My iPad arrived on Friday. I didn't order any accessories since I really didn't know what I would need or want. In the past, I have been a little purchase-crazy when buying a new laptop, PC or gadget. I purposed that this time would be different.

On Saturday I took a little road trip and, of course, took my iPad with me. Right away it was clear I needed a case. A quick stop by the Mac Store and I had a Hard Candy Hard Sleeve case. Since I already have a bluetooth keyboard that works perfectly with the iPad, I needed a stand. While at the Mac store, I looked at Apple's $30 dock and can only say, “What were they thinking?” With its tiny 2.5in. wide base it appears unstable and the inch high back seems like it could stress the dock connector. I decided that I could do better, at least for my needs. A short quest led me to a small plate holder at Office Depot for $2.99. The dock cable can stay connected in both landscape and portrait positions. The only thing that could make it better is if it were hinged and folded flat so it could be easily carried.