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Shopping Tips:

There are hundreds of third-party iPad cases and bags on the market, each specifically made for either the full-sized iPad or the iPad mini. Because the third-and fourth-generation iPad models have the same body size, many cases are made to fit both, but there are a few exceptions. Here are a few things to look for when shopping for iPad protection.

There are hundreds of third-party iPad cases and bags on the market, each specifically made for either the full-sized iPad or the iPad mini. Because the third-and fourth-generation iPad models have the same body size, many cases are made to fit both, but there are a few exceptions. Here are a few things to look for when shopping for iPad protection.

When looking at the full-sized iPad line, keep in mind that, apart from the third- and fourth-generation iPads, each iPad model has a slightly different shape from the last. A case or bag made for one model, in particular, may not fit any other; this is particularly true when it comes to the original iPad. Many cases made for the iPad 2 also fit the third-generation iPad, but not all do. Cases made specifically for the third-generation iPad should also fit the iPad 2 and the newest iPad (the fourth-gen), but there are some exceptions. If you’re not confused enough, here’s another caveat—cases made specifically for the fourth-generation iPad may not be compatible with the third-generation iPad; although they share the same body design, the Lightning port on the fourth-gen model is much smaller than the 30-pin dock-connector port found on the third-gen, so if a case has a cutout on the bottom designed for the Lighting port, it won’t be large enough to fit the older port.