Obviously, the size of the iPad is very attractive. The less stuff, and the less volume of stuff, that we have to pack at any time is always a variable worth looking at.
With a decent case, you can carry your iPad pretty much anywhere for the approximate size and weight of a good paper notebook (maybe a little heavier). Remember though, you’re carrying a lot more than a notebook 
What’s fascinating about the whole iPad world is that there is a whole economy of cases and keyboards made for our favorite tablet.
Theses cases and keyboards do traditionally take the Apple aesthetic and look great but there is a more important element to look at when you’re considering them. The right case and keyboard makes everything work better.
Cases
As fun as it is to grab a sexy little case that shows off your purchase, there are definite things to consider in this decision.
Obviously there is the look and feel to the case but you also want to consider how the iPad / case combo changes the iPad dynamic. Even with the most gorgeous case in the world, if it takes too long to remove the iPad from the case, you won’t be able to enjoy the iPad by herself experience that jobs and company worked so hard on.
Make sure you get a case that makes it easy to use the iPad alone. Trust me on this one.
In addition, you want to consider how your case adds to the bulk of the iPad. I’ve seen people carrying cases that make their tablets bulkier and uglier than the very notebooks our iPad was designed to eliminate. The added weight and bulk takes away from the aesthetic that made them purchase this thing in the first place.
Finally, price is worth considering. Do you really want to spend 20% of your purchase price on a case?
Just sayin …
My favorite cases are the (many) case/keyboard combos that let you use a bluetooth keyboard (discussed next) when you want to – while enjoying the solo iPad experience when that is what you desire.
Which case should you get? Grab the one that makes the most sense to you – not the one the sales person tells you is the best.
Keyboards
I know people who do quite well with the on screen keyboard. Using it not only means that you don’t have to carry an additional keyboard, but it also means that you don’t have to carry the bulk that comes with one. Whereas I type this on a bluetooth keyboard, I’ve typed plenty without one. The choice is up to you.
The beauty of bluetooth is that your iPad will work with any/all of them. A friend of mine uses (really) a keyboard that was made for his old Palm Pilot and swears by it. It’s small and compact and he didn’t need to spend a dime on it.
I’ve used 6 different keyboards to date and I suggest two things:
Go for quality. I’ve had keys pop off of the more “traditional” keyboard layouts and I’ve had batteries last for just a few hours. You can do better than that – much better.
The review sites will are worth your time in researching your best options.
As mentioned a few paragraphs previous, I do recommend you consider the iPad case / keyboard combos out there.
You can, of course, always check out PaulsiPad.com/keyboards for my latest recommendation.