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Cool Bananas SmartShell complements your Smart Cover in TPU
The Cool Bananas SmartShell Case for the iPad 2 is a TPU Smart Cover-compatible back cover for the iPad 2 that's available in five different colors. Coverage The SmartShell provides good all-round coverage including complete bottom, top and side edge protection. There are, of course, the usual cut outs to allow for access to the power button, microphone, headphones port, camera, volume buttons and switch as well as the speaker and dock connecter port on the bottom edge. The SmartShell covers over the bezel on the front of the iPad 2 with a small lip that extends onto the glass boarder of the screen by about 1mm meaning you can lay it flat on the deck without touching the glass. Thickness and material Cool Bananas have chosen to use TPU for the SmartShell, which is just over 1mm thick and has a textured feel to the back that reminds us of new car seat leather -- a not unpleasant feel to the back of your iPad. The TPU is well manufactured with smooth edges and feels tough and durable. While it's not going to absorb much impact energy, it will certainly keep scratches at bay and provide you with a decent non-slippery feel. %Gallery-134783% Verdict The Cool Bananas SmartShell Case is a simple TPU skin that covers all the right areas, feels great in the hand and comes in enough colors, including transparent, to complement your Smart Cover. If you're looking for a TPU skin as a companion to your Smart Cover, the SmartShell deserves to be up near the top of your list and will set you back approximately US$26 plus shipping and handling.
Proporta Hard Shell Back Cover Smart Cover-compatible iPad 2 case
Next up on the TUAW test bench is the Smart Cover-compatible Hard Shell Back Cover for the iPad 2 by Proporta, which is available in white or black to complement and protect your beloved tablet. Coverage The Hard Shell takes a more open approach to most of the back cases we've seen for the iPad 2. It covers all four corners, the bottom and the opposite side to where the Smart Cover attaches, but leaves the top of the iPad 2 totally exposed. This has the effect of giving great access to the headphones port, microphone and power button, but won't offer much protection if you happen to drop your iPad 2 on its top edge. Cut outs in the back for the camera, side for the volume buttons and switch, as well as the bottom for the dock connecter port and the speaker provide decent access. The bottom edge of the iPad isn't totally covered either with a thin strip of aluminium visible where the case doesn't quite cover the entire bottom edge. It's safe to say, if you're looking for all edges coverage, you can stop reading now. Thickness and material The Hard Shell is made out of polycarbonate with a rubberised coating, giving it a smooth yet grippy texture. The case itself is about 1.5mm thick and doesn't weigh much, so won't add much to the bulk or mass of the iPad 2. The polycarbonate will protect your tablet from scratches to the back for all the surfaces covered, but will offer minimal impact or drop protection, just like most of the cases in this class. %Gallery-134780% Verdict The Proporta Hard Shell Back Cover fits the iPad 2 well and feels nice to the touch, but doesn't cover enough of the edges for decent protection. It adds very little to the bulk of the iPad, so if you're looking for something to literally just cover the back when placed on a table, this back plate will do the job. There are better offerings out there for US$34 of your cold hard cash, but its lifetime warranty might entice you.
iPad 2 Smart Cover-compatible cases: our roundup (Updated)
Apple's Smart Cover is a great, versatile screen cover for your iPad 2. It allows you to stand your tablet up, prop it up for typing in landscape and more; it even turns the iPad off automatically when you close it. But it leaves the back of the iPad 2 exposed, and as beautiful as it is, that metal can get all scratched up pretty quickly without some protection. So, here's a roundup of all Smart Cover-compatible back cases we could find.
