Apple iPad Mini Smart Cover Hands-On

Nearly two days before the official release of the iPad mini, Apple's mini Smart Cover accessories are already hitting people's doorsteps. The new iPad mini Smart Cover sells for $39, not a dollar less, not a dollar more than the original iPad Smart Cover. Apart from the obvious smaller size, the Smart Cover for the iPad mini is an even simpler polyurethane-made cover that uses an all-polyurethane magnetic hinge instead of the more premium-like aluminum version found on the larger Smart Cover. And we're scratching our head brains right now, because while this is a less costly and smaller accessory compared to the original, Apple is charging us equally. Essentially overpricing what should have been a fully protective Apple Smart Case instead.

The iPad mini Smart Cover is only available in a polyurethane version with a color selection that includes red (Product Red), dark gray, light gray, green, blue and pink. Even though it may look less fancy and magical, the iPad mini Smart Cover is without a doubt a Smart Cover from a functional standpoint. It magnetically clings onto the side of the iPad mini , and can fold into a triangle and magnetically keep itself together to form two different types of viewing angles - one for typing and one for your landscape viewing pleasure.

The mini version of the cover is separated into three foldable segments as opposed to the four on the larger version, and as a result, it feels less substantial and robust. Though with the smaller size and weight of the iPad mini, this shouldn't really be a cause for concern.

Now that the hinge is fully covered, or should we say entirely made from a soft and pleasant to the touch microsuede material which comes in contact with the aluminum of the iPad mini, scratching and scuffing concerns are a thing of the past. While the aluminum hinge found on the iPad Smart Cover gives a more premium look and feel to the product, this little all-polyurethane Smart Cover should hold up very well overtime as well as being much lighter. This has been a hands-on and first look of Apple's new mini Smart Cover, expect our full review of the iPad mini Smart Cover in the coming days!

HumanToolz Creates The Most Versatile Stand For Your iPad

With all the available iPad stands out there, they all tend to feature a similar design. Many of them limit the number of angles you can place your iPad to the "video watching" angle" and the "typing" angle. Any other angles just aren't possible. Obviously, we all have different preferences and ways we use our iPad, so why shouldn't we have an accessory that caters to us? 

The award winning design team HumanToolz has created something that will rid our iPad woes. The HumanToolz stand does not have any defined angles. Similar to the hinges found on the Macbook Air, this iPad stand will securely stay in whatever angle you set it at, providing the most versatile and comfortable experience. As you would expect from such a highly regarded company, the design of the case joins seamlessly with the new iPad to be both stylish and functional. 

The HumanToolz stand is compatible with Apple's Smart Cover to provide excellent protection in the front and the corners. HumanToolz is working hard to make this excellent idea a reality on Kickstarter and they're asking for your help. Starting at $65, you can preorder yourself a HumanToolz Mobile Stand and to help them achieve their goal. 

Apple Updates Smart Covers, Cuts The Cord On Orange

Well this is an unusual update coming from Apple. Bad news if your favorite color is orange, Apple has discontinued the orange colored polyurethane Smart Cover and instead replaced it with a dark gray polyurethane color. The price remains unchanged at $39

Incase Outs iPad 2 Mag Snap Case To Tame Your Smart Cover

Incase has just released a new Smart Cover compatible case for the iPad 2 that will answer one of your most frustrating Smart Cover problems to date. The new Mag Snap Case for the iPad 2 is just like any other Smart Cover compatible protective cover, but with one big difference. Embedded on the back side are two metal strips that keep your Smart Cover magnetically clinged to the back so it doesn't just dangle loosely while you use your iPad 2. It also enables you to use an additional viewing angle using your Smart Cover other than the much steeper landscape viewing angle it has to offer. The Mag Snap Case is available now in black and white for $39.95.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Desperately Wants A Smart Cover Of Its Own

Although these Smart Cover rip-offs that were made for Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 weren't really approved by Samsung from the start, that didn't stop their accessory maker, Anymode, from bluntly copying Apple's iconic Smart Cover in exact colors and material offerings. Anymode's excuse was that their Smart Case for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 didn't use the iPad 2's and Apple's Smart Cover magnetic functionality. Samsung has already pulled the accessory made by Anymode even before Apple had the chance to get involved. I've got a feeling that you'll still be able to find these exact Smart Cover look-alikes for your Galaxy Tab 10.1 somewhere on eBay. Smart Covers make any tablet look good.

Smartsnap Connects Smart Cover To First Gen iPad

We've seen a few DIY mods before like this one, which didn't look all too sleek and low-profile as Smartfix's Smartsnap. The $20 Smartsnap is a connection kit for the first gen iPad allowing you to use Apple's Smart Cover. The thing is though, the first gen iPad does not have the iPad 2's sleep/wake magnetic functionality because it does not have any built-in sensor magnets. The good news is that the Smartsnap is a low-profile magnetic strip that sticks to the side of your first gen iPad and perfectly aligns the Smart Cover. There is very limited information as whether the Smartsnap also adds a magnetic strip to keep the Smart Cover closed onto the first gen iPad. If you're interested, head on over to Smartfix's website for more.