Ringing up at more than twice the price of a new, base model 16GB iPad, the Strut LaunchPort case is definitely one of the most extravagant accessories we've seen yet for Apple's line of tablet computers. Its $1,250 price tag mostly seems tied to the Strut name brand, which is known in the automotive world for producing high-end grills, wheels, and other upgrades for luxury cars.
The LaunchPort is a combination stand and case for the iPad that features a spherical base containing a strong magnet. The back of the tablet case -- available in bronze, carbon fiber, walnut, and other finishes, including leopard print -- has a circular magnet that allows it to attach to the base and charge without using cables. The round shape of the magnets also lets the tablet rotate on the base, which itself can pivot up, down, left and right.
It actually seems like a good concept for an iPad stand, and we wouldn't be surprised to see a more affordable version of it pop up from a mainstream accessory maker before long. Time will tell if Strut offers a compatible case for use with the rumored 7-inch iPad model, expected to launch next month.