Do Want: Happy Apple Studio Wallet Deluxe

I didn’t pre-order an iPad on Friday. There are a lot of reasons why, but ultimately, it just came down to money. As it turns out, having a baby is expensive. Isn’t that right Mr $500-after-insurance-including-a-$200-“emergency”-fee anesthesiologist? No, I’m not bitter. Not at all.

There is another reason why I didn’t buy one, which is something some of you may share. I didn’t really want one. I mean, I want one like I want all Apple products, but not bad enough to plunk down the cash for it. No, I just want to lust after them until either a) the price comes down or b) the hard drive space goes up. Besides, I’ll be able to play with one at the store before I buy it, and maybe then I’ll get onboard. It’s how I bought my iPhone, after all.

Then, something funny happened. I fell in love.

If you don’t already, you should check out Forevergeek.com. Why? Well I’m a writer over there for one, but that’s not the important part. Robin wrote an excellent post about iPad accessories, and it straight up convinced me to buy an iPad. Why? Because now I get it.

Above is the Happy Apple Studio Wallet Deluxe. It’s also available in various colors as a clutch for women, but since I’m on the male side, I’m more interested in the wallet (although it does bring up an interesting point about purses versus man bags). It’s first and foremost, a case for the iPad. But attached to the case is a fancy fold-out pocket with room for paperwork, accessories or whatever else you need. It’s perfect.

At first, I figured this was a lame accessory that just wouldn’t do much for me. Then, it hit me – it’s the perfect portfolio. Take that in to a prospective client, open it up like it was any old notebook and BAM! Instant shock and awe. Hit them with my photo library full of work and watch the cash roll in.

OK, maybe not like that, but you get the picture. This product makes me want to buy an iPad, not the other way around. I may be overselling it a bit, and ultimately, I don’t think this is going to exist for real until the iPad is out there, but when it does I want one. Bad.