Apple iPads and other tablets are all the rage, and owners are always looking for accessories that make the tablet experience even greater. We examined several accessories—from protective cases and stylus pens to card readers and cleaning cloths—and picked our top 10 based on the following qualities:

1. High quality construction
2. Durability
3. Good value
4. Works as advertised
5. Long-lasting performance
6. Enhances the tablet experience

Featured iPad and Tablet Articles

5 Tips for Choosing an iPad Case

Are you a student or a professional that needs a slim, lightweight yet functional case for your iPad 2? Consider a folio-style case which opens like a book and automatically powers up the device. This style case typically folds back to form a stand for viewing media or comfortable typing….[more]

Cleaning a Touchscreen with a Microfiber Cloth

The touchscreen on your smartphone or tablet lets you operate the gadget with ease, but it also picks up unattractive fingerprints and smudges that can be difficult to wipe off with a basic cloth. Microfiber cloths are designed to lift off these oily marks and leave the screen clear and polished…[more]

The Benefits of a Touchscreen Stylus

Why do you need a stylus if your smartphone or tablet screen responds to your finger? Well, there are several benefits to using a stylus, the most notable one being that it cuts down on the fingerprint smudges. You’ll definitely appreciate making your high tech gadget look…[more]

Cosmos vs. Bluecell Stylus Pens

Styluses come in handy whether you’re using a tablet, smartphone, e-reader, or other device with a touchscreen. Some people even carry around their styluses to use on public ATMs or kiosks. A good stylus works on capacitive and resistive screens. … [more]

Resistive and Capacitive Touchscreens: Understanding the Difference

Most of our gadgets today feature touchscreens. We’ve long hand touchscreens on ATMs, supermarket check-out lines, and other public places. But you’ve probably noticed that the touchscreen on your smartphone or tablet works differently than the touchscreen … [more]

HDE AD-GCPD22-7C vs. Arkon IPM-TAB1: Comparing Two Tablet Stands

The 7-inch tablet stand and carrying case from HDE and the Arkon portable fold-up tablet stand are two popular options for viewing the iPad or other tablet in an upright position. The HDE stand also functions as a protective carrying case and … [more]

More Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Tablets

Top 10 tablets for 2012 … [more]
 
 
 

Best Budget Tablets

Some people just dont understand the Tablet craze, and can’t justify spending hundreds of dollars on something they might not use. Or maybe your a college student, or just don’t have much to spend on tech gizmos in general…. [more]

Top 10 iPad 2 Cases

The ideal iPad 2 case protects your valuable possession from everyday wear and tear and allows you to use it in comfort and style. We looked for cases with the following qualities: 1. A built-in stand for holding it upright and/or a slanted typing … [more]

Top 10 Waterproof iPad Cases

As iPads and other tablets become more commonly used in our day-to-day activities, we need a reliable protective case that safeguards the iPad from water splashes. Whether you want to enjoy your tablet at the pool or beach, or you have a messy kid … [more]

Best Android Tablet

The iPad is no longer the boss in the tablet arena – the increasing popular Android OS tablet is a huge competitor that is taking over the market. With a super sleek interface, frequent updates, a plethora of apps, unlimited customization, and more – this makes any tablet running Android a very good alternative the stale Apple OS on the iPad… [more]

Best 7″ Tablets

Saving in price but not sacrificing features – 7” tablets allow a more portable experience. Hold your tablet with one hand, put it in your back pocket, bring it every where. Pay less too. They’re some hot hitters this year and these are our top 10 – 7” tablets of 2012…. [more]

Best Budget Tablets

Some people just dont understand the Tablet craze, and can’t justify spending hundreds of dollars on something they might not use. Or maybe your a college student, or just don’t have much to spend on tech gizmos in general…. [more]

Kindle FreeTime has come out with a protective case for the Kindle Fire HD that protects the tablet from kids’ use without impeding any of its functions, buttons, or ports. The durable material has a nice, cushioned feel to it, in bright purple or pink. The case is easy for little hands to grip around the edges and fits the tablet snugly, ensuring great protection from drops and bumps. Inserting the e-reader in the case is a little tricky, but once it’s in there, you’ll be confident that the Kindle is safe. The touchscreen isn’t covered by the case at all, so it won’t get in the way of your finger swiping. As a durable, well-designed case available for $19.99, this Kindle FreeTime case is a winner.

Prices

Working on a tablet becomes a lot easier when you can stand it up and use a physical keyboard. This tablet stand for 7-inch tablets from Kamor solves your problems. The faux leather carrying case includes pockets for styluses, a keyboard, and an extendable stand. The keyboard hooks up to your tablet via the included micro USB cable. Measure your tablet beforehand to make sure it will fit in the case; Kamor says the case will work for tablets up to 8.6 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches. When it’s in the case, the tablet feels secure and protected, and the keyboard makes typing a whole lot faster. For just $9.99, this set is a valuable purchase.

Prices

By Jon Bannister

As iPads and other tablets become more commonly used in our day-to-day activities, we need a reliable protective case that safeguards the iPad from water splashes. Whether you want to enjoy your tablet at the pool or beach, or you have a messy kid who could spill his drink on it, there are some waterproof iPad cases on the market that should offer some protection from those unexpected accidents.

There may not be any cases that completely safeguard your iPad from accidental dunks underwater, but it looks like we’re getting close. And these or similar models should provide enough protection that you feel confident taking your tablet with you out into the rugged world.

More iPad and Tablet Articles

Cosmos vs. Bluecell Stylus Pens

Styluses come in handy whether you’re using a tablet, smartphone, e-reader, or other device with a touchscreen. Some people even carry around their styluses to use on public ATMs or kiosks. A good stylus works on capacitive and resistive screens. … [more]

Resistive and Capacitive Touchscreens: Understanding the Difference

Most of our gadgets today feature touchscreens. We’ve long hand touchscreens on ATMs, supermarket check-out lines, and other public places. But you’ve probably noticed that the touchscreen on your smartphone or tablet works differently than the touchscreen … [more]

HDE AD-GCPD22-7C vs. Arkon IPM-TAB1: Comparing Two Tablet Stands

The 7-inch tablet stand and carrying case from HDE and the Arkon portable fold-up tablet stand are two popular options for viewing the iPad or other tablet in an upright position. The HDE stand also functions as a protective carrying case and … [more]

Related iPad and Tablet Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Tablets

Top 10 tablets for 2012 … [more]
 
 
 

Top 10 iPad and Tablet Accessories

Apple iPads and other tablets are all the rage, and owners are always looking for accessories that make the tablet experience even greater. We examined several accessories—from protective cases and stylus pens to card readers and cleaning cloths … [more]

Top 10 iPad Cases

The ideal iPad 2 case protects your valuable possession from everyday wear and tear and allows you to use it in comfort and style. We looked for cases with the following qualities: 1. A built-in stand for holding it upright and/or a slanted typing … [more]

Best Android Tablet

The iPad is no longer the boss in the tablet arena – the increasing popular Android OS tablet is a huge competitor that is taking over the market. With a super sleek interface, frequent updates, a plethora of apps, unlimited customization, and more – this makes any tablet running Android a very good alternative the stale Apple OS on the iPad… [more]

Best 7″ Tablets

Saving in price but not sacrificing features – 7” tablets allow a more portable experience. Hold your tablet with one hand, put it in your back pocket, bring it every where. Pay less too. They’re some hot hitters this year and these are our top 10 – 7” tablets of 2012…. [more]

Best Budget Tablets

Some people just dont understand the Tablet craze, and can’t justify spending hundreds of dollars on something they might not use. Or maybe your a college student, or just don’t have much to spend on tech gizmos in general…. [more]

By Steve Holdgren

Extra peace of mind when it comes to a device like the iPad is practically a necessity. The Otterbox Defender series offers that peace of mind from all sorts of bumps, shocks, drops, and scratches. The silicone construction takes any impact force away from the unit and disperses the energy to keep the tablet safe. The ports and buttons are covered and therefore protected from dust, but still fully functional and accessible. If you need to attach some large accessory, the bottom half of the case slides off easily. While it’s made of a strong rubbery material, the case itself is not too heavy or bulky. It feels nice to hold and has a nice grip. We liked that the screen shield doubles as a versatile stand for watching media and typing. The case is a bit expensive at $60 to $80 online.

Prices

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

By Jon Bannister

The iGen TabZip Water Resistant iPad Case is a popular choice for a waterproof case that also doesn’t cost much. With double seals and welded seams, it works quite well at keeping water, sand, and other debris away from your iPad or other tablet. After sliding the tablet inside the pouch, you can still use the tablet to its full capability; sound even transmits through the bag. The fully transparent case, which costs $13.99 or less, seems effective at keeping out moisture. It’s a fantastic value with solid performance. If you are looking for a plain and simple way to protect your device from water this may be the way to go.

Quick Specs

• Waterproof up to 25 feet
• Double-sealed pouch

Prices

Jon Bannister has always had an interest in the latest technology and gadgetry. A graduate of the Georgia Tech computer science program, Jon has a very technical and working knowledge on how computers interact with and improve… See more about Jon

By Jon Bannister

This is one heavy duty ipad case which costs $38. It follows a similar design to all the other waterproof cases out there, but adds an extra feeling of protection from shocks and dings. The clear pouch creates an air-tight vacuum around your iPad, e-reader, or similar tablet to protect it from water and allow you to operate the touchscreen. It’s ideal for hiking or camping trips or any activity where you could potentially expose your expensive devices to water, snow, or dirt.

Quick Specs

• Headphone jack
• Armband and neck lanyard
• Fits many devices

Prices

Jon Bannister has always had an interest in the latest technology and gadgetry. A graduate of the Georgia Tech computer science program, Jon has a very technical and working knowledge on how computers interact with and improve… See more about Jon

By Jon Bannister

Priced at $42.74, the OverBoard Waterproof iPad Case is a good option for protecting your iPad. It’s a black poly-urethane case that encloses and seals the iPad, protecting it from water splashes, raindrops, and wet hands. The touchscreen functions still work through the case, including sound. Just be aware that you cannot use earphones with the case, and the pictures can come out fuzzy through the camera hole. We found the seal to be secure, but some users say that it loses its effectiveness after a few years. We liked that the case floats if dropped in the water.

Quick Specs

• Waterproof up to 19 feet
• Black case
• Poly-urethane

Prices

Jon Bannister has always had an interest in the latest technology and gadgetry. A graduate of the Georgia Tech computer science program, Jon has a very technical and working knowledge on how computers interact with and improve… See more about Jon