Whether you just bought the iPad 2 or are looking for a new case for your original iPad, the market is filled with a plethora of cases and covers each designed for a different type of iPad user. While some iPad cases are inexpensive, many of them are considered an investment because of their high quality material and functional design, which comes with a less-than-modest price tag. Before making a purchase, consider these 4 types of iPad cases.

The simplest of the iPad cases are ones designed exclusively for protection from drops, spills, scratches or bumps. Protective iPad cases include skins and sleeves. An iPad skin is a silicone case that fits snugly over your iPad and remains in place as you use you device; these cases would be similar to the skins available for laptops and Wii remotes. While skins offer light, unobtrusive protection, iPad sleeves offer greater protection from falls. Travel-friendly sleeves fit securely around the iPad, and it can be removed for use.

These book-style, or folio, cases offer users lightweight protection with some functionality. Most feature a front cover that opens to the top or side to reveal the screen. Various levels of padding and material are available, but most offer lightweight designs with easy access to use the iPad. The functionality of these cases is in the often included stands; some of the covers flip around to create a stand for the iPad that makes it easier and more comfortable to view.

Mounting Cases

A small, but growing, iPad case market is the set of cases designed specifically for a range of mounting and viewing options. These, often hard-shelled, cases are designed to protect the iPad while allowing for multiple display options, including mounting on the wall, attaching to a table-top stand or strapping to a car headrest.

Keyboard Cases

These iPad cases are designed to incorporate a keyboard into a protective case for the iPad. Most often, these cases have a book or folio style with a font cover that folds out to hold a full Bluetooth keyboard. Many are designed to offer multiple stand configurations for the iPad itself so that users can achieve the ideal viewing angle. These top-of-the line cases are ideal for iPad users who use their iPad as a laptop replacement or who prefer to have a full keyboard.