iLounge

Company: Macally

Website: www.Macally.com

Model: SmartmateC

Price: $30

Compatible: iPad 2

Macally SmartcaseC for iPad 2

By Nick Guy

Accessories Editor, iLounge
Published: Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Category: Cases - iPad

As the most recent Smart Cover-compatible iPad 2 shell we've seen, Macally's SmartcaseC ($30) combines many of the best features we've seen from others over the past few months. It covers the entire back and the sides of the device, with very judiciously-sized cutouts for all of the ports and buttons. The plastic even extends to cover the Smart Cover's spine, meaning that almost none of the tablet's aluminum back is exposed. It's available in matte white, matte black, and clear.

Although SmartcaseC is the best of the Smart Cover-compatible shells we’ve yet tested, there’s not much more to be said about this genre than what we’ve previously noted in other reviews. It differs only from earlier competitors to the extent that it covers the Smart Cover’s spine, a welcome feature that originated in Incipio’s Smart Feather. Yet unlike SmartcaseC, Smart Feather leaves the top and bottom edges significantly exposed, and sells for a higher price. Given that SmartcaseC is more protective as well as slightly less expensive, it’s worthy of a stronger recommendation; it’s the most affordable spine-covering thin shell option we’ve yet tested for the iPad 2.