One of the biggest concerns amongst Tablet and smart phone users is to protect the device from scratches. That is why we recommend using a case for your device.
Today I’ll be reviewing the SD TabletWear SmartCase for the Google Nexus 7 Tablet.
This case is from Mobile Fun Ltd, and it has a leather like finish which makes it look really cool. In fact it looks so good, that it actually feels like you are holding a book or a diary.
The material isn’t actual leather, but it is quite durable although it isn’t stretchable like a silicone case. To insert the tablet into the case, open up the case and slide the tablet left to right (with the button side ending up on the right). It also has a small velcro flap which locks the device in place, thus protecting it from sliding off.
But what makes it really special is the fact that this case protects the screen with a front cover, which also puts the device to sleep.
Foldable front cover & stand
The SD TabletWear SmartCase has a foldable front cover, which doubles up as a stand for the Nexus 7. The front cover is actually made up of three flaps, which enable you to fold it and place it on your desk and watch a movie, play a game or browse the internet from a comfortable viewing angle.
Another big advantage with this cover is, you can put the tablet in your bag without worrying about scratches. So I think it’s perfect for travellers too.
Magnetic Sleep function
Another special feature of this case is Magnetic Sleep function , which puts the tablet to sleep when the front cover is closed.
As explained above, there are multiple flaps on the front cover, and the first one can be used to awaken the device (see the above pic). This is similar to the ones you may have seen for iPad’s. That explains the name “SmartCase”. The Sleep function would really help us in conserving the battery.
Cut-outs (for the buttons, camera, ports)
The SD TabletWear case has proper cut-outs for all the hardware functions you may need. The volume rocker, the power button, the camera, the headphone port, the charger. It even has five small circles on the rear for the speaker. (Check the second screenshot in this post). The only flaw I found was when accessing the power button, because of its unusual placement thanks to Asus & Google. The edge of the cover slightly covers the power button, but its no biggie as the button is quite big and reasonably accessible.
Gaming Comfort
Anyone who follows my posts would know that I am a hardcore gamer. So when I first saw the case, I was a bit worried whether the front cover would interfere with games. I was wrong, in no way does the cover reduce the fun. It folds all the way back, so you can even play games like Temple run 2 or Need for Speed Most Wanted, or any game which uses the accelerometer. In fact you could even fold it up like a stand to play games which require touch controls. I found it even better, when I folded the stand to prop up the Nexus 7 to play games like GTA III, Vice City and playing them with a gamepad. It was really a console gaming experience.
My Opinion
My experience with this case has been amazing. I really love the foldable stand for movies and gamepad gaming. I also love how the cover allows me to carry the Nexus 7 around in my bag without worrying about scratches. Speaking about scratches, I don’t think you will need a scratch guard or a screen protector for the Nexus 7.The glass screen of the tablet is good enough and why ruin the display with an ugly screen protector when you can use the front cover of the SmartCase?
I never do drop tests, and I would never recommend you try it either unless you are a Billionaire. But I think this case would protect the tablet in case you accidentally drop it, from a small height of course. The case doesn’t add too much to the weight, safety first, so I don’t mind the little extra grams it adds.
Perfect cut-outs for ports, magnetic sleep gunction. Personally I have no complaints, and I highly recommend this case because its very inexpensive and offers great protection for the tablet.
Take a look at their own video of the case.
The SD TabletWear SmartCase for Google Nexus 7 costs just $22.99. And this is not the only Nexus 7 case they have, in fact there are several more. You can find them all at MobileFun’s website.
Thanks to Matthew Clough from Mobile Fun Ltd for sending us the case.