Strange But True: Weirdest iPad Accessories

Dec

2010

Robert Workman, iPadNewsDaily Contributor
03:05 AM ET

There are a ton of iPad accessories available nowadays, from keyboard attachments to protective cases to speaker set-ups. Most of them are pretty cool, both the onese made by Apple and reliable third party companies. But for every sensible product , there's that weird, oddball one that doesn't quite fit. They're not useless, for the most part, but you'll be scratching your head wondering why they were made or, even weirder, who they were made for.

With that, here are some of the weirdest iPad accessories and peripherals we've come across to date. You can find them pretty easily if you feel you have a use for them, but we advise you to think it over before you do so.

You just can't make this stuff up.

WaterGuard Waterproof Case

So let's say you're an impulsive iPad user that can't wait to get out of the shower in order to use your device. Or you're a sea captain that can't bare the thought of being without your beloved device. Maybe you're going on a cruise and have an incredibly heavy fear that water will splash up onto your deck and soil your tablet. Well, then, the WaterGuard Waterproof Case is for you. The case goes for $19.99, and essentially wraps your iPad around what appears to be a high-tech Ziploc bag. Thankfully, it can still reach your touches through the plastic coating. So you're safe...unless water actually gets inside the bag. Dun dun dunnnnnn!

Scottevest iPad Jacket

If you're one of those on-the-go travelers that doesn't feel like carrying around your iPad in a case, but still wants to be dear and near to your tablet, then Scottesvest has a jacket for you. The $600-priced iPad jacket (What?) comes with a large enough pocket to slip your iPad into, without any material inside that could damage the screen or casing. On top of that, the jacket is made of quality material, supplied by Mohan's Custom Tailors. Hey, for that price, we'd expect a top-notch jacket, too.

Attention people who must carry device on their bodies: The Samsung Galaxy Tab will fit easily into non-custume made clothing.

Suction Base

It's bad enough that people use an iPhone when they're driving, as well illegal in many states. Now there's the Suction Base, a set-up station that mounts to your car's frame and allows you to touch your iPad screen from the convenience of your driver's seat. This might be a good idea for some particular jobs, like police dispatch or someone who's using the Google Maps feature to access a route, but otherwise, it's not very practical. Besides, can you really play Angry Birds HD while you're driving to work? Do you even want to try?

iClothing

Who needs a necklace when you can head out to your next party touting an iPad? An Australian company produces the iClothing line, which comes with a built-in pouch (not cultural stereotype- it is like 'roo pouch) that lets you carry around your baby, I mean device in a hands-free fashion, pulling it out when you need it the most. It's not nearly as secure as the Scottevest -- as it's too much in plain view -- but it is way cheaper. We recommend these only if you're heading to tech company's Halloween party. In that case, these $45 shirts (or $90 dresses) might just be worthwhile.

Thipad

Let's say you're a person who prefers to use both hands on an iPad, particularly when you're sending an e-mail or using a writing program. But, surprise, the iPad won't stay stable in your lap. Say hello to the Thipad, a $20 strap system that wraps around your thigh and gives the device a nesting place on your right leg. It's practical, sure, but if you need to get up in a hurry, you might be disgruntled by having to unstrap the iPad from your body or clumsily try to get up while it's still attached. Plus, the name is just corny. Thipad? Really?

iMaxi

Seriously? We're looking at this thing and saying, "It has wings!" What looks like an enormous maxipad is in fact a protective case for your iPad. Here's the product description from Etsy. “With its durable vinyl outer layer and plush, quilted-cotton sleeve, the iMaxi helps keep your iPad clean and dry. Plus, the iMaxi’s Velcro-latched, advanced wing design wraps snugly around your device, so your iPad always stays where it should. Best of all, it shields it from all those unsightly and embarrassing data leaks that would make any motherboard worry!" All this and a $30 price tag. Oh, yeah, that's a real value, kids.

We think this was leftover stock that needed to be repurposed. But that is just our opinion.

iPad Bacon Case

Everything is better with bacon. But an iPad?

Last but not least, we have one of the most bizarre looking iPad protective cases to date -- one that resembles a large piece of bacon. The iPad Bacon Case, which goes for $59, wraps around your device and keeps it protected from dust and clutter, while at the same time resembling a large piece of food. It's a decent enough case, but, really, bacon? Not only does it look too good to be true, but it makes us hungry enough to break open a package of Jimmy Dean and fry it up. And God help us if we wrap our iPad in actual bacon. We'd never get the grease off!