Sena Ultraslim (Smart Cover) iPad 2 pouch review

Zero bulk is something most of us long for. No matter if it is about our waists, or our gadgets the less we carry the happier we tend to get. Sena understands that, and the Ultraslim series has been going since the early iPhone 3 models. There is competition in the thin leather case department, and I actually think that the Zero series from Beyzacases beats the ordinary Ultraslim. This version of the Ultraslim is designed to be used with the Smart Cover from Apple, and that is a feature I have not seen with other leather cases beside the Leather Style Pouch from Proporta.
The pouch is made from two large pieces of leather sewn together along the sides, and bottom. Pebble textured soft leather is used, and it is really nice to the touch. The inside of the pouch is made from soft micro velvet. All seams are well made, and I have not seen any loose threads. It feels really well crafted, and especially the stitches along the opening give a sense of quality. A small leather flap stick out from the bottom of the pouch, and this is used when extracting the iPad 2. Overall the design is sleek, functional and appetizing. I can not really speak for the quality of the leather since all edges are folded. It is rather thin though, but my experience with Sena products tells me that it is made to last.

Inserting the iPad 2 with a Smart Cover is a bit of a hassle. This is due to the hinges on the Smart Cover getting stuck on the sides of the pouch. This is actually my main problem with the pouch, and since it is a non-rigid pouch it takes some work getting the iPad inside it. This is not done in a swift easy movement, but rather you have to drag it on like a sock. Extracting is much more convenient. Either grab the top of the iPad 2, and pull it out or simply hold the pouch upside down in the leather flap at the bottom. It will flow out slowly, and safely.

For daily use the Ultraslim with an Apple Smart Cover is excellent. No matter if I place it in my messenger bag on my way to work, or in a stack of books on my desk it keeps the iPad safe. Most of the actual impact protection comes from the Smart Cover, but with a leather pouch it becomes even more protected. The Smart Cover is held shut if dropped. The pouch also adds complete scratch protection. When inside the cover only the silent button, and headphones socket are free to use. If you want to use a thin back cover instead of the Smart Cover it is also an option. Be aware though that you can’t use this version of the Ultraslim with a naked iPad 2, as it falls out right away.

The Ultraslim is an excellent choice if you want to have a well-protected iPad 2, and you also want to use the Smart Cover. The hassle I am having when inserting the iPad 2 is the only drawback, and with training it gets easier. It is hard to get to the point where it looks like one swift cool motion though. With a wide assortment of color the Ultraslim certainly allows for a personal touch combined with the color options of the Smart Cover.