iPAD: Accessories for the Fashionable Techie

Fashion blogger Heather Dunhill rounds up must-have accessories for your iPad (great for holiday gifts, too!).

by Heather Dunhill

For the fashionable techie, I've gathered the intel on some off-the-beaten-path accessories, from high to low $$$ and from useful to aesthetically pleasing--yet purposeful--for your iPad.

Nothing like kicking off with an ooooh, la la luxe moment: The Chanel iPad case in the signature quilted, caviar-colored leather: $1,555.

Like to read your iPad in bed or while lounging in the hammock? This Belkin ViewLounge is stable on uneven surfaces with its weighted bean bag base. $29.99 at Belkin.com

Make work fun with the iGuy. $39.95 at speckProducts.com.

For me, white is so clean and chic. Add the python look and it's a total sexy iPad case. Find this Universal iPad Sleeve/Cayman Python Leather at Graphic Image (www.graphicimage.com) or go to Write On in downtown Sarasota--Eileen Wallace has a great selection of Graphic Image products.

Here's a useful and innovative case which adjusts to multi-angles, made of leather and available at Zoo Gue for $49.99.

Now this I think is clever! The DODOcase is a disguise for you iPad--it masquerades as a hardbound book. I know, I know -- its cool. And, it's also utilitarian with a bamboo tray for protection as well as a built in stand. Comes in many colors; $59.95.

How about this leather manila envelope? On sale for $29.99 and it ships free in the US.

Apple's iPad Dock, $29.99--can be used as a docking stand alone and also has a charging port. (Speaking of Apple, if you're a fan -- Sarasota has an affiliate: Computer Advantage.)

Here's a practical case for the executive who travels with the iPad -- there's a built-in Bluetooth keyboard and stand. $99.99 at zagg.com.

For the modern & contemporary fans out there -- This case by Vers is sleek, with a metal foot, and Vers is a green company. It partners with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant 100 trees for every one they use in production.

I love, love, love this yellow! Salvatore Ferragamo iPad case, exclusively at ferragamo.com, resembles a clutch with its handy little hand strap. $390

Hard Candy Cases has a plethora of options -- this Bubble Sleeve has shock-absorbing rubber bubble bumpers (say that three times fast...) $49.99

Candy store quirky for those who don't take technology so seriously....Aimée Wilder has created a capsule collection for Griffin Technology like this whimsical girlbot padded sleeve for $39.99. Just FYI: This is my favorite site for iPhone and iPad cases. Difficult to pick out just one item to show you, the website is worth a once over...

NOW, to bring some music into your life....

This Philips Fidelio is a multi-tasker (and should be for $299)--it's a docking speaker for iPhone, iPod and iPad with Bluetooth capability and rechargeable battery.