No doubt, the AViiQ Smart Case is well made, and can protect the back of your iPad 2 in style. We received a review unit — once again in an All Things West Coast sort of burnt orange that I thought was quite neat — and quickly snapped it onto our iPad 2 in the office. How did it rack-and-stack compared to the rest of the field? Read on to find out, you gesture fiend!
First off with the AviiQ build quality is the order of the day. And no wonder, at $49.99 this is a bit on the pricey side. However, we found the the aluminum plate anodized to match Apple’s Smart Cover to be quite a slick looking piece of kit. As I’ve said before, whether you prefer to even cover the rear of your iPad is a very personal matter. Also with this one you may also have to get used to people saying to you, “I’ve never heard of the AViiQ tablet before! Oh, and it runs Apple apps too!”
The plastic surround is rugged, and finished in a subtle grey, though we were less pleased with the look of it, especially next to the glossy surround of the iPad 2.
Fortunately, slim is still in. The Smart Case only adds 1.5mm to the iPad so bulk is kept in check. Still, we found that to be slightly more than the Slim Jim HyperShield which we adore.
Fit is absolutely snug with nary a wiggle or jiggle. Nice engineering here through and through. Yes, it’s only a case folks, but you’re putting this on your $499+ baby and this one has the moxy to match Apple’s design.
The downside is the price. But class and quality come at a price. If you’re willing, and like the smooth (even slippery at times) feel of anodized aluminum, then the AViiQ should be on your short list. Just remember: you don’t really like that Apple logo on your iPad, right? Right?!
AViiQ Smart Case for iPad 2
3.5 out of 5 stars
$49.99
4.1 ounces
Dimensions: 9.6″ x 7.5″ x 0.4″
