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xxray

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Jul 27, 2013
3,115
9,412
I use a case for protection and for propping the screen up so it’s easier to write on or view, but for any other use, I just enjoy the iPad so much more without a case. It’s a completely different experience to me. It feels so much more futuristic and enjoyable compared to the extra thickness, weight, and cheap feeling a case has (even a high quality case). I find myself wanting to use the iPad way more when I take the case off rather than when I have it on. Anyone else have a similar experience?
 

willentrekin

macrumors regular
Jun 12, 2013
236
170
US
I use a Zagg Slimbook keyboard case because it's detachable. So when I need the angles or to write, I can have that experience, but I can also use the iPad itself, almost on its own, as the shell that protects it is really thin.

For me it's been the best of both worlds.

On the other hand, it's an iPad Air 2. Don't ask me what I'm going to do when I upgrade. Maybe a Jison case with a magic keyboard.
 

Jessica08

macrumors 6502
Nov 2, 2015
362
110
Roll Tide
The Zugu cases are the best I’ve ever used. I get the one with the magnetic kickstand. I use mine for school, so I always like a case on it.
 

muzzy996

macrumors 65816
Feb 16, 2018
1,118
1,064
I don’t use cases on my phones or tablets. Instead I apply a DBrand skin to give myself some grip and protection from abrasions. I do not feel that I have any need for drop protection.
 

TomOSeven

Suspended
Jul 4, 2017
571
699
I always found the 'Smart Cover' or whatever its called to be the best accessory ever. It protects and slightly 'cleans' the screen, it's super light, and it works as a stand.

Never understood the need to 'protect' the back of the device from scratches. What's the point of having a beautiful chassis when you ruin it with a plastic sheet? And sure, it will look better without scratches, but you don't get to see it anyway.
 

danmart

macrumors 68000
Apr 24, 2015
1,581
1,075
Lancs, UK
I always found the 'Smart Cover' or whatever its called to be the best accessory ever. It protects and slightly 'cleans' the screen, it's super light, and it works as a stand
Both the Apple covers are top notch IMO. I used the Smart Cover for years but recently switched to the Smart Keyboard and that has given my device a new shot of usability for long-form typing activities.

Never understood the need to 'protect' the back of the device from scratches. What's the point of having a beautiful chassis when you ruin it with a plastic sheet? And sure, it will look better without scratches, but you don't get to see it anyway.
I have a transparent cover on the back of my device, which was just a few quid. It’s not really about scratches for me, it’s protection against drops. I use my 12.9 Pro at work so it goes everywhere with me. I miss the old Apple rubberised back protectors. I really don’t understand why they were discontinued and there isn’t a 3rd party equivalent that I have found yet.
 
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HarryWild

macrumors 68020
Oct 27, 2012
2,050
720
I use my iPad Mini just in the home so I go nake! No case, no screen protector nothing. Still looks brand new!
 

PBG4 Dude

macrumors 601
Jul 6, 2007
4,363
4,645
I like that the ASK is easy to snap off. If I’m not using the ASK, it gets disconnected.

I do feel like I’m using a device from the future when playing games like XCOM or Civilization :)
 
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muzzy996

macrumors 65816
Feb 16, 2018
1,118
1,064
I always found the 'Smart Cover' or whatever its called to be the best accessory ever. It protects and slightly 'cleans' the screen, it's super light, and it works as a stand.

Never understood the need to 'protect' the back of the device from scratches. What's the point of having a beautiful chassis when you ruin it with a plastic sheet? And sure, it will look better without scratches, but you don't get to see it anyway.

Agree on the Smart Cover.

As for skinning, like I said the point for me is adding some grip to it so it’s easier to carry. Beauty is a subjective thing, there’s some cheesy looking skins out there but some are elegant as well. I happen to prefer the look of DBrand’s black dragon skin on my 12.9 over stock. The polished Apple logo shining through the cutout is a nice touch too.
 
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CrystalQuest76

Suspended
Dec 14, 2015
640
717
West Cost A Lot
As others have posted, I use Apple's Smart Cover on my iPad both current and in the past. I like the clear rubbery cases from Luvvitt found on amazon. (Since I knew I was going to buy the iPad for a while, I ordered the case so it was in hand when I bought the iPad and my local store. The case cost less than 15 dollars, and have not deteriorated in any noticeable way (meaning the material has not yellowed with exposure to light). Being clear, I can put a home made sticker between the apple logo and the case (I don't feel a need to advertise the apple logo since I am not getting paid by apple). If I am going to wear a corporate logo, or walk around with it, I expect to get paid.

I bring my iPad everywhere from home, work, school; and yes, the local coffee shop. There are no noticeable marks on the Smart Cover, Luvvitt case, or iPad. But then again, I bought this very expensive device so I take care of it, and don't drop it.

I do have a relative in the construction business and uses his iPad Air 2 (with the same case) in the field for taking photos of the job site when creating field reports job quotes and such. He has told me his device is scratch-less condition.

These are all expensive devices, take care of them and you don't need military grade cases to protect them. Nor do you need to pay a lot for a fancy branded case.
 
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nburwell

macrumors 603
May 6, 2008
5,559
2,462
DE
I always found the 'Smart Cover' or whatever its called to be the best accessory ever. It protects and slightly 'cleans' the screen, it's super light, and it works as a stand.

I'm with you. I have only used Apple Smart Cover on my iPad's. I never really saw the need for having the back of the device protected since most of the time my iPad stays at home.
 
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sosumi99

macrumors 6502
Oct 27, 2003
363
322
I don't like cases either. In my experience, scratches to the iPad don't affect resale value that much, certainly not enough for me to bother enclosing the device in some thick case. I use an ASK with the iPad and pull it off when I'm not typing.
 
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Warhawk15

macrumors regular
Feb 1, 2012
208
10
I only use my Logitech case when I’m typing for the keyboard or outside for protection.

Otherwise it’s naked which is easier to use and looks better.
 
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Ivabign

macrumors 6502
Mar 27, 2011
424
45
SoCal
I use my 12.9 Gen2 for work and found a neat cheap case on Amazon that has a slot for the Pencil directly below the tablet - so the case is just a bit wider instead of the ones with the weird appendage for the stylus. BUT when I am at home and using it to web surf or watch videos, I like to take it out of the case. I did pay a bunch for it and it does seem pretty damned futuristic in the nude. Plus I don't have a lot of trouble holding it with one hand when reclining. It isn't really that heavy or unwieldy. It is an elegant machine - as is my old iPad Air which lies around the house without anything on 24/7 and is still in perfect condition.
 

3rdiguy

macrumors 65816
Sep 17, 2012
1,365
624
I had used a Amazon case that was the folio type with included pencil holder. I just bought the leather sleeve and smart cover after my other case became worn out. I appreciate the beauty of my iPad Pro 10.5 much more now because of it. It's so thin and something about how the bezel shines just brings the design to my attention. So now it's just smart cover and leather sleeve which I use a a mat for the iPad Pro
 

kristalsoldier

macrumors 6502a
Aug 10, 2013
818
523
I had used a Amazon case that was the folio type with included pencil holder. I just bought the leather sleeve and smart cover after my other case became worn out. I appreciate the beauty of my iPad Pro 10.5 much more now because of it. It's so thin and something about how the bezel shines just brings the design to my attention. So now it's just smart cover and leather sleeve which I use a a mat for the iPad Pro
And that is exactly how I use mine too, after having tested the Khomo back case and some other no name clear TPU case. I like it with the ASC and the leather sleeve.
 

Koivari

macrumors member
Jun 5, 2018
43
93
Finland
Smart cover is a minimum because it toggles the screen on and off. But with this new iPad Pro 10.5 i use bright red smart case manufactured by Khomo. Very nice! My previous iPad was first gen Air and i loved the propietary Apple smart case, but since Apple does not want to make them anymore im happy that other manufacturers do.
 

nicho

macrumors 601
Feb 15, 2008
4,250
3,250
I always found the 'Smart Cover' or whatever its called to be the best accessory ever. It protects and slightly 'cleans' the screen, it's super light, and it works as a stand.

Never understood the need to 'protect' the back of the device from scratches. What's the point of having a beautiful chassis when you ruin it with a plastic sheet? And sure, it will look better without scratches, but you don't get to see it anyway.

As others have said, the smart cover doesn't really protect from drops. I've got 2 old ipads with (heavily) dented corners because the smart cover offered no protection. That said, the screen on my mini was perfect until my daughter pulled the smart cover off and dropped it "naked"...
 

kasakka

macrumors 68020
Oct 25, 2008
2,389
1,079
Smart cover has been more than enough for me. I don't want to add any extra bulk to the already big and heavy 12.9" model.
 

Bravia3d

macrumors regular
Nov 9, 2013
139
74
Nope, I use an STM Dux Plus case. One of the strongest and best cases out. Paid to much for my 10.5 and afraid of damaging it. Also have an Ankor screen protector.

I do like the naked look though, so also have a cheap clear case I slide it in at times. But when I do that, it also is put into a sponge case then bag to travel in.
 
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rosyapple

macrumors regular
Mar 25, 2018
133
81
I use UAG and I love it. My iPad feels flimsy and naked without it. I've dropped it multiple times on sidewalks, banged it against the bus door and the iPad is still pristine, unscratched.

I learnt my lesson when I bought iPad 1 and I skimped on the case. I bought a 14 dollar flimsy leather case and when I dropped the iPad from my bed on the first day, the corner dented.

Since then, I never skimp on case for all my handheld devices (iPhone and iPads), ever. In fact, I always buy the device and UAG covers on the same day. If the device arrives before the case, it does not get out of the box until the case arrives.
 

Sydde

macrumors 68030
Aug 17, 2009
2,563
7,061
IOKWARDI
Quite frankly I find my iPad cold and unpleasant to hold onto without a case for any length of time. And I need the black bezel for my own comfort, so what the back looks like is not particularly important to me.
 

powersurge

macrumors regular
Apr 30, 2008
111
4
Pensacola, FL
Nope case required for me. For all apple devices really. Not because of protection (though thats always handy) but because they are uncomfortable to hold for long periods of time without some kind of case. Thin and slippery.

Plus with my iPad I like using a case that I can prop up like a stand. Had a UAG case on my iPad Air 2 for over 3 years but over time I started to wear a hole in it where I hold it so I replaced it with a Speck Folio case which has been even better than the UAG (and cost less!) for holding onto and using as a stand.
 
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