iLounge

Scosche has introduced its new netSuit and netSuit Pro carrying cases for the iPad and other netbook-sized devices. The netSuit is a neoprene sleeve-style case featuring a reversible design and flap closure; it is available for $15. The netSuit Pro is a more traditional, briefcase-style bag with soft microfiber lining for protection against scratches, a zippered main compartment,  external zippered pockets for additional storage, and handles that tuck into a pocket for added portability. It is also available now, and sells for $20.

Apple has banned protective screen film from its retail and online stores, iLounge has confirmed with several separate companies, a policy that will affect both cases and individual film packages beginning in May. In communications with vendors that have been ongoing for “some time now,” according to one company, Apple has said that it will remove both film-only solutions from its stores, as well as any case or other accessory that includes film protection as part of its package, such as cases that include film screen protectors. According to sources, the ban will impact all forms of screen film, including completely clear film, anti-glare film, and mirrored film, regardless of whether the purpose of the film is protective, decorative, or both. It will also prevent sales of film for iPods, iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. One vendor speculated that the ban is an Apple marketing attempt to suggest screen durability, despite scratches that have damaged both plastic and glass displays of its products for years.

It is believed that Apple’s move will have ramifications for the accessory industry outside of its own stores, as the Apple Store constitutes a significant fraction of total sales for many developers, even though accessory manufacturers also sell their products through other channels. Despite consumer demand for film solutions, which are currently ranked the #1 most popular “cases” for both iPods and iPhones in the Apple Store, and the #6 and #7 most popular overall iPhone and iPod accessories, respectively, developers might not create separate versions of each case product, one without film for sale by Apple, and one with film for sale elsewhere. iLounge requested details on the change from leading film developer Power Support, which had no comment, as well as several case makers, who were aware of the new policy but had nothing to add. However, Mirage Mirror Screen Protector vendor XGear suggested that despite the Apple Store ban, its “marketing positioning will not change. This will open many new doors for us as we move forward in my opinion.”

iLounge has requested comment from Apple on this story and will update this article with additional details as they become known.

Update: We’ve posted responses to common reader comments on this story in a separate article.

Wearable, Inc. has introduced its new AirStash wireless flash drive with built-in media server. Airstash is a small device featuring a USB port on one end and an SD/SDHC card slot on the other. Once a card is inserted, users can fill the card with media from their desktop or laptop PCs, and then use the AirStash’s built-in Wi-Fi media server to access the content from any Wi-Fi-capable device with a web browser. Notably, the device’s browser-based interface has been optimized for the iPhone, iPod touch, and the iPad using HTML5, allowing Apple’s mobile devices to play and/or access any document, photo, audio, or video format supported by the iPhone OS. The AirStash is available now for $100.

Orbino has unveiled its new Padova Case for the Apple iPad. This form-fitting flip-style case is hand-stitched with waxed thread and constructed from fine leather and exotic animal skins. Features include a brushed metal Home button cover, a protective front cover with magnetic closure that flips open to serve as a vertical or horizontal stand, cutouts for the volume buttons, screen rotation lock switch, speakers, and headphone jack, and compatibility with Apple’s iPad Dock and iPad Keyboard Dock. Orbino’s Padova Case for the iPad is available for pre-order now in a variety of colors and materials; pricing starts at $209.

Belkin has introduced three new sleeve-style cases for the Apple iPad. The Vue Sleeve is made from neoprene and features a reinforced panel for screen protection, quilted lining, a transparent, expandable outer pocket for accessories, and zip closures on both the main iPad compartment and the exterior pocket. Also made of neoprene, the Max Sleeve features a pleated design that expands to fit more items inside, quilted lining, a reinforced panel for screen protection, and zippered main iPad and external accessory compartments. Finally, the Grip Sleeve combines a basic neoprene sleeve with a textured, laser-etched silicone surface for added grip, and also offers a soft inner lining, a reinforced screen protection panel, and a zippered closure. All three of Belkin’s new sleeves for the iPad will be available soon in purple or black and will sell for $40 each.

Alongside pre-orders of the iPad, Apple has begun accepting pre-orders for its initial range of iPad accessories. Apple’s iPad Case, priced at $39, the iPad Dock, which is priced at $29, and the iPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter, also priced at $29, are expected to ship April 3, the same day as the first Wi-Fi-only iPads. The iPad Keyboard Dock, which sells for $69, is expected to ship in mid-April, while the iPad 10W USB Power Adapter, priced at $29, is scheduled to ship in late April. In addition, the AppleCare Protection Plan for iPad was also available, extending the warranty and complimentary telephone support coverage to two years for $99. Curiously, no pre-orders are yet being taken for the iPad Camera Connection Kit, as it was not listed anywhere in the store, and while the Apple Bluetooth Keyboard is listed alongside these other accessories, no pre-order is necessary, as it is already widely available.

Macally has announced its new line of accessories for the upcoming Apple iPad. The MetroClear is a clear, snap-on hardshell plastic cover, while the MetroLink combines a clear hardshell back panel with a silicone edge for added shock protection and grip, the MetroChrome adds a mirror finish to the snap-on hardshell MetroClear, and the Metro keeps the snap-on hardshell design but comes in black with a non-slip surface. The FlexFit is a clear soft case made from non-slip TPU material, while the mSuit is made from form-fitting, non-slip silicone and features a textured rear suface for added grip. Macally’s other iPad case, the BookStand, is a folder-style case with a full front cover that folds behind the case to act as a horizontal stand. All of Macally’s upcoming cases for the iPad offer full access to all ports and controls.

The ViewStand is an aluminum frame/stand for the iPad that allows the device to be mounted in any orientation, and features a scratch proof thermo polyurethane coating, pass-though openings for charging, and the ability to be used in a variety of angles. Finally, the iP-PAD808 is a four-way privacy screen protector, offering four-way screen darkening, an anti-smudge and glare resistant material, and a non-damaging, residue-free adhesive for easy application and removal from the device’s screen. Macally’s new lineup of accessories for the iPad are listed as coming soon; pricing has yet to be announced.

ModulR, Inc. has introduced its new modulR iPad case. The modulR case is made from soft-touch elastic polymer covering a strong thermoplastic shell, and features a detachable screen cover, a textured rear surface for added grip, and four round accessory bumpers on the rear. These bumpers allow it to securely attach to a host of accessories, including a wall mount, kickstand, shoulder strap, and car mount. The modulR case for the Apple iPad is expected to be available this summer; pricing has yet to be announced.

iKit has introduced its new Dura Case for the Apple iPad. This hybrid case combines a hard shell plate with a soft-grip border to offer impact resistance and protection against scratches and dings. Features include a form-fitting design, open access to all ports and controls, and an included screen protector and cleaning kit. iKit’s new iPad Dura Case is now available for pre-order in clear or black and sells for $40.

Quirky has introduced its new Cloak case for the Apple iPad. The Cloak sports an office folder-like design and non-slip rubber construction, with plastic on the hinge mechanisms and support braces. The iPad slides into the case from the top, and is completely protected when the case is shut; the case can also be used to prop the iPad up on a flat surface by either folding back the front cover or using the plastic support brace located on the case’s inside cover. Quirky’s new Cloak case for the iPad is available for pre-order now in a variety of colors and sells for $36.

WaterField Designs has introduced its new Smart Case and Slip Case accessories for the Apple iPad. Joining the company’s previously announced Ultimate SleeveCase and iPad Suede Jacket, the Smart Case is a top-loading case featuring an impact-resistant plastic inner shell with light padding, leather accents on the sides, Ultrasuede lining for protection against scratches, a color fabric exterior, and a “powermesh” back pocket for accessories. The Slip Case is a simple sleeve-style case featuring a quick-access top opening, a piece of internal impact-resistant plastic for screen protection, Ultrasuede lining, a pull tab at the bottom to help with device removal, and a washable, water-resistant outer material for protection from moisture. WaterField Designs’ Smart Case and Slip Case for the iPad are available for pre-order now in a variety of colors and sell for $59 and $29, respectively.

Sprout Creation has introduced its new Vers Wood case for the Apple iPad. Handcrafted from solid hardwoods and bamboo, the case features steel reinforcement for added strength, a soft, scratch resistant lining, a form factor that covers the rear, sides, and bezel of the iPad, a top-loading design, open access to the 30-pin connector, volume controls, headphone port, home and power buttons, and an optional integrated vertical stand. Sprout Creation’s Vers Wood case for iPad is listed as coming soon and will sell for $80.

Philips has launched a new webpage dedicated to its upcoming accessories for the Apple iPad. Included on the page are a new sleeve-style soft case that offers a reversible design with different inner and outer colors, a leatherette case with a velcro-closure top flap, neoprene lining, and added padding for the screen, and a screen protector. Also shown on the page are a device-agnostic portable speaker and a pair of headphones; no exact product names, pricing, or release dates have yet been announced.

Booq has introduced its new Boa skin XS case for the Apple iPad. Boa skin XS is a low-profile, sleeve-style case offering a rigid, durable “Twylon” base for impact protection, neoprene outer skin, and a soft non-scratch interior for added display protection. While the Boa skin XS can be carried on its own, the design is also good for protecting the device while in another bag, pack, or purse. Booq’s Boa skin XS sleeve for iPad is available now in turquoise, yellow, violet, sand, or black, and sells for $30.

Vestalife has announced its new Mantis speaker system, the first speaker system with an iPad-compatible dock. The new Mantis will increase in overall size 25% from its predecessor to accomodate docking of the iPad, and will also see an increase in overall power to accomodate the iPad’s charging demands, which will also increase acoustic performance. Other features such as the folding speaker “wing” design, digital amplifier, down-firing ported subwoofer, auxiliary input and video output jacks, optional 4 AA battery operation, built-in USB port for syncing, and the included, full-function remote will remain from the original Mantis. The new Vestalife Mantis will be compatible with the iPad, iPhone, and iPod and will come in black, red, or silver; pricing and release information has yet to be announced.

Essential TPE has announced two new cases for the Apple iPad. The Puff sleeve | S is fashioned after a puffy winter jacket, and offers a high-gloss nylon exterior, 4mm of neoprene and foam lining, and a zip closure. It will sell for $30. The Ultra Protection sleeve | slim is a sleeve-style case featuring a cross-weaved, 1680D nylon exterior, soft interior lining, EVA foam padding, and a Velcro-closure top strip for keeping the iPad securely inside the case. It will sell for $35. Finally, the vivid protector (ar) is an optical quality, anti-glare PET screen protector that offers reduced moiré, and an included application solution kit. It will sell for $25. All of Essential TPE’s new protective solutions for iPad are expected to ship by the mid-March.

M-Edge, makers of cases and protective solutions for e-readers like the Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble nook, has announced a new line of cases for the Apple iPad. The lineup includes the FlexStand, a stand featuring rubber bumpers at each corner for holding the iPad and flexible steel legs for positioning the stand on different surfaces, the Leisure Jacket, a ripstop nylon case featuring a high density foam frame for protecting the iPad and a clear vinyl front cover that allows the iPad to be used while still encased, the Executive Jacket, a leather flip-style case with a plush fabric interior and the ability to be used as a horizontal stand, the Platform Jacket, a leather flip-style similar to the Executive Jacket but with a vertical-oriented design instead of horizontal, the Trip Jacket, a canvas and leather notebook-like cover with a horizontally-opening front cover and microfiber interior, and the Flip Jacket, which is similar to the Trip Jacket but with a vertically-opening design.

Also included in M-Edge’s lineup is the Latitude Jacket, a zip-open ripstop nylon case with polar fleece interior, the Page Sleeve, a simple, vertical leather case with microsuede interior, the Slip Sleeve, a horizontal canvas and leather case featuring a top-opening flap cover with elastic strap closure and microfiber interior, the Touring Sleeve, a zip-open neoprene case with polar fleece interior, the Hip Bag, a vertical, messenger-style canvas bag with microfiber lining and zip closure, the Journey Bag, a larger, horizontal messenger bag made from ripstop nylon and featuring a dedicated zippered fleece compartment for the iPad and a larger main compartment for chargers and other accessories, and the Destination Bag, a leather bag with microfiber interior, dedicated zipper pocket for the iPad, and an adjustable, removable shoulder strap. M-Edge’s line of new cases for the Apple iPad is listed as coming soon; pricing has yet to be announced.

Waterfield Designs has introduced its new Ultimate SleeveCase and Suede Jacket for the Apple iPad. The Ultimate SleeveCase for iPad is a fitted sleeve-style case featuring either a horizontal or vertical design, a flap opening with Velcro closure neoprene padding, Ultrasuede interior lining, an internal plastic insert for added screen protection, and a ballistic nylon exterior. Options include a shoulder strap and leather bottom trim. It sells for $55-$59.

The Suede Jacket for iPad is a low-profile sleeve-style case featuring Ultrasuede construction, a finger loop on either side for easy insertion/removal of the device, and an optional exterior pocket for headphones, cables, or other small items. It sells for $19-$25. Both of Waterfield Designs’ new cases for the Apple iPad are available for pre-order now and are expected to ship within one week of the iPad’s launch.

iKit has introduced its new Leather Sleeve Case for the Apple iPad tablet. Made from top-quality genuine leather, the Leather Sleeve Case features an embossed design on the interior and exterior, a secure, sleeve-style access flap, a slim, padded design, an included screen protector, and open access to all ports and controls. The iKit Leather Sleeve Case for the Apple iPad is available for pre-order and sells for $30.

Hard Candy Cases has unveiled its new lineup of cases for the Apple iPad tablet. The line includes the Hard Sleeve, a rigid EVA-foam case with specially fitted bumpers to keep the iPad in place, a soft interior lining, and a zippered closure. It sells for $50. A variant of the Hard Sleeve, Hard Candy’s Bubble Sleeve offers similar protection, but adds a raised, bubbled outer surface for added shock protection, and sells for $50. The Sleek Skin (previously Smooth Skin) is a form-fitting case made from TPU rubber, featuring a snap-on integrated screen protector that attaches to the rear of the case when not in use and open access to all ports and controls. It sells for $40. The Street Skin (formerly Rubber Protect) case for iPad is made from the same TPU rubber as the Sleek Skin, but offers a more rugged textured design, as well as the Sleek Skin’s snap-on integrated screen protector and open access to all ports and controls. It is priced at $40. Finally, the Hard Shell is a form-fitting polycarbonate case offering internal rubber bumpers, silicone-covered port access points, and a snap-on screen protector. It sells for $50. All of Hard Candy’s protective solutions for the Apple iPad are available for pre-order now and are expected to ship later this spring. Updated March 19 with changed names and pricing.