Apple’s Original iPad Accessories
When Apple announced the iPad, they also announced that they would be providing five different accessories for the iPad out the door. Though the iPad has been paired down quite a bit to provide a sweet gem of portability and all in one functionality, even Apple realized that there are times and occasions when you will need your iPad to perform like your home computer. In light of this, they have provided 5 different accessories to start. These additions are provided by Apple, and have their stamp of approval and quality. Here’s our take on them:
Apple’s iPad Case – $39
This case is not only a very professional looking leather-like design, it’s also ergonomically correct! Take that Osha! It looks very stylish in a corporate America setting and it will also provide excellent viewing for all those snowboarding videos you so love to watch on youtube you weekend warrior you. The cover flips back to make a triangular stand providing the perfect angle to use it on a desk or on your lap. We’re a fan, but we’re going to wait to see what else accessory makers come up with before we make our final decision. Cases are as much of a statement as they are a protection.
Apple’s iPad Keyboard Dock – $69
There’s always going to be times when you need to write your magnum opus, and the onscreen keyboard just isn’t cutting it. The touch keyboard is great for writing emails, but if you’ve got to bang out a massive blog post, then you just might be in need of the iPad Keyboard Dock. This dock acts as a charging and syncing station for your iPad, includes a 30-pin connector for other accessories, and also includes a full sized keyboard. You will love how quiet and easy it is to type on this keyboard, and it’s just a fingers reach away from navigating onscreen. You may find yourself reaching for your mouse at first, but one adapts quickly to the touch screen and navigating with your fingers. Once you start, you will be smudging up the screens of your laptops and netbooks cursing their lack of responsiveness! This is one of the essential ipad accessories anybody will need if they plan on using it for more than reading ebooks and playing games.
Apple’s iPad Dock – $29
For those who just don’t want a keyboard there is the iPad Dock available as well. Since the iPad has Bluetooth you can always pick up a svelte wireless bluetooth keyboard to make up for it. The dock is the same in every other way to the iPad Keyboard Dock, including a 30-pin connector and an audio port for speakers. We’re not sure which we prefer yet, and you can expect to read some heated debates over the iPad Keyboard Dock vs. a Bluetooth Keyboard. We are currently leaning towards the latter in favor of portability and all around cool factor.
Apple’s iPad Camera Connection Kit – $29
One major thing lacking on the iPad is the SD-Card port. To answer this little issue Apple is providing two dongles that act as a USB port and as a SD-Card reader that connect to the dock or iPad directly. So you can now upload your pictures on the go and who knows what other accessories will be coming out that will make use of the USB port for the iPad. A little frustrating that they couldn’t be incorporated into the original design, but not such a big deal. There’s always the iPad 2G to look forwards to, and in the meantime, it’s a small price to pay to have that function.
iPad 10W USB Power Adapter
Why be tethered to your computer when you could truly travel light and just take Apple’s tiny USB Power Adapter with you wherever you go! Six feet of cord and the ability to charge your iPad from a wall socket make this a must have for true road warriors who need to travel light and un-laptop-ed. We are just waiting for the first iPad Solar Charging Case to come out and then it’s all green power for us and our Apple tablet!
So there you have it. The 5 original accessories for Apple’s new iPad tablet. They are cool, they are sleek, and they have the Apple flair for minimalist excellence. You can read all about them on the official website here.
2 Responses to “Apple’s Original iPad Accessories”
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Thanks for the iPad tip, but I am not sure on how to use them.
Do you know any case or cover which includes the ipad2 and the Apple BT keyboard? I have been searching any number of websites but I can’t seem to find anything.