At this point, it feels as if companies have tried pretty much every possible iteration on Smart Cover-compatible shells for the iPad 2. Incase has thrown its newest contender into the fray: Mag Snap Case for iPad 2 ($40). Like Speck’s SmartShell, the case utilizes magnets — in this instance two on the back.
Like most shell-style cases, Mag Snap Case snaps on to the back of the iPad 2 and comes right up to the front without covering any of the device’s face or glass. Rather than using appropriately-sized individual holes for the buttons and ports, there are long openings running corner to corner along the top and bottom. The case covers the top half of the speaker, but three oval-shaped holes allow the sound to come through. There ‘s an opening for the rear camera, and another for the side switch and volume rocker; we would’ve liked to have seen Incase use such detailed holes on the rest of the case. The final opening is along the left side for the Apple iPad Smart Cover. It’s just big enough in both height and width, coming right up to the edges and leaving very little of the aluminum back exposed.
Mag Snap Case’s only real noteworthy feature is in the inclusion of the two surprisingly powerful magnets on the back, both of which are just over three inches long. The one closest to the edge is used to hold the Smart Cover in place when it is folded flat underneath the iPad 2—the same purpose as the magnet on SmartShell. Incase was a bit more clever with the second magnet, though, which is used to create an additional stand angle that is roughly halfway between the viewing and typing positions. We don’t know that it’s necessary, but it certainly doesn’t hurt.
With so many Smart Cover-friendly shells available in the $30 range, Mag Snap Case’s $40 price point is simply too high. Combine that with the fact that it’s less protective than many of the other available options, and it’s hard to recommend the case. The magnets are a nice touch, but they definitely don’t add enough value to justify the cost. There are plenty of other options that cost less and cover much more. If integrated magnets are important to you, Speck’s SmartShell offers superior protection at a lower price.
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Our Rating
Company and Price
Company: Incase
Website: www.GoIncase.com
Model: Mag Snap Case
Price: $40
Compatible: iPad 2