Many new tablet owners soon come to realise that their expensive new device is somewhat vulnerable to scratches, knocks, and falls and could do with some protection. The hard plastic casing of their tablet seems solid enough, although it could be scratched, but the most vulnerable part of the whole tablet, the screen, has no protection at all. Tablets aren’t cheap, and the prospect of a new tablet suffering some permanent damage that a protective cover or case could easily have prevented has led to a strong demand for good quality, robust covers and cases. In response to the demand, a wide range of tablet covers and cases are available, especially so-called smart covers and cases, which, by virtue of their unique design, offer added functionality in addition to physical protection of the tablet.
Step One
Things to Check When Buying a Smart Cover or Case - As most smart covers and cases are generic and produced by independent manufacturers for popular tablets, there may be some differences in the terms used to describe their features in adverts. Cases are sometimes called covers, and even the term smart has been widened. Some supposedly smart covers and cases have little, if any, of the functionality associated with true smart covers. Although potentially confusing, it's not a problem. True smart cover and case manufacturers as well as those selling them make it very clear in their advertising and product descriptions that the expected smart features are available. It's the major selling point, and the manufacturer or seller will make the most of it when presenting a smart cover or case's functionality. In other words, if a tablet cover or case is being called smart but the advertising material or product description on the box doesn't specify the expected smart functions, then it's a safe bet that it doesn't have any. It's just a protective cover, case, or sleeve. It may still offer very good protection to the tablet, but with none of the added functionality, it isn't a smart cover or case in the most commonly-understood sense.
Step Two
Model-specific or Universal Fit - Always check that the tablet that the smart case or cover is intended for is actually mentioned in any advertisements or in the product description printed on the box. Some independent manufacturers also make universal fit smart covers and cases. These can fit a variety of tablets within a given size, although universal smart cases obviously won't have the cut-outs that would enable full access to the tablet while it's in the case. Smart functions, such as sleep/wake, may be unavailable when used with certain tablets.
Step Three
Brand or Generic Smart Covers and Cases - While some smart cases and covers are produced by a few tablet manufacturers for their own models, most are produced by independent manufacturers and designed for those same models. Some tablet owners looking for a smart cover or case automatically choose the brand version over any others. It may cost more, but it reassures them that it's exactly the right cover or case for their tablet. Many others, however, report that the non-brand smart case that they have bought for their tablet is every bit as good as the brand version. The fact that it's also likely to be cheaper than the brand version is a strong incentive to look into the availability of smart cases and covers produced by independent companies.
Step Four
Smart Cover and Case Material - It's easy enough to protect the tablet from scratches with any type of case, smart or otherwise, but protecting it from falls and knocks requires a superior, impact-resistant material. Synthetic leather is the most popular material for smart covers and cases, especially PU (polyurethane) leather. It looks good, and it has enhanced impact-resistant properties. Silicone is also a popular choice of material for smart covers and cases, and neoprene tablet covers are also becoming popular. The part of the smart cover or case that is in contact with the tablet's screen often has a microfibre surface to give further protection to the screen while it's covered or enclosed in the case.
Step Five
Added Extras - Some smart cover and case manufacturers and sellers increase their products' value by providing one or more added extras, such as screen protectors, which are simple, transparent, plastic sheets of exactly the same dimensions as the screen. They affix to the screen and protect it from scratches and marks while the tablet is being used without compromising the touch-sensitivity or image clarity of the screen. Screen protectors that have borne their fair share of marks and scratches over time are easily removed and replaced. Other added extras may include a spare stylus and microfibre screen-cleaning cloth.