iPad protection

[Sam3]

What do you use for protecting your iPads? I purchased the smart cover for the front, it seems like a pretty nifty idea. I'm shying away from cases, as they seem to defeat the purpose of a sleek iPad by turning it into a bulky iPad.

Should I get something for the screen? I've used screen protectors before for my iPod Touch and 1st gen iPad, but the Apple store person said that I really don't need one, as he's never seen a screen scratched, and that's why Apple doesn't sell any in their stores.

How about the back side? Does it need something? Is there anything that works with the smart cover? I saw at the mall Zagg, they have a film that they put on - $50 for the screen protector, $80 for the includes a film for the back of the unit. The demo video shows sandpaper, knives, and so on used to try and scratch the protectors, all the time the protectors stay nice a shiny. $50 to $80 seems steep for such protection.

If there was a kind of case that was thin and sleek, like the Apple case that was designed for the original iPad, I'd consider that. I really like the way the original iPad's case was designed.

[rz]

I just got the new iPad on Sunday. As luck would have it, on Saturday I went to a garage sale where someone had an unused blue Apple Smart Cover for $5. I knew I was buying one the next day, so I got the cover. For $5, you can't beat it. I have no plans on putting one of those films on the front. I also have no plans to do anything to cover the back.

I also found the InCase Origami case for the Apple Bluetooth Keyboard on clearance at Target for $21. This case allows you to snap the ABK into it, and the back folds into a stand for the iPad so you can use it kinda like a laptop. I'm pretty much set now.

[richorlin]

I use a Belkin Snap Shield case on the back of both of our iPads along with smart covers. It doens't need much more. Oh, also a "Invisible Shield" type skin on the front to cut the glare and fingerprints.

[N-OS X-tasy!]

For my iPad 2 I combined a SwitchEasy CoverBuddy with Apple's SmartCover. That combo worked well, but for the iPad 3 I am going to go with either the SwitchEasy Canvas or the iFrogz Summit. I feel a folio case provides better protection than the combo I used for my iPad 2, and the bulkiest iPad case is still far sleeker than my 15" MBP, which is what I'd be carrying around if I didn't have an iPad.

[N-OS X-tasy!]

Oh, yeah... I don't bother with a screen protector.

[Markintosh]

My district made me put screen protectors on my 30 iPads. What a joke. They are unclear and smudge up like crazy in a classroom environment. Otherwise they stay in a Belkin cabinet when not in use.

Personal iPad?

Smart Cover • (purchased on eBay for $13 shipped)

Leatherette case for in my backpack • (Verizon model purchased on onesaleaday.com for $2 shipped)

[ssledoux]

I have the Belkin snap shield on my new iPad, along with my smart cover that I kept from my iPad 2 (which I gave my dd so I can FaceTime my grandson in Hawaii).

For traveling or carrying places, I just slip it in a neoprene, netbook case I purchased from Wal-Mart.

[sekker]

I'm going with AC+ and the smart cover. So far, so good!

[john-o]

Anyone using the Speck SmartShell?