Gift Guide: iPad 2 Accessories

If you’re looking for a gadget under your Christmas Tree or in your stocking, chances are you are probably thinking Tablet. And if you’re thinking tablet, there’s a good bet you are thinking iPad 2. And why not? It’s going to be one of the most popular gifts this holiday season and for many it remains the tablet of choice.

So, what accessories should you be shopping to dress up your iPad 2? Well, there are some no-brainers, like cases and stands. There are Bluetooth keyboards and, if you’re into digital inking or artwork, a stylus can make a great gift as well.

This gift guide highlights some favorites from the GBM staff.

iPad Cases, Covers, and Stands

Apple Smart Cover

When Apple released the iPad 2 it also released the Smart Cover. (It’s a cover not a case.) Many iPad 2 users picked one up, just like Apple intended. Whether you choose the faux leather version or the neoprene version you can enjoy the click click that comes with closing the cover over your iPad 2 and putting it to sleep that way while also protecting your screen from scratches.

Leather: $43 – $53 @ [amazon_link id=”B004QKM5MG” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | Neoprene: $13 – $34 @ [amazon_link id=”B004QKO6H8″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link]

Scosche Folio p2

If you’re looking for a case that covers more than just the screen, the Scosche Folio p2 might be the ticket. The case snaps on to the iPad 2 and also covers the screen. It also allows you to fold back the lid for the multiple viewing angles that have become standard with iPad 2 cases. It is available in both leather and carbonite.

Read Our Review of the Scosche Folio P2

Leather $21.00 @ [amazon_link id=”B004QMA85K” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] Carbonite $26 to $29 [amazon_link id=”B004QMA878″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link]

Twelve South Compass Stand

Twelve South makes some of the more interestingly designed  iPad 2 accessories around. They have an array of stands that will prop up your iPad 2. My personal favorite, especially for mobile warriors, is the Compass. It’s a tripod that folds up neatly to be tucked away in your gadget bag.

One note, though: given how it looks when it passes through an airport x-ray machine, more than one traveler has reported having to explain what the Compass is to security officials.

Read Our Review of the Twelve South Compass Stand

$39.99 @ [amazon_link id=”B003XQMUVA” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link]

Bluetooth Keyboards

Apple Wireless Keyboard

There are quite a few Bluetooth Keyboard options for iPad users to choose from, but you can’t really go wrong with Apple’s Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard. It was designed with the iPad 2 in mind and has a few keys dedicated to iOS functions.

$68.54 @ [amazon_link id=”B005DLDO4U” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link]

The Origami Workstation

If you choose to use Apple’s Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard, you probably want to check out the Incase Origami Workstation. It’s a cover for the keyboard, but it also has flaps that fold and connect via velcro turning the case into a stand for propping up the iPad 2.

Read Our Review of the Incase Origami Workstation

$64.00 @ [amazon_link id=”B004X355Y6″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link]

Zagg Folio Case for the iPad 2

One of the most popular keyboards on the market is the Zagg Folio case for the iPad 2. It serves as both a keyboard and a case. The Bluetooth keyboard is removable and the case serves as a good stand for the iPad 2.

$90.00 @ [amazon_link id=”B005C2A4DO” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link]

Stylus

Aponyo Click Stylus

Search for iPad 2 stylus on the web and you’ll find a dozen options. Although many think Steve Jobs was correct when he denounced the stylus, there are artists and note takers who are constantly on the look for a good capacitive stylus that works with the iPad 2.

Leading the pack in my view is the Aponyo Click Stylus. It has a retractable tip and instead of the typical rubbery material the tip is constructed with a conductive fabric that almost looks like a wire mesh. Aponyo also makes other models as well including the Flip and the Mini.

Read Our Review of the Aponyo Click and Flip Stylus

$17.95  @ [amazon_link id=”B005OCS7JU” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link]

Data Moving

Apple Camera Connection Kit

If you use a digital camera for your photography and looking for a quick way to get your photos into your iPad 2, Apple’s Camera Connection Kit is a great accessory. Connect the dongle into your iPad 2, pop your SD card out of your camera and into the dongle, and you can import all or some of the photos you’ve taken. If you want to connect your camera via a USB cable there’s a dongle for that as well.

Do note that some other non-camera accessories have been known to work with the USB dongle, but that’s not officially supported. Also, there are other connection dongles that allow for multiple types of memory cards and connections to be connected to the iPad 2.

Read Our Review of the Camera Connection Kit

$22.89 @ [amazon_link id=”B003K1EYM6″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link]

Bags

Osprey Resource Veer Should Bag

So, you’ve got an iPad 2, you’ve got some other accessories. Your whole reason for this Tablet is to reduce the stuff you carry around. So, what are you going to carry your iPad 2 and your accessories around in? The Ospery Resource Veer shoulder bag is the perfect size to fit your iPad 2 (with a case or not) and has enough pouches and pockets for any other accessories you’re going to be toting around.

Read Our Review of the Osprey Resource Veer Should Bag

$49.00 @ [amazon_link id=”B0016ORT7G” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link]

We’ll be putting up an Gift Guide for Android Tablets shortly. Do note that a number of these accessories for the iPad 2 also work well many Android Tablets.