose. Think they should be clear that those with Magic Keyboards for both sizes need to wait for a dedicated version.
Yes had one on my 11” iPad Pro. Was making the gap bigger so decided to sacrifice the skin. Ripped it off. And the CoverBuddy was marginally better fitting. But it still doesn’t snap shut like I feel it should.
Wondering if taking some sand paper and a file to the back side of the case’s plastic lower third and filing down say half the thickness would allow it to close more neatly. Sure it would look all scratched up which isn’t great but at least it would be usable.
hoping they offer a return but I’m going to push for full refund of return shipping as this product isn’t as stated on their site. It doesn’t work with the 11” iPP IMHO
Yep. I had a gap issue on mine too for the supposed 2020 coverbuddy version. I was going to just accept the gap, but within 24 hours the smart connector connection no longer works either; it looks like one of the pins is somewhat recessed. Wondering if they will have an updated version, or if I should just compromise with a skin.
Jumping in on this thread because I'm about to order a 2020 11" Pro and ideally need some decent protection when using with either the smart or magic keyboard (deciding which to get). I'm very good at dropping things, so would feel a lot more comfortable with the peace of mind. Looks like there isn't a proper solution just yet, right?
@ahojfelixi - Damn! Saw the notification pop up for this and was hoping for some good news for you after your longer wait so that sucks.
If anything that actually looks worse than what was happening with my 12.9” version? Mine at least closed when I laid it flat like that on a table so that’s so weird.
Especially since they are advertising that the 11” actually works. So odd!
Let me know what they say when they contact you?
@SimonMScott
Hey - thanks!
They first replied with an attached video to show me how to install the case, which I found a bit patronising as it was missing the point.
I’m clearly never going to get any form of a refund.
I have tried to see if I can live with the case as it does close flat but my issue is that the magnets that normally hold it close aren’t able to do so as strongly as without the CoverBuddy - and this is due to thickness at the hinge.
I’m still debating if I trust myself to take a fine grade file / sandpaper to the lower 1/4 of the case and thin down say 0.5mm as I believe that is all it would take to allow it to have less micro bulk/resistance that’s stopping the closure magnets from holding it closed tightly.
I think I saw further up this thread that the CoverBuddy itself has no magnets in it. But the person at SwitchEasy stated it does have extra magnets in the plastic and this is why it can’t be thinner.
Asked and they replied that they’ve no plans to release a thinner 11” CoverBuddy.
Clear as evidenced by the install video she sent me they think the case works perfectly fine. And if you slap it on and close it up like a book it does (no connection issues either for me - pins all fine) - but it does have extra thickness and this DOES weaken the magnetic closure hold of the native Magic Keyboard set up.
It’s all niggles really and overall I do like the CoverBuddy. I’ve kind of warmed to it a bit and think I can live with the floppy close.
I’ve checked and the hinge isn’t putting extra clamping force on the iPad at the hinge point which is really not like.
I’ve ordered some magnet paper to check out where those magnets are in the case. I’m still skeptical about there really being any. Maybe I will take a file to this and try and do SwitchEasy’s work for them.
it’s so close to being the product I really need for the iPad - and I’m going to keep it on for now. Shame the customer service is a bit wishy washy but hey ho.....
I have also taken the plunge on AppleCare+ so I think we’re covered!
@SimonMScott
Hey - thanks!
They first replied with an attached video to show me how to install the case, which I found a bit patronising as it was missing the point.
I’m clearly never going to get any form of a refund.
I have tried to see if I can live with the case as it does close flat but my issue is that the magnets that normally hold it close aren’t able to do so as strongly as without the CoverBuddy - and this is due to thickness at the hinge.
I’m still debating if I trust myself to take a fine grade file / sandpaper to the lower 1/4 of the case and thin down say 0.5mm as I believe that is all it would take to allow it to have less micro bulk/resistance that’s stopping the closure magnets from holding it closed tightly.
I think I saw further up this thread that the CoverBuddy itself has no magnets in it. But the person at SwitchEasy stated it does have extra magnets in the plastic and this is why it can’t be thinner.
Asked and they replied that they’ve no plans to release a thinner 11” CoverBuddy.
Clear as evidenced by the install video she sent me they think the case works perfectly fine. And if you slap it on and close it up like a book it does (no connection issues either for me - pins all fine) - but it does have extra thickness and this DOES weaken the magnetic closure hold of the native Magic Keyboard set up.
It’s all niggles really and overall I do like the CoverBuddy. I’ve kind of warmed to it a bit and think I can live with the floppy close.
I’ve checked and the hinge isn’t putting extra clamping force on the iPad at the hinge point which is really not like.
I’ve ordered some magnet paper to check out where those magnets are in the case. I’m still skeptical about there really being any. Maybe I will take a file to this and try and do SwitchEasy’s work for them.
it’s so close to being the product I really need for the iPad - and I’m going to keep it on for now. Shame the customer service is a bit wishy washy but hey ho.....
I have also taken the plunge on AppleCare+ so I think we’re covered!
@ahojfelixi Cool!
Yes, I know what you mean. It is very close to being the product I want/need so it’s frustrating!
I have 2 main problems with it though, one of which I don’t think will be fixed:
1) The thickness and issues with closing my 12.9” iPad Pro.
2) The overall thickness/tightness of the USB-C port slot.
I’ve emailed SwitchEasy again after reading your post and they are still assuring me that an updated/compatible with the Magic Keyboard case version of the CoverBuddy will be available by “the end of May”, which is pretty soon?
I’ll see if that actually works better maybe.
The port opening is an issue for me though, as with the CoverBuddy installed none of my USB-C cables or devices can fully attach other than the official Apple charging cable.
So, basically, I can’t attach any SSD drives, SD card readers or docks/hubs, which is a deal breaker.
Good luck with the shaving of the case!! Let me know how that goes?
Tempted to ask if they will shave off a little round the port also, as that would make it my dream case....
Yes I take your point on the usb c port. To me this doesn’t yet present an issue but I guess it could down the line.
Have you through about finding some kind of extension adaptor (provided it fits the space itself!) ? @SimonMScott
USB C to 2x USB C Adapter for Power PD or Audio USB3C-PD2 | Cabledepot
With phone manufacturers trying to save space to make phones smaller, they are reducing the number of ports on a phone to just one USB C port. This means that adapters have to be purchased in order to use extra accessories. The USB Type C to Type C adapter with Power Delivery (PD) has multip...
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Yes I take your point on the usb c port. To me this doesn’t yet present an issue but I guess it could down the line.
Have you through about finding some kind of extension adaptor (provided it fits the space itself!) ? @SimonMScott
USB C to 2x USB C Adapter for Power PD or Audio USB3C-PD2 | Cabledepot
With phone manufacturers trying to save space to make phones smaller, they are reducing the number of ports on a phone to just one USB C port. This means that adapters have to be purchased in order to use extra accessories. The USB Type C to Type C adapter with Power Delivery (PD) has multip...www.cabledepot.co.uk
@ahojfelixi Hmmm...yes that could potentially work (if they don’t shave down the port connection access too). Hard to know unless I try, but it definitely wouldn’t work for the dock/hub I have unfortunately.
I emailed them again after my last post and suggested about changing the port access only. Can’t hurt, since they’re reworking the case anyway, eh?
Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences.
I've never used a naked device and do not plan on doing so. I've owned every flagship iPad with maxed out configurations and began to use them as a complete laptop replacement since the original 12.9inch 2015 iPad Pro. Sounds crazy, but iOS has always been enough for me on the go as I have a workstation PC/Hackintosh for my main work.
I am stuck waiting for a 2020 Coverbuddy 2.0 and my iPad sits in its box until then unfortunately.
Might buy a cheap protective case till then on Amazon, but then i'll have to take out my iPad from the case to use the keyboard lmao.
Apple really could've made the keyboard more case friendly
Also had one question:
To those who have no problems with their respective CoverBuddy case, do you guys use glass screen protectors? If so any issues?
I've never used a naked device and do not plan on doing so. I've owned every flagship iPad with maxed out configurations and began to use them as a complete laptop replacement since the original 12.9inch 2015 iPad Pro. Sounds crazy, but iOS has always been enough for me on the go as I have a workstation PC/Hackintosh for my main work.
I am stuck waiting for a 2020 Coverbuddy 2.0 and my iPad sits in its box until then unfortunately.
Might buy a cheap protective case till then on Amazon, but then i'll have to take out my iPad from the case to use the keyboard lmao.
Apple really could've made the keyboard more case friendly
Also had one question:
To those who have no problems with their respective CoverBuddy case, do you guys use glass screen protectors? If so any issues?
We are pretty much in the same boat. Love the iPad and the OS. It’s perfect for me on the go and love the portability especially when traveling. Got the MKB in the mail today. Really love the form factor and the trackpad so far. Only issue is going naked with the iPad off the keyboard. Really hope someone comes out with a case that fits my use case. For now, Ill be bringing along an extra case when I’m in tablet only mode...sigh.Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences.
I've never used a naked device and do not plan on doing so. I've owned every flagship iPad with maxed out configurations and began to use them as a complete laptop replacement since the original 12.9inch 2015 iPad Pro. Sounds crazy, but iOS has always been enough for me on the go as I have a workstation PC/Hackintosh for my main work.
I am stuck waiting for a 2020 Coverbuddy 2.0 and my iPad sits in its box until then unfortunately.
Might buy a cheap protective case till then on Amazon, but then i'll have to take out my iPad from the case to use the keyboard lmao.
Apple really could've made the keyboard more case friendly
Also had one question:
To those who have no problems with their respective CoverBuddy case, do you guys use glass screen protectors? If so any issues?
@ahojfelixi - This would be a good alternative solution possibly if they adapt it to fit Magic Keyboard (he tests with it)
I received my CoverBuddy today for my 2020 11". To me it looks like it fits and works well with the Magic Keyboard. Perhaps there are not so stringent manufacturing tolerances at play. I ordered mine directly from SwitchEasy a few weeks back.
I think I have to revise my early issues with the lid not snapping shut. I’ve warmed to the fit of my 11” 2020 CoverBuddy.
It’s nice to now be glad I got it and happy with its functionality.
As observed by @berlingoff above, this in fact does feel like a case that fits.
for those that are curious I scanned the case with a magnet field checker and it does have magnets embedded in the plastic. Similar location the the iPad Pro’s but not as many.
Happily it locks onto the Magic Keyboard nicely.
It’s nice to now be glad I got it and happy with its functionality.
As observed by @berlingoff above, this in fact does feel like a case that fits.
for those that are curious I scanned the case with a magnet field checker and it does have magnets embedded in the plastic. Similar location the the iPad Pro’s but not as many.
Happily it locks onto the Magic Keyboard nicely.
@ahojfelixi - Glad it’s working out! Are you just learning to live with the slight flopping open or? Fingers crossed that revised 12.9” version comes sooner rather than later for me...
Did you try plugging in an USB-C cables (other than the Apple charger) into the CoverBuddy port yet?
I think the MK and CoverBuddy may have adapted to each out. Perhaps the MK has flex by a few 0.1s of a MM, and now it closes and doesn’t instantly flop open.
Mainly it is a trade off - I think the CoverBuddy initially left me wanting as I loved the fit and feel of the iPad + MK - no case, but now after “putting up“ with the CoverBuddy - I feel it basically offers what I want and I’m able to overlook possibly minor drawbacks on fit and feel.
As for USB C stuff - all things I’ve tried: Anker HUB, Sandisc USB C / A thumb-drive and a small adapter I have - all fit, so I’m ok with it, but I can see it being annoying if X thing doesn’t.
I found this: Cellularize USB C Extender Adapter (Black, 2 Pack) 10Gbps Type C Extender Dock for Lifeproof Otterbox Case Female to Male for MacBook, Nintendo Switch, Samsung Galaxy S8/S9, Note 8, Dex, Flir One Pro https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MBWH7QG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_4TQVEb3H7G07E
And think I may just get one in the hope it fits - and then I’m sorted in case some device don’t fit.
In short, I’m happy now happy with the fit, feel and functionality of the CoverBuddy on the 11” iPP, and accept it isn’t as neat/form fitting as not using the CoverBuddy
(On a total side note, my “o” key is playing up again during the typing of this reply - have had to press it at least 20 times when it hasn’t typed on first press! Compressed air time methinks! Fingers crossed!)
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