This is the first of perhaps several wars between similar cases, stands, and skins for devices such as the iPad and the iPhone – two products that have more accessories than Mrs. Wayans has kids. This first war is a selection between some products that have quite different aims but have all been utilized to their maximum potential by your humble narrator. As it turns out, each of these units works rather well when you’re using your iPad 2 as a control unit for video viewing – either right on the device or feeding out through your HDMI converter to your HDTV.

Cygnett Platform Universal Tablet Stand

This stand was shown off at CES 2012 and we got an advanced look at it here, it being made entirely of metal save for the rubber-covered brackets and non-slip rubber cradle and coming in at $39.99 when it gets released. Unlike the other units in this battle, this stand can be used for any and all tablets you might have, including your Android, Windows, BlackBerry, and webOS devices all the same. You’ll be able to purchase this monster straight from Cygnett when the time is ripe (inside the next couple of months) in their online store.

Logitech Fold-Up Keyboard

This product works with the iPad 2 specifically and is certainly a cool customer when it comes to showing off its abilities to your pals. Folded down this unit simply makes your iPad look like a thick industrial-sized tablet made mostly of plastic. When you want a keyboard, on the other hand, you’ve only to hit the button that unlocks the unit and pull your iPad 2 up – swoop come the two sides of the keyboard, meeting in the middle for one big complete show! This device connects to your iPad 2 via Bluetooth and does need to be recharged from time to time, but makes typing one whole heck of a lot easier so long as you’ve got a flat surface to put it on. This unit is currently out of stock at Logitech but will cost you right around $129.99 wherever you end up finding it.

Speck HandyShell

This case made by Speck is by far one of the simplest case and stand all-in-one units I’ve ever seen. It’s got a reinforced one-piece construction for the case part and a flip-out handle on the back that’s got a tension that allows for it to stand at nearly any angle. This case is the only one of the three that does not allow for the usage of your Apple-made Smart Cover, but given that you’ll be using your device for a video and/or living photo frame from now on anyway, who cares? This shell is available right this second in Speck’s online shop for a cool $54.95 and is one of about a billion different cases the group offers.

The Winner

When you take all the instances in the world that I use the iPad 2 for on a daily basis, there’s more than one answer for which case wins this war. Though I’m certain the Logitech unit has its uses for those of you that use your iPad to blog, write lots of emails, and network socially, I’ve not had enough real-world use cases to be able to suggest it as the all-out winner. The HandyShell has proven itself time and time again not only as a stand for hands-off usage of the iPad 2, the handle keeps showing off its uses each time I play a game with the unit – at $54.95, it’s worth the money all day long. Finally the Cygnett Platform Universal Tablet Stand is a perfectly excellent stand for home or business use – it’s certainly not a good choice for traveling anywhere since it doesn’t fold down at all, but just sitting in one place it can’t be beat!

The PixelSleeve Air is a tight fitting sleeve that wraps your MacBook Air in a textured neoprene exterior with a soft micro-fleece interior.  Featuring Speck’s trademark pixel-pattern design on the outside giving it grip and style, the PixelSleeve Air has also been made zipper-free so that it’s airport security friendly.  The PixelSleeve Air will be available in February in Black, Aubergine, and Peacock for $34.95 MSRP

The SeeThru and SeeThru Satin Cases are two piece cases that snap onto your MacBook Air giving you a tight fitting hard shell protection.  The minimal design offers access to all the port areas and access to the back/hinge area.  The four rubberized feet on the bottom help keep your laptop in place as you open and close the screen.  The ultra thin plastic doesn’t add bulk to your MacBook Air while providing protection.  The sleek and shiny SeeThru is available in Clear right now, with additional colors Cobalt and Rasberry available in March.  The SeeThru Satin has a frosted look with a soft-touch rubber coating that still allows the Apple logo to shine through.  The SeeThru Satin is available in Black right now, with additional colors Aubergine, Mango, and Peacock available in March.  Both are $49.95 MSRP

[Via BusinessWire]

The case isn’t shipping just yet, but will cost you $59.95 when it does. It has a very cool design that has a removable flip close lid that can be folded into a stand to prop the screen up for watching movies and video. The hard shell case has a soft rubber lining to prevent scratches and absorb shock when dropped.

The case also has a flip-back panel to allow the iPad to be docked and to be used with the keyboard dock. The button and port covers are rubber to offer protection. The case measures 0.87″ x 8.39″ x 9.8″ and it weighs 14.8 ounces.

The DustJacket for the iPad has a protective cover that opens and can fold back to support the screen of the iPad at different angles. The inside of the case is lined with microfiber for no scratches and the fake leather outside is padded for protection and comfort. The iPad case will sell for $49.95.

The Kindle 3 version of the case is the same basic design with a stand that fits flush with the cover and can prop the screen up for hands free reading. The interior is also lined with micro fiber and the case has a quick release locking tab. The Kindle 3 version sells for $34.95.

Speck has a special line of holiday iPhone cases that will fit the iPhone 3G/3GS and the iPhone 4. The cases are from the CandyShell line and you can get them in mistletoe green with Santa for all three iPhone models, poinsettia red with a snowman on the 3G/3GS only, or CherryIce blue with a snowman for the iPhone 4.

Each of the special cases is $29.99 and can be ordered up right now. Other than the special Christmas, designs the cases are run of the mill CandyShell offerings with protection from drops and scratches.

The A-Line 10 ($59.95) is apparently targeted at female iPad users, though the black/grey finish shouldn’t upset too many men (there’s also grey/purple and dark brown/red options) and the zip pockets inside and headphone openings will appeal to all.  It’s smaller than you’d expect from the pictures – remember, its microfleece-lined pocket is designed for a 10-inch device – but nicely padded.

As for the PortPack 10 ($49.95), that only comes in black with a grey and blue interior, and has the same microfleece lining as the A-Line 10.  It’s arguably more flexible, though, as it can be zippered closed to make a smaller bag when you’re not wanting to carry everything in your gadget drawer.

Finally, the CorePack FLY 10 ($49.95) is airline-friendly and can be sent through a scanner without having to pull out everything inside.  It has the same color scheme as the PortPack 10 but opens up to create a flat work-surface; more useful for netbook owners than those with iPads.  All three are available now.

Press Release:

SPECK INTRODUCES NEW TOTES AND BAGS DESIGNED FOR iPad, NETBOOKS, E-READERS AND SMALLER COMPUTING GADGETS

PALO ALTO, CA — September 15, 2010 – More and more computing devices fit into the “smaller than a laptop” category and Speck’s introducing a new line of versatile and fashionable carry bags and totes to accommodate them all. The three new offerings include the fashion-inspired “A-Line” Carry Tote along with the new PortPack 10 and Corepack FLY 10 Carry Bags designed specifically for today’s smaller devices such as iPad, 10” netbooks, tablet PCs and e-readers.

“Each of our new bags were designed for the wave of smaller portable devices hitting the market,” said Speck CEO Irene Baran. “From the purse-like styling of our A-Line carry tote, to the incredibly versatile design of CorePack FLY 10, to the understated and configurable PortPack 10, we feel our new bags offer the ideal balance of size, features and styling that make carrying these devices a pleasure.”

Speck’s new carry bags and totes for iPad, 10” netbooks, e-readers, tablet PCs and other smaller portable gadgets include:

A-Line 10 — Smartly Stylish Carry Tote

Finally, a clean, understated and fashionable tech tote that can hold your iPad, netbook, e-reader or other smaller device. The new tote takes its namesake from the apparel industry description for dresses and skirts offering the classic “A-Line” shape. Cute without being overwhelming and smart without looking like a nerdy nylon gadget bag, the A-Line Carry Tote was inspired by female users wanting a more stylish and fashionable purse-like look while carrying their devices. The zippered, padded and microfleece-lined main compartment holds and protects an iPad, netbook or e-reader, while two interior zippered pockets offer organized storage for other smaller essentials and include headphone cord pass-through openings. The A-Line features soft, comfortable fabrics, integrated shoulder strap and clean, single button front flap closure . Available in three distinct colorways to choose from – Grey exterior with purple interior lining, Black exterior with gray interior lining and Dark Brown with red interior lining, each $59.95 MSRP.

http://www.speckproducts.com/laptop-bags/netbooks-10/a-line.html

PortPack 10 – Versatile, Expandable Shoulder Bag

Navigating the urban landscape with your smaller devices is what PortPack 10 does best. This highly customizable bag stays slim when loads are light or unzips to expand to twice its capacity as needed. Low-profile zippered pockets offer extra storage space and organization for all the essentials, and a microfleece lined and padded zippered main storage compartment snugly holds and protects your iPad, netbook, or e-reader while on the go. Adjustable shoulder strap offers a perfect fit, headphone cord pass through openings keep the music playing and the front cover flap zippers off to create two completely different looks and accessibility options. Available in Black exterior with tartan plaid gray and blue accented interior linings for $49.95 MSRP.

http://www.speckproducts.com/laptop-bags/portpack-10.html

CorePack FLY 10 – Airport Checkpoint-Friendly Carry Bag Unfolds to Lap Desk

Open up CorePack FLY 10’s butterfly design and the bag instantly converts to a portable on-the-fly work surface. The butterfly feature is also airport security checkpoint friendly, allowing you to lay the bag flat without removing your device during x-ray scans. Use the over-the-shoulder strap, or the built-in brief case style carry handle to keep a comfortable grab on your gadget and essentials when on the move. A zippered, padded microfleece lined main compartment protects your iPad, netbook, e-reader or other small device and offers quick access. Headphone cord pass through openings allow for easy listening while your portable devices stay safely stowed in the zippered storage pockets. Available in Black exterior with tartan plaid gray and blue accented interior linings for $49.95 MSRP.

http://www.speckproducts.com/laptop-bags/corepack-10.html

Apple Bumper

The Cupertino company’s own case for the iPhone 4 is more accurately a rubber band that fits around the outer edge and gives some degree of knock protection while leaving the front and rear of the smartphone open.  Button and switch access is preserved, as is the headphone port and dock connector.  Buying one yourself would normally cost $29.

Belkin Shield Micra

The Shield Micra is a thin, skin-like case that adds little bulk to the iPhone 4.  It has cut-out holes for the controls, headphones socket and dock connector, together with the camera on the back.  It would normally retail for $25.

Griffin Reveal Etch

The Griffin Reveal Etch for iPhone 4 is another skin-style case, with rubberized edges and a hard polycarbonate back panel.  It too has cut-outs for the controls and ports, and adds 1.6mm to all the dimensions of the Apple smartphone.  It would normally retail for $29.99.

Griffin Motif

The Motif is made from a smoked polyurethane plastic that’s stiffer than a regular silicone case but more flexible than the polycarbonate back panel on the Griffin Reveal Etch.  It has a smooth finish and is scuff resistant, and includes cut-outs for the controls and ports.  It would normally retail for $19.99.

Incase Snap Case

The Incase Snap case for iPhone 4 is yet to get a product page on the company’s site, but judging by the existing iPhone 3GS/3G version it’s a simple clip on transparent back cover that protects the rear and edges of the handset.  That leaves the front and controls open, together with the ports.  We’re expecting it to retail for around $24.95.

Speck Fitted

The Speck Fitted case for iPhone 4 is another hard case, this time with a soft-touch coating.  It comes in two sections, front and rear, with the smartphone sandwiched in-between.  It retails for $29.95.

Speck Pixelskin HD

The Speck Pixelskin HD is a rubberized case which stretches to fit over the iPhone 4.  It has cut-outs for the ports and buttons, push-through volume controls and a repeating pixel pattern on the back with contrasting matte and gloss black plastic.  It retails for $29.95.

So, there are your choices: which will you go for?  Let us know in the comments!

The app follows word earlier today that Apple had begun refunding those who bought a Bumper through the official Apple Store online, with money automatically being returned to the payment method initially used (and including shipping and taxes).  However that does mean that those iPhone 4 owners won’t be able to choose a second case under Apple’s scheme, only get a refund for the Bumper they’ve already bought.

Right now there are only black cases available, and aside from the official Bumper you can take your pick from the Belkin Shield Micra, Griffin Motif, Griffin Reveal, Incase Snap Case, Speck Fitted and Speck PixelSkin HD.  Expected delivery time is three to five weeks, and the app checks your handset’s IMEI number so that you can’t get more than one.

In order to qualify, you need to have bought your iPhone 4 before September 30th (obviously that’s not a problem right now); however, if you bought it prior to July 23rd 2010 you need to apply for your free case no later than August 22nd.  Everyone else has 30 days from the point of purchase to apply.  You can download the app here [iTunes link].

Speck’s iPad case follows on from their Fitted Case range for Apple’s smaller mobile devices, the iPhone and iPod touch. Basically they’re a hard plastic shell covered in a fabric finish; there are various patterns available, some less outlandish than the check of our review sample.

Fitting the case is straightforward: the bezel and frame snaps off so that you can slot the iPad in-between it and the back panel. There are broad cut-outs for the dock connector and speaker along the bottom edge, together with the volume and orientation-lock switch on the side and the lock button and headphone socket on the top.

Once inside there’s no wriggle-room for the iPad to move about, and we’d certainly be a little more confident about dropping the tablet onto a table than in its bare state. Of course, there’s no display protection – Speck don’t even include a self-adhesive screen guard – so you’ll probably still want some sort of sleeve for transporting the iPad in your bag.

If you’re used to resting your wrist against the edge of the iPad while using it, you may find the slightly raised rubber bezel frustrating. Still, if you drop the tablet perfectly horizontally onto a flat surface then it might stop the screen from smashing. There’s also no kick-stand or way to prop the iPad up, as you get integrated into Apple’s own folio case, and you can’t dock the iPad into the Keyboard Dock while the case is on.

At $49.95 the Speck Fitted iPad Case is less obtrusive than Apple’s folio but $10 more expensive. Though it will arguably provide more impact protection to the back of the tablet, it does leave the front exposed – Speck sell an iPad screen protector, but you’d have to budget another $24.95 – and you may find yourself looking for a second case or sleeve. If you’re more worried about scratches to the aluminum back of the iPad when you leave it on the coffee table then the Speck is the case for you; those wanting 100-percent confidence when it’s in their bag may want to look elsewhere.