Covers and cases for the Apple iPad seem to crop up pretty regularly as alternatives to the official products but it is always interesting to see an official product, as the designers intended, to see how well it complements the primary product. In this review we will be taking a look at the official Apple iPad Smart Cover, Leather Tan, designed for the iPad 2 (model MD302ZM/A) but also works with the 3rd generation of iPad. Whilst this review will focus on the leather version there are two main types of Smart Cover available: the Polyurethane design and the premium aniline-dyed Italian leather design.

The Smart Cover is interesting in that, as well as protecting the screen, it can also:

• Wake up the iPad when the cover is opened
• Put the iPad to sleep when the cover is closed
• Folds for use as a stand (keyboard stand and film stand).

For starters the cover is very slim. The product specification talks about the cover being slim but it really is quite slim compared to many other covers and cases seen. The box the product arrives in is slim too and includes very little else other than the cover and a protective sheet (for shipping).

The leather tan cover contrasts well with the iPad (the black version of the iPad was used for the review) and the warm feel of the cover contrasts nicely with the cool aluminium base of the iPad. Folding back the first segment of the cover wakes the iPad which has a real sense of purpose.

The cover utilises two aluminium hinges which align magnetically to the iPad whilst magnets embedded in the opposite side of the cover should keep the cover in place. In early operation the cover takes a few minutes getting used to for example in the initial connection to the iPad and figuring out how best to fold the cover (as there are no instructions as how to fold – presumably it should be easy) but after a short practice things start to work out.

A really neat feature is that the smart cover also includes a microfibre lining to help keep the screen of the iPad clear of those dreaded finger smudges. There has clearly been a lot of thought given to the overall design, and function, of the smart cover and it is highly recommended.

The Apple iPad Smart Cover, Leather Tan, is an excellent addition to the iPad and complements the design and craftsmanship very well. The cover is currently available from the Apple Store and other vendors including John Lewis, who provided this unit for review, for £59 (price checked 11th May 2012).

For more information about this cover and others head over to the John Lewis website: iPad accessories.