5 Essential iPad Accessories

TheiPadand iPad 2 come with two charging options right out of the box: You can charge them using the included wall adapter, or you can plug in and charge directly through your computer, though at a slightly slower charge rate. But given the mobility of the iPad, it makes sense to add at least one more charge adapter to your bag of accessories.

A charge adapter that plugs into your car's 12-volt power outlet give you the ability to charge your iPad at one time when you're not likely to be using it: while driving. A range of available adapters can provide the required 1.2 amps of electricity to charge your iPad safely, and some offer the ability to simultaneously charge youriPhoneor other smart mobile device [source:Salton].

Thanks to these essential devices, your driving time between client meetings or to and from the office can now serve a double purpose: You can make use of that time to charge your iPad, keeping you fully mobile when you get to your destination.

SomeiPadusers prefer their tablets' white, black or silver case colors. But for others, the tablet's non-screen portions are a blank canvas for personalization -- and surfaces in need of protection.

Many companies offer decorative skins for the iPad and iPad 2. With a nearly endless variety of colors and designs to choose from, it's likely you'll be able to select a skin that makes your iPad stand out from your crowd.

但对其他人来说,皮肤是iPadprotection as it is customization. Sleek silicone skins wrap around the back and edges of the iPad, with holes cut into them to leave room for switches, cameras and ports. These skins, while available in a variety of colors, are more about protecting your iPad from scratches and light bumps.

The choice is yours: Choose a skin that stands out, or choose one that keeps your iPad's finish looking like new. Prices for both types of skins tend to be fairly low, meaning it's easy to change skins if you change your mind.

Skins andsiliconeprotective wraps are great for protecting your iPad's finish from scratches and marks. But the mobile nature of the device means that you're at risk for dropping, bumping or crushing damage when going mobile.

除非你打算使用你iPadin one location, a protective carrying bag is a wise investment. These bags are often smaller cousins of the protective laptop satchels and backpacks tech-savvy users have been carrying for years. But thanks to the iPad's small size, they can be much less obtrusive and more flexibly fit your style and carrying needs.

The biggest difference between these accessories and skins is that skins can stay in place while you use the iPad, while these protective accessories are for carrying, not protection during use. If you're truly concerned about protecting your iPad in all scenarios, consider buying both a protective skin and a protective carrying bag or case.

Thetablet computeris arguably a technological breakthrough, but current models suffer from one common problem: The tablet's flat design can make it difficult for multiple people to watch a video at once, and this can become annoying if you're using one and want to keep both hands free.

Enter the tablet stand. Sometimes called easels or docking stations, these devices range from simple folding props to sophisticated interactive ports that can connect your iPad to cameras,speakersor a TV. But regardless of their complexity, all of these stands give you the ability to set your iPad upright for hands-free viewing.

When choosing a stand, you should consider how you'll use the iPad. If you're simply looking for something to hold it at a convenient angle on your kitchen counter as you read recipes off the screen, then a simple, inexpensive folding stand may do the trick. But if your iPad use includes typing on a keyboard, giving presentations or evaluating photos using a link to your camera, a more sophisticated docking port will likely be your best option.

iPad用户who want the ultimate note-taking device, or plan to get the most out of the iPad's computing power, are prime candidates for this next accessory. While the iPad does allow on-screen typing, a separatekeyboardcan make data entry or note-taking much easier and faster, all while leaving the entire iPad screen available to show your work.

两个主要类型的iPad键盘可用:Wired keyboards, which connect to the iPad through a cable, are typically less expensive -- though bulkier -- than their counterparts, wireless keyboards. Going wireless is likely to cost more, and you'll have to keep track of battery levels for both your iPad and keyboard. But the convenience of being able to turn on the iPad, pull out the keyboard and start typing is well worth the extra vigilance for many users.

Using an iPad keyboard means carrying an additional device, often as big as the iPad. Plan accordingly: If you think you might do a lot of typing on your iPad, purchase a carrying bag big enough to hold both the tablet and a keyboard, even if you have yet to purchase the keyboard. This will leave room for expansion, making sure you can travel with the accessories you need to get the most out of your iPad.

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