Gear up for the iPad rush with the top 5 iPad accessories

ToTHERE are plenty of accessories to make your iPad even cooler, writes Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson.

STM Jacket ($AUD49.95), Cygnett Glam iPad ($AUD69.95) and Belkin Leather Folio for iPad ($AUD69.95). Picture: Mark Cranitch.

THERE are plenty of accessories to make your iPad even cooler, writes Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson.

STM Jacket iPad
$49.95
Rating: * * * *

AN EXCELLENT way to skirt the manbag issue, STM Bags' iPad case lets you throw Apple's new gadget over your shoulder without looking feminine.

The black and teal bag is made of water-resistant material that is also heavily padded to protect your iPad from shocks and drops. Travellers can add cords or extra gadgets to its two front pockets or papers to its back pocket. It has a handle and an optional shoulder strap.

Cygnett Glam iPad Cover
$69.95
Rating: * * *

THIS iPad cover is red, glossy and well made, and should appeal to female iPad users who want their tablet computer to stand out.

Despite its emphasis on style, the Cygnett Glam case is also well padded, its lining is made of suede and its screen cover is reinforced. The lid also has a magnetic clip, to keep it secured while travelling. Early versions do not feature an opening for the volume and screen-lock buttons.

Belkin Leather Folio for iPad
$69.95
Rating: * * * *

CLEARLY made by a designer with an iPad in hand, Belkin's Leather Folio for iPad fits the gadget like a glove.

Not only does it hug its outer curves, but this black leather case leaves room for all its buttons, and even brings its own moulded Home button to fit over that of the iPad.

Though padded, the case doesn't add much bulk to the gadget, and it is secured with a thick elastic strap.

MiFi 2352
$349
Rating: * * * * *

This tiny gadget can connect the iPad to the World Wide Web.

It's the size of a business card holder and weighs just 81g, so if it didn't warm up you might forget you were carrying it. Despite its tiny size, the MiFi connects to the mobile phone network and creates a wireless hotspot that can be used by up to five gadgets at once.

Users simply add a SIM card and charge the MiFi's battery to get started, and it will work for four hours on a single charge.

Apple Wireless Keyboard
$99
Rating: * * *

THE Apple iPad will not replace your fully featured computer, but it can replace elements of it.

This becomes obvious when you add a keyboard to the device. The Apple Wireless Keyboard connects via Bluetooth. After turning the keyboard on and selecting it from the iPad's menu, you enter a six-digit key to pair the two.

The connection remains strong, even if you remove the iPad from its reach and return later.