The Apple iPad is truly a wonder and the iPad 2 is a real gem. I love my iPad2 and use it almost every day. The iPad Smart Cover is equal to the job. When needed, it will protect the screen by gliding over the screen, snapping in place when it closes. By folding the cover back in on itself, it acts as a stand propping up the iPad to a comfortable viewing level, which is a nice table top viewing height for me. The Leather iPad cover adds just the right level of sophistication.

But the functionality goes even further. The original Smart Cover made by Apple is made of high grade and virtually indestructible polyurethane which resists scraping and scuffing. Smudges and coffee drips that get on the outer cover can be cleaned easily with just a quick pass over with a moist cloth. The internal covering has a slight soft matte type material that drifts over the iPad screen, protecting the cover and screen from potentially harmful abrasive dirt. I have found, though, that due to the static charge of the screen, dust seems to be able to find a way to collect along the spaces in the creases of the cover. Another quick wipe with a microfiber cloth usually does the trick.

I think that the "smart" part of the cover is its ability to just grab magnetically into the exact place along one edge, keeping the cover tightly on in the right place. Is that cool or what? You can easily remove the cover whenever you need to. The iPad is not leaden, but when I use it for my e-reader when reading in bed, I like it as light as possible, still about as weighty as a large book, so my arms don't fall asleep first.....For about $40. its a good deal. The Smart feature refers to the ability to put the iPad in sleep mode when you close it. I almost never turn my iPad off as the drain on power is very minimal. I have heard some concern that the smart covers cause a drain of power when they are attached, but I think that that too is minimal.

The smart leather iPad cover is as smart as it comes. It is about $70.but represents a good option if durability, functionality and luxury is what you want. The leather is high grade and is relatively easy to care for. It can, however, be damaged quite easily if enough care is not cared for.

Although the smart leather iPad cover has a finely printed insignia "designed by Apple in California. Assembled in China" it does not have any other mark or Apple logo anywhere. I like that.