HyperShield Back Cover for iPad 2 review

Provides: Back protection for iPad 2 with Smart Cover compatibility
Developer: Sanho Corporation
Minimum Requirements: iPad 2, and preferably the Apple Smart Cover
Price: $19.95
Availability: Now

I’m on record as being one of those people who just isn’t at all that impressed with Apple’s Smart Cover for the iPad 2. Turning the power on and off is just a novelty, the stand functionality is limited, and the polyurethane model colors are wrong everywhere outside of perhaps baby linens. My biggest complaint, though, is that it does nothing to protect the back of the iPad 2, and that’s the part of the iPad that’s likely to take the most abuse.

As such, numerous third party developers are now making back covers for the iPad 2 that work in conjunction with the Smart Cover. One such company is Sanho Corp, who have released their HyperShield Back Cover for iPad 2.

Made from thermoplastic polyurethane, the HyperShield Back Cover fits snugly around the back of your iPad 2. Although the entire units fits around and over the front of your iPad, most of the pressure that holds in place is focused in the corners. It’s a little difficult to get on, especially if you’ve also got a screen protector, but it’s not too bad once you get the edges over them. Similarly, taking it off is easy once you work a corner free.

I was nervous at first that the lip would prevent the Smart Cover from controlling the iPad’s power, but that’s not the case. Although it is slightly raised, the Smart Cover still works as it should and remains fastened shut.

The openings for all ports and buttons are adequately sized and well aligned, so you’ll have no worries about sacrificing functionality for protection. An area of the right side of the case is cut out to allow the Smart Cover’s magnetic hinge to sit in place, and this is the only cut that seems too big. It’s on the iPad’s back curve, however, so it’s not a part that will make surface contact.

And that really just leaves us with color. The HyperShield comes in 10 options to match Apple’s colors, along with a clear option to match everything. When I chose mine, though, I didn’t go with green to match my Smart Cover, I went with navy. There are two reasons for this: 1.) I hate that shade of green, and if I ever decide to actually use the smart cover, I’ll buy the less offensive dark blue leather version, and 2.) In the meantime, I may as well go with green and blue to fly my Seahawks colors. You likely won’t do the same, but the ability to mix and match colors kind of makes this a little more fun.

At only $20, the HyperShield Back Cover for iPad 2 is a really good buy. It provides fantastic protection from scratches and drops, yet at only 1.4mm thick, it doesn’t add much weight for bulk to the iPad. The thermoplastic polyurethane is tough, and won’t lose its shape or grip. The fit is great if your iPad 2 is otherwise naked, but even screen covers or back skins can present a problem when applying the HyperShield.

But that’s a minor gripe on a device that eliminates a major gripe with the Smart Cover itself. If you like Apple’s Smart Cover (or, more likely, just feel like you have to use it because of the money you spent on it), you really need to check out the HyperShield, as well.