Adding to its lineup of cases for the new iPad, SwitchEasy has launched the second iteration of its CoverBuddy ($25), which is compatible with the iPad 2 as well. Compared to the prior-generation version, the simple hard plastic shell offers no surprises at all; the coverage and openings are all exactly the same. SwitchEasy now throws in a pair each of headphone and Dock Connector port protectors, which is the only big update.
They match the 11 different colors of CoverBuddy that are available, including a glossy clear option, and soft touch rubber-finished opaque versions.
The original CoverBuddy was one of the better Smart Cover-compatible shells around, offering edge-to-edge protection at a relatively low price for the field. We still don’t think the value proposition of Apple’s lid plus a shell is great, but for those that already have made the investment in the former, this is a good choice for the latter, making it worthy of the same general recommendation. Additional details on CoverBuddy can be found in our original review.
Updated April 11, 2012: After additional testing beyond the date of our review, we noticed that hairline cracks had developed in the CoverBuddy we’ve been using, and reader reports indicated the same.
The issue is showing up across various colors of the case, indicating that there’s not an issue with a specific dye, but rather the molding of the shell itself. We’ve contacted SwitchEasy about this issue, and are suspending our general recommendation for the time being. We’ll update this review once there’s a resolution to this issue.
Our Rating
Company and Price
Company: SwitchEasy
Website: www.switcheasy.com
Models: CoverBuddy
Price: $25
Compatible: iPad 2/iPad (3rd-Gen)
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