Hard Candy, a company that has been making MacBook and Netbook cases to protect your valuable nerd investment, has added a new line, available for pre-order–iPad cases.  (And no, I don’t know what’s up with that Stepford Wives chick, either.)

Now, Hard Candy says that these cases are “Engineered to be First to Market,” but if you’ve been reading GD regularly you probably know that the market is already pretty crowded, and we’re only a couple of weeks out from the iPad announcement.  Still, they have some nice cases, all in the $40 range or so, and they are definitely worth checking out.  After all, it’s better to have lots of choices than too few, right?  So surf on over and give them a look.

More info after the jump.

Hard Candy Cases, a recent entrant into the Apple accessory market, announced today a new line of cases designed for the iPad.  The distinctive line of cases will debut in March, timed to the iPad sales launch.   

“Unique to Hard Candy Cases, all of our designs – even the hard shells – feature rubber bumpers that are crafted to add premium protection, look cool and also allow us to start the expensive tooling process now, before the final iPad is available to measure,” said Tim Hickman, CEO of Hard Candy Cases and former GM of Speck Products.  “If the production of iPads are even a millimeter bigger or smaller, we can simply adjust these bumpers to fit the product’s exact specifications. That’s why we are going to be first to market with a quality product that is perfectly in tune with the iPad.”

As functional for coffee shops as cross-country travel and boardroom meetings, Hard Candy Cases full line of iPad-inspired protective cases all stand unique with shock absorbing corners and feature integrated lids to protect the fragile Multi-Touch screen. The spectrum of new iPad cases ranges from sleek and sophisticated to bold and rugged, while respecting the look of the iPad.  Cases can be pre-ordered at www.HardCandyCases.com>, and featured models include:

iPad Sleek Skin ($34.95 SRP)

• Sleek, rubberized form factor made with high quality TPU rubber
• Integrated screen cover for complete iPad protection
• Classic, eye-catching design        

iPad Rubber Protect ($39.95 SRP)

• Rubberized, ruggedized form factor made with high quality TPU
• Integrated screen cover for complete protection
• Full access to all outputs, docks and controls        

iPad Bubble Sleeve ($44.95 SRP)

• The ultimate rigid EVA-molded alternative to neoprene sleeves
• Interior shock absorbing molded rubber bumpers
• Able to handle the elements, bumps and scratches      

iPad Hard Shell ($44.95 SRP)

• Smooth and sleek, form-fitting polycarbonate hard case
• Shock absorbing, interior molded rubber bumpers for stability and snug fit
• Snap-on screen lid to protect the iPad’s Multi-Touch display        

iPad Hard Sleeve ($44.95 SRP)

• The ultimate rigid EVA-molded alternative to neoprene sleeves
• nterior shock absorbing molded rubber bumpers
• Able to handle the elements, bumps and scratches