The smart cover is pretty fantastic. It carries a low profile, is ultra-light and turns the iPad on and off automagically as you open and close the flap. While you can choose between leather or polyurethane, the colors are limited and the functionality can sometimes fall short for those of us who want a little more from a case. So what are the best alternatives for your new third generation iPad?

1. Skinny 3stm skinny 3 (USD $40) – The skinny 3 hardshell case by STM boats being lightweight, slim and protective while being very easy to carry. The inside of the case has a soft lining to give enhanced protection against scratches and bumps while the flap-close front takes advantage of the auto-sleep and wake features of your iPad.
Why it Rocks: All the awesomeness of a Smart Cover plus protection for the back of your iPad and a loop closure to keep it shut when you slide it into your purse, backpack or briefcase.

 

2. IntelliCaseGriffin Intellicase (USD $59.99) – This folio stand offers a hard-shell polycarbonate back and flexible TPU cover (with magnets for auto-sleep and wake) to give your iPad full body protection while still keeping a very low profile on your device.
Why it Rocks:The folks at Griffin just get it and you can trust their products are high-quality and well designed. Love the back cover for full protection and the ability to stand the iPad more upright (with an anchor on the back giving stability) for doing things like watching movies.


 

3. SummitiFrogz Summit (USD $59.99) – The folks at iFrogz know how to have fun and that comes through on all of their products. The Summit case is fantastic, folio style like a Smart Cover (with magnets for auto-sleep and wake) but gives full protection front to back and features a business card holder.
Why it Rocks: Not only does it come in lime green, electric blue and hot pink but also offers multiple viewing angles when used as a stand.

 

4. OtterboxOtterbox iProtection (USD $89.95) – The latest addition to the industrial strength Defender series, Otterbox is one of the few cases that can withstand the tests of time as well as clumsiness. Wrapped inside a silicone skin is a high-impact inner polycarbonate shell that includes a built-in foam interior that provides additional shock absorption (all while still letting you take advantage of auto-sleep and wake).
Why it Rocks: You won’t find many things more durable than an Otterbox and though it may be slightly more bulky than some of the folio style cases you get all the benefit without worrying about what happens if you accidentally drop your iPad.

 

5. ScoscheScosche keyPAD (USD $79.99) – If you can do without the auto-sleep and wake functionality in exchange for a Bluetooth removable wireless keyboard, this case gives you every benefit of a folio style flip cover design including being quite sleek.
Why it Rocks: With 75 hours of battery life on the keyboard and the same ease of use (flip it open and off you go!) this is an excellent alternative for those who could use a keyboard with their iPad more than occasionally.

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If you’re worried about using your new iPad without a case or a cover, don’t worry, there are already several great offerings from companies like Belkin, Griffin, M-Edge, Targus, and Cygnett.

Most of these are available now or will be available in the next week or two, so you can get them right alongside your brand new third generation iPad.



Belkin

Belkin has an all new line of accessories for the new iPad, including a newly redesigned versions of its keyboard case and ultra-lightweight travel folios.

The YourType Folio and Keyboard ($99.99) features a slim bi-fold design with a removable keyboard that has TruType keys for a comfortable and efficient typing experience. Function-specific keys perform tasks easily, Bluetooth eliminates messy cables, and magnets are available for sleep/wake functionality. Available in Black/Black and Black/Red.

The Pro Color Duo Tri-Fold Folio with Stand ($39.99) has a tri-fold cover that converts from an ideal viewing angle to an ideal typing angle with a single motion. Protective corners hold the iPad in place, and a soft inner lining keeps your iPad protected. These are just a few of the many cases Belkin has available for the third generation iPad, so check out the Belkin website for even more options.


Griffin


Griffin has several third generation iPad accessories available, including the IntelliCase, the Survivor case for heavy duty protection, and the Elan Folio, for when you need something a bit more stylish , and the Passport, for when only the best will do.

Griffin’s IntelliCase ($59.99) looks a lot like a Smart Cover with back protection. It has a flexible front cover that can be used as a work stand for both video watching and typing, plus a polycarbonate backing to keep your iPad scratch free.

The Survivor Case ($79.99) is Griffin’s most protective case, and it is certified to meet the US Department of Defense standard 810F, which means it will keep your iPad safe in even the most extreme conditions, from dirt and sand to rain, shock, and vibration. It’s a must have for anyone who has kids or works in a rough environment. For the full range of Griffin cases, or to purchase one of these, visit the Griffin Website.


Targus

Targus has four different cases available, from the simple Slim Case to the more complex Vuscape and Versavu.

The Slim Case ($49.99) is another offering that’s similar to Apple’s own Smart Cover, and it promises to be one of the most durable, lightweight, slim-fitting cases on the market. It has a foldable cover for multiple viewing angles and and magnets for sleep/wake functionality. Available in white, gray, and black.

Targus’ Vuscape ($39.99) has three different hands-free viewing angles, magnetic sleep/wake functionality, a spot to store a stylus, a soft-touch lining for a scratch-free screen, and a durable, water-resistant, padded exterior. Available in black and white. To see the rest of the cases Targus is offering, visit the Targus Website.


Cygnett

Cygnett has a range of cases available, in all different colors from subdued black to wild hot pink.

The Alumni ($49.99) is a canvas case that comes in acid brights and bold jewel tones. The durable canvas cover is designed to match everything in your wardrobe, and it comes with a magnet for sleep/wake functionality plus an inside pocket for storing notes. Available in jade green, cobalt blue, hot pink, and black.

The Glam ($59.99) is a fashionable folio that comes with a multi-view stand. This sleek folio-style case oozes style, and looks equally great on a desk as it does on the runway. It doubles as a stand, so there are multiple viewing angles for watching movies or typing. Available in glossy red or metallic silver, which are both seriously good looking. To check out the rest of Cygnett’s case offerings, visit the Cygnett Website.

In addition to these case makers, both Zagg and M-Edge have some great offerings. Apple, too, still has the Smart Cover available, and though it wasn’t updated for the third generation iPad, it does still work. Find a great third generation iPad case out there? We’re always looking for the most awesome accessories, so let us know in the comments!