Original iPad can use the Smart Cover, with a little work [video]
If you are hanging onto your original iPad but really want one of the new Smart Covers for iPad 2, now you can. Dan Provost has discovered that by simply super gluing a few small magnets to the side of your iPad 1, the case fits and works very nicely.
The video after the break shows how it is done and although it does sound a little rough and ready, the final result is actually quite neat. If you decide to remove the case in the future, you’re still going to be literally stuck with the magnets on the side of your iPad, so be aware before you try this for yourself.
Folding of the cover to allow the iPad to stand up looks a little precarious but in the raised typing wedge mode it looks fine. The one missing feature, is the iPad does not automatically turn on and off when opening and closing the cover.
Is anyone willing to give this a go? Let us know in the comments!
[TUAW]
Smart Cover for iPad 1 from Studio Neat on Vimeo.
UK editor at iMore, mobile technology lover and air conditioning design engineer.
There are 26 comments. Add yours.
What's the point if it's not a "smart" cover anymore? Some people need to get a life.
its to show you the cover works for protecting the device. some people need to keep their comments you themselves. like you
No, like HungWell said, this is useless. If you have an iPad 1,the original case that Apple made for it does exactly what this Smart Cover does for the iPad 1. It protects the screen, gives you a stand, and oh yeah, protected the back of the device too. Just use/get the case/cover that was specifically made for your particular version of the iPad, and you won't have to install some stupid magnets on the side.
Plenty of other ways to protect your iPad without gluing magnets to it. Your comment = Fail.
Agree it's stupid.
Agreed 100%, this is a terrible idea that fails to protect and could well ruin your pretty device. It's worse than nothing and if TiPB insists on running this kind of story, they should at least have the sense to make fun of this and the people that do it.
Dumb idea, maybe a smart cover. But what do you use to protect the back of a iPad? Let the scratching commence.
Not worth the effort or particularly useful. But, at least you CAN.
And the end result is 4 ugly magnets gluded to the side of your iPad to install a cover not designed for your iPad? SWEET!! I bet I can make a BlackBerry phone cover fit my iPhone 4 too, but why? So, in conclusion: You buy a cover not made for your product, modify said product to accept this cover, install the cover, which DOES NOT WORK AS DESIGNED, only to end up with a screen "protector" that does not work. WOW. I wish I had this much free time.....
You obviously do have free time if you take the time to comment on such a rediculous article.
A jail broken Smart Cover!!
Sorry not spending $39 or more on a cover that costs apple all of $2 to make that wont even protect your ipad if it's dropped.
Dumb Cover.
The cover itself is stupid and an incredible waste of money. If he wants to glue to magnets to his iPad to use it, who are y'all to dump on him for it?
Because he's gluing magnets to an iPad, offering it very little protection with a Dumb Cover, as well as attempting to use a product (said Dumb Cover) that isn't even meant for the first-generation iPad. Instead of rigging a first-gen iPad, one could sell the iPad and buy an iPad 2 for probably less net expenditure than buying magnets and a Dumb Cover.
Everyone is free to screw up their iPad as much as they choose!! The stupidity kicks in when one decides to video tape it and post for all the world to see. That's like modifying bowling shoes with 1 inch screws bored threw the bottom to make cleats for a football game!! Glued magnets to an iPad? And I thought 'Will it blend' videos hurt!!
this is nice , smart idea too. Not everyone is okay with being left behind !
I have a first gen iPad and will soon get a iPad 2 when I first saw the smart cover I thought what a joke. I want a case like the first gen has. It protects the back, sides, as well as the front. Also stands it up too. But there is many third party covers out there. If someone wants to put magnets on their iPad go for it but the DORK factor is pretty high. Wouldn't be caught dead with a dumb cover on my iPad 1 in so local coffee shop. Still I think those jerks who grind up a iPad in a blender, stupidity there is even higher. Lab coat, gloves on, but where is the dust mask on their mouth. I sure wouldn't want to breath in ground up battery dust and other particles. But heck go for it. .
its bad to glue something to ur ipad. you can live without the smart cover or if ur not cheap, buy an ipad 2 if ur so desperate
This looks like a great idea; i was wondering what size magnets you bought? Also, what kind of glue did you use?
awesome! where did you get your magnets?
I'm game. Where is the best place to get the rare-earth magnets?
Pretty much no but if you guys could make it go on and off hell yah I do it!
where did you get the magnets
buy chanel 2011 , just clicks away
You know all those "disagreement comments?" Well you guys are basically saying that we should go out and buy an iPad 2 rather than just buying some magnets, serious? 4 magnets are better than a $300 tablet! O.o