Our third Apple iPad arrived yesterday and having owned one every generation it’s easy to understand the appeal, especially when the new iPad 3 improves just enough to make us want another upgrade. The first generation iPad did the tablet job better than any device before it, and the second generation only had to improve a little considering it had already showed how to make a tablet, although the upgrade last year did much more than that. Apple reinvented the iPad dramatically with the second generation, which brought with it a faster processor, a dramatic increase in graphics, and also some innovation with magnets.

Looking for the best iPad 3 cases – last year we had to find a new case after the 1st-gen, which had been due to a big change thanks to built-in magnets with iPad 2. We’d be sure to test the new Apple Smart Cover, which took advantage of the magnets and just snapped on the display. We had been understandably nervous at first considering the back is left open for damage, but Apple knew what they were doing because a year on we’ve never had any problems with only the front of the iPad 2 being covered by a Smart Cover. Feel free to share your experience with these covers in the comments; did you have the same satisfaction as us?

Today we bought a brighter Smart Cover for our new iPad 3, and as you guessed it the same cases for iPad 2 fit just fine on the new iPad for 2012. This should be correct in most cases, but you might want to check with the 3rd party manufactures before purchasing. You can see our bright orange Smart Cover in the image above, although these come in several colors and offer extreme simplicity. If you’re upgrading from the previous generation then you shouldn’t need another case, unless it’s a bit battered and needs an upgrade.

The Apple Smart Covers are not the cheapest option for the 3rd generation iPad, so you might want to consider cheaper solutions that offer the same protection, and in some cases better protection when you consider many third party solutions protect the back of the tablet as well. Other options you might want to consider can be seen below, and the latest prices can be seen on the official websites.

HardCandy Candy Convertible

Incase Origami Workstation

Belkin’s Cinema Folio Stand

Case-mate Signature Slim Stand

CaseCrown Bold Standby

New iPad Ballistic Tough Jacket Series Case

We’ve also included a video below that gives you a better look at the Ballistic Tough iPad case, which works with the new iPad 3rd and 2nd generation. You can read some details on the initial reviews for the new iPad in our earlier article.

This is pretty strange considering what we know about the upcoming iPhone 5, which is getting a release date some point in October. This has been confirmed by too many leaks for denial, and this includes cases already appearing in AT&T stores. The strange point we want to make is the shape of the new iPhone 5 cases making the rounds are round on the edges, just like Apple’s second-generation iPad. We’re almost certain the new iPhone will get this design change, and with this in mind you shouldn’t be tagging a new case 5th generation friendly if it has the old iPhone 4 design.

Brikk are offering a guarantee to give customers some reassurance, and they state if the “iPhone 5 is released by 31 December 2011”; you’ll get a “no charge trade-in”. Obviously we wouldn’t expect anything less considering the cost of $3,000 to $4,500 for the space grade titanium Trim iPhone 5 case.

You can see a video below this article that gives you a little taste of what to expect, and an image showing all the features on this page. Although it’s pretty clear that this is for the iPhone 4, and we expect Brikk to already be on the case for a new design.

Could you really part with that kind of money for an iPhone case, although I guess if you can spare that kind of money then this would be a silly question? The official website can be found at Brikk.com, and their Facebook page is here.

We already saw AT&T staff following Sprint with both carriers wanting employees working overtime on certain dates, always a good hint as to when new products are launching, in this case an iPhone 5 release date. More of a speculative rumor was a story about iPhone 5 cases spreading around China extremely fast because of an apparent lost prototype from Foxconn, although we’d say to take this rumor with a pinch of salt.

Today we have something that looks almost certain, thanks to this article, which shows a leaked image of AT&Ts inventory system and a list of Apple iPhone 5 Case-Mate products. These include apparent cases in Purple/Black, Blue/Gray, White/Gray, and in Black. There seems to be three types that include iPhone 5 hard cases, soft case and a skin.

The majority of rumors point towards cases with more rounded edges like you’ll find on the iPad 2, these sound pretty smart and will give the iPhone 5 a little more style, so fingers crossed.

What do you want to see at the Apple press event next Tuesday? And when shopping for a case do you always buy a certain brand, if so let us know your favorite in the comments?

Update: We are now hearing that third-party iPhone 5 silicone sleeves are appearing in AT&T stores.

The San Francisco manufacturer has five different cases to suit individual tastes and protection needs. From the stylish Suede Jacket to the handy travel case, students through to CEOs will find something for them.

Great for protection the Ultimate SleeveCase provides a scratch-free and compact solution with an almost indestructible outer shell.

Another choice is the Suede Jacket which is made from scratch free Ultrasuede, this case will protect your Galaxy from the odd bump or scrape. The case is a nice snug fit and has a layer of neoprene along the bottom, which will give extra protection when in a bag.

For owners on their travels the Travel Case fits the Galaxy Tab perfectly, and has fitted pockets for accessories such as USB cable and power adapter. There is a soft padded lining which will keep everything protected, and with self-locking zippers your device will be secure. Finally a front pocket with mesh dividers allows the storage of extra items.

Prices start at $14 going through to $52, with a range of optional extras also available. Head over to the WaterField website for the full range and prices.

We have seen some users look for custom solutions, this includes converting a black device to white with iCarbons (see video), and some users find skins a solution, which do look pretty good. See the Simply White DecalSkin iPhone 4 skin cover, and this custom iPhone 4 skin apparently by GelaSkins.

The news of an iPhone 4 in White will continue to trickle in, with apparent unboxings and pictures of devices that are claimed to have sneaked out of the factory, but with us entering the fourth quarter it’s looking increasingly unlikely for 2010.

How desperate have you been to get an iPhone 4 in White? These 10 reasons may help you forget about the White idea.