Just confirming that Smart Grips work just fine on the new 3rd generation Retina-display-based iPad (2012).

(Would it have killed Apple to just name the thing iPad 3? (grin))

And don’t forget. Every one of our first 1,000 customers is automatically registered to win a new 3rd generation Retina-display-based iPad (2012)!!!

(See what I mean?)

First, an admission: I’m a iPad case addict.

I bought the original iPad and then I bought dozens of plastic cases, nylon cases, and leather cases for it. I even eyed a few metal cases. Not to mention buying various bags, straps, and other gadgets designed to “manage” and protect my toy.

Problem was, they sucked. The iPad is a beautiful piece of industrial design, and covering it in all that junk simply made it look, well, junky. Not to mention making it far heavier and bulkier. What’s the point of buying a light, thin, great-looking tablet and then covering it with an extra pound of poured plastic?

So most of them were returned after just a few days. In fact, I returned so many of them that there’s a guy at my local Apple store who -- I swear -- starts making out a return receipt for me the second I walk out the door with my latest acquisition.

Thing is, I like to take care of my toys. Mostly because I like it when they look brand new, but also because reselling an old toy in mint condition gives me more money with which to buy new toys.

Then Steve announced the iPad 2 and the Smart Cover, and I bought both. The Smart Cover was really, really cool… but only did half the job. It protected the glass screen, but it also left the iPad’s back completely exposed. And I knew from owning an original iPhone that bare aluminum wouldn’t stay sleek and shiny for long.

I could go back to my collection of cases and covers, but that meant giving up the freedom and ease of use the Smart Cover promised.

What to do?

A little thought, and Smart Grips were born.

Of course, having the idea was the easy part. It took quite a bit of time to come up with exactly the right material, the right shape, and the right placement. A lot of testing and trial and error.

But I finally came up with something I liked, that my girlfriend liked, and that my friends liked. Something that helps you hold onto your pad, something that makes it easier to read and use, and something that complements the iPad’s industrial look and feel.

We’ve been using ours for over six months now, and they make using and carrying an iPad much, much more enjoyable.

I hope you feel the same.

Michael Long
2012