Not a problem at all!
They don't suffer or anything if you use a smartcover, but if you are adamant not to have one there are options.
This case does not have a smartfunction and
the twotone ones don't have it either.
In the fourth product picture it says "fully protected", these are the ones without the smartfunction. If it says "intelligent case", it is a smart cover. I am sure because I had to return one case and was told what to look for.
I really do like the smartcovers a lot better. A LOT! Especially for the Forma. I have one lying around in case you'd like to try for yourself. I could pop it into the mail, if you like, just holler. I'd rather pay some postage than create more useless junk.