45 dollars is way too much for that thing. It looks good and is handy but really expensive even by apple standards. Any alternatives?

It's $39 with free shipping at the Apple site.

Are you in the U.S?
Everything seems to be cheap down there. Here in Ottawa it is 45 dollars and keep in mind the Canadian dollar is a lot more than the American.

Forty-five bucks through Apple? Makes no sense. Yeah, I know about the declining dollar but in keeping with the rules of this forum, shall keep my (strong) opinion to myself.

Sell you mine for $20.

I too have the cover, and don't like it. Used it for one day and put it back into box.
wish I could get my money back.

I bought one after a bit of research on what to get but returned it. I think its a bit suspicious that subdued colors only come in the expensive leather version so I got the orange PU. I'll admit that it is a pretty nifty device and certainly does what it promises. However the lack of back protection and the fact it allows the iPad to fall forward when used on any sort of angle (like when lounging on the couch) meant I returned it for a refund after a week. If you bought both the black smart cover and then say a dodo type back protector you'd get not much change from 100 bux - bit pricey IMO.

Got a cheapo 5 dollar eBay silicone case for now but have ordered a leather folio style case online for longer term. That's what I have had since day 1 with my original iPad and it works great for my usage style both at home and work.

I agree its expensive plus i hate the fact that it doesnt have a cover for the back part. So i decided to just get a different case for my ipad2.

Sent from my iPad

It is made for the people who know nothing about iPad who think that glass needs more protection than the metal.

I dont even find that three-fold design very appealing.

Originally Posted by Kukulcan

It is made for the people who know nothing about iPad who think that glass needs more protection than the metal.

Really? I think it's made for people who appreciate the instant and automatic wake/sleep the smart cover provides.

The privacy factor is nice, too: someone peering over your shoulder trying to read your screen? Just flip the smart cover down.