We recently decided to try out a 3G iPad 2 in order to see if we’d be able to reduce the weight of our daily pack. We have and our pack has gotten so much lighter that we actually needed to use a lighter and smaller bag. While the iPad isn’t a MacBook replacement, it sure is fun to have around, especially when you can access the Internet from anywhere. In Asia, 3G service is pretty strong, so we can even use it in our basement.

The first thing we suggest is that if you go case shopping, it’s best to lug your iPad around with you so that you’ll be able to try out the cases and ensure that they will fit together. We needed a few different things from our cases, including a keyboard, a lightweight form factor, and something safe as well as durable to use at home.

Our most frequently used cases include the Apple Smart Cover, coupled with a Moshi iGlaze, both of which are inserted into the Fonemax Microfiber Soft Case. The Fonemax case also accepts the iPad with the Logitech Keyboard Case.

1. Logitech Keyboard Case This is definitely a handsome and functional case/keyboard combo. It was obvious that this would be our go-to Bluetooth keyboard. It functions well and is still very usable, despite being smaller than normal keyboards. If you are using another case on your iPad and try to use the case, you’ll find that the slot to dock your iPad will only accept the slimmest of cases, like the Moshi iGlaze. We’ve noticed that you also need to be careful when touching the screen of our iPad while docked, since if you touch too hard, the tablet will pop out. There’s less of a chance of this happening if you don’t use another case.

2. Apple Smart Cover We couldn’t resist getting this, since it doubles as a stand and is so handy to have around. It works well, but you’ll need to find a case that’s compatible with it in order to protect the back of your iPad. If you’re using a case, you might only be able to use the stand in one side.

3. Moshi iGlaze This case covers the back of your iPad to protect it against scratches, spills, etc. It’s compatible with the Smart Cover, which makes it a nice, thin combo for daily use. The case is very thin, about 1.8mm, so you barely notice it when you use your iPad. The only problem we have with it is that it only allows you to use the Smart Cover as a stand on one side, not both.

4. Fonemax Microfiber Soft Case This handmade leather case works with not only iPads, but other 10-inch tablets. There is ample room for a variety of thicknesses. It might even accept a MacBook Air. We like it because it’s padded, soft to the touch, and can store all of the combinations that we like to take on the road. It has enough space for the iPad in a Smart Cover, Moshi iGlaze, and the Logitech Keyboard Case (a bit snug, but no problems). It can also easily fit the iPad when it’s in the Logitech Keyboard Case.

5. Moshi Origo The Moshi Origo is a larger case, made out of silicone, that will really protect your iPad against falls. We like to slip it on when we lounge about with the iPad at home. It can be slipped over the iPad when the iGlaze is on, but the fit is somewhat tight.

By Range Govindan

Last summer I had some fun with my iPad, and built a wooden housing for it that was shaped like an old cathode-ray tube TV set, complete with the bump in the back. It found a nice following online, and also served as inspiration for a two other objects like it, rounding out my ‘Analog Group’. I use Pandora on my iPhone to listen to music, but I am not convinced by today’s many iPhone docks – none of them say “music player” in the iconic way that radio-cassette players and boom boxes did back in their heyday. Thus the next object in the series became a dock capitalizing on a form language used decades ago, complete with leather carrying strap. The smallest object in the series takes after the humble alarm clock. Remember those faux wood grain GE flip clocks that sat on every bedside table? Made obsolete a while ago by fancy designer LED clocks, and more recently by the iPhone, of course. These iPhones serving as alarm clocks now could use a dock that expresses “alarm clock” as well as those flip clocks did years ago. Like the feeling of a phantom limb, there is a form that feels right and like it has always been there. Augmented by a flip clock app, this dock made by Areaware returns meaningful form to the sliver of a device that will wake you up.

By Gregory Han

[via Design Mind]

M-Edge Flip Jacket: Constructed from durable canvas and with an elastic strap that holes the jacket tightly closed for easy portability and reduction of conspicuousness, this case does not scream “iPad inside” and is available in a variety of colors.
Archival iPad Musette: Cycling enthusiasts will recognize this clever little bag made of stout, closely woven waxed cotton and military-grade cotton webbing. We love the solid brass hardware that is used throughout and that these babies are handsewn in Oregon.
Moleskine Inspired DIY: Make your own iPad case for about $19 using these easy to follow instructions.
SGP Vintage Edition Leather Case: This gorgeous case has vintage full grain leather as the exterior and microfiber on the interior, giving it a very luxurious feel.
DODOCase: Our personal favorite on this list and the one that our iPad is currently wearing. We love the design of this case, and the feel of it in our hands. We also love the artfully carved bamboo that the iPad rests in and that this case is handmade using bookbinding techniques in San Francsisco.

For more great iPad cases check out this roundup.

By Joelle Alcaidinho.”

It’s finally here. After an extraordinary amount of hype Apple’s iPad has hit the streets. Unplggd ran a great roundup of stylish cases. At a starting price of $499 the iPad is not cheap so you want to make sure you keep it safe and sound. And if you’d like to throw your hat in the ring to win an iPad check out Unplggd’s Perfect Workspace 2010 competition. Cerentha

“With April 3 right around the corner [this post ran last week! Cerentha], we wanted to roundup 10 more of our favorite iPad cases. There have been quite a few more cases that have debuted since our last iPad case roundup and these are the ones that we think are pretty great.

Due to the newness of the iPad, many of these cases do not yet have pricing information and are only available for pre-order. Our picks vary in terms of price and materials, handmade cotton cases and carbon fiber both made our roundup. Here are our nine favorite iPad cases and one neat iPad decal. We cheated a little with the inclusions of the iPad decal, but it was too fun not to include.

Quirky Cloak $42

Vaja Ivolution Top $150

Byrd & Belle iPad Sleeve $48

Vers Audio iPad Case $80

Acton Treadway Pad Pac

ModulR iPad Case

M-Edge Flip Jacket

DRO Concepts Carbon Fiber iPad Case $120

CareyMoonbeam Square Dots Fabric iPad Sleeve/ Case $24

Moviemagicman iPad Lego Minifig Decal $10

By Joelle Alcaidinho”