Best iPad Accessories For Travel
The Apple iPad hit market shelves this April 2010 and independent travelers are psyched on this new laptop meets smartphone device. The iPad packs easily at only 1.6 pounds and makes a great traveling companion with its 10 hours of battery life. As far as compact travel computers, the iPad is going to offer some stiff competition to the best Netbooks out there.
Similar to the iPhone and the iPod Touch, the iPad uses a touch screen for user interactions allowing the user to browse the web, e-mail, and view photos and video. The iPad is an easy way to stay connected while you are on the road plus it is cheaper than a laptop and more portable.
With its highly anticipated release come a host of accessories for the iPad. You will need an iPad case or sleeve to protect your new device from the perils of the road and a screen shield will keep your iPad looking like it just stepped out of the box. A compact charger and sync cable are perfect for minimalist travelers and a portable keyboard is a good idea if you plan using the iPad for word processing and writing long, elaborate e-mails.
Here are some of the best accessories for the iPad that will keep your new device well protected and connected.
1. iPad Sleeves
One of the advantages of the iPad is that it is small enough to stash into your purse, messenger bag, or backpack, but you’re definitely going to want some added protection before tossing it in your sack. A firmly fitted iPad sleeve provides cushion for your iPad and protects it from dings and scratches.
Be.ez’s LA robe iPad Allure is designed specifically for the iPad and is made from a shock absorbent, memory foam material to keep your iPad protected from most mobile life hazards. The iPad Allure also features a soft fleece lining to protect your screen from scratches and an inner lip for even more protection. Be.ez’s Allure is lightweight without sacrificing protection and is available in four trendy designs.
To see more fabulous iPad sleeves check out the best iPad sleeves.
>>Buy Be.ez’s LA robe iPad Allure
2. iPad Cases
If you are particularly hard on electronics and want a bit more protection than a sleeve there are a plenty of innovative cases on the market. Some of the best iPad cases also provide protection to your device when it is in use.
Marware’s Eco-Flip is a unique eco-friendly case that features three products in one. The Eco-Flip case protects your iPad on the go and then flips open and acts as a stand for both horizontal and vertical views. The Eco-Flip also features a hand strap, which helps you securely hold the iPad in your hand.
<<Buy Marware Eco-Flip for iPad
For travelers needing the ultimate protection for their iPad, X-Gear’s Traveler Folio is made from a rugged thermoplastic with serious shock absorption capability and toughness. Not only is the Traveler Folio tough, but also conveniently flips open into a horizontal stand in the perfect position for typing and then stands vertically for watching movies. Plus the Traveler Folio has a handy pocket designed to fit business cards and travel documents.
<<Buy X-Gear Traveler Folio Case for iPad
3. iPad Screen Protectors
Cases and sleeves will protect your screen when it is packed away but won’t do much to protect the iPad’s high-resolution screen from bumps and scratches during use. Consider purchasing a screen protector to keep your screen looking smooth and unblemished.
Zagg’s invisibleSHIELD is a super clear film that is applied directly to the iPad screen keeping it free from scratches, dust, and fingerprints. The military grade scratch-proof film overlay is only .2 milimeters thick and barely visible to the naked eye. The invisibleSHEILD also improves the grip of the iPad and does not interfere with touch screen workings
<<Buy Zagg invisibleSHIELD for iPad
4. Compact iPad Charger and Sync Cable
Macally has designed a pocket size retractable sync cable and charger that are perfect for travel. Macally’s RESYNCCABLE Retractable Cable is compact enough to fit in your pocket and the cords retract handily for tangle free storage. This USB to 30-pin cable charge both iPhone and iPad or synch to a laptop computer.
<<Buy Macally RESYNCCABLE Retractable Cable for iPhone and iPad
Macally has also released the DUALUSB, a charger with two USB ports that can charge the iPhone and iPad simultaneously. The DUALUSB eliminates the need for bringing two separate chargers on your trip, but two charge/synch cables are still required.
<<Buy Macally DUALUSB Charger for iPhone and iPad
5. Portable iPad Keyboard
Sure the iPad is great for browsing the web and watching videos, but doing a ton of typing on the iPad’s touch screen keyboard can get downright annoying. The iPad was designed more for viewing information rather than creating it but if you find yourself needing to do a bit more word processing during your travels give Apple’s iPad Keyboard Doc a try.
Apple’s iPad Keyboard combines a charging iPad dock with a compact, full-size keyboard. You can type away with this new specifically designed keyboard for iPad and then connect the dock to either a computer or electrical outlet to charge.
<<Buy Apple iPad Keyboard Dock