Less cables and more convenience is on its way to the iPad 2 thanks to a new charging and mounting solution from LaunchPort. The PowerShuttle comes in black and white to match the iPad 2, as serves as an exterior case. The magic happens when the PowerShuttle is coupled with a charging station.

Two different stations are available, the WallStation and a BaseStation. These are magnetic iPad 2 mounts that connect wirelessly to the PowerShuttle, mounting the tablet. Not only this, but the device begins to charge immediately when it's magnetically attached to the station.

The magical device pictured below may not look much like a Bluetooth iPad keyboard. In fact, this three-inch high little accessory projects a virtual laser keyboard onto any flat surface in its path. An optical sensor recognizes keystrokes in three dimensions, making the Magic Cube the ultimate portable keyboard from the future.

That is, of course, if it actually works. Preliminary reviews of a similar device, the Celluon Prodigy were not so flattering at CES. The Prodigy does have a much different design, being built into the side of an iPhone case.

Next generation iPad cases have already begun popping up in China. The latest comes from the case manufacturer Chinee, who claims Apple will release a slightly thicker iPad, possibly called the iPad 2S, sometime this year.

Case manufacturers have already led us astray with the iPhone 5, and now they're starting to contradict each other when it comes to the next generation iPad. An unnamed iPad case designer recently told Cult of Mac that the iPad 3 would be thinner, not thicker. However, Chinee claims to have inside information from sources within Apple’s supply chain. If Chinee is correct, the new iPad will be 1mm thicker than the iPad 2.

There are a lot of iOS accessories being shown off at CES in Las Vegas this week. Several multi-docs have been showcased including XtremeMac's new InCharge lineup. The only difference between the InCharge Duo Plus, InCharge X3, and InCharge X5 are the prices and how many devices each multi-dock holds. The $100 X3 holds three devices and the $150 X5 holds five. Pricing for the Duo Plus hasn't been announced. All three multi-docks feature an LED status indicator, rubber feet, case-friendly charging cradles, and are 10 watts per dock.

Another interesting iPad accessory is the Targus iNotebook. It allows you to wirelessly transfer what you write on paper to your iPad. The Bluetooth-enabled iNotebook communicates with a special pen that doubles as a stylus which can also write directly on the iPad without scratching it. The iNotebook ships with a replaceable 9 ½ x 7 ½ notepad and leather portfolio case. There is also a free iNotebook app available in the iTunes App Store. The app allows notes to be saved to iCloud so you can transfer them to other devices later. It also offers Facebook and Twitter integration for sharing notes socially.

The ION Guitar Apprentice is basically an iPad case that turns your device into a miniature guitar. The wireless controller and free app offers an easy way for iPad owners to learn how to play the instrument. The built-in speaker with volume control allows you to play anywhere, or you can plug directly into the iPad headphone input for privacy.

Guitar Apprentice is compatible with GarageBand and a dozen other popular iPad apps. It features a full-scale guitar body with strap pegs, fitted iPad holder with 30-pin dock connector, lighted fretboard and free guitar-teaching app. The app includes built-in effects like distortion, reverb and flanger delay.

Next on the list of great ideas is the TouchFire screen-top keyboard, a new iPad accessory that provides tactile keys without extra bulk. In fact, an external keyboard isn't needed, because the TouchFire simply overlays the iPad virtual keyboard right on the glass display.

The silicone keypad is designed to fit perfectly on a horizontal iPad in typing mode. A non-slip surface on the bottom keeps TouchFire in place, and with the iPad 2 there are strategically placed magnets to anchor the keypad. The idea is to provide a typing experience closer to a traditional keyboard while using the on-screen virtual iPad keys.

Ever worry that your iPad is bombarding you with radiation when connected to a 3G mobile data signal? We're used to hearing about SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) when it comes to mobile phones, however tablets are also regulated by FCC limits. Pong Research has experience developing smartphone cases that divert potentially harmful energy away from the user's body.

Now they have launched the Pong iPad and iPad 2 case, to provide the same antenna technology to tablet users. The Pong case diverts radiation away from the user, reducing the SAR by up to 82 percent of FCC limits. The case also provides enhanced 3G connection performance.

External speakers for the iPad come in all shapes and sizes, including stationary docks that boost sound and improve audio quality. After all, the built-in iPad speaker can only do so much. The iMainGo XP takes the concept a bit further and integrates four high-quality speakers directly into an iPad case, for total portability.

The case is self-powered, with 8 hours of battery power provided on a single charge. iMainGo XP not only protects the iPad or iPad 2, but it unfolds to reveal the speakers and tuned bass ports. Despite its full sound, the case is only 1.5 inches thick and will add just 2 pounds to the weight of your iPad.

More evidence of a thicker iPad 3 design has surfaced from Asian suppliers. The latest report from Macotakara claims to reveal an iPad 3 prototype case photo, as seen below. This prototype is incredibly boring, and indicates no cutouts for a rear camera or any other distinguishing marks that help prove it's an iPad case.

If this silver blob means anything, the iPad 3 will not only be thicker, but the back of the iPad 3 could be a return to the curved profile see in the original iPad. This form factor was replaced by the second generation iPad's flat back and thinner profile. If Apple is indeed planning to increase this dimension on the iPad 3, there had better be a good reason.

The iStation dock is the latest iPad accessory to reinvent a piece of Apple's design history. The iPad rests on top of the iStation, connecting to its internals via Bluetooth. A removable wireless keyboard is included, resting securely in the bottom of the iStation.

When installed, the iPad serves as the display screen, and the whole contraption resembles a typewriter or a retro computer. In fact, the setup has a stunning resemblance to the 1980 Apple III. Don't take our word for it, check out the photo below.