Snap Shield - Back Cover for Apple iPad 2 (CLEAR) (Personal Computers)
Make sure that you get the version with the trapezoid shape cut out at the top for the microphone, and you will be good to go. Apparently this is how to tell if you have the latest version of this snap shield.
I bought the smart cover when I first got my iPad 2 and stopped using it when I realized the back of my iPad was not protected from scratches. I have four different cases and used a folio style case the most. My managers that work for me use otter box, and while theirs may be super protected, the additional weight gain and the added bulk makes their iPads look like something other than an iPad.
After a visit to the apple store and seeing how all the employees there use the smart cover on their iPads and how nice the iPad looks naked, I decided that I wanted my iPad to be as close to naked as possible. One of my friends suggested that I try the belkin snap shield in conjunction with my smart cover, as that's how he rolls with his iPad 2.
I purchased the clear snap shield and it installed quickly and easily. My smart cover was called back up into service, and my iPad 2 looks great. This is the first time since I've had my iPad 2 that I've been completely satisfied with the look and the feel of it while having protection in place.
When I made the purchase of the belkin snap shield, my intention was to protect the back from scratches. I wanted to be able to use my smart cover AND set down my iPad 2 on its back without it being scratched. Drop protection wasn't my priority.
A few days ago I was at the muffler shop having a new muffler installed on my car. I set down my iPad 2 on a steel rocking chair next to where I was sitting, and before I knew it, my iPad was sliding backwards on the angled rocking chair, and it crashed to the floor, hitting back first and sliding on the hard tile floor. The whole thing seemed to happen in slow motion as I watched helplessly as my iPad 2 was sliding away from me and landing on the floor, back side first.
I retrieved my iPad 2 from the floor, and the belkin snap shield was securely in place, with zero damage to the belkin snap shield, and zero damage to my ipad2.
I looked at my wife after turning on the iPad 2 and inspecting it for any damage and finding that it was still perfect, I said, "Wow! I am so glad that I got this shield for the back!"
Am I satisfied with this belkin snap shield? Absolutely.
It protects the back of my iPad 2 from getting scratched and allows me to set it down wherever I choose, and the fact that it protected my iPad 2 from that drop to the floor, makes me a huge fan of this snap shield.
The bottom line is this. I get to keep the look and the form factor that I like about the iPad, with a level of some protection.
My belief is that you want something similar to what I want in regards to form factor and as close to naked iPad look as possible while having protection from scratches. This is it. Use this snap shield (version with the trapezoid cut out at the top for the microphone) along with a smart cover and blammo! That's all she wrote. Or in my case, since I'm a He, that's all he wrote.