X-doria Smart Jacket for iPad Air 2

X-doria Smart Jacket for iPad Air 2

Overview:

X-doria Smart Jacket for iPad Air 2 is straightforward, fashionable protection for your iPad Air 2; front, back and sides. A sturdy poly carbonate shell snaps to your iPad Air 2 for slim fitting protection from impacts and scratches. A flexible, durable cover does triple duty, protecting your iPad screen, folding into a multi-position stand and using it’s built in magnets to wake/sleep your iPad when the cover is opened or closed. A raised mound-pattern on the back shell provides grip and helps you stand out from the sea of cases out there.

Most plastic shells that we test, whether they have a glossy or matte finish, are flat. Smart Jacket’s back instead has a 12 by 18 grid of shiny raised squares that looks and feels pretty cool, adding some flair without extra bulk. It’s not the absolute best shell in terms of coverage, since it’s lacking button and speaker protection, but it’s pretty good. Port openings are large enough to accommodate any accessories, and the buttons are easily accessible. We do wish the shell extended just a bit further over the iPad’s chambered edge, though.

The front lid is comparatively plain, and made of material closely resembling the polyurethane Apple uses on its covers. Rather than the columns being strongly reinforced with strips of metal, X-Doria uses a flimsier material that feels like poster board. We noticed some slight curling around both the top and bottom corners on the right side, but were otherwise satisfied with the quality. Like the Smart Cover, this lid can be folded into a triangle and used as a stand for viewing or typing. It relies on the weight of the iPad mini to hold its position, rather than magnets, which isn’t a problem if you set it up properly. While there are in fact magnets inside, they’re only used to lock and unlock the tablet’s display, as well as to hold the lid closed without the need for a tab.

Smart Jacket is a truly great value—it’s one of the most aggressively-priced folio and stand cases we’ve seen for the iPad mini. The case is adequately protective, looks nice with a unique design touch, and is fully functional as well. It does fall short in a few areas, but none are enough to detract too much from the overall package, particularly for the price. We highly recommend it as a smart option with broad appeal.

 Features:

• Front and back protection with a unique, 3D textured back case.
• Flexible cover folds to provide two stand positions.
• Cover includes built-in magnets that automatically wake your iPad when opened, sleep when closed.