Gadgetness.com

Apple's spiffy iPad 2 display protector, dubbed Smart Cover

Apple's spiffy iPad 2 display protector, dubbed Smart Cover, has proven to be a hit among early reviewers. But the curious folks at iFixit wanted to know, "How does it work?" So they took it apart to find out.

It almost seems like overkill, because at first glance, there doesn't seem to be much to the Smart Cover. It's a set of folding polyurethane or leather panels, and it attaches unerringly -- some might be tempted to say "magically" -- in place with magnets to protect the touchscreen. You can see the Smart Cover clicking slickly into place in this Apple YouTube video.

FIRST LOOK AT APPLE IPAD 2: What's new, unchanged and still missing

IPAD 2 TEARDOWN: Don't take it apart, or risk cracked glass

But how exactly did Apple pull off this bit of magic? Was it with breakthrough high-tech wizardry, perhaps using something called "correlated magnets," which make use of signal correlation and coding theory to allow magnetic forces to be very precisely controlled, and even programmed to interact with each other in specific ways?

As it turns out, Smart Cover is almost low-tech, and its magic lies in some very clever design decisions. Here's what the iFixit teardown (the complete report is online) revealed:

* The four same-size panels of a Smart Cover consist, from left, of a steel plate, two all-plastic panels, and a large collection of magnets in the far-right panel. All four are sheathed in either polyurethane or leather.

* Apple used a lot of magnets: The Smart Cover is actually a system of 31 quite strong magnets: 10 in the tablet itself, and 21 magnets inside the Smart Cover, arranged on the left and right sides of both products.

The accompanying photo, courtesy of iFixit and shot with magnetic sensitive film, shows the cluster of magnets on the right side of both the Smart Cover and the iPad2. Both the cover and the tablet have another row of magnets on their left sides.

* Despite the magic, the magnets themselves are completely conventional, two-pole magnets.

* On the right side of the cover is a round magnet, circled in red in the photo, which triggers the built-in sleep sensor on the tablet, turning off the iPad 2 screen when the cover snaps in place.

* The rest of the magnets in this right-side grouping are used in two ways: four to clamp to matching magnets on the iPad's right side, and the rest to hold the panels in the triangular shape that forms the iPad 2 stand.

* The triangle forms by folding the sections from right to left, to bring the Smart Cover's right-hand group of 15 magnets into contact with the steel plate on the left-hand side. "A steel-to-magnet bond is weaker than a magnet-to-magnet bond, and so they needed lots more magnets to prevent the case from literally falling apart during use," according to iFixit.

* Because the iPad 2 has an aluminum case, the Smart Cover magnets wouldn't "stick." Apple added a set of magnets in the tablet itself, and these magnets match with the magnets in the Smart Cover to hold together. Cleverly, the tablet's magnets have alternating polarities, which match with the corresponding reverse polarity of magnets in the Smart Cover. The result: The cover always snaps into place correctly.

* A similar approach on the left side of cover and tablet means the two clamp together properly and securely.

Other Business News:Acer aspire 5520 laptop battery,Apple a1185 batteries,Touch Screen Monitors

About the Author

WholesaleeShop.com.au works for providing high quality goods to all businessmen, such as eBay sellers, distributors, store owners, retailers, drop shippers and small wholesalers at competitive prices. Abiding by the principle of "Super Quality, Satisfactory Services", we are striving hard to be your good business partner. With our joint efforts, we are convinced that the business between us would bring much benefit to both of us.cheap laptop battery,Acer aspire 3680 battery

($19) Smart Cover Leather Back Case Cover for Apple iPad 2 Red-87001958

iPad 2 RED 360 Degree Rotating PU Leather CASE COVER-Stand For The Apple iPad2 w/stylus+screen protector+USB, 4in1 PACKAGE Charles Jacobs £11.99 AMAIZING VALUE: Retail stores are charging ridiculous prices for iPad Covers. Don't get ripped off! Buy online and have iPad Cover delivered to your home for much less! / GREAT QUALITY: This is not a budget iPad Cover: this is a high quality polyurethane leather case with soft micro fiberior lining. It also comes with stylus, USB cable and screen protector to ensure that your iPad stays in the hig...

Invision® RED iPad 2 Smart Case CoverTM - Full Grade leather (PU) with Satin Inner Cloth - PREMIUM QUALITY & SUPERIOR DESIGN FEATURES, AUTO SLEEP/WAKE FUNCTION AS STANDARD. £19.95 Unlike any other case on the market this case has a four segment front cover and solid back cover for the ultimate protection, this unique and clever design discreetly covers each corner where the iPad is most venerable, without adding unnecessary bulk. The front and back surface is a nicely finished in full grade high quality PU leather. The Unique 4 segment front cover is proven to provide the ...

Red Atlantic PU Leather 360 Degree Rotating Stand Case Cover for IPAD 2 AND IPAD 3 With Wake and sleep function £8.99 Designed for the Apple iPad 2 is this 360° Flip Case Stand. Quality case that will insure that your iPad 2 is secure & kept from dust, dirt & scratches. With a innovative 360° rotating centre, you are able to turn your ipad 2 from vertical position to horizontal postion while still in the case and fold back The Cover to create a sturdy stand for typing, watching a film or simply using face time....

TeckNet® iPad 2 Premium Folio Case / Cover and Flip Stand For Apple iPad 2, With Magnetic Sleep Wake Sensor Feature - Black £10.95 ...

Cygnett Glam Glossy Finish Folio Stand Case for iPad 2 - Red £5.99 SummaryStraight off the cat walk, the Cygnett Glam Glossy Folio Stand Case for iPad 2 offers stylish, glossed protection for your spankin' new gadget. With a slim-line profile, this oh-so sexy case offers three improved viewing angles that take the strain off your neck while you watch your favourite film. Offering 360º protection, the case keeps your iPad 2 protected from inevitable bumps and all...