Are you on the lookout for the best accessories for your iPad this Christmas? Well look no further. Here's the Geek Squad guide to the best iPad accessories, covers, add-ons and apps that are available to buy right now. Agents Lawton and Stringer give you the lowdown.
mophie juice pack powerstation
For smartphones, tablets and USB devices - £59.99
There are more and more power packs coming on the market lately and Mophie make some of the best devices you can buy. Usually Mophie specialise in cases for your smartphone, which allow you to add extra juice when you need it or switch over to an emergency supply when you’re running low!
With this Powerstation, not only does it not add any bulk to your iPad, but it also allows you to plug in any USB device and recharge it. You’ll also be able to get more than one full charge on your iPad and sometimes two charges of a smartphone.
There is a whopping 4000mAH battery capacity on this Juice Pack, so it’s definitely worth paying extra for the added punch that comes with it. Whether you’re going away on a business trip, a day out in the country or a weekend away, this is the device you need to make sure you’re online all the time!
belkin classic folio case with strap
For iPad Air - £24.99
If it’s got classic in the title, you know it’s going to be good, and this case from Belkin is certainly that. If you’re looking for a simple case for your iPad Air then this is the one I’d recommend. Smarter than a Smart Case and thin enough to not add any bulk to the slimline beauty of the iPad Air, this folio case is ideal for looking after your tablet without making it difficult to use.
You can simply fold back the cover and use the elastic strap to keep it out of the way when you want to use your iPad, and this can also be used to keep the case closed when you’re not using it. It’s easy to remove the iPad from the case and at the same time it feels secure when it’s in your hands. Winner!
GRIFFIN SURVIVOR CASE
For iPad mini/iPad mini with Retina Display - £39.99
For iPad 2/3/4 - £44.99
Griffin are known for making great accessories for a range of devices and these cases for the iPad and iPad Mini are no exception. A durable, extra-tough case made to protect your iPad in most situations means you can use it outdoors without worrying about a spot of rain or dropping it on the floor!
Tested and certified to meet military-grade requirements, the Survivor case feels secure in your hands and is great to use whilst on the move. It even has a stand to clip on so you can prop it up and use at your desk.
There’s a display shield to protect the display from wind or rain and the internal frame helps if you accidentally drop your device and will absorb some shocks to prevent any damage. Perfect for action men and women who love the great outdoors!
ZAGG KEYS FOLIO CASE & BLUETOOTH KEYBOARD
For iPad Air - £89.99
As great as the iPad is, I always revert back to my laptop when I need the simplicity of a keyboard to type my articles and notes . I have tried a lot of Bluetooth keyboards with my iPad, but they always become the extra accessory I have to carry around ‘just in case’. However, the new ZAGGkeys Folio Case is the perfect antidote.
The case allows you to you turn your iPad into a small, lightweight, dare I say it, netbook. Its elegant design with hinged lid and backlight keyboard really do make it easier to type. With ZAGG claiming that there is a 3-month battery life with an average 2 hours’ typing a day, this truly is a remarkable device and a must-have accessory for your iPad. For: professionals on the go.
APPEN
£14.99 - App free
Tablets can offer a great way of keeping kids entertained, and can be a useful educational tool too. Unfortunately, recent research has shown that that more and more children are using tablets and are losing their motor skill ability.
ApPen can partly solve this problem by providing a pen that allows little ones to draw, write and colour. It works with its own app and provides learning to Key Stage education. Fun to play and easy to hold, and at just £14.99, this is a bargain and a great little accessory for the iPad. Ideal for the Christmas stocking!
APPMATES
From £6.00 to £19.99
Are your young ones looking to bring their toys to life? Well with Disney Appmate, they can do just that. From Disney Cars to Monster High, there are a range of different toys for girls and boys alike. You basically download an app from the App Store and then place the toy on the iPad . As your child moves, the toy app moves and interacts with the screen, e.g. Lightning McQueen drives down the road talking to characters of Disney Cars. It makes great entertainment for the kids and an interesting way for them to interact with technology. For: kids looking to combine their toys with tech.
See also: Mattel Aptivity.
We hope a few of these ideas will help you kit out your iPad with the accessories you're looking for. Do you already have some of these accessories and can't rate them highly enough? You can share your thoughts in the comments box below.