Friday 15 April 2011

SwitchEasy Canvas for the iPad 2

I feel it is now important to update the status of my marriage with every blog.  Or after every MasterCard statement at least.  I somehow went from lauding $50 cases to purchasing one, I'm not sure how it happened, actually wait, I know exactly how it happened.  I blame 'Aeolian' from 'RedFlagDeals' for me buying this.  He covertly linked to their website and even showed us YouTube videos of this case.  I have to admit curiosity got the better of me.  This is what I found, I'll start with its super fast shipping!

     So I went to www.switcheasy.com and went through the ordering process.  I was a bit dismayed at first about a $15 shipping charge, however the product came to me in 2 Days!  That's right, 2 days is what it took to get to me from click to front door.  It's being reported across the board that everyone is receiving their orders in that time frame, so its not an anomaly.  The FedEx tracking was unbelievably smooth and accurate and it actually felt as though I knew where my package was at all times. The whole shipping process couldn't have gone any smoother especially since it took me 3 weeks to receive another brand I had ordered from eBay!


     So, after opening the package, and examining the contents, I find that it does indeed come with a free screen protector for the iPad 2.  I won't be installing this as I have a Full Body Invisible Shield by Zagg on one iPad 2 and a generic screen protector on another to see how a $10 'dry install' works vs a $50 'wet install.'

Edit 1: The separate screen that SwitchEasy sells on their website for $14.99 is the same one that they give you for free with the Canvas. (or incorporated in the price depending on how you view it)
Edit 2: We were able to fit the iPad 2 with the Zagg Full Body Invisible Shield, we did cut a small portion off the Invisible Shield where the volume button is, in order for the iPad 2 to 'click in' and sit properly in the Canvas. About a 1cm portion. It is a tight fit but it works!


     Originally I thought the small package that came with it was a squeegee but its actually plugs for the microphone port and the power port.  This is a fantastic addition especially for those who take their iPad 2's to work or in dusty environments.  In my opinion it was a very well thought out idea and I am hoping that Apple incorporates this in future designs of their own.



     Placing the iPad 2 into the 'bucket' is very easy, the instructions, (yes I viewed them) suggest that you lean and place the left of the iPad 2 in first and then snap or depress the right side.  I find that if you raise the case and look at it at eye level you can tell if you have been successful at installation.  If you can see the aluminum trim it has to go down a bit further.  Overall, it was a very easy process that only took 10 seconds.  2 to snap it in and 8 seconds to make sure it was down.  Any more and I suggest you never buy anything with moving parts ever!


Another major distinction this case has, and it makes sense now why they call it a 'canvas' is its three stand positions.  At position 1 (the one furthest away) it actually works as the typing mode, and as a 'Smart Cover' owner, let me tell you that the SwitchEasy method is much more ergonomically correct (to me anyways) and feels more natural.  It also doesn't involve turning or flipping the iPad 2 and the best part is, that no part of your iPad 2 is touching the desk or ground.  It stays within the confines of the case at all times.  I really appreciated this aspect as the 'Smart Cover' was scratching my desk! (the magnetic hinge in viewing mode).

Some people say that the first picture is how the typing mode should be, and it might be but I prefer my method as illustrated in the second and third picture below!



 The picture above correlates to the picture below for typing mode. The other two are viewing modes but the website lists all three as viewing modes and the first picture in this series as the typing mode, both work and its up to you which method you will eventually use!




     My thoughts are that this case does exactly what every iPad 2 owner who wants a porfolio style wants it to do.  The designers of the 'Smart Cover' at Apple are probably looking over their shoulders to make sure Steve Jobs doesn't fire them and hire the people who made the SwitchEasy Canvas. (or they will just sue, lol)  I will admit that the iPad 2 does gain about 2-3x (feels like) its weight in this canvas, but for the added protection it brings, my opinion it is worth it.  I love you all very much and thank you for coming to my blog, but I'm not going to do a drop test!  My fear is that when working on the iPad 2 and accidently dropping it, will the iPad stay in?  It feels like it is sitting very securely but until (if) it happens, we won't know for sure. While closed, I have no doubt this is one of the best cases out there based on design and can absorb many shocks that may occur while traveling, transporting, and even in the care of small children or clumsy adults.  Maybe someone can report back to me if they were to drop it while they were using it and what occurs! It also works well with the auto sleep on/off function, I tested it very diligently and made sure that while open the iPad 2 won't go to sleep when you don't want it to, unlike reports of some other cases out there that have this feature.

 If you are looking for a portfolio (bookcase) style, that incorporates the sleep on/off feature, typing and viewing stands, superior protection, and a very sleek look and feel, I would be remiss in telling you not to get the SwitchEasy Canvas.  Although I am a great fan in saving money, this is something I can truly recommend spending $49.99 U.S plus $14.99 shipping for.  I am so impressed with this case, that I will even go as far as saying that all previous cases I have reviewed are null and void when compared to the SwitchEasy Canvas.

Now if I can only get my money back for them and save a lecture from my wife, maybe if I return them and put a sticky on it saying, "Wife says No".  But I'm going to guess that only works once...

Update as of April 18th, 2011:  I have been experiencing an issue on the second Canvas that I purchased, right from the start the Velcro at the back isn't working as it should. It is not even able to carry its own weight and comes apart when you don't want it to.  This is nothing short of a Quality Control issue and has been experienced by another user who received his SwitchEasy Canvas today.  I've emailed customer support and they have asked me for pictures of the problem.  Will report back once I have a resolution to the issue!

Update as of April 22nd, 2011: I have received an email from SwitchEasy support saying they have sent out a replacement Canvas.  Tomorrow is a holiday so I expect shipment to come on Monday.  Fantastic quick response.  Will post a final update once the replacement is in!
Update as of April 26th, 2011: I have received the replacement from SwitchEasy!  Fantastic customer support, although I have to report it has the same issue.  I will be making a YouTube video to highlight the error and why it shouldn't make a difference when using the case.  It may be time for a Do it Yourself Velcro fix.


YouTube Velcro Issue Explained




Switch Easy Canvas Unboxing Video 

26 comments:

  1. Please let me know what their response after you complained about it. I just ordered it a day ago, should arrive soon. Do you like that color? I got a black ipad.

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  2. Looks like they will be sending me a new one, I just got the confirmation email today. If the package shows up on Friday, truly a great company to buy from. Will post an update on the blog itself when it comes in! And the color is awesome, really great cover even with the Velcro error. That didn't take away from it at all.

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  3. I just received my switcheasy canvas for my IPad 2 and I am having the same problem with the velcro not working.

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  4. Good to hear they have good support. I just ordered one from their website. Hope it works. is there any warranty for it? it yes, how long?
    I am bit worry about the velcro as well, as usually when on and off certain time it will get weaker.

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  5. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  6. To be honest, even the weak Velcro doesn't take away from the overall performance of the case. When you have it open you are holding it with you hands anyways so the pressure is there, and when using the viewing modes, it has to be open anyways. Its annoying to know that the problem is there, but it really doesn't make a difference. However, their customer support is good, contact them here, http://www.switcheasy.com/contact.php
    Include pictures of the Velcro in your initial Email to make the process smoother. Otherwise they will ask for that in the subsequent Email. Let us know how it goes! Tomorrow is a holiday so I expect my replacement to arrive Monday!

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  7. So what is the verdict. Do you like the grey or black canvas switch easy ?

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  8. I ordered it yesterday, in black. Have the griffin case and it is just ok. Stitching frays.

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  9. Thank you so much the update video. I have the grey color cover hope it looks good with my black ipad (arriving next week).

    Does the case make the ipad much heavier to carry?

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  10. It does increase the weight approx 2-3 times, but because of how light the iPad 2 is, it actually feels more comfortable. I've used the case for over a week now and have asked my brother and my wife who also use my iPad 2 a lot. They both agree for the added protection (they were always afraid of using it before) they think it is worth it.

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  11. How does it work while lying in bed? Yes, I
    Like to email and surf While lying in bed

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  12. If you have it above your head. (while laying on your back) you will notice its weight after a little while. However, if you are up on your elbow or up against the backboard then it is very natural and comfortable. But the best part is, that it comes out of the case with a little effort and goes back in just as easily. So for those times you want to take it out and lay down in bed. It is an option. Most cases like this are not easy or quick to install or remove.

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  13. I've been researching for an IPAD 2 case for several days now. I think I'm going to land on this one. Thanks for your blog.

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  14. You are welcome! Thanks for commenting!

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  15. I'm thinking about buying the tan, but i'm worried about the black polycarbonate shell will tan on black look good?

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  16. To be honest the only color I don't like is brown, looks a tad too orange to me from the pictures. Visualizing it I think it will look good, but my personal preference and that of everyone who I know has bought the case has been black on black. But that shouldn't stop you from trying another color.

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  17. Nice report. How are you doing with the latch? I'm struggling closing mine. It is like it's a tad too short. Have you experienced that?

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  18. Hi, thanks for commenting! Especially when the case is new it takes some time to break in. On my original case that was about 2 days. However, when I received my new working Velcro case, it took more like 2 weeks for it to work in, but its still not as good as the original. It will eventually 'break in' but you will have to support it by pushing it in from the back and then closing the latch. After awhile, and with some luck, it will be all set! Hope that helps!

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  19. 1 words to say your background wallpaper is very annoying and your pics look "suck", btw dont use flash to shoot ur photo. It look awful

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  20. The pictures, I haven't had to take any since I made this post, but I realized that a long time ago too. Its hard to hear but I know its the truth! I update this site because I get about 100 hits a day, I've moved over and made many changes at my new website. Feel free to check out my updated website at www.slicedapple.wordpress.com and let me know what you think.

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  21. I haven't read that anyone else is having problems with the ipad (attached to the polycarbonate shell) popping out of the slots, especially the middle slot. I've had my Canvas case for one day and it just won't stay in that middle slot, even on a hard flat surface. Any thoughts?

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  22. The only thing I can think of is if you installed it correctly. When placing it in make sure the entire left side goes in first and then the top right. Click it in then the middle and then the bottom. To ensure this is done correctly, hold it at eye level and make sure it is really in, you should not be able to see the silver border at all. The first time I installed it I thought in was 'in' but it had to go in further. Assuming you have done all that, it could just be a faulty case. SwitchEasy is a fantastic company so far and will send you out a replacement within 2 days. Here's the link for their customer support, http://www.switcheasy.com/contact.php
    Please let me know how it turns out!

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  23. Was wondering how your switcheasy canvas is holding up? Im almost ready to order one but have been hung up on the latch and out of all the video reviews no one shows the iPad in use! Your review at least explains the different angles and the preferences you prefer. Nice job! Have you had any of the falling or popping out of it's viewing trays while tapping or swiping? Again great review out of all the ones I seen yours has me even closer to the purchase now button! My wife will be pleased when this saga is over,it's been the never ending case research from hell!

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  24. Just got my iPad 2 with switch easy canvas iPad is great and the switch easy canvas is great as well. The only problem is the clasp it is a little tight but it is not a big deal.Thank you for telling me about this amazing product.

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  25. Piscoot, I logged back in just for you, as Anonymous stated under you, it really is the best case out there. Right now they seemed to have fixed every issue and eventually the latch becomes worn in enough that it becomes a perfect fit. In my family we have a few iPad2's and this was consistent right across. For one person it took a few weeks to settle in, and mine it took about 2 months. My iPad2 is used non stop at home by myself, wife, and brother, and I am happy to report not once (knock on wood) has it ever given me any problems. I hope this helps and for the future, please come visit my blog at www.slicedapple.wordpress.com

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  26. Thanks for your review, had a few questions:

    1. How much heavier is this compared to the Smart cover.

    2. How much thicker does this fit compared to the smart cover?

    3. The screen protector that was included, does it go on easy and work well, you mentioned you already had a screen protector product, is there any reason I wouldn't want to use the one they include and use the one you mentioned you already had?

    4. Does this provide more back protection than then the smart cover? Ive seen a lot of people buying the easyswitch coverbuddy + Smart cover combo as the perfect combination, is this Canvas equal to that combination?

    Thanks!

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