Sofshell case for iPad 2 adds protection with the Smart Cover in place (review)
Back when I first found and purchased my Apple iPad 2 I bought an orange Smart Cover since it seemed like one of the most innovative aspects of the new iPad. I have since tried several cases where I had to remove my Smart Cover and set it aside so I was pleased when I received an email asking if I wanted to take a look at the Sofshell cover for the iPad 2 that works with your Smart Cover in place. You can check out a few product images in my Sofshell iPad 2 image gallery.
| Image Gallery: Check out the Sofshell case for the Apple iPad 2. |  | |||||
Why have more than just a Smart Cover?
I think the Apple Smart Cover is a great accessory that is functional and protective of the display. However, I have seen way too many Apple products get scratched up all over the back and with nothing on the back of the iPad 2 it is pretty slick. The Sofshell cover looked to both protect the back and prevent slipping and sliding so I thought it would be a nice alternative to test out. I was a bit worried about the material used for the cover since I thought it would easily get covered in dust, lint, and other particles that I have seen sticking to silicone cases in the past.Sofshell case features
This is the features list from the Sofshell website for this case:- Anti-slip on angles up to 70 degrees ... stays where you put it and is EASY to grip and hold
- Superior accidental drop protection ... REDUCES 43% of shock (G-Force) energy
- Fully encases iPad2 bezel and Smart Cover hinge ... holds Smart Cover on the iPad2
- Fits like a glove right out of the box and keeps its fit even after extended use
- Easy on and easy off due to the interior case texture
- Crystal clear material lets you see your iPad2 through the case
- Hypoallergenic and Latex Free ... medical-grade material to protect you and your iPad2
- Excellent durability ... outperforms silicone, neoprene, rubber and urethane cases
- EASY to keep clean
Sofshell has a video (embedded below) of the case holding an iPad safe on the back of a Porsche going up to 60 mph, but I never tested this myself and would never recommend you try this at home.
Daily use and availability
The Sofshell cover is very easy to install by simply placing it on the back of your iPad 2 with the Smart Cover in place. It attaches to the back with small lip around all four sides that wraps over the front of the iPad 2. The model I was sent works with the Smart Cover so there is a long part of the case that covers the 6 inch frame bar between the two hinges. This part of the case helps to secure the Smart Cover to your iPad with more than just the two hinges.There are openings for the camera, headset jack, microphone, lock switch, and Apple connection port. There are raised buttons over the power button and volume buttons as well. Over the speaker you will find several openings placed in the case material. On the underside of the case (the part resting against the iPad back) you will find small hexagon-shaped pieces that give the cover a textured look and help the cover attach securely to the iPad.
My worry about lint was unfounded for this case and even after daily usage in my bag and during my commute there was very little picked up by the cover. The great thing is that it was very easy to simply wipe off any lint or dust that accumulated to bring the back cover back to like-new condition. I did notice some scuffs to the top and bottom area of the back after a month of usage, but nothing that took away from the effectiveness or looks of the cover.
The Smart Cover works to prop up your iPad almost the same as it does without the Sofshell in place. It does stand up a bit straighter in the vertical mode, but can be adjusted down thanks to the way the Sofshell grips the Smart Cover.
As I wrote I did not try placing my iPad 2 on a car and driving it down the road, but I did place it on multiple tables, including on the train and on the airplane tray. The Sofshell never slid on any surface and I liked the added protection provided by the case on the iPad 2 back. I also like that my iPad 2 back is viewable so the Apple logo can be seen.
The Sofshell case for iPad 2 comes in models for the Smart Cover (the one I checked out) and without Smart Cover support for $49.50. FYI, the cover is made in the USA too so that is an aspect that appeals to me when so many others are made in China.