Ever wondered how manufacturers managed to steadily decrease prices for their products? Besides better building management there are marketing techniques like selling accessories separately, without which you can't fully use the device, or it is seriously affected by the lack of some functionality.
The same goes with the recent iPad device that's being sold as is, without much needed keyboard, docking station and carrying case. You pay 500$ for the cheapest iPad, but have to throw in another 100$ of so for those accessories. Even if you can live without a keyboard and docking station, a carrying case is a must if you don't want to scratch that gorgeous 9.7 inch screen. That's why in this post I'm going to tell you what are you options for iPad cases if you want to protect your investment while traveling, and belive me, you want to to so:
Weller Solder
Traditional carrying cases or bags: are the most used type of protection for gadgets. If the main type were for laptops and digital camera till now, I see in the futere tablet cases becoming more and more used Carrying sleeve: it's more like a phone pouch that protects your gadget. It's not for carrying around as you have to rely on another bigger bag that will also accommodate your accessories and charger Leather case: it's more for aesthetic reasons but can protect your iPad from scratches and doubles as a desk stand if folded.
Those are by far the most used types of cases you'll find for your iPad, once it gets on market, of course. Feel free to suggest corrections to this article and I'll update it accordingly.