Ultimate setup: Apple iPad Air
Here's all the gear you need to get more out of your skinny new tablet
You’ve got your svelte new iPad Air, marvelled at its sleek design, loaded up your apps and wrapped it up in cotton wool to protect its aluminium rear. Now what?
Why, you shower it with accessories of course. Here are a few we’ve rounded up to protect and enhance Apple’s latest iSlate:
Targus Versavu Rotating Case for iPad Air (£45)
The Targus Versavu combines a full-body case with a rotatable stand that’ll prop the Air up in both landscape and portrait orientations. A hard back shell will protect it from any nasty drops while the soft inner lining of the front cover should protect the screen from scratches.
Anker Astro Pro2 external battery power Pack (£70)
This huge 20,000mAh battery pack has enough juice in it to charge a laptop, so it should handle the Air with ease once its 10-hour battery has given up and gone to bed. Ideal for festivals and long flights, you’ll never be left wanting for a plug socket again. Just remember to give those peepers a break every few hours or so eh? Square eyes and all that.
Griffin Survivor for iPad Air (US$80)
Griffin’s rugged shatter-resistant polycarbonate case will happily protect your precious iPad Air from nasty drops, British downpours, dirt, sand and more, thanks to its built-in screen protector and hinged plugs which cover up all of the Air’s buttons and ports when not in use. Definitely one for sporty and/or clumsy gadgeteers, it’ll be available in the UK from 11 November.
Wacom Bamboo Solo stylus (£17)
Wacom’s squidgy rubber-tipped stylus is responsive and well-suited to doodling and writing alike, while its heavy, solid metal finish is a worthy partner to the iPad Air’s own premium build. The rubber nib is also replaceable, saving you from having to buy a new stylus after wear and tear kicks in. Fruit Ninja Marathons are taxing, after all.
Belkin storage cover (£30)
This case’s soft inner lining will treat your iPad Air’s beautiful aluminium build with the love and care it deserves, while its integrated expandable pocket will store your headphones, stylus and other bits and bobs. Who’s neat and organised now? You are, that’s who.
Seagate Wireless Plus 1TB hard drive (£150)
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak has already expressed his disappointment with the storage space available in the iPad Air, stating that 128GB just wouldn’t cut it for his vast media collection. If you’re in the same boat then this portable 1TB hard drive is the answer. It’s got more than enough space for even the heaviest media addicts and it can stream content up to eight different devices simulataneously via Wi-Fi.
Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Folio (£90)
Logitech’s keyboard case will transform the Air from a casual media consumption machine to a genuine workhouse. Apart from its standard keyboard (which trounces the Air’s onscreen offering) its water-resistant material offers protection on all sides and it’ll last a generous three months on a single charge
iRig Pro (£120)
The portable battery-powered iRig pro is a fitting way to celebrate the iPad Air’s 64-bit A7 processor, which has bumped up the maximum amount of tracks in GarageBand up to 32. Its MIDI input supports keyboards, pads and controllers and its audio and MIDI inputs can be used simultaneously along with effects pedals for even more control. Musical talent not included.
Cambridge Audio Minx Air 200 (£430)
This big and powerful wireless speaker packs in Bluetooth as well as Airplay, meaning it’ll play nice with nearly every single device you throw at it. From iPads to laptops, Android and Windows Phone 8 devices, there’s almost nothing it won’t shake hands with. Once you’ve connected your Air up to it you’ll enjoy detailed, open sound with punchy, room-filling bass.
Philips M1BT Bluetooth headphones (£238)
Philips’ new cans sound as good as they look, thanks to their dark blue faux-leather lining and built in controls, and they’re wireless too, meaning no annoying cables to get caught in train doors. It’s got two built-in mics for clear FaceTime nattering and a cable for when the rechargeable battery runs out too.
Dekke Slope stand (US$48)
This impressively minimalist aluminium stand will complement your shiny new iPad nicely – it uses two nanofoam pads covered with microscopic air pockets that use suction to hold your iPad in place. And because it holds the iPad at the back, it means you’re free to admire its lines, unblemished by grips and attachments. Lovely.
Esat Dedezade
Contributor 
