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10 best iPad Mini accessories to help you get more out of your tablet

best ipad mini accessories 3
The iPad Mini is a popular purchase. Whether you’ve treated yourself to one or you know someone who has one, you may be on the lookout for some iPad mini accessories. You can extend the functionality of your new tablet and make it easier to use. You’ll also find that iPad Mini accessories make great gifts, much like the iPad Mini itself.

Updated on 7-10-2015 by Simon Hill: Removed some older products, updated images and format, refreshed text, and added Mad Catz gamepad, Zagg keyboard, TFY headrest mount, Incpio car charger, Sennheiser headphones, Cheero battery charger, and Sensu stylus.

Breffo Spiderpodium iPad Mini stand

Breffo Spiderpodium

It can be a chore finding the right angle for your iPad mini, and most of the stands on the market have a number of preset angles. The Breffo Spiderpodium Stand is different. This stand is extremely lightweight and flexible, and it allows you to get exactly the right angle for whatever you are doing on your iPad Mini. It feels like soft rubber, which also provides good grip, but the skeleton inside is surprisingly strong. It’s a versatile option that you can use in a number of scenarios and it folds flat for when you’re traveling. It comes in a range of colors – there’s even a glow in the dark option.

Jawbone Jambox

Jawbone Jambox

Although the iPad Mini does have stereo speakers, you’ll need to splash out for a decent speaker to enjoy really good sound. Because this is the most portable iPad yet, it makes sense to get a portable speaker, and no other Bluetooth speaker on the market packs the same quality sound into such a small form as the Jawbone Jambox. You can also choose from a wide range of grills and colors to suit you.

Zagg Pocket Foldable Wireless Keyboard

Zagg Pocket Foldable Wireless Keyboard

You might find that you get used to the touchscreen on the iPad Mini, but if you long for a tactile alternative that’s also portable – this is it. This Zagg Foldable Wireless Keyboard connects via Bluetooth and it can be folded up to sling in your bag. Fully extended, it gives you around 85% of a full keyboard in terms of space, and it’s comfortable to type on. There’s a lip upon which you can prop the iPad Mini, but you might prefer a separate stand. It turns off automatically when closed, and magnets keep it from popping open unexpectedly. You can squeeze up to two years use out of a single charge.

If you prefer to stick with the Apple aesthetic then the Apple Wireless Keyboard might be for you. It is also Bluetooth, it runs on two AA batteries, and it costs $70.

Mad Catz C.T.R.L.i Gamepad

Mad Catz C.T.R.L.i Gamepad

There are a few different gamepads available that will work with the iPad Mini, but the Mad Catz C.T.R.L.i Gamepad is probably the best of the bunch. It’s Apple-certified, links easily via Bluetooth, and it feels solid and sturdy. It’s a lot like an Xbox 360 controller, and it works with a wide variety of different games. Pair it with an Apple TV for streaming to the big screen and you can really get your game on. The only downside is that fact that it takes AAA batteries, though you do get a set with it and they offer up to 40 hours of gameplay.

Apple TV

Apple TV

Apple TV is a device that lets you buy movies and TV shows from iTunes, and you can access a handful of other services like Netflix, Hulu Plus, and YouTube on your big screen television. The real attraction for iPad Mini owners is the wireless streaming via AirPlay. You can choose content from your tablet, including your own videos and photos, and see it on your main TV. You can even mirror your iPad Mini’s screen, which allows you to blow up games and apps or surf the web in style. There’s also an app that can turn your iPad Mini into a remote control.

If you don’t want Apple TV simply to play content from your iPad Mini you could consider the Lightning Digital AV Adapter, but it does cost $50 and you’ll still need an HDMI cable.

Next page: 5 more great iPad Mini accessories

TFY Headrest Mount

TFY Headrest Mount

If you have passengers in the back, or you’re taking the kids on a road trip, then you can make the most of your iPad Mini with this clever headrest mount. The elastic strap makes it easy to fit, and you have full access to your iPad Mini’s controls. There’s a soft lining to prevent any damage to your tablet when sliding it in and out. The exterior is durable, synthetic leather. It fits all different sizes of headrest and it’s a low cost solution for in-car entertainment.

Incipio Lightning Car Charger

Incipio Lightning Car Charger

If you like to take your iPad Mini on road trips, then you’ll definitely want the Incipio Lightning Car Charger. This stylish option from Incipio plugs directly into the socket in your car, and offers a 2.4A output for fast charging via the attached Lightning cable. There’s a blue LED to tell you when charging is in progress. The rubberized sides with the Incipio logo also offer some grip for easy unplugging.

Sennheiser Urbanite On-Ear Headphones

Sennheiser Urbanite On-Ear Headphones

For watching movies or listening to music on your iPad Mini, it can be a good idea to invest some decent headphones. The Sennheiser Urbanite On-Ear Headphones tick all the right boxes. They look good, they are comfortable to wear, and they deliver excellent sound quality. If you crave decent bass and you want detailed treble and midrange, then you should pull the trigger on these. You can learn more in our full Sennheiser Urbanite headphones review.

If you prefer the earbud style, check out Klipsch R6i for $90. Here’s the Klipsch R6i review for more on them.

Cheero Power Plus 3

Cheero Power Plus 3

Battery life is always an issue for mobile devices and the iPad Mini is no exception. The Cheero Power Plus 3 offers a massive power boost in a relatively compact package. It’s rated at 13,400mAh. You never get the full amount with external battery chargers like this, so you can expect almost two full charges for an iPad Mini 3. It has a microUSB input for charging up, a power button, and a four LED display to give you an idea of remaining charge. There are also two USB outputs, and the one rated at 2.4A is ideal for your iPad Mini.

Sensu Stylus Brush

Sensu Stylus Brush

Anyone who is serious about painting or drawing on the iPad Mini is going to need to invest in a decent stylus. This option from Sensu has a rubber stylus at one end and a brush at the other. The conductive synthetic bristles work surprisingly well, and come close to giving an authentic brush feel. It has a comfortable grip, satisfying weight, and feels like a quality product. If you love to paint, you won’t find a better option for your iPad Mini than the Sensu Stylus Brush.

That’s all the iPad Mini accessories we have for right now, but feel free to suggest additions in the comments and we’ll be sure to take a look.

Article originally published 11-6-2012.

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