REVIEW – My son’s middle school uses iPads for turning in and managing homework. I wanted to hold back on tech obsolescence so I picked up a 2018 iPad Pro 11 for him with the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio, which doesn’t provide a lot of protection from falls. That’s where the Urban Armor Gear (UAG) Scout Folio comes in.
What is it?
The UAG Scout Folio is a lightweight, rugged case that fits over an iPad Pro (11 or 12.9 inch 2018 model, each case sold separately) to provide extra protection. It’s important to note that the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio is required. Not tested with other keyboards or cases.
Hardware specs
- Case requires use of Smart Keyboard Folio
- Feather-light construction
- Impact-resistant soft core
- Non-slip ruggedized grip
- Easy access to touchscreen and ports
- Living hinge to move seamlessly with the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio’s multiple position stand
- Apple Pencil holder and compatible with Apple Pencil Pairing/Charging
- Meets military drop-test standards (MIL STD 810G-516.6)
- Compatible with iPad Pro 11-inch Model Numbers: A1980, A2013, A1934, & A1979
I was provided with the 11-inch version. A 12.9-inch of this case is also available.
Design and features
Right out of the box, the case itself looks nothing more than a single piece snap-on design. The plastic is semi-rigid that bends slightly. Not too soft, not too hard. A dotted-line slot runs across the back, serving as the hinge.
Inside the edges, I discovered a thin lip that helps keep the iPad in place.
Setup
A card is included, demonstrating how you insert the iPad.
The Smart Keyboard Folio (without iPad) goes in first (top) followed by inserting one end of the iPad Pro, then the other.
Performance
The design still allows the Apple Pencil to be charged in place with a “hook”.
Closeup of the pencil holder. The hook doesn’t really have any “grip” to the pencil. The iPad’s magnetic hold does most of the work.
The ends feature holes for speakers, charging port and microphones, and even a “bump” for the wake button. I was surprised to see the bump still provided decent tactile feedback.
The rear camera is now nicely recessed, since the case adds more thickness.
The other side is covered only by Apple’s keyboard case.
The case still allows the iPad Pro to be tiled at the two positions allowed by the keyboard.
I put the iPad Pro 11 (2018) with pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio on a scale, and it weighed in at 1 lb, 11.5 ounces. With the UAG case, 2 lbs, 3 ounces. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but it FEELS much more substantial since the case gives the overall package more “heft”.
I noticed something unusual. The bottom of the case wouldn’t always snap flush with the iPad. A simple push fixed that. If you’re obsessive about details like that, be warned.
Edit: I’ve added a few photos to show what the case looks like when the keyboard is folded back. The iPad does sit stable on a flat surface without wobbling. (It’s my son’s iPad so it’s covered in fingerprints)
What I like
- Quality materials
- Protects all the corners
- A solution if you love the Smart Keyboard Folio
What needs to be improved
- Bottom corners don’t always sit flush
Final thoughts
I let my son loose with his iPad Pro and the UAG Scout Case. He never complained about the added thickness, and I rest a little easier knowing the corners are protected from the bumps and tumbles of school.
Price: $49.95
Where to buy: Urban Armor Gear and Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Urban Armor Gear.
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Cool review. I might finally buy the Apple keyboard because of this case. Thanks!
Thank you for the review. Would it work with the smart cover as well? Im thinking about the STM dux shell that has the same function. That one does work with the Smart Cover.
Can this case be flipped over to give a flat surface to write on?
Yes you can.
Will it wobble sir if turned 360 degree to write on the ipad using apple pencil?
If you fold the keyboard back, the ipad does not wobble if you write on it while laying on a table.
I see. So it will not wobble even with the uag scout attached when the keyboard folio is flipped 360 degrees.
I’m really interested to see how it looks like when you fold the Smart Keyboard back with this case – would you mind uploading a photo or a short clip to show us that?
I’ve added new photos.
Love it – really helpful!! 🙂
ZAIRIL ASHRIQ MOHD ZAILANI,
If you fold the keyboard back so the bottom of the keyboard is touching the back of the case, and lay everything on a flat surface so you only see the iPad screen, the device does not wobble. It is not perfectly flat of course, but it is stable.
If you turn anything 360 degrees, you will be exactly where you started from. I understood your question as folding the keyboard cover completely back.