While perusing the Apple site the day after the official announcement, we noticed that the accessory options for the iPad were limited to only a charging dock, what seems to be a Bluetooth keyboard, and a plain, black leather case. Of course, the usual case makers started announcing their multi-colored coverings. For shame, we thought. Such an industry-shaking product deserves more than just a measly line-up of pre-release accessories.

We decided that instead of staring at an empty page at Apple.com, we’d put our brains together and conjure up some of our own ideas of incredibly useful add-ons for the iPad. We figure that with these particular add-ons, the iPad won't be referred to as an oversize iPod touch. After all, it's much more difficult to watch an iPod touch at arm's length.

A hand-strap for delivering presentations




Honestly, how the heck are you supposed to hold that thing without fearing that it will fall out of your hands and suffer a terrible fate? We figure, if there’s some sort of contraption that allows you to comfortably strap the iPad to your palm, it’ll be easier to draw on screen and direct some of the most amazing iWork presentations anyone has ever seen. You’ll become the envy of your coworkers, despite how ludicrous all that cloth and Velcro look wrapped around your hand. Actually, now that we think of it, it kind of reminds us of those Velcro ball and catch games.

Styli with brush heads




Calling all artists! Are you sick and tired of lugging around your ancient, and analog, sketchbooks and pencils? Does your back need a break from that ultra-heavy bag you’ve been carrying around your art school campus? The iPad will give both your back and your bank account a break--after you drop a minimum of $500 for it, that is. We envision a painting app that works with a plethora of capacitive touch paint brushes. Van Gogh painted outside, thanks to the iPad, you can too. Just keep any blades you own away from your ears. 

iPad padding 




We already cover our iPhones, iPods, and MacBooks in a wide assortment of cases to protect them from the elements and our inability to walk and hold a device at the same time. Sure, plenty of companies are going to try and release their own filly, colorful iPad sleeves and cases, but we're thinking about something a little more rugged. The outside is a thick layer of metal capable of stopping a 50mm bullet while the inside is as soft as a pile of billowy marshmallows. It's hardcore protection for totally crazy hobbyists who love living on the side of danger and dabble in activities like PARKOUR! 

Work out with your iPad



Gosh, perhaps one of the most annoying things about working out is not the physical activity itself, but the fact that it can take us away from things that are important in life, like our mobile devices. Why, then, can’t we implement some sort of docking station that can be strapped to almost any exercise equipment so our iPad can always be at iLevel…er, eye level.  

USB Hub



The idea of a USB contraption that could simultaneously charge devices like our iPhone and our iPod would make the iPad a more probable gadget to take with us on trips. Hook it up to the 30-pin dock connector and you have power and access to your fancy computing extras. After all, hauling around the light as a feather iPad--as opposed to an 8-pound MacBook--would make cruising to your vacation destination, a kindler, gentler experience for your spine. 

A human “buddy” dock: It gives hugs!



For those times when you’re just feeling a little lonely, plug your iPad into your hugging-arm-equipped "Buddy" dock and you’ve got an instant friend! It can compose your emails, help you cheat at Words with Friends, and alerts you if someone has de-friended you on Facebook--but not without first reminding you how awesome you are! And, if you’re feeling extra lonely, simply launch the Buddy app to access a variety of customizable features, including an option where you can select if your buddy is actually "more than a friend."

Steering Wheel Holster



Oh, the annoyances of other drivers on the road. Whether they’re dangerously drifting into lanes without even bothering to use their blinker, or driving at a snail’s pace in the fast lane, there are always times when we wish we had something to relax us from all the road rage that ensues during our morning commutes. That’s why, an iPad Steering Wheel Holster would bring so much more Zen to our lives. Instead of paying attention to all of the follies on the road, why not direct our negative anger towards a YouTube video of the ever-so-adorable puppy cam?

Giant solar charging case



It’s entirely probable that the iPad’s ten-hour battery life will wither away as time passes on. The last thing you want to happen is to be stranded in a most undesirable location (say, at the in-laws) without any form of distraction. This case has soft foamy padding on the inside, is equipped with a dock connector, and the solar panels on the outside will constantly keep your iPad ready for a quick game of Peggle, or a tweet about your brother-in-law's inability to get his Windows machine to startup.

iPad 'round your neck





Flava Flav’s second fifteen minutes of fame may be over, but his infamous gigantic clock chain necklace still lives in infamy. But of course, as time progresses, fashion fads and Internet memes must evolve to stay relevant. In this case, we’ve conjured up the idea of an extra sturdy watch chain that comfortably holds up your iPad to display the current time and date to all those who pass by.  The additional iPad app also shouts some of Flava Flav’s most notorious quotes. BOOOYYYYYYYY!

Screen Wiper

The iPhone and iPod touch both have the propensity to accumulate smudges and smears from frequent use. We figure that since the iPad is just a super-sized version of its predecessors, it will also become plagued by finger smudges. Which further leads us to believe that you’ll need a heck of a utility tool to clean that thing. An industrial strength, iPad-friendly squeegee will be able to remove all of the drool stuck to your iPad from staring at Spock.  Far more useful than your typical 2-by-2-inch microfiber cloth.

The folks over at Joy of Tech also conjured up some of their own iPad carrying case ideas.

Got an insane iPad accessory you'd like to share with the world? Drop it in the comments.