It's testament to how good this cover is that since I've had it my Apple Smart Cover has languished unused. The advantage to this one is that it protects both sides of the i-Pad, as opposed to one, whilst maintaining many of the same features - working as a stand on two angles and having magnets in it meaning auto-shut off when closed. There is a cutout for the camera and all the vital buttons are accessible. In use, as it's well padded and has a carry strap I feel that my iPad is totally protected. The only downside is that it does mean a more bulky i-Pad, not an issue for me. This is a quality item, well made out of lovely leather and which is well worth the £40 price tag. Perhaps this is the cover Apple should have designed - it's certainly the one I prefer.