If you’ve been a strong iPad supporter over the years then you probably already know that most iPad 2 accessories work with the iPad 3 as well considering both devices share similar dimensions and use the 30-pin port to connect to peripherals. That being said, there are a slew of new accessories that have flooded onto the scene ever since the launch of the iPad 3 as well, and it is worth checking them out regardless of whether or not you already own a decent collection of accessories.
Here and now, you’re going to find the Top 10 iPad 3 accessories of 2012.
1. Apple TV
It makes sense that the most interesting accessory for the iPad 3 that has been released in 2012 comes from Apple itself in the form of the Apple TV. Although the original Apple TV was released years ago and the third generation of this device may look quite like its predecessor, the fact of the matter is that it now sports an A5 processor and support for 1080p HD video as well. Streaming video from your iPad onto your TV is a piece of cake with Apple TV, and after a while you’ll begin to wonder how you managed without it.
2. Seagate GoFlex Satellite Wireless Hard Drive
Granted this isn’t actually an accessory designed solely for the iPad 3, but it is an incredible wireless external hard disk drive that you can use in tandem with your iPad 3 to get some extra storage space. Considering the iPad 3 comes with 16 GB to 64 GB of storage, having the option to acquire an additional 500 GB is never a bad idea. The best part is that the GoFlex is extremely portable as well and its battery will last a whole 5 hours while allowing it to connect to 3 different devices simultaneously.
3. Mophie Juice Packs
There are a number of different Mophie Juice Packs out there nowadays ranging from the rugged ‘Pro’ model to the dual USB port ‘Duo’ model that were both released this year, but all of them exist for one purpose: To give your device extra juice. Once again this accessory isn’t exclusively for the iPad but it does support it alongside other USB devices as well. If you’re travelling a lot and never have an opportunity to charge your tablet properly, this is an ideal solution.
4. Logitech Burutag
Jokes about the name notwithstanding, the Burutag is essentially a Bluetooth 4.0 key chain with a host of handy features that iPad 3 users can take advantage of. For starters, you can get it to play music if you’re within 10 meters of the key chain which means that you should have no trouble locating your keys if you’ve lost them. Also, you can set it up so that if you move 10 meters away from your keys both the keys and your iPad will notify you (with music). Last but not least, if your PC is Bluetooth 4.0 friendly it can even be configured to automatically lock your PC when it is removed from the vicinity.
5. Blue Tiger Stylus
Frankly speaking, the ‘Blue Tiger’ stylus is really just a prototype right now but it is one of the iPad 3 accessories that has been generating the most hype and thus deserves a mention. Created by Ten One Design (the same people who manufactured the renowned ‘Pogo’ stylus), this is set to be a Bluetooth 4.0 stylus that will work with the iPad 3. It will let you vary the line weight, change opacity, and will even have an indicator to let you know what color it is currently using. Plus because it will support Bluetooth 4.0, it should be able to last an impressive amount of time on a single battery charge.
6. Logitech Solar Keyboard Folio
Just like many of the other cases that include Bluetooth keyboards, Logitech’s new addition provides much of the same with a faux leather black case that opens up to reveal a keyboard and a nice little adjustable prop that will stand your iPad up at two different angles depending on your preference. What makes this new folio unique however is the fact that its keyboard is solar-powered, and once it is fully charged it apparently can operate for 1,000 hours even in total darkness.
7. Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover
Yet another new accessory for the iPad from Logitech, this one is very much similar in design to the Solar Keyboard Folio except for the fact that it is thinner and doesn’t run off solar power. Also, instead of the faux leather casing, the Ultrathin Keyboard Cover features one of glossy black plastic. When not in use it protects your screen just like a Smart Cover, and it is really very, very thin.
8. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A8
As you probably know there are a lot of speaker-type accessories for the iPad, and most tend to utilize AirPlay so that it can stream music wirelessly to the speakers and the Beoplay A8 is the first Bang & Olufsen speaker set to support that. It should go without saying th at the sound quality is second to none, but then again so is the price tag that is well upwards of one thousand dollars.
9. Beats Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Instead of speakers, you could just try out the Beats Wireless Over-Ear Headphones for crisp (and private) enjoyment of music and tunes. These Bluetooth wireless headphones will provide you with the sound quality that has made Beats by Dr. Dre so famous, and also include a mic and the option to connect via a 3.5 mm jack if necessary.
10. Mattel Apptivity
One very interesting toy-slash-accessory series that was recently released will have to be the Mattel Apptivity range. Apptivity is a unique iPad experience where you run certain games on your iPad (in the form of apps) and then interact with them using specially designed toys such as the Apptivity Hot Wheels. For kids, there really is no accessory that is quite as much fun.
In the future you can expect even more accessories to surface for the iPad 3, especially those that feature Bluetooth 4.0 that will provide much greater power efficiency. For now though, you’re fairly up to date with the top 10 accessories that were released in 2012 so far.
