I'm still hunting for The Perfect iPad Case. I don't want a shoulder bag; that would neuter the whole point of taking my iPad with me instead of a notebook. And I want my iPad to be protected from bumps, and I want a case that will elevate the back a bit for when I'm typing on the virtual keyboard.

But what I really want is for its fundamental iPad-ness to be preserved. It's designed to be comfortable to hold. Most of these protective or easel cases are like putting the iPad in a thick wool sweater. When I have it in my hands, the first thing I want to do is get the iPad out of that thing so I can appreciate its curves and lines directly.

(At this point in the narrative, the author considers, but then rejects, a witty comparison between the iPad and a choice member of the reader's preferred target gender.)

The search continues. But I've found two case-ish accessories that I really, really like. The first is Newer Technology's $24.99 NuGuard Clear. It's a simple clear polycarbonate shell that snaps onto the back of the iPad and fits so snugly that as far as your eyes and hands are concerned, it's not even there. True, it won't offer any protection against drops and bumps. But it'll keep your iPad from getting scratched up and scuffed and otherwise looking like it lost a fight with a hungry animal.

Call that Win #1. Win #2: there's just enough space between the NuGuard and the iPad for a layer of paper. I slapped in a sheet of Japanese art paper in there, trimmed the edges to fit, and presto: I have a custom iPad design.

Yes, it's pretty. But there's a practical purpose: I don't know about you, but I'm often in a room with a half-dozen iPads. I feel better knowing that if anybody "accidentally" swaps theirs for mine, it's a clear case of larceny and I can get all Pulp Fiction on the guy if I want to.