Tablet Accessories Tech Treasures

While last year may have been the year of the tablet (with the introduction/invasion of the iPad), this year certainly qualifies as the year of the tablet accessory. Whether it’s a case, a pillow, stand or speaker system, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite devices to go along with our favorite tablets:Products reviewed in this categoryKraken II series iPad 2 case, by Trident CaseHammerhead iPad 2 hard shell caseSpiderpodium tablet, by BreffoiGuy, by Speck ProductsTargus Lap Lounge for iPad 2, by TargusVersavu Keyboard and Case for iPad 2, by TargusJoystick-IT tablet arcade stick, by ThinkGeekSlateShield All-in-1 for iPad, by Addo AccessoriesMagnetic Cabinet Mount and Viewing Stand, by MacallyToddy iPad cleaner cloth, by Toddy GearCrayola ColorStudio HD and iMarker stylus, by Griffin Technology
Kraken II series iPad 2 case, by Trident Case If you are concerned about protecting your iPad 2 more than a generic case, the Kraken II series offers two levels of protection.Razer Blade Laptop, Lytro Camera Top Innovation Awards. First, there’s a silicone layer that hugs the iPad tightly, offering protection from drops and covering up vital ports with dust and debris protection (unfortunately, it’s not waterproofed). The second layer consists of two different polycarbonate hard shells (front and back) that snap over the first layer and iPad to provide more protection. The front part of the hard shell offers a screen protector as well, allowing users to still use the touchscreen on the iPad but keeping smudges and scratches away from the glass. Two clamps on the top also snap the pieces into place, and the silicone layer fits nicely with the polycarbonate hard shell. Taking everything apart is a bit difficult, but that also means it’s not flimsy.
All of this does add some bulk to the device, so I’d only recommend using this if you absolutely need the drop, dust and debris protection offered by the Kraken II. The series also comes in a range of colors to choose from as well, giving you some style to the iPad 2.Hammerhead iPad 2 hard shell case If you get a new iPad 2, you can separately purchase one of Apple’s new Smart Covers, which let you turn on and off the iPad when you open the case. The problem with those, however, is that the case only protects the front and side of the iPad 2, the back is still exposed. The Hammerhead case adds a back shell to the case as well, protecting it from impacts and scratches. The lightweight polymer shell doesn’t add too much bulk to the iPad, and offers the same automatic wake/sleep for the device when opened and closed.