The iPad Accessories Review team wish to express their condolences for the passing of the great man that bought us the iPad (and a few other things).

RIP Steve Jobs.

Stay hungry. Stay foolish.

Yesterday Apple announced the latest incarnation of the ever popular iPhone – the iPhone 4S.

While many people were expecting (or praying for) and iPhone 5, really that would need to be revolutionary and the market probably just isn’t at the point for that at the moment.

No doubt an iPhone 5 and probably iPhone 6 prototype are already in the works, but for now those of use with sluggish iPhone 3s will be looking to upgrade in the coming months.

Let’s take a quick look at some of the features of the iPhone 4S:

Faster
This is the first dual core iPhone making it much faster than the previous ones. This will help further advance app design and development and will be great for gamers. 2x faster performance, 7x faster graphics apparently.

Personal Assistant
I my opinion this could either be amazing or a bit of a flop. Time will tell. No doubt the implementation will be pretty sweet, but are people ready to talk to their phones yet? (as opposed to talking in to them).

Better Camera
The iPhone has always seemed to lag behind in the camera stakes. Now it sports a 8 megapixel camera with better low-light handling and 1080p HD video recording – another nod to more video content coming from everyone.

iOS 5
This is good news for iPad owners too, but the new software is finally here and it looks fantastic.

iCloud
In conjuntion with iOS 5, this is a game changer as far as I’m concerned. Let’s see how the competition stacks up for cloud living.

Apple bill the iPhone 4s as the most amazing iPhone yet. Of course it is, any new version will be better than the past one.

What do you think of the iPhone 4s?

Are you looking to contact iPad owners? Perhaps you have a cool app that requires Beta testers, or maybe you have an exclusive discount on a great new iPad accessory that you want to pass on to some dedicated iPadders. We can help. Our iPad owners club is an exclusive club for iPad owners, and if you want to contact iPad owners we can offer you the opportunity to do this.

You must realise that we select our offers for our iPad owners very carefully. We never spam or mislead them. Anything we send to them must provide real value to them as iPad owners, and must have an element of exclusivity which provides them benefit to being a member of the iPad owners club. In turn, you will get quality feedback from dedicated iPad users who have expert experience in using their iPad and more importantly sharing what they think about iPad accessories, apps, tips, tricks, books, games and more.

So if you have a high quality offer that you would like so that you can contact the iPad Owners Club, please get in touch with the editor here and we can discuss the options.

The web is filled with iPad 2 rumours. Rather than come up with my own, I thought i’d just give a brief overview of what other people are saying. What do you think? Let us know in the comments!

Possible release times for iPad version 2:

1) An Apple rumor announces the new iPad 2 will be released in February 2011. The new iPad specs and rumors include a camera, better resolution and FaceTime.
Rumors regarding the iPad specs include a smaller screen size. The screen size will be set at 7 inches

http://www.suite101.com/content/ipad-generation-2-ipad-version-2-release-date-and-specifications-a319055

2) Digitimes has revealed that the iPad 2 will go into production by the end of January 2011 with a predicted release date of April or May.

http://www.gadgetsandgizmos.org/apple-ipad-2-manufactured-in-january-release-april-2011/

3) Apple has been refreshing iOS devices such as the iPhone and iPod touch annually. If the company stays on schedule, the iPad is due for an update in April 2011.

http://www.theipadguide.com/faq/what-ipad-2-2nd-generation-release-date

4) Officially, the iPad 2 release date was scheduled for April 2011 because its firmware needs/needed further testing.

http://www.gforgames.com/gadgets/news-gadgets/ipad-2-release-date-rumors-spreading-foxconn-2117/
Possible features of iPad version 2:

1) Expected features of iPad version 2:

• The iPad 2 is expected to have a camera a better screen that supports Facetime
• Apple’s Retina display present in the iPhone 4 is also expected to be a part of the next generation iPad
• An increase in display resolution and above 7-inch display. However, there are also some speculations that the iPad 2 will have a 5.6-inch screen, but based on what Steve Jobs often say that “there won’t be a 7-inch iPad 2”, then this speculation is not really possible at all
• An increase in memory is also expected
• A possible 2 GHz processor
• Wireless printing feature

http://pinoytutorial.com/techtorial/ipad-2-release-date-specs-update-2011/

2) Rumours about features of iPad version 2:

• Front-facing 640×480 camera with FaceTime chat support
• High-res camera on the back (resolution unknown, probably the same 5MP as the iPhone 4)
• Dual-core CPU based on A9 ARM Cortex platform at 1GHz per core (likely to be branded “A5″ by Apple, just to confuse consumers)
• Improved sound, with a larger speaker on the back left corner of the iPad
• Addition of a 3-axis gyroscope to improve gaming and interactivity
• RAM increase from 256MB to 512MB
• Screen size will remain at 9.7-inches – no 7-inch or smaller version plannes
• Possible increase in screen resolution, leveraging “Retina display” tech from iPhone 4
• Slightly reduced body size and a flat back instead of a curved one (time to buy some new cases)
• MicroUSB port to meet European regulations on mobile device chargers
• Announcement likely to come at MacWorld Expo between Jan. 26 and 29th, with the iPad 2 shipping sometime in February or March 2011.
• Pricing likely to remain the same as 1st gen models

http://technabob.com/blog/2010/12/26/ipad-2-specs-rumors/

3) The new iPad 2 is supposed to bring you the following specs and features: video phone capability, new display technology, 3-axis gyroscope, better mobility and USB connectivity.

http://nexus404.com/Blog/2010/11/26/five-ipad-2-specs-features-revealed-by-recent-report-upcoming-ipad-2-to-offer-video-calling-better-display-3-axis-gyroscope-usb-better-mobility/

4) Possible features for iPad version 2:
Hardware
• A camera, maybe even front facing for video chat
• More memory
• SD slot for direct access for camera memory cards
• GPS in the WiFi only model

Software
• Ability to tag photos after copying from camera, eg faces, places etc so when sync back to Mac they are already done.
• Make it more of a productivity, more laptop-esque for business

URL: http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=929138

Possible name for iPad version 2:

There’s one little problem with the upcoming iPad 2: no one has been able to confirm that it’ll actually be called “iPad 2.” Apple’s second generation tablet will certainly continue to carry the “iPad” brand name, but that doesn’t mean we know what name the product will officially carry.
Here are some possible brand names, in no particular order, that the second generation iPad could launch under:
1) iPad 2: The argument for this is that Apple wants to make it clear that the original iPad is outdated the moment the second one hits shelves. The argument against is that since Steve Jobs returned to the company in 1997, no second generation hardware product has carried the “2″ moniker. The second iMac was called iMac, the second iPod was called iPod, and so on.
2) iPad: With consumers having had no problem figuring out that the second version of the iMac and iPod were indeed new, Apple could get away with simply giving the new iPad the name “iPad” again and putting faith in the public’s ability to judge “the new iPad” on its own merits rather than on an arbitrary naming convention. Then again, the product has been so commonly referred to as “iPad 2″ leading up to its introduction that Apple might do well to simply ride that train.

http://www.beatweek.com/uncategorized/7808-naming-ipad-2-actual-brand-name-strategies-instead-of-ipad-2/

We realized that while we have covered a lot of iPad cases, and other iPad accessories, there is something that for some reason we just missed – the iPad speaker / soundsystem. To put right this blatant oversight we present a review of one of the best speakers for iPad, the iLuv Audio Cube.

iLuv has squeezed a tribal speaker in to this little gizmo. You have a flexible doc which allows you to sync, charge, and play your iPad (it also works with iPhones and iPods too and has an input for non-Apple devices). Enhanced with jAura Echo soundcell technology, this system really packs a punch for your iPad listening pleasure.

The iLuv Audio Cube is a sleek little unit as well that looks great in any location in your home and especially when you are syncing up your iPad to your computer. It’s not all about good looks however with this iPad speaker dock, as it also sounds great. Each speaker has a built in subwoofer delivering a great range of sound, and that jAura Soundcell technology ensures you get crisp notes right through the range.

iLuv have address a concern that many iPad owners have about the easy of docking their device to these accessories. They have invented a flexible connector that makes docking very easy. This slivering dock wall provides plenty of stability to your docked device ensuring that it is secure. Also, it charges and syncs while it connected, possibly making a separate iPad dock obsolete for many.

The iLuv, while not an over-complicated device offers great sound and features for the low price. Some docks, such as the Bose iPhone dock are very expensive and for the money the iLuv Audio cube for iPad really delivers. If you want to add to the usefulness of the iLuv package you can download the free iLuv App clock and wake up with sounds from your speaker system.

If you are looking for iPad speakers, then we think that the iLuv iMM747 Audio Cube Hi-Fidelity Speaker Dock For iPad is a great iPad accessory to get your hands on.

Apple is known for its innovation and amazing user interface. Its products are known for their aesthetic design and the company has a customer base that is devoted to it. Apple has become a major global brand and its products are admired worldwide. After the success of the iPod and the iPhone, Apple decided to come out with a touch screen tablet PC. The world waited anxiously as apple finally unveiled the somewhat questionably named, iPad. Though the product suffered some harsh criticism, the iPad has been more or less successful and Apple has once again succeeded in creating an addictive product.

After the release of the iPad, Apple has started to release the support accessories for the device. One such accessory is the keyboard for iPad. The iPad keyboard also known as the iPad keyboard dock, is a full qwerty keyboard that is designed specifically for the iPad. It is a physical alternative to the virtual keyboard that is built into the iPad. The keyboard dock helps turn the iPad into more of a desktop than a netbook/notebook.

The Apple iPad is very useful for basic computer functions like typing, playing music. It can be used for checking E-Mail or browsing the web. It is the perfect computer for people who do not have use for higher, more complex computer functions. Though the iPad’s virtual keyboard is excellent, the keyboard for iPad is an alternative for people who prefer the physical keyboard when at home and can use it with their iPad to get the more traditional desktop feel. It provides the user with something real to touch.

The keyboard dock has three points of interface: the dock connector for the iPad, the dock connector for your power brick/computer, and a line out port for external speakers. If you like typing on actual keys and are not too fond of touch screen then the keyboard dock is the solution for you. Another option for those who prefer a physical keyboard, are the Bluetooth keyboards. The apple iPad works with any Bluetooth keyboard including apple’s very own wireless keyboard.

Whether you choose to use the keyboard dock or the wireless Bluetooth keyboards, the advantages of a physical keyboard are numerous. The physical keyboard for iPad provides a number of special-function keys and gives you the option to use a number of standard Mac keyboard shortcuts.

The advantage that the wireless and Bluetooth keyboard for iPad have over the keyboard dock is that they are more portable. The combination of the iPad and a wireless keyboard weighs less than most laptops. On the other hand, the keyboard dock offers the most stability that will hold the iPad snug in its cradle and the iPad does not wobble at all.

In recent years the trend towards more sustainable living has touched every part of our lives. It
seems also that iPad owners are not immune to the effects of wanting to shop with more of a
conscious and aware of this many iPad accessories manufacturers have been bringing out bamboo
iPad cases. We’re going to take a look at why you as an iPad owner might want a bamboo case for
your iPad, and indeed give you some suggests of some of the top products in this category.

Bamboo iPad Cases – Why Get One

Bamboo grows extremely fast. This means that as a sustainable crop it is easy for manufacturers
to get their hands on, and at quite a cheap price. The more trees we have the better for the
environment as well. Bamboo is also an extremely robust and diverse material that can be eaten,
written on, made in to clothes and of course fashioned in to iPad cases. Not only is the concept of
using bamboo in manufacturing eco-friendly, but it also affords some aethestically beautiful pieces
of kit.

BoxWave True Bamboo iPad Case

Boxwave, who do a range of iPad accessories including a popular iPad stylus, produce this lovely
Bamboo iPad case. It’s a slim case that offers a good level of protection. The slick looks of the
bamboo are the real selling point for this case however, complete with engraved Boxwave logo. It’s
been designed for easily installation with a view to giving you good access to the screen and the
same kind of feel that you get when using your iPad without a case.

CaseCrown Wood Glider Shell Case

The iPad bamboo case from CaseCrown looks like very solid offering.
An easy installation is guaranteed thanks to a two-piece glider
system, and when the iPad is in you can still access everything
including being able to charge the iPad without removing it rom the
case.

Menotek Apple iPad Bamboo iPad Case

This is a slim hard case that gives a nice modern look and a tactile feel for using your iPad.
As with the other cases of this nature it features a two-piece construction for easy install.

As you can see there is plenty of choice when it comes to getting a good iPad bamboo case. Which one will you choose?

As an iPad owner, you will understand that the iPad is worth keeping well protected. It is certainly not a cheap bit of kit and you will want to keep it well looked after. You’ll probably own, or want to get your hands on an iPad protective case. There are plenty of case options out there that allow you to do all kinds of things with your iPad, but your primary goal should be to keep it well protected. But just what should you look for when choosing between all of the iPad protective cases out there?

Look For Padding

When you look at the iPad with nothing to protect it you can see that there are a lot of vulnerable things about it. Of course there is that glass screen that, although strong, would still break if you dropped the device. Then there are the pressure points such as the sides and corners. The only well to keep it truly protected is with a good quality amount of padding on the protective case for iPad that you choose. The problem that most people have when looking at iPad cases is trying to get a balance of enough padding to keep the iPad protected, without having too much stuff to carry around with you.

Make Sure Your iPad Won’t Fall Out

No amount of padding will help if your iPad isn’t safely contained within the case. We’ve heard of some cases that people have used that if held at a certain angle the iPad just slips out. Hardly the most protective case iPad owners might want! A lot of cases do contain securing straps or similar that stop your iPad from dropping out at the worst moments.

The iPad Protective Case Shouldn’t Damage The iPad

As stupid as it may sound, there are some cases out there that can actually do more to damage rather than protect your iPad. Such cases may be not the right size for the iPad so could put too much pressure on it, or they could simple not be iPad cases despite being sold as such. Make sure that whatever iPad protective case you go for it is specifically designed for the dimensions of the iPad. You are also going to want to make sure that it has a soft inner lining to keep your iPad from getting damaged.

Other Features

We think that keeping your iPad protected is the most important thing for a case to do. However, there are many cases that allow you to do other things like stand your iPad up to watch a movie or type easier on the screen. Make sure that the stands won’t damage your iPad and make sure that whatever case you go for that it gives enough protection to your device. You might also want to get a case that has room for some of your other iPad accessories.

These are the things that you are going to need to look for when choosing a protective case for the iPad. Take a look our iPad accessories reviews for plenty of great iPad protective case suggestions.

We’ve already reviewed quite a wide range of product here at iPad accessories review. We are aware however that they do vary in price. While we’ve covered some great deals for cheap iPad accessories like the DigitalsOnDemand iPad accessories bundle, there are also premium products such as the Otterbox Defender Series iPad case and the Zagg invisibleSHIELD for iPad. We understand that not every iPad owner can afford all the latest iPad accessories, and indeed even the premium versions of things like iPad cases or docks can be very expensive. The iPad is an expensive initial purchase, so you are going to have already forked out a lot of money to get your device. Spending more of your hard earned cash on expensive accessories is a stretch. There are however some great cheap iPad accessories you can get your hands on. We’ll round up a few of our favorites here.

iPad Case

This is one type of iPad accessory that you have a wide choice with, ranging from the very cheap to the very expensive, then it is iPad cases. Sure you can get a lovely and expensive iPad leather case, but if all you need is something to keep your iPad well protected then there are plenty of cheaper cases out there. Just make sure that you find a case that has plenty of padding to keep you iPad safe. For those on a budget check out this Leather Carrying Case Cover/Folio With Built-in Stand for Apple iPad.

iPad Keyboard

The Apple iPad keyboard dock, or Apple’s own Bluetooth keyboard are a great way to do some serious typing on your device. However, they are both quite expensive. Fortunately there are some third-party keyboards that are much cheaper but still compatible with the iPad. A favorite among our readers seems to be the Menotek Flexible Bluetooth Waterproof Mini Keyboard For Apple iPad.

iPad Stylus Pen

We recently told you when you might want to get an iPad stylus. We think there a great additional accessory for any iPad owner, especially in certain circumstances. They don’t cost too much, and there are some great deals such as this 3-pack of stylus pens.

iPad Stand

It’s always useful to have a stand available to prop your iPad up depending on what you are doing. For example if you just want to kick back and watch a movie it is useful to be able to hold your iPad up. Many cases, such as the reasonably priced Acase leather iPad case come with a built in stand, so may be worth checking out. However, if you just want a stand-alone iPad stand then a good cheap option seems to be this.

iPad Screen Protector

We’re sure you are going to want to get a good quality case; even some of the cheap ones mentioned above offer a good level of protection for your money. However, to keep that great Multi-Touch screen well protected it is worth getting an iPad screen protector. We think that the Zagg invisibleSHIELD has to be the best with it’s military grade technology, however we appreciate it is a more expensive option. For those on a tight budget there are some other options such as this 3-pack. Bear in mind that these cheaper protectors may not last as long or give your iPad the same level of protection, so it may be a false economy to get these.

Above are our top picks for cheap iPad accessories at the moment. If you really want to save some money and get a great selection of cheap iPad accessories then you really should check out the DigitalsOnDemand 15 iPad accessories bundle.

The great thing about the iPad, as all iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad owners know, is the touch screen, and therefore the limited need for an iPad stylus. The way that Apple have innovated and made it easy to interact with your device with just your fingers is nothing short or genius. Like Steve Jobs said, the fingers are the best pointing device out there. We tend to agree and we love to use our fingers to interact with the iPad.

There are however some situations when your fingers just don’t cut it. For example, typing on the touch screen is great but when it comes to writing anything of any length it’s better to hook up your iPad keyboard dock, or iPad Bluetooth keyboard to do your typing. When it comes to taking notes on the fly or drawing a stylus is a must have iPad accessory for any iPad owner.

Imagine you are sat in a meeting. You need to take some notes. If you write them on your notepad you are then going to have to either type up the notes later of file them for later use. You could use your iPad, but typing on the screen and trying to keep up with the meeting can be a challenge for all but the most nimble fingers. This is wear a note-taking application and an iPad stylus really come in to their own. You can take notes in your own handwriting directly on to the iPad screen and they are, depending on the app, converted to text or saved as an image for later use. This is a far neater and easier way to take, file and view notes on the go.

There is another great reason to use an iPad stylus and that is for drawing applications. With quite a large pointing area your fingers just don’t have the accuracy to do intricate drawings. Also, many people who can actually draw aren’t used to using their fingers. Using a stylus you can create beautiful works of art all right on your iPad.

Due to the iPad’s unique touch-screen technology it is important to get a stylus that is compatible with the iPad. There are some great options for getting a stylus for your iPad accessories collection, and we highly recommend you check out our
BoxWave Apple iPad Capacitive Stylus Review.