QUOTE(masterelr @ Apr 4 2012, 10:02 PM)
Is there a big difference between the iPad Smart Cover - Polyurethane casing and iPad Smart Cover - Leather casing? Besides one of them being, well, leather. Does it protect your ipad even better? Also, any cheaper alternatives?
I'd also like to check, is it REALLY necessary to protect the back? I know people want to protect it from scratches but will the performance be affected even if its badly scratched? If no, then I won't bother protecting it.
There's no difference between the two, in terms of protection, just appearance. Choose whatever you like. It's necessary to protect the back, since the iPads metal frame is surprisingly soft, and gets scratched/dented easily. Its not just in terms of looks, if your iPad is under warranty, and you need to send it in for servicing to Apple for whatever reason, scratches and dents will make it harder, if not impossible to get replacements. If your iPad is out of warranty period, maybe not important to you.
Having said all that, I think personally it's not worth buying the Smart Cover, since there's many cases out there (especially for the iPad 2) that protect both the front and back. Just google it, and choose something that fits your budget and style.
Hope that helps