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vine-boating

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Aug 10, 2017
2,229
572
Hi all,

I am in the process of buying one of the new iPads (have not decided if I will be getting the 11' M4 or 13').

I just wanted recommendations on what case and screen protector to get. I know most people say that you do not need a screen protector and a screen protector makes the screen quality worse, but this iPad will be on the move a lot and I will be using it at university so I prefer to have a screen protector on my iPad.

Furthermore, I am looking to get the Magic Keyboard with my iPad, but I wondered what to use when I want to use the iPad as a tablet without the keyboard. Are there any good cases out there that are high quality and offer good protection? I have seen that Logitech sell their own version of the Magic Keyboard which acts as a case meaning you that added protection, but I have heard that it is not as premium as the MKB and the typing experience is not as good.

Any recommendations?

Many thanks
 

aevan

macrumors 601
Feb 5, 2015
4,537
7,235
Serbia
Hi all,

I am in the process of buying one of the new iPads (have not decided if I will be getting the 11' M4 or 13').

I just wanted recommendations on what case and screen protector to get. I know most people say that you do not need a screen protector and a screen protector makes the screen quality worse, but this iPad will be on the move a lot and I will be using it at university so I prefer to have a screen protector on my iPad.

Furthermore, I am looking to get the Magic Keyboard with my iPad, but I wondered what to use when I want to use the iPad as a tablet without the keyboard. Are there any good cases out there that are high quality and offer good protection? I have seen that Logitech sell their own version of the Magic Keyboard which acts as a case meaning you that added protection, but I have heard that it is not as premium as the MKB and the typing experience is not as good.

Any recommendations?

Many thanks

You could try one of those magnetic screen protectors - like Rock Paper Pencil from Astropad or the one from Pen Tips. It will protect your iPad while you’re at the university and you can easily remove it (and put it back on) while you’re in a safe environment. In addition to being removable, it can also be installed much more easily and without bubbles.

As for cases, I really like the new official Apple Smart Folio.

BTW, iPads are pretty durable, honestly, you would probably be fine without a screen protector.
 

vine-boating

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Aug 10, 2017
2,229
572
You could try one of those magnetic screen protectors - like Rock Paper Pencil from Astropad or the one from Pen Tips. It will protect your iPad while you’re at the university and you can easily remove it (and put it back on) while you’re in a safe environment. In addition to being removable, it can also be installed much more easily and without bubbles.

As for cases, I really like the new official Apple Smart Folio.

BTW, iPads are pretty durable, honestly, you would probably be fine without a screen protector.
Thanks for the reply.

But the apple folio does not protect the sides of the iPad. They are also pretty expensive. Are they really durable and worth the price because Apple's cases tend to be overpriced for that they are.
 

aevan

macrumors 601
Feb 5, 2015
4,537
7,235
Serbia
Thanks for the reply.

But the apple folio does not protect the sides of the iPad. They are also pretty expensive. Are they really durable and worth the price because Apple's cases tend to be overpriced for that they are.

Well, look, that’s a matter of usage cases and preference. I’ve used Smart Folios with all my iPads, never protected their sides - and they were all like new even after years of usage. But that’s me, if you’re someone who bumps their devices against things or drops them - I don’t know, maybe you want some rubberized case that covers sides, too. I never liked those, they made iPads seem bulky. Again, if you really want to protect your iPad, there are a lot of options on Amazon, but I’m not the best person to advise you there.

As for the price, yes, Apple’s cases are ridiculously expensive. They are well made, though - but you can certainly find something cheaper. I heard good things (but never used them) about ESR cases, and they have options that cover your entire device.

Hopefully someone gives you better advice for your use case :) Keep in mind that a matte protector will diminish picture quality (that‘s why I suggested the removable ones), but if you want to keep as much of the quality and still cover your screen, look for tempered glass glossy ones.
 

shadowfrost

macrumors newbie
Jun 1, 2024
17
11
I just got a supcase for my 11 inch m4. They cost like 30$ on amazon. But they are quite protective and add a some bulk.
 

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vine-boating

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Aug 10, 2017
2,229
572
Well, look, that’s a matter of usage cases and preference. I’ve used Smart Folios with all my iPads, never protected their sides - and they were all like new even after years of usage. But that’s me, if you’re someone who bumps their devices against things or drops them - I don’t know, maybe you want some rubberized case that covers sides, too. I never liked those, they made iPads seem bulky. Again, if you really want to protect your iPad, there are a lot of options on Amazon, but I’m not the best person to advise you there.

As for the price, yes, Apple’s cases are ridiculously expensive. They are well made, though - but you can certainly find something cheaper. I heard good things (but never used them) about ESR cases, and they have options that cover your entire device.

Hopefully someone gives you better advice for your use case :) Keep in mind that a matte protector will diminish picture quality (that‘s why I suggested the removable ones), but if you want to keep as much of the quality and still cover your screen, look for tempered glass glossy ones.
I don't like ESR cases.

TBH there are not a lot of case options at the moment which is annoying. I know Zugu cases are highly recommended. I guess in the next couple of months we will start to see more cases coming?
 
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