iPad Accessories

Accessory maker Logitech has given both Mac Rumors and 9to5Mac an early preview of their Logi BASE -- an iPad Pro charging stand for both the 9.7- and 12.9-inch models. The Logi BASE uses the iPad Pro Smart Connector to charge your tablet without the need of cables.

The stand is made from high-grade aluminum and it features three Smart Connector pins that fit into the Smart Connector Port on any iPad Pro, plus it includes a Lightning port situated in the middle of the stand. The Logi BASE allows you to charge your iPad in landscape mode while delivering the “perfect viewing angle for enjoying apps and entertainment," according to Logitech. A plastic lip on the front of the stand holds your iPad in place and a sticky adhesive on the bottom prevents the charging dock from slipping on slick surfaces.

Apple delaying the iPad Pro release until November has given case manufacturers time to build accessories for the 12.9-inch tablet. Logitech claims they have worked closely with Apple to create their own external keyboard called the CREATE Keyboard Case. The case utilizes the new Smart Connector found on the iPad Pro to do away with charging and Bluetooth pairing.

Accessory maker Logitech has launched its first iPad accessories under its new product line Logi. The new BLOK line is made up of three protective cases for the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini. The cases include the Logi BLOK Protective Shell, the Logi BLOK Protective Case and the Logi BLOK Protective Keyboard Case.

Typo made a name for itself last year after the accessory company was sued by BlackBerry for patent infringement over its iPhone 5/5s keyboard case. After several lawsuits Typo has finally decided to move on and instead launch a keyboard case for the iPad. The Typo keyboard for the iPad Air/Air 2 is now available for $189 through typokeyboards.com.

AT&T has unveiled a new "smartcase" that promises to deliver LTE functionality to WiFi-only iPad models. The Modio smartcase basically acts as a LTE hotspot for your WiFi-enabled iPad allowing you to use it on AT&T's 4G LTE network. Depending on the price, this could be a great option for iPad owners who wish they had a cellular model but can't afford to upgrade.

The AT&T Modio smartcase will ship with a 4,600mAh battery for up to 10 hours of continuous use and a microSD card slot for adding up to 32GB of additional memory. There will also be an AT&T Modio Data app which will allow you to monitor your data usage. You can learn more about the AT&T Modio smartcase at www.att.com/modiosmartcase or by reading the official press release.

So far it has been kind of a disappointing CES 2015 for iPhone and iPad accessories. Most of the announced third party iOS cases and chargers have just been upgrades of already existing products. There have also been a few five-slot power docks, speaker cases and Bluetooth keyboards showcased, but we have seen all that before. Luckily there was one interesting product for the iPad spotted earlier this week.

The Slate by iSketchnote allows you to transfer your pen and paper drawings to your iPad using a Bluetooth connection. Users can place a notebook or a piece of paper on top of the writing platform and the Slate will digitize their sketches or writing in real-time. The platform features a scratch-resistant coating that holds the paper in place, and it is built for mobility only weighing in at 14.1 ounces (400 grams). The Slate is also equipped with a micro SD card and micro USB ports and offers up to 10 hours of battery life.