Best iPad 2 accessories, stands and screen protectors

Even Apple’s enemies must admit that the Cupertino company knows how to market its products. It’s enough to take a look at the first weeks after a product launch like the iPad 2 and you’ll see a lot of news covering the subject, more then you see when someone else releases a good product. And the same goes for the best iPad 2 accessories, that sell like hot cakes together with the iPad2 tablet.

And that attention doesn’t span only to the press and consumers, but also to a lot of manufacturers out there earning money from Apple’s success. And I’m talking about legitimate companies that build accessories dedicated to Apple products. As the iPad 2 already shows signs of being a success story, so there are already a lot of accessories for iPad 2, stands and screen protectors announced by various names in the industry. While the best iPad 2 accessories are not here yet it doesn’t mean we don’t have enough models yet to make a list.

That’s why in this post I will try and cover the most interesting accessories for iPad 2 you should check out if you want to expand the functionality of the already great slate tablet. We’ll take a look at the best iPad 2 accessories announced to date, some of the ipad 2 stands available and the screen protectors for iPad 2 tablet. Sure the list will grow in a few weeks, so I recommend you check back from time to time this page, as I’ll be updating the article when new interesting products that come to my attention.

Attention iPad 1st gen users: Apple didn’t say which of the older accessories will work with the iPad 2, so you should wait for that info to become available before upgrading  and purchasing additional accessories for iPad 2. If looking for accessories dedicated to the 1st Gen iPad take a look here. We also have a list of iPad stands and iPad screen protectors (which would probably fit the screen of the iPad 2 too)

iPad 2 cases: here’s a list of current cases for iPad 2

So here’s the list of the best accessories for iPad2 you can get right now:

Belkin FlipBlade Adjust stand  - 29$

Belkin really put an effort into building the FlipBlade Adjust stand for iPad 2, as it made sure the it matches the aluminum body of the iPad 2 case with a similar construction of its ultra slim stand with multiple viewing angles for media viewing and typing (4 angles are available), plus portrait or landscape orientation. The FlipBlade Adjust stand is also lightweight, due to the aluminum construction, so you won’t feel it in your backpack, which is nice considering you’ll want to use it anytime you find a flat surface. It’s simple, has a reasonable price, which makes it one of the best accessories for iPad 2.

Belkin FlipBlade Adjust stand

Targus Mini Stand – 11.99$

If you want a cheap stand for your iPad 2 that also fits the 1st Gen iPad, the Motorola Xoom or the Samsung Galaxy TAB just go for the Targus Mini Stand with clear acrylic finish. You don’t have fancy adjustment options, but just two predefined inclination angles and compatibility for portrait or landscape orientation. As mentioned earlier, the Tagus Mini Stand is made from clear, durable acrylic material, so it’s pleasing from aesthetics point of view, while durable to last a few tablet generations. It’s the kind of iPad 2 stand you keep on your desk at all times and a must have iPad 2 accessory for your office desk.

Targus Mini Stand

Belkin ViewLounge stand – 28.47$

If you want more sophisticated accessories for iPad 2 you should take a look at Belkin ViewLounge stand, a two angles adjustable stand with portrait and landscape orientation, that features an innovative beanbag at the bottom. If you’re wondering, the purpose of the beanbag is to provide grip on any kind of surface, so you can use the ViewLounge from Belkin even on your bed or any soft surface, not just on a flat surface. That’s an easy and cheap accessory to keep your iPad2 steady for work or entertainment.

Belkin ViewLounge

Targus 2 in 1 Stylus plus Pen – 15.55$

Wow, 26 bucks for a stylus? Well, for sure there are quite a few models cheaper out there, but this one has some features that might change your mind. First, the Targus 2 in 1 Stylus plus Pen puts both ends to good use: one is a typical ballpoint pen for taking notes, the analogue way, while the other is a soft rubber tip that works with capacitive displays like the one on the iPad 2. Of course you can use this stylus from Targus on other tablets as well, so you can look at it like a timeless investment.

A good alternative to the Targus 2-in-1 Stylus + Pen is the Hard Candy Stylus. It sells for a little bit more, 29$, but offers an ink pen and a blue chrome finish. If value is your thing, opt for the 14$ Targus simple capacitive Stylus. It all boils down to your preference and budget, so the line between the best iPad 2 accessory and just an expensive product is very thin here.

Targus 2-in-1 Stylus plus Pen

Targus Car Charger with USB compatibility – 16.35$

A car charger is a mandatory accessory for iPad 2 it you’re planning on traveling a lot, and is certainly one of the best iPad 2 accessories to have in your car. And one of the best is the Targus Car Charger with USB compatibility. What does USB compatibility means? In this case it means you can charge almost any device that features an USB port on one end, the one that does not end in your gadget. With the Targus Car Charger you can power your iPad and iPad 2 thanks to its 30 pin to USB accessory cable, but you can also find one to fit your iPhone or iPod. If you have a mini/micro USB to USB cable you’ll be able to charge even your Android tablet/smartphone (if fitted with one of these ports).

Targus Car Charger

Zagg Invisible Shield for iPad 2 – 29 to 39$

If you want the best screen protector for iPad 2 you can’t go wrong with Zagg Invisible Shield. It’s so tough that it can withstand some serious scratching, even intentional. It’s offered in 4 versions: Full Body, Maximum, Back and Front only. It’s not cheap, ranging from 29 to 39 dollars, but it’s a small price to pay for the best screen protector for iPad 2 out there.

Zagg Invisible Shield screen protector

Don’t believe the Zagg Invisible shield is worth the money? Take a look at the video below to see what kind of punishment this product is capable of surviving:

Targus Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard – 54$

Even if tablets are comfortable from many points of view, one negative example that comes to my mind is when typing. It’s no way you will type faster on the iPad 2 virtual keyboard than on a QWERTY model. For those moments a keyboard like the Targus Bluetooth model is welcome. This one features a wireless connectivity solution, so no more trying to hide unwanted cables. It’s a chiclet/island type keyboard with separated keys, one of the best types on market today. It’s black (not for white Apple purists) and lasts up to 7 months with a fresh set of batteries so you’ll surely forget to get new batteries if it weren’t for the low power indicator light. It’s not the cheapest keyboard you can buy, but you can use it with your MacBook Pro, iMac or Mac Mini if you want, which makes it one of the best iPad 2 accessories from flexibility and compatibility point of view. Plus Bluetooth connectivity ensures it will be compatible with next generations iPads too.

Targus Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard

ZaggMate with Keyboard case for iPad 2 – 99$

If you’re looking for the ultimate iPad 2 keyboard accessory I think I might just have the right thing for you: ZaggMate with Keyboard Hard iPad 2 case. It’s a 99$ accessory that consists of a full QWERTY keyboard and hard tight fit case for iPad 2. Once opened it folds like a laptop, so you get a familiar form that’s proven during the years. Once closed the whole assembly is barely thicker than the original iPad, so you do get a compact solution. No need to use a flat surface, like with other wireless keyboards, so this one is also more practical. ZaggMate with Keyboard also supports portrait or landscape screen orientation. The case is made from aluminum so it’s lightweight and durable, while providing a consistent look to your iPad 2 case. [read full review]

ZaggMate with keyboard hard case

And here’s how it works in real life:

Conclusion

Are you overwhelmed already? Don’t be, as the point of this article is to bring to your attention the best iPad 2 accessories you should be looking for. All you have to do from here is to decide which one to get based on your budget and needs. Sure the list in in always changing form, so check back from time to time to see what new accessories for iPad 2 have made it to the list. Also please let me know about models I might have missed by dropping a line in the comments form below.