Original iPad Smart Cover may not Work with new iPad

Some users of the iPad 2 who upgraded to the new iPad thought they wouldn't have to buy a new Smart Cover for their new iPad. Unfortunately, some people weren't correct in their assumption. The Smart Cover uses magnets to work (no, I won't explain how magnets work). When the iPad senses the magnets in the Smart Cover, it automatically locks, and unlocks when the Smart Cover is pulled away. However, the new iPads are a bit different. It won't switch on or off for just any magnet, only the ones with the right polarity. This is to make it less likely to just shut off if a magnet is placed near the sensor. The iPad 2 and the old Smart Covers weren't made with a specific polarity, which means it could go either way. So, if you have an old Smart Cover, you may or may not need to get a new one when you buy the new iPad. Still, you'll probably want to save some money and avoid buying a new Smart Cover until you check to see if your old one works.