First Look: XtremeMac Microshield SC + SCL for iPad 2

XtremeMac has released two new Smart Cover-compatible shells for the iPad 2. First is Microshield SC ($35), an extremely basic, soft-touch plastic-coated shell that snaps onto the back of the tablet. Rather than precision cut openings, the top and bottom edges are both fully exposed — a design decision that we are not fans of. It comes in a variety of pastel colors, as well as black and clear. The other version is called Microshield SCL ($70), which is meant to match the leather versions of Apple’s Smart Cover, with leather covering the back of the shell, and closely approximating Apple’s colors. Coverage is somewhat better, as the bottom of the shell extends all the way to the lower edge of the iPad 2. Unfortunately, the fit is noticeably worse. We had to go through two of the five that we received before we found one that fit around all four corners properly.