Accessories
There is a huge variety when it comes to iPad accessories, something for everyone's tastes and needs. Below are options for keyboards and a stylus. While a keyboard is not a necessary purchase, our experience has been that for long writing assignments, it can be beneficial. The stylus is good for hand-writing apps, such as Notability and Penultimate, or for any drawing/painting apps.
IMPORTANT: Please keep in mind when purchasing a case and/or keyboard that it is compatible with the New iPad.
IMPORTANT: Please keep in mind when purchasing a case and/or keyboard that it is compatible with the New iPad.
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Keyboards
Keyboards come in a variety of styles, here are three examples. All external keyboards are either batter powered or need to be charged via USB. 1) These keyboards from Logitech are wired, and connect to the Lightning Connector at the bottom of the iPad. They don't need to be charged as they get their power from the iPad. We have these available for checkout in our library, but they can also be purchased at Amazon. 
2) Folio style keyboard. There are a number of companies that make this style, a protective case with built-in keyboard. Some have the rubber keys (which we do not recommend), while others offer plastic keys similar to a standard keyboard.
Pros: Built into the case. Cons: Smaller keyboard than the first example, most cannot be positioned in portrait view, most do not protect the iPad corners, must be continuously charged. 
3) Ultrathin Keyboard Cover. One of the newest keyboards, also from Logitech, uses the magnets in the iPad 2 for the smart cover, so it closes like a book. When in use, it props up like the other Logitech keyboard above.
Pros: Thin form factor, magnetic attachment to the iPad, protective cover, good battery life. Cons: Does not protect the back of the iPad. 
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Stylus
There are also a variety of different styli. Here are the different types you may encounter: 1) Standard stylus, much like a pen with a round tip. These are the most common, and come in a number of different sizes and prices. Some even come with one end stylus, the other end pen. This example, called Bamboo, is from Wacom. 
2) A bit different from the standard, this stylus from Kuel has a telescoping feature so you can store small but use long. It comes with an attachment so you can keep it tethered to the iPad (through the headphone port) when not in use.
3) The Adonit Jot Stylus has a unique design. The tip has a clear plastic disc, so the point is sharp, giving you a much more pen-like feel. There are pro and standard versions of this stylus.
4) The Cosmonaut, from Studio Neat, looks like a crayon. It's much larger, and feels solid in the hand. This one is very comfortable for hand-written notes.
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