Tomorrow is the day! At least if you are one of the people looking forward to the April 3 release of the iPad. That’s right, tomorrow we get to begin the pre-order process and, once that is accomplished… wait.

One of the neat things to see is just how many different ways there will be to carry the iPad once it is out. And that’s a good thing since I suspect many of us will be carrying the thing pretty much everywhere.

One of the first announcements came from the folks at Waterfield. They make some of our favorite cases and were quick to announce the iPad Ultimate SleeveCase and the iPad Suede Jacket. Well they have added two more. First there is the iPad Smart Case. The $59 case “looks simple, but the intent is hard-core protection without the bulk”. Then there is the $29 iPad Slip Case. It offers “Light internal padding with impact-resistant plastic keeps your toy safe and sound”. Both come in a choice of six colors and look great. both are available for pre-order.

Images and the full release follow.

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M-Edge makes some great cases. I have seen their Kindle cases up-close and have been rather impressed with the design, materials and quality. Now they are jumping into the iPad ring with a host of different designs. As expected they look great. What is particularly striking is that if you go to the M-Edge web site you will see all of the other devices they support. ALL OF THEM ARE EBOOK READERS. Even as people debate whether or not the iPad is in direct competition with dedicated eReader like the Kindle and the nook it is clear that accessory companies like M-Edge sure see them swimming in the same pond.

Among the more interesting cases M-Edge has on the way are the Flip Jacket that “flips open vertically and utilizes a four-point mounting system to secure the device”, the Executive Jacket which “includes a fashionable and smart wraparound closure strap and utilizes a four point mounting system for exceptional device security” and the Platform Jacket which “employs an easel-style design that allows for hands-free usability”.

In all M-Edge has announced 13 different iPad carrying solutions. We look forward to reviewing many of them starting on April 3rd. Images and the full release follow.

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Like many other case manufacturers Booq is prepping a series of new ways to protect the upcoming iPad. Today they are announcing the new Boa skin XS. The new case is

Designed specifically for the iPad, Boa skin XS gives today’s creative professional stylish options to protect their new gear.

The Boa skin is a soft neoprene skin with a rigid base for impact protection from drops or mishaps. The boa Skin is sized specifically for the iPad and comes in five colors (turquoise, yellow, violet, sand, and black).

Features include-

Durable Twylon provides a well padded base for impact protection
Soft non-scratch interior for added display protection
Neoprene expands to accommodate additional accessories, power cords, batteries, etc.
Provides protection for iPad while inside another bag
Available in 5 stylish colors: turquoise, yellow, violet, sand, and black
Fits iPad: 9.6” x 7.48” x 0.5” Exterior:10.7” x 8.66” x 0.7” Weight: 0.41 lb

The Boa skin will retail for $29.95 and will be available directly from booq and various retailers.

The full press release follows…

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So no, you cannot play with an iPad yet.  You cannot even order one.  So what can you do while you wait for this groundbreaking gadget to become available?  How about stock up on accessories?!?!  Have a bag ready for the day when that beautiful new iPad finally reaches your fingertips.

Cocoon Innovations has introduced two new products for carrying and protecting the iPad and other gear.  Since the iPad will not fit into a pocket like an iPhone, these are two attractive solutions to carrying the device.  Both the Gramercy and the Harlem feature the Grid It system, which is an elastic organization system using rubberized bands to hold all of your gear.

Release details after the break.

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If you followed the news on the release of Apple’s latest innovation, the iPad, you couldn’t help but come across the jokes.  Trending in Twitter’s top tweets during and after the announcement were all sorts of references comparing the iPad to a certain womens’ feminine product.

Now Etsy.com has a case which takes it to another whole level…..

“Hip Handmaids’ exclusive iMaxi—the only Apple iPad case made with protective wings!”

With its durable vinyl outer layer and plush, quilted-cotton sleeve, the iMaxi helps keep your iPad clean and dry. Plus, the iMaxi’s Velcro-latched, advanced wing design wraps snugly around your device, so your iPad always stays where it should. Best of all, it shields it from all those unsightly and embarrassing data leaks that would make any motherboard worry!

The iMaxi is available in white, white/red, or all-red interior options. Or if you don’t see a color you like, just ask them and they’ll create it for you.

They even go as far as to offer  “we can even use red thread on the interior for that special…uh…“lived in” look.”

That’s just wrong!

Check it out for $40 here.

It’s not a big secret.  The ear buds Apple provides with all of its iPods & iPhones aren’t great.  Okay I was being kind, they suck!  They do a decent job of providing sound but they often fit poorly.  Apple used to provide the ear buds along with two sets of those foam covers which help keep the buds seated in your ear but they stopped doing so.

While traveling last week I came across the Whoomp Ear Bud Enhancers by Comply.

The Whoomps claim to better the fit of your iPod or iPhone ear buds along with offering a softer more comfortable fit and a boost in bass.

So do they live up to their claims?  Click on through to find out.

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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.

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You know, the longer the waiting for the iPad goes on, the more stuff seems to come out for it.  I’m wondering what will happen if the iPad isn’t a huge hit.  Dozens of case, bag, and applications companies go down the tubes as their stock sits around unsold?

No, I don’t think it’s going to happen.  But I digress.

Into the already-crowded field of “How do I protect my precious iPad” comes a new product:  iBallz.  Instead of being a case or a cover or some such, iBallz–as its name implies–is a set of four foam-rubber balls that fit over the edges of your iPad, and are held together with elastic.  The iBallz don’t get in the way of any of the controls, and have a sort of goofy, irreverent charm about them that I have to admit I kind of admire.

iBallz are available for pre-order for an MSRP of $14.99.  Maybe it’s just me, but I think seeing the video and pictures is worth a visit to the web site on all their own.  What you buy is up to you.

We love Waterfield Design’s cases and are happy to see that they have jumped into the iPad protection market with iPad versions of two of their excellent, TSA friendly, sleeves.

Waterfield’s iPad Ultimate SleeveCase will…

Safeguard your iPad with a properly fitted SleeveCase. Cushioned with high-grade neoprene and wrapped in a nearly indestructible ballistic nylon shell, the iPad SleeveCase functions as a stylish stand-alone case or can be inserted into another bag. And no need to take your iPad out of its snug compartment when going through airport security—it’s TSA Checkpoint Friendly. With its impact-resistant screen protecting insert and its scratch-free, screen cleaning Ultrasuede® lining, you’re good to go. It’s a slam dunk.
The iPad Ultimate SleeveCase is vailable for pre-order and will ship within one week of iPad ship date.

Their super-thin iPad Suede Jacket

helps prevent scratches and dings on your iPad and the custom-sizing plus stretch memory of the Ultrasuede® insures a snug fit. A finger loop on either side helps you easily slip the sleeve over your iPad. This elegant, low-profile sleeve slips easily into a briefcase, messenger bag or backpack and helps protect your iPad from the minor bumps and bruises of daily use. You can even use it to keep clean your shiny new screen.

I have and use versions of both cases with other devices and cannot say enough about the quality, design and protection offered by both. Both are available for pre-order and will ship within one week of iPad ship date. Prices range from $19 to $59.

Full Press Release follows.

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It has been a bit over a week since Steve Jobs announced the iPad. In that week the debate regarding the device and its limitations has continued. In fact, some analysts are scaling back their predictions regarding first year sales. If the number of cases and accessories that have already been announced for the iPad are any indication, however, this thing is going to be a huge hit.

One carrying solution I am excited about is the upcoming Taipan shadow and Taipan sneak from Booq. I recently reviewed a larger version of the Taipan shadow and was rather impressed. The Taipan shadow XS and the Taipan sneak will offer some great protection for the tablet. The $24.95 sneak is a neoprene case that zips around the iPad for 360º protection. The Taipan shadow is a smaller version of the well-designed messenger bag I am getting superb use from. And the best feature? While it is properly sized for the iPad, it avoids looking too much like a Murse.

As Booq founder and CEO Thorsten Trotzenberg notes,

“Booq is looking to create stylish carrying solutions for every tool in the creative professionals’ arsenal. With these additions to the booq Taipan line, consumers have the accessories they need to protect their new investments, while not sacrificing functionality or style.”

The full release follows…

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In the universe’s continuing effort to make sure that we a) have plenty of gear to go with our iPads when they’re finally available, and b) keep us talking about the iPad for the next 2 months, Lacie has come out with sleeves for the iPad, as well as some new sleeves for the MacBook.

These sleeves have bubble protection and soft inside lining to keep your precious iPad safe, and additional pockets for accessories (in my case, a magic mouse and a wireless keyboard).  The Lacie sleeves are available in plenty o’ colors, at an MSRP of $14.99.  So if you’re a sleeve kind of person, check ‘em out.

Full info after the jump.

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Skooba Design has just released carrying solutions for the much anticipated Apple iPad.  Even though the iPad is not available, you can still have everything ready for it when it finally arrives.  Here is what Skooba says…

Step 1: Buy an iPad bag Step 2: Stare at the empty bag and dream for a few weeks Step 3: Run to the Apple store in a month or two and enjoy your new toy! So everyone is pacing around frantically waiting for the day they can sleep outside the Apple store and be the first to get an iPad. Skooba wants to help… they can ship you the carrying case now, and you can slip your i-prize into it in a month or two. Skooba already has three carrying solutions for the upcoming MacTablets.

At least now you can get all of your gear in order before the ship date!  If you plan on getting an iPad, check out the Skooba lineup after the break.

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I have to say, I’m absolutely stonkered  by the amount of iPad paraphernalia that’s out there already, and the iPad hasn’t even shipped yet.  Quite a contrast with the iPhone which, when it first came out, hardly seemed to have any cases available.  But I guess no one wants to be caught short this time.

So into the mix is added Proporta, which is offering an Aluminum-lined leather case, a leather style protective case, a silicone sole, and other items to use to protect your coveted iPad.  For full info, surf on over to the Proporta site and check them out.

Additions to our iPad line up – coming soon Yesterday Proporta released some information on the accessories they have available for the new Apple iPad. Well, here’s a heads up on some more products that they have in the pipeline.

Available for pre-order, the Aluminium Lined Leather Case (Apple iPad) is Proporta’s trademark case and will come fully equipped with a tough aluminium lining to protect your iPad’s screen from crushing and impact shocks.

You won’t want to leave home without an Advanced Screen Protector (Apple iPad), as the main feature of this stunning device is it’s 9.7-inch screen, you won’t want anything to get in the way of it looking brand spanking new for a very long time. Also available for pre-order.

Set up as pre-interest only for the time being, Proporta would like to hear what you think about the Leather Style Protective Case (Apple iPad) which could very well be available in a variety of colour options to suit you. Choose from red, pink, black or brown.

And finally, set to pre-interest as well is the Silicone Sole (Apple iPad), which will work as a protective skin for your iPad and is perfect for adding that little bit of extra protection to your precious device. 

Not to be outdone by other accessory manufacturers, Proporta has announced three cases perfect for protecting your shiny new iPad when it launches from Apple this March.  The Proporta cases are always stylish and fun, so I’m excited they’re bringing iPad accessories to the table early.

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Not wanting to be left out of the party accessory manufacturer Belkin has just added some new iPad designs to their web site.

The company has added three new iPad specific designs to their collection.

Click on through to see the new additions and then head to the Belkin web site to learn more.

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