iPad Car Charger
Officially, an iPad’s battery life during regular use is
around 10 hours, although if you’re running multiple applications, a student
would be lucky to squeeze five to six hours out of a single charge. A busy,
on-the-go student doesn’t always have time to stop and recharge his iPad, which
is where a car charger comes into play. Many brands offer car charger for less
than $30, but it’s worth it to spend a little more for a model that features an
LED power indicator light and a second USB port, which allows a student to
charge another device at the same time.
iPad Case or Cover
The minute the first iPad hit the shelves, manufacturers
began creating cases and covers to suit almost anyone’s budget and taste. There
might be many cases or covers to choose from, but remember that style must come
secondary to safety. The SmartCover is an excellent choice, and worth the $70 price
tag. Aside from protecting the screen, the SmartCover automatically wakes up
your iPad when it’s removed, and puts the tablet back to sleep when it’s
slipped on. Aside from this, the flexible cover can also be transformed into a
video or keyboard stand.
Thunderbolt Drive
Your budding filmmaker or photography enthusiast needs a
funky, yet cost-effective, way to store his data. If this is your dilemma, look
no further than a thunderbolt drive. These high-speed storage drives allow users to safely store data
faster than any traditional PC or laptop. There are several varieties of thunderbolt
drives available on the market, so talk with your student about his storage
needs before shopping around for the best price.
Apple Wireless Keyboard
The iPad is fun for playing a rousing game of “Fruit Ninja,”
digitally reading your favorite magazine or surfing through the latest digital
downloads on Amazon. Unfortunately, when
it comes time to get that research paper done, the touchscreen keyboard leaves
something to be desired. Those ingenious individuals at Apple, though, have
already solved that dilemma, by offering a wireless keyboard made specifically
for the iPad. There are more modestly priced versions on the market, but when
it comes to Apple products, it’s always best to go directly to the source.
iPad Dock
You’ve already invested in a dock for your student’s iPod,
so it would only make sense that Apple and a handful of other gadget
manufacturers would continue the trend by creating similar docks for the
iPad. The student can keep the dock at
his bedside and turn his iPad into a makeshift alarm clock, or use it as an
all-in-one, on-the-go entertainment system. Once again, there are several key players
in this market, so you have the freedom to look for a dock that fits your
student’s budget and tastes.
Apple Camera Connector Kit
Among its many applications, the iPad is also a handy video
and photograph editor, but there’s always been one hitch: how do you affordably
and quickly transfer pictures from your digital camera? The Apple Camera
Connector Kit allows users to upload photos directly to the device, where they
can then edit or display the pictures right on their iPad. For around $30, this
is a fun, inexpensive gadget your student will probably use on a regular basis.
When it comes to purchasing the perfect iPad accessory, it’s
all about the price and manufacturer’s reputation. Once again, it’s never a bad
idea to purchase accessories directly from Apple, but the company’s inflated
prices can, time and again, turn people away. If you cannot afford Apple brand
products, do your homework to find gadgets and accessories that are reliable, as
well as cost-effective.
About the
Author: Stuart Michaels is a guest
blogger and self-proclaimed Apple accessory guru. Stuart is the owner of a
small electronics store, although he spends the majority of his free time
playing apps on his iPad.