Apple's iPad: Which accessories should you buy?

After deciding whether to pre-order the iPad or wait until it goes on sale, and then deciding which hardware configuration to get, your poor little brain is probably exhausted. But you're not done yet -- you still have to decide which accessories to buy.

This is kind of a crapshoot. I pre-ordered iPads for myself and my wife on Friday. I went for two docks, at $29 each. The iPad comes with a charging and synching cable, but I think we'll probably be happier having options for the iPad to stand up.

I went for the keyboard dock as well, at $69, but only one of those. I'm hoping I can use the device as a notebook replacement, and for that I'll need an external keyboard. I didn't think my wife will care about the keyboard, which is why I only bought one. If she does we can always reconsider.

A Bluetooth keyboard, also supported by the iPad, priced at $69, might be a better option. The keyboard dock is attached to the bottom of the iPad, which means you're stuck with one viewing and typing position, but with a Bluetooth connection you can move the keyboard and iPad around for maximum comfort. I'm starting to have second thoughts and wishing I bought the Bluetooth keyboard, but I don't want to change my order and risk the iPad arriving late, so I'll just hang tight.

I got two cases for $39 each, to protect the screen when carrying the unit around. I expect there'll be a lot of options for cases available in the next year, including some attractive leather ones that double as gear-bags. I'm kind of a sucker for cases and gear-bags, so I expect to buy a replacement case or bag soon enough.

And I got Apple Care for each iPad. The units come with a year of support, Apple Care extends that for another year. Apple Care is great, get it for all your Apple products.

Accessories I didn't buy:

10w USB power adapter, $29, which lets you charge your iPad directly from a wall outlet, rather than hooking it up to a computer. I need to look into whether the keyboard adapter includes that capability. If not, I'll want the power adapter if I'm going to use the iPad as a notebook replacement, especially on overnight trips.

iPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter, which lets you connect the iPad to TV, monitor, projector, or LCD. I'll probably need that at some point. I expect I'll use the iPad to give presentations. But I don't have any presentations lined up, so I'll wait.