iPad accessories roundup
Now the dust as settled and all those Mac fanboys (and girls) are fondling their newly acquired iPads, we thought it was about time to see what else proud parents of this newly delivered gadget could splash their cash on.
There has been a bit of sniggering behind hands at the fact that once you have bought your iPad, you still need to pay extra for a stand. So, a case that combines a stand with it has got to be a good idea. That’s why we like the kickBACK P1, a hybrid case and kickstand that is reminiscent of a Star Wars Stormtrooper and is made from shatterproof polycarbonate and shock-resistant rubber. Price to be confirmed www.scosche.com.
If you want to keep your new toy looking like, well, um, new, but don’t want to wrap it up in a fancy case (lovely though some of them are) the answer is InvisibleSHIELD Full Body Protector. It might sound like a cross between a feminine hygiene product and an essential piece of kit for the armed forces, but it is, in fact, the most durable gadget scratch protection film on Earth (say its makers). The film started life in the US military, and is now custom-made to cover the entire iPad and comes with a lifetime guarantee against scratching, tearing or any damage. The cost of total protection? £29.95 from here.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, a pair of clothes designers have come up with the iTee and iDress, designed with a pocket in the front to hold your iPad. If you want order one, hurry as they’re selling out fast (yes really!). iClothing accepts orders from overseas and the iTee and shipping to the UK will set you back $64.95 (about £38).
And if you want a truly individual case for your lovely shiny new iPad, to make it really stand out from the crowd, take a look at the handmade cases on Etsy. Retro florals and plaids are the order of the day, along with knitted sleeves and recycled denims, and prices start around $30 (expect to pay an additional $12 or so for shipping to the UK). We wouldn’t like to judge these on their protective qualities, but if you need a waterproof case (taking your iPad by the pool on holiday maybe?) check out TrendyDigital’s Waterproof Waterguard. It looks like a big freezer bag but is made from UV-stabilised plastic and has got good writeups for its waterproof abilities, albeit that the sound can be a little muffled. Only available from the US at present at around $24 plus $8.75 shipping, from their website (about £22).
Okay, so now your iPad is covered, but much has been asked about what you can actually DO with the must-have gadget. Well, one answer is use it to play games. EA Mobile has a wealth to choose from, starting with classics such as Scrabble and Tetris, up to high-octane titles including Need for Speed Shift. These are all getting great reviews, although strategy games such as Command & Conquer: Red Alert are getting a slightly less-warm welcome. Prices from £4.99 to £7.49.
And anyone who has tired of amazing their mates down the pub with their marvellous iPad can now astound them with unknown facts and figures from the Guinness World Records app on their iPad. The free LITE app includes video, images and graphics about more than 140 records in categories including Strangest, Most Expensive and Craziest. The full paid-for version is expected to be released in September. Free from the App Store.
