Sometimes, you buy an iPad case because it offers good protection.  Maybe you'll buy one because it looks good.  Other times, you buy it because it comes with extra features you want.  The Padintosh leaps over all of those reasons: you'll buy it because it's ridiculously awesome.

Made by Thumbs Up World, it's an iPad case that resembles the front panel of the classic Macintosh from 1984.  All the familiar elements are integrated -- off-whitish color, a floppy drive and a whole lot of character as only the Apple of that era can deliver.  It's not a 1:1 reproduction (the screen on the original Macintosh, for instance, was just 9 inches -- smaller than the iPad's), but it will do.

More novelty than a useful accessory, the actual Padintosh case is about twice the size of the iPad 2, giving you plenty of material to grab on to while playing Atari games on your tablet.  It doesn't really make it easier to transport your iPad, browse on your iPad or do anything with your iPad, but we still bet this thing will fly off shelves as soon as they hit.  Oh yeah, you can stand the entire thing on a wall, so it looks like you've got a real 80s-era Macintosh (just add a keyboard at the bottom for more realism).  Compatible with the Smart Cover, too.

The Padintosh for iPad 2 is currently on preorder from Firebox.  Price is £19.99.

[Firebox]

Chances are, you use your iPad around the house more than a regular computer.  After all, the portability makes it easy to use in bed, on the couch and, pretty much, anywhere you want.  But what if you want to use your tablet on a stand while on an unstable surface, like for watching a movie with the iPad on your lap? That's where the CushPad comes handy.

Looking like a Chumby-shaped pillow, the combination stand/cushion features a front slot for holding an iPad snugly and an extended base so it stays upright while laid over less-than-ideal surfaces.  Definitely beats having to lay the tablet over a pillow so you don't have to clasp it in hand, right?

Designed to securely hold the iPad 2 (it's not a fit with the original iPad), the CushPad's loading area can handle both landscape and portrait orientations.  It has non-slip material both inside and outside, so it won't slide when put over smooth surfaces.  The cover can be removed for washing, too, so you don't have to live with a dirty accessory when the thing gets a little grimy from use.  Could be a great way to keep your iPad safe when you let your kids play with it, as well.

The CushPad is available now, priced at $34.99.

[CushPad]

There are generally two types of iPad cases: those that add functionality to your tablet (like standing it to movies or mounting to a wall) and those that serve as a single-purpose carrying case.  The Ottocase Byze is among the latter and it fulfills its deed with elegant style.

Designed to work with both the first and second generation iPads, the case is a simple landscape pouch with a flap.   Aimed at those who prefer to roll business-like with their gadgets, it bears an understated that's more classy than hip.

The Ottocase Byze is made from genuine high-quality leather with complimentary outer stitching for those who like their cases as adult as they are and alcantara lining on the interior to provide necessary protection from scratches.   The flap stays shut using a hidden magnetic closure, so you don't have to worry about the pouch accidentally opening while you're walking.

Fit doesn't appear to be too tight, so we're guessing you can cram an iPad with a skin cover in there for double the protection.  And if you've already got enough black accessories that you don't really want another one, they do offer it in a variety of colors, including brown, white, red and tan.

Amazon has the Ottocase Byze available, priced at $95 each.

[Amazon]

Military geeks use iPads too.  And the GumDrop Drop Tech series looks exactly like the kind of case those so inclined should be rocking.

Physically, this thing looks gnarly.  Clad in a reptile-like shell with scalloped surfaces (for better grip), it's how I'd imagine soldiers in battle carrying their iPads.  Each bundle brings complete security for the iPad 2, as well, even shipping with its own screen protectors (including a privacy screen cover) and port covers.

The GumDrop Drop Tech Series Case measures 12.1 x 1.5 x 9.9 inches and adds about a pound of weight to your gadget.  Its main selling point are the multiple barriers of shock absorption, which uses two levels of shock-absorbing TPU rubber to serve its protective functions, along with corner bumpers for further reinforcement.  You also get a microfilm dust filter with the set, so you can take it to the desert and not worry about tiny speckles getting inside.

If Batman had an iPad 2, he'd have the black version of this thing.  Seriously.   It comes with a belt clip, too, so the Dark Knight doesn't even have to tweak anything on that Batbelt to hold this thing.

Amazon has the military-inspired GumDrop Drop Tech Series For iPad 2 in a variety of colors, priced at $69.95.

Gumdrop Drop Tech Military Edition Case for Apple iPad 2, Army Green (DS-IPAD2-ARGRN-V2)

Ever seen one of those watertight plastic bags that people put their iPads in?  While that works for waterproofing your tablet, it's all ghetto as hell.  Apple gadgets deserve to look good no matter the function and this Aqua iPad Case should help you do just that.

Rigged to keep your gadget pretty while keeping it protected, it's the perfect case to house the iPad in whether you're tanning on the beach, lounging by the poolside or relaxing in the tub.  It's waterproof up to one meter, too, so you can drop the whole thing in the water and pick it back up like nothing happened.

The Aqua iPad Case features a waterproof Perspex shell, framed with rubber sealing and a touch-sensitive transparent skin.  That way, you can use the iPad's touchscreen, button and cameras as normal, all while protecting it from any potential encounter with wetness.  The shell is reasonably slim, with an attractive design, especially when compared with many of the waterproof cases in the market.

According to the product page, you can even use the cameras to take underwater videos and pictures (just make sure you stay within one meter of depth, though).  Aside from water, the case will also repel sand, dust and snow, making it an ideal iPad housing during outdoor trips.  If you cook with your iPad in the kitchen, it should cover the deed, too, so you don't suffer the effects of spilled food and sauces while copying recipes off Epicurious.

Firebox has the Aqua iPad Case now, priced at £34.99.

[Firebox]

When it comes to propping up the iPad at versatile angles, nothing beats a dedicated stand.  And when portability is an issue, it's hard to do better than the Arkon IPM-TAB, a fold-up stand that you can compact into a bundle the size of a pocket knife when not in use.

Measuring 7 x 1 x 1 inches when closed, the easel-type stand can easily slide into your pants pocket or any spare compartment in a bag.  At 8 ounces, it barely registers any weight at all, making for one convenient accessory to have around.

During use, simply unfold the Arkon IPM-TAB1, adjust the legs and backrest, and throw your tablet onto the assembly.  The grooves on the legs can work with iPads even with a case on, along with other brands of tablets (unless they're exceptionally thick like the Windows ones from early 2000s).

Since the separation of the legs and the angle of the backrest can be adjusted, you can set up your iPad at practically any angle in both portrait and landscape views.   The only limitation is during charging -- since it's not that elevated, you won't be able to charge in portrait view (unless you orient it with the charging slot on top).  It comes with non-skid traction material at the base, too, so the tablet doesn't slide around even when you type on it.

Whether it's for browsing with the free use of both hands, reading recipe instructions while cooking, or watching a movie you actually like on a plane, the Akron IMP-TAB1 should prove a helpful addition to your pocket stash.  It's available from Amazon, priced at $10.

Arkon Portable Fold-Up Stand for Apple iPad, Galaxy Tab, BlackBerry Play Book

Do you also find it annoying having to remove the iPad from its case to stand it on a table?  You won't have to with the Ctech 360 Degrees Rotating Case, a richly-featured but affordable accessory for the iPad 2.

The main selling point here is the rotating feature that uses a swiveling mechanism in the rear to move your iPad a full 360 degrees while it remains inside the holding frame.  More than functional, the rotating hardware enhances the accessory's appearance, too, complete with an Apple logo printed in the center that's visible from the exterior.

The Ctech 360 Degrees Rotating Case is made from bicast leather, with soft microfiber lining inside to keep scratches away.   Designed for quick installation, just snap the iPad 2 to the holding frame (which comes with cutouts for port and control access) and it's set.

Smart Cover features are integrated into the case, prompting your tablet to sleep when the lid is closed and wake once it's opened.  The front lid also comes with three grooves that you can use to set the iPad 2 up at different angles, both in landscape and portrait modes.  And, yes, the slate need not be taken off the holding frame to shift from one to the other.

While the Ctech 360 Degrees Rotating Case isn't the first accessory we've seen to feature this kind of design, it's easily the most affordable we've come across.  Plus, it looks just as expensive.  It comes in multiple colors (including black, white, purple, green, pink and red), priced at $18.95.

360 Degrees Rotating Stand (Purple) Leather Case for Apple iPad 2 with smart cover wake/sleep capability

While I appreciate the functionality of a folio-type case, I really prefer to use the iPad without that much extra material getting in the way.  I'll take a silicone skin to keep off scratches and a good sleeve for putting away over most other accessory any day.  And the Timbuk2 Pop Up just might be my favorite sleeve right now.

Unlike many sleeves, this isn't just some soft material to cover the iPad.  Instead, it's a semi-rigid pouch with internal molded attachments and high-density foam that will give added protection to your tablet.  It can fit both first and second generations of Apple's tablet, even with a skin, a back cover or a Smart Cover on.

The Timbuk2 Pop Up iPad Sleeve measures 8.6 x 10.6 x 0.7 inches and weighs 0.77 lbs.   The semi-rigid outer includes a a fold down flap closure that ensures the tablet stays inside  the sleeve no matter how you hold it, with faux fur lining on the interior to keep accidental scratches out of your slate.

If the whole reason you want a case is because it integrates a viewing stand, well this sleeve gives you the same.  A clever folding mechanism allows the sleeve to double as an instant accessory for propping the iPad up a table in both landscape and portrait orientations (only one angle, though).

Timbuk2 offers the Pop Up iPad Sleeve in a number of color combinations, so you won't be stuck with the same drab black or gray colorway that everything else always seem to come with.  Price is $35.

[Amazon]

Pelican has long built a reputation for making durable and watertight containers to transport sensitive gear.  And the Pelican i1075 Hardback brings that same rugged protection capabilities for your iPad.

Designed to work with both first and second generation iPads, it has interior space measuring 11.38 x 8.19 x 1.63 inches.   Customizable Plick and Pluck foam lines the bottom of the case, with a molded liner on the underside of the lid for impact shock protection.

The Pelican i1075 Hardback is a crush-proof iPad carrying case constructed from high strength ABS plastic.  It also keep out water and dust, with a built-in automatic purge valve balancing air pressure inside the shell.  The latch closures are designed to open quickly, all while being guaranteed to stay shut even after taking serious impact.

An easel insert  is included for standing the iPad in either portrait or landscape mode, so you can use it to watch or type without having to bring it away from the case.  Since the foam is customizable (with multiple layers), you can dump in a variety of gear like keyboards, chargers and other accessories right on the same case with no problems.  It comes with a removable carrying strap.

A broken iPad is a useless iPad.  The Pelican i1075 Hardback can ensure your content-consuming slate is duly protected through even rain, falls and rough tumbles.  It's currently listed at coming soon from Pelican's website, but should retail for around $70 (yep, a Pelican case that's cheaper than many premium iPad cases out there).

[Pelican]

The iPad was cleverly designed with a  wide bezel to make it easier to handle.  Except you want it even bigger because you have giant hands.  Well, you can get the Big Grips iPad Case.

While it works for big-handed individuals, the cases were actually designed for parents who would like to let their children use the iPad.  Except, you know, children break stuff, so the extra wide and thick frame makes for a nice compromise.

The Big Grips iPad Case measures 9.47 x 11.57 x 1.5 inches, giving your tablet a nice chunk of additional bezel to grab on to.  It's made from a grippy foam that's both child-friendly (no latex, lead, phthalate and PVC), light (just 7.1 ounces) and extra protective.  That way, regular slips and mishandling won't result in another broken gadget (well, not all the time anyway -- fingers crossed).

It's still not a great idea to leave your favorite gadgets in your children's hands.  This case, however, should make it a less scary proposition.  Plus, you can tell your friends you have this ridiculous-looking case on because your hands are too big.  And everybody knows what big hands mean.

Uncommon Goods has the Big Grips iPad case now in a variety of colors, priced at $35.

[Uncommon Goods]