Apple iPhone and iPad are two of the most popular gadgets around these days. These devices allow you to do all kinds of things at home and on the go. iPad does have a decent battery life, so does iPhone in comparison to other smart-phones. But wouldn’t it be nice if iPhone and iPad owners had a way to keep their devices charged and ready to go at all times? A recent patent granted to Apple suggests that the company is already planning for the future with green technologies very much part of its plans.

A solar power package for use with an electronic device, the package comprising: at least one solar cell operable to derive solar power from solar energy; and a power charger operable to provide the derived solar power to the portable electronic device, wherein the derived solar power is provided in a plug-and-play fashion when the portable electronic device is coupled to the package, and wherein the power charge is operative to adjust the amount of power provided to the portable electronic device based on attributes of the portable electronic device…. the solar power package is coupled to the portable electronic device in a plug-and-play fashion; adjusting the amount of power provided by the solar power package to the portable electronic device based on attributes of the portable electronic device; and providing the derived solar power to the portable electronic device in response to determining that the solar power package is coupled to the portable electronic device.

A solar iPhone will be able to accept USB, solar, and direct power line. This is a great move by Apple and can give the company a leg up over its competitors. Solar technology is still improving and reaching new heights, so solar iPad or iPhone devices could be far down the line.

If you are looking to protect your iPad but want your case to be environment friendly as well, these 5 eco-friendly iPad cases are worth a look:

BoxWave True Bamboo iPad Case: a hard bamboo case designed to protect your iPad from scratches and bumps. Each case is unique looking which is nice.

Tuff-Luv Multi-View TM faux “Veggie” leather case: a super case handmade in high grade artificial leather. It looks like the real thing, but it’s actually a veggie. It’s not cheap by any means but it is a multi-functional case.

JAVOedge Corky Back Cover for the Apple iPad: it’s made out of renewable pressed cork material and as such is environment friendly. It can protect your device against bumps and scratches too.

Marware Eco-Flip for iPad: a very unique case. It has a hand strap and is a foldable stand too. So it makes reading on your iPad much more convenient. Its leather remains RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) compliant.

Tuff-Luv ‘Veggie’ faux leather Pull-tab case: a handmade case that is designed for those who want to carry their iPad with them on the road. The pull-up tab makes it much easier to take your iPad out of this case.

There you have it. 5 exciting cases that protect your iPad and are environment-friendly as well.

The iPad has captured the imagination of millions of people. Apple has already sold a ton of iPad units in just a matter of few days, and there is no stopping Apple. The iPad is expected to revolutionize multiple industries. It’s going to be a super entertainment and mobile gaming device. It can also be used as an e-book reader and is expected to give the e-book industry the push it needs to become even more mainstream. Digital books are in our future, and the iPad is going to help the industry grow and take it to the next level.

The iPad does make it possible for people to buy less paper books and make their move to digital books. But you don’t want to pick up accessories for it that are harmful to the environment. That’s where Marware comes in. The company is expected to release multiple ECO products to help you protect your handheld device without introducing harmful material to the environment.

Here are 3 Marware eco-friendly cases that are expected to make their debut shortly:

• Marware Eco-Flip for iPad: a flip case for iPad
• Marware Eco-Envi + for iPad: an envelop case for iPad that is stylish and handy for business meetings.
• Marware Eco-Vue for iPad: a very flexible case for iPad that can be used as a stand and comes with a hand strap as well.

These cases are designed to help you protect your iPad and take it with you on the go without having to deal with scratches and worrying about dust. At the same time, they are made out of environment friendly material to help you protect your device without hurting the environment all around you. In fact, these cases meed RoHS Restriction of Hazardous Substances standards.

It’s nice to see companies being dedicated to the environment cause even when dealing with shiny devices such as the iPad. Marware has many other cases for the iPad as well. But if you want to go extra green with your iPad, Marware’s eco-friendly cases are worth a look.