Standing behind the sole focus “to provide customers with accessories that look as good as they function,” Incipio operates 24/7-around-the-globe to ensure their love of mobile devices and related hardware continues to fuel their passion. The Irvine, CA startup has, in the past twelve years, become one of the leading mobile accessory companies in the world. This is review post two of four in a series (1 of 4 – underGROUND) to shed some extra light on their stellar iPad 3rd generation line-up. Continuing, I take a close look at the Smart Feather.
Minimalistic by Desire, Smart by Design
A hard shell for iPad (3rd gen), the Smart Feather combines a 1 millimeter thin coat of
protection with the accommodating ability to work seamlessly with an Apple Smart Cover. The first thing I noticed when removing it from the package is the soft touch matte finish. The silky smooth exterior gives the shell a textured feel exactly the right consistence to slide your finger over it without resistance, but just catching enough to keep the iPad from slipping from your grip.
The Smart Feather is made specifically with the Smart Cover in mind. In fact, it is one of the only cases I have ever seen that works specifically with the Smart Cover. There are two openings which are just large enough to hold the magnetic cover connectors (pictured bottom left). A spine runs the length of the Smart Cover to protect it from damage and offer a uniform look. If you will not be using the Smart Feather with a Smart Cover, do not buy this case, as the side spine will look very odd; however, the shell is absolutely brilliant when using the cover.
The connection and button cut-outs are precisely trimmed and without burs or hanging edges on the crisp shell lines. I was a little surprised the Feather does not come to the complete top and bottom of the iPad, but the coverage is ample (picture). The edge comes around each corner and runs the right side of the iPad. Resting slightly over the aluminum body, there is just enough room to use the included front screen skin without scraping it off.
Conclusion [rating: 4.5/5]
If you are one of the many Apple Smart Cover lovers, the Incipio Smart Feather ($34.99, order page) is the case for you – hands down. The textured feel, tight fit, accommodating design, and precision-cut-form all work together to produce an excellent addition to your accessory repertoire. To further seal-the-deal, Incipio includes a screen protector, application smoothing card, and cleaning cloth, which is excellent for the price point.
Pros
- Crisp edges
- Fits with Apple Smart Cover
- Excellent finished texture
- 1mm thin, lightweight
- Includes a screen protector and cleaning cloth
- Designed for iPad (3rd gen) but also fits iPad 2
Cons
- Does not offer complete edge-to-edge coverage
