News
Teardown: 21 magnets in Smart Cover, 10 in iPad 2
By Charles Starrett
Contributing Editor
Published: Monday, March 14, 2011
News Categories: iPad, iPad Accessories
iFixit has completed its teardown of the iPad 2 and the iPad 2 Smart Cover, finding a large number of magnets in both models. The Smart Cover contains 21 magnets itself, only one of which is used to turn off the iPad 2’s screen. Another 15 of the Smart Cover’s magnets are used to attach to a hidden steel plate inside the case when assembling the triangular base; only four of those magnets actually clamp to the iPad 2 when the cover is in place. Interestingly, the row of magnets inside the iPad that work with the Smart Cover to snap the accessory onto the device had alternating polarities displayed, which matched up with the opposite alternating polarity of the magnets in the Smart Cover to ensure proper orientation.
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1
I agree completely with iLounge’s scathing review of Apple’s Smart Cover, and I bought one anyway (gray polyurethane). Why? Because it is the only iPad 2 protection I can have in my hands today, the same day I bought my iPad 2. Minimal, overpriced protection is better than none at all, if it means being able to use my new iOS device right away and with less fear of damage.
I see the Smart Cover as a crutch. It is *temporary* protection until third parties ramp up production of their own superior cases (and stands, and screen film). Ones that offer complete protection at a more reasonable price, while making complete use of the iPad 2’s system of magnets.
When that day comes, I can sell my Smart Cover and recoup some of my cost.
Posted by Farnsworth on March 14, 2011 at 12:42 PM (PST)
2
I’ll add a flaw I’ve discovered recently. When using the cover as a “Face Time” stand (the more upright position), the Cover’s magnets are too weak to stably hold it together in its triangular shape. The slightest disturbance will make the Cover collapse, potentially sending the iPad crashing to the floor. Beware!
Posted by Farnsworth on March 17, 2011 at 11:06 AM (PST)