TwelveSouth’s $79.99 SurfacePad for the iPad Pro is a great product for those who need a cover with features, if not necessarily a case for protection. This luxury leather cover — available for the 12.9-inch and 10.5-inch iPad Pro — is a hands-free, multi-angle viewing stand and a typing wedge rolled into a thin shield that doesn’t hide or disguise the tablet’s sleek profile.
The hardback front cover is lined with soft micro-fiber to protect your iPad screen. Flip open the cover, SurfacePad wakes up your iPad; close it and iPad goes to sleep.
The SurfacePro has an adhesive back that sticks on to the back surface of the Apple tablet. Applying it can be a little tricky. However, the great thing about repositioning the adhesion is there’s no residue left behind.
While the SurfacePad provides a “hidden” stand for typing, it falls easily if you add much pressure to your iPad. Still, with some finagling you can learn where and where not to put pressure.
One nice touch is that if you have an iPad Pro + Smart Keyboard, the minimalist design of the SurfacePro leaves the connector edge exposed. You can fold your SurfacePad into display mode and connect the keyboard to the magnetic edge. When you’re done with the Smart Keyboard, you can remove the keyboard, flip SurfacePad closed and put your iPad Pro to sleep.
The SurfacePad is a good product for those looking for a sleek design without bulk. The hands-free viewing stand works like a charm (as long as you remain hands off).
Apple World Today Rating (out of 5 stars): ★★★★
