iPad2 Accessories: Toting Up the Tab

Apple has managed to keep the base price for the iPad 2 ($499) below most rival tablets, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be walking out of the Apple store with your shirt still on. That’s because Apple has created a line of “must-have” accessories for you to trick out your new iPad with. If you want to take advantage of the iPad’s more advanced touted features, you could easily spend more than $300 extra.

For starters, you might consider a cover for your new device, one which not only protects your investment from bumps and scratches, but also helps prop the tablet into positions for easier reading, viewing or typing. It also wakes the iPad when opened and puts it to sleep when closed. That runs $39 for the polyurethane version (available in five colors), but $69 if you want it in leather (also available five colors).

ReutersThe iPad 2 with a “smart cover,” which runs $39 for the polyurethane version and $69 for leather.

There is the new $29 iPad 2 Dock, which holds the device upright, and lets you sync and charge your tablet. It also can connect to speakers with an optional audio cable (see next paragraph), but it doesn’t have a built-in keyboard as the dock for the original iPad does.There is a wireless keyboard, which runs an extra $69.

You could also opt for the Apple Digital AV Adapter, which lets you connect your iPad to a high-definition television with an HDMI connection, for the tidy sum of $39. (HDMI cable not included. Apple sells a 6-foot one for $19.) Or, if you prefer keeping your audio-visual experience to yourself, in-ear headphones from Apple run either $29 or $79.

Since the iPad lacks many ports found on a typical laptop, anyone who wants to directly upload pictures from their digital camera will need to pick up the iPad Camera Connection Kit. It adds a USB port or SD card slot for $29.

AppleThe camera connection kit, which costs $29

And if you’re the type who goes for the extended warranty stuff, The AppleCare Protection Plan provides peace of mind for $79. That’s good for only two years, but by then, you’ll probably want the iPad 6. (The iPad 2 comes with a one-year warranty.)

And there are plenty more gizmos where those come from — but how much would you have already spent if you splurged on all of the above? If you splurged on the leather cover and more expensive headphones, these accessories alone will cost you $412. If you opted for the cheaper cover and headsets, it would still be $332.

Readers, which of these accessories are you tempted to buy? How much have you spent on accessories for other Apple products? Tell us in the comments.

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