When iPads Break, Puppies Cry

I'm what you might call "behind the times". Yes, I have an iPod. The last time I updated it was...um...I want to say Ought-Six. I'm currently carting around the tome that is the seventh Harry Potter novel instead of a cute little Nook or Kindle, and I'm fairly certain my smartphone would trump me on an IQ test. All this is to say (please don't hurt me), I don't have an iPad.

I promise, I'm not going all hipster on you. I don't ever intend to go back to the manual typewriter I learned on, even for some ironic reason, like "I'm above technology, so I'll bang on these old keys while listening to vinyl, next to my television set that I've turned into a planter". No, thank you. I like my laptop, my Droid, and my interwebs. I'm just not good with technology (it hates me), so I've been slow to jump on the whole iPad bandwagon. Maybe if I traveled more...or were better at touch screens...and didn't drop everything I touch...

In any case, a lot of you out there have iPads, and frankly, I'm a little jealous of your technical prowess, and wish to live vicariously through you for a bit, so I compiled a few of my favorite iPad cases for your viewing pleasure and shopping convenience. You're welcome.

I adore this little Super Mario Bros.-inspired case. It's a 1-Up shroom, and completely precious. The HoobyGroovy Etsy shop has other gamer designs, as well, including a red shroom, a goomba, and a ridiculously cute Yoshi. $49.95, Etsy.

Photo Credit: HoobyGroovy

This next one gets props for cleverness. Made in the same factory as the toy, this Etch-A-Sketch case not only protects your device from breakage, but also acts as a very low-tech theft deterrent* by asking, "who would steal an Etch-A-Sketch?" It's spot-on, and when paired with the Etch-A-Sketch app, a fun little trip down memory lane. $39.99, ThinkGeek.

Photo Credit: ThinkGeek

I don't care how old I get, I'm always going to be a sucker for two things: sparkle and Sanrio. I love me some Hello Kitty. This is temporarily out of stock on Amazon, but normally it retails for around $25.

Photo Credit: Amazon

Now, here's one I can afford! It's a DIY case made from a kitchen drawer liner, colorful duct tape, and velcro. It's super-cute, and shouldn't take more than a few minutes to make. Plus, it's completely custom, so it's completely your personality! I seriously may make one for my laptop.

Photo Credit: The FashionStake Blog

Okay, now back to trying to figure out how to get the pictures off my phone and onto my computer. This could take a while...

*Seriously, people. Don't leave your iPad unattended. That's just begging for trouble, cute case or no.