A while back, I discovered the Miniot Cover for the iPad 2. This cover is made in Holland from a single piece of real wood. It costs “only” $70, so I ordered one in early April. It finally showed up June 30th — and it IS beautiful. I chose a “Standard Series” Padouk wood cover.
When I placed the cover on my iPad 2, however, I noticed the cover did not have a hinge 🙁 I went back to the Miniot website, looked at ad and review photos and, sure enough, the cover does not have hinges and stays in place using a set of magnets. The cover sometimes moves slightly when being held. Removing the cover and flipping it to the back of the iPad causes the iPad to shut-off as the magnets are so strong they seem work through the cover and iPad. Not good!
I looked at my Apple “Smart Cover” and its very sophisticated magnet attachment and articulating hinge and was even more amazed by Apple’s very cool design and ergonomics. OK, I wanted Miniot’s real wood cover but with Apple’s hinge + magnets. I decided to do some surgery and grafting.
To make a long story short, I disassembled the Apple cover using an Exacto knife, removed its fiberglass panels but kept the hinge and a few inches of its microfiber cloth. I carefully pried-up the velvet backing of the Miniot cover and removed the left-side magnets. I used spray adhesive to attach the cloth with embedded hinge under the velvet of the Miniot cover. Voila! I had a beautiful wood cover with the ingeneous Apple hinge.
It took more money, time and effort that I anticipated but I now have a gorgeous, functional and personalized iPad 2 cover. Did I mention the Miniot cover also comes with free engraving?
Picts, comments and instructions after the break (click more)