Cover Ipad 2

Just like it did with the iPhone 4, Apple have introduced their own cover for the iPad 2, and they’ve called it the Smart Cover.  Like the Bumper for the iPhone 4, it doesn’t offer incredible all-encompassing protection, but it does protect the screen along with adding a splash of color.

If you’ve seen the pictures, or have already watched the video below, then you may be wondering where you’ve seen that design before.  We’ll tell you, it’s very similar to Speck’s latestCandyShell iPad case, which also uses a folding screen cover that becomes a stand.  Apple’s Smart Cover has four folding sections and uses magnets to attach itself to the side of your iPad 2.  Then, like a book, you fold that cover to the side to form a triangular stand.

The Smart Cover will support the iPad 2 in either landscape mode or at a steep angle suitable for typing, but not in portrait.  Interestingly, the official Smart Cover page says Apple designed the iPad 2 around the cover, rather than the other way around, so you’ve got magnets inside the frame of the tablet to ensure a really secure fit.  We imagine third-party manufacturers will be making use of those magnets too.

With the cover in place, another magnet holds it tight and even puts the iPad 2 to sleep when it clicks closed, then wakes it again when you take it off.  The underside of that colorful top is made from microfiber, so it’ll keep the screen clean too.

There are two different covers in a variety of colors, with one made from polyurethane and the other from leather, and they’re priced at $39 and $69 respectively.  They should be available on the same day the iPad 2 is released.