That was fast.
Apple’s iPad won’t be out until March, but that’s not stopping entrepreneurs from rolling out the accessories now.
Skooba Design may not be the first, but it certainly won’t be the last. A closer look reveals these to be existing netbook accessories that are being re-branded as “iPad-ready.” Still, in an economy like this, you have to give them credit for gumption.
Hit the jump to read a limelight-stealing press release I received today.
Rochester, NY, February 2, 2010—Skooba Design has announced that several of its new products are “iPad-ready”: The Netbook/iPad Messenger, Neo Sleeve, and RAPS “portable padding” are all available now.
The Netbook/iPad Messenger is a slim, lightweight but full featured courier-style shoulder bag with over a dozen pockets and organizer compartments. It has a dedicated, padded sleeve that’s perfectly sized for the iPad, with or without Apple’s optional leather folio cover. The sleeve also fits all popular netbooks, for those who prefer computers that fold. Available in 4 color combos at $49.95 suggested retail.
The Neo Sleeve is a stretchy, neoprene (wetsuit material) skin that hugs and protects the tablet, keeping it safe from the daily bump-and-grind, as well as the elements. And it’s “checkpoint-friendly,” so it can go through airport screening without taking the iPad out of the case—faster and much safer than throwing the tablet in a gray plastic bin. 4 color combinations, $19.95 suggested retail.
Skooba RAPS take a different, much simpler (and very economical) approach. These padded squares wrap around the iPad and self-fasten. The medium size wrap is perfectly sized to “origami” itself around the tablet, creating a nearly weightless, bulk-free envelope to protect the device in a school bag or briefcase. Other sizes available too, to wrap and protect just about anything. The medium wrap retails for $14.95.
