iPad Accessory Development Ramping Up

Friday, January 29, 2010

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When Apple introduced the iPad as their “magical and revolutionary” device on Wednesday, Steve Jobs quickly mentioned a few accessories to make the iPad a little more practical. Keyboard, case and connection kits help make the iPad more accessible and useful for the “muggles” (non-magical) among us. With not alot of time available he had to gloss over the details and most importantly, the prices. There is also room for speculation about 3rd party accessories, considering the iPad comes with bluetooth which leaves the field wide open for speakers and such. But this article will explore the Apple only offerings.

First up is the keyboard dock, seen above. iLounge has said it is called the iPad Keyboard Dock and it costs $69. It enables users who type a lot to dock their iPads in a reclined position, connect a wall adapter for charging (not included), and use a “real” keyboard. This will be a welcome addition for people not keen on using the virtual keyboard, which, funnily enough, looks exactly like this keyboard, just on the display. There may be some hoping for a landscape version of this dock so look for an after market version. This dock also features an audio jack which lets you connect to a stereo or powered speakers.

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Second is the iPad case which enhances the book look of the device and provides it protection in your briefcase. Opening up like a book, the case can be folded backwards and props the iPad up on a slight angle, placing the virtual keyboard in a comfortable typing and viewing position. Priced at $39 I can see this being a very popular accessory even though initial reviews of the accessory found it to be too much PVC and not classy-looking enough for the iPad crowd.

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Next up we have the connection kit to allow you to upload photos from an SD storage card to your iPad or to connect your camera directly to the iPad via a 30pin to USB connector. This kit will retail for $29. More than one USB ports would have been preferable, but when space is at a premium, you take what you can get! Countless other uses will be made of these two little dongles by the after market crowd.

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Last but not least we have a small version of the first accessory, a charging stand, but this one does not come with a keyboard. This will be useful for propping your iPad up on your nightstand and using it as an alarm clock, or setting it in the kitchen as a calendar. This stand will retail for $29. It will stand the iPad up on its tall edge, providing an audio output and pass-through access to its Dock Connector port for synchronization and charging.

So that rounds up the main accessories that Apple is showing on it’s website for the iPad so far. I am looking forward to the 3rd party accessories… here is a teaser photo:

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