Some tips about purchasing iPad accessories online

Given that Apple’s new device has the same connections-dock connector, headphone jack, Bluetooth-as my iPhone or iPod touch, will it work with the accessories I already have? Which new iPad accessories online should I buy?

The iPad requires more juice than the iPhone or any iPod. As a result, no iPhone or iPod chargers we tested-AC or auto-were able to charge the iPad as quickly as its own 10-Watt USB charger. Higher-power USB chargers, such as Apple’s iPhone Power Adapter and some AC and auto chargers designed specifically for the iPhone, will charge the iPad, albeit more slowly, even while the iPad is in use. Other iPhone chargers, and most chargers designed for iPods, don’t provide enough juice to charge the iPad’s battery while the iPad is being used, you’ll see the message Do not charging in the iPad’s menu bar. (These lower-power accessories will power the iPad during use; they just can’t charge the battery at the same time. When you put the iPad to sleep, the iPad’s battery will charge, but very slowly.) So you should find iPad case for sale.

Here are two quick tips: First, if you’re shopping online for an iPad bag, and you see one that’s already available for purchase, check the bag’s specs with Apple’s iPad specifications, or e-mail the vendor, to confirm that the shipping product actually fits the iPad well; some vendors are retooling their bags and cases now that the iPad is officially available. Second, if you see a bag that claims to be perfect for both iPads and netbooks, be doubly careful. Fit the iPad well-the iPad is much thinner than the typical netbook and ends up swimming around in the computer compartment in many of these bags. Distinguish ergonomic laptop desk with iPad bag.