One of my best friends is always talking about how she wishes she had a ukulele.  However, she doesn't have the funds to purchase one and she certainly does not know how to play.  But what if there was a way you could fiddle around with the adorable instrument without having to spend all of your hard-earned cash?

Thanks to one iPhone and iPad app developer, Amidio, it's now possible.  Recently released Futulele is an application that allows users to play a digital ukulele.

What's more, according to Mashable, is that Amidio is currently looking for a manufacturer to create specially designed iPhone and promotional iPad cases that can be connected to the devices via Bluetooth.  Mashable reports that a guitar-shaped case will hold both of the mobile devices at once, allowing them to be used together:  "the iPhone is used for holding the chords and the iPad for strumming the virtual strings."

What do you think?  Would you play around with an Apple-powered ukulele?

If you love having latest and greatest in technology, you'd better start saving up.  Rumors are spreading across the Internet this morning about a new Apple iPad that may be released this March.  With the supposed next generation iPad, presumably called the iPad 3, Apple hopes to maintain its top position in the tablet market. 

How will the new device differ from the iPad 2? According to CNET, "The next iPad will look similar in design to the iPad 2, but run with a faster chip, an improved graphics processor, and better resolution, AllThingsD reported, citing anonymous sources. The tablet could also feature a 2048x1536 Retina Display, bringing its resolution in line with the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S."

If you've got promotional iPad cases for your iPad 2, you might have to purchase a new one.  Some are predicting that the new Apple tablet will be even thinner than the last, making it lighter and more portable.

My brother loves his iPad.  For him, there's no other tablet even worth considering.  He's got every iPad app, every accessory, and more promotional iPad cases than he knows what to do with.  My dad, on the other hand, is obsessed with his new Kindle Fire that he received for Christmas.  He never wanted an iPad, and yet the Kindle seems to be a perfect fit.

And that's exactly the problem Apple is running into worldwide.  As more and more devices are introduced, the iPad is inevitably going to lose some of its market share.  Some believe it's already losing it; one analyst, Tavis McCourt, told investors "that the Amazon Kindle Fire robbed Apple of 1 million to 2 million iPad sales" this holiday season.

The iPad starts at $499, while the going rate for the Kindle Fire over the holidays was just $199 -- considerably cheaper.  Will Apple be able compete with these new, more reasonably priced tablets?

If you have an iPad, you're already cooler than me.  And you also have plenty of unique ways to express your individuality.  iPads are completely customizable due to the huge variety of funky covers from which you can choose.

Let's look at some of the classiest promotional iPad cases out there:

1.  The leather look

If I owned an iPad and wanted to show off my sophisticated side, I'd definitely choose this one.  It features an elegant alligator effect, and is reasonably priced, too!  How cool is its pattern?

2.  Natural wood

The natural wood look is awesome and I'm thrilled that it's become trendy again.  In fact, I still want to invest in a handcrafted wood back for my iPhone 4.  But if you've got the iPad, you can also check out this rustic-looking wood case for your device.  This would be my choice for everyday use!

3.  In the nude

If you love your iPad just as you bought it, then you might be interested in a clear case that offers protection without covering up its look.  This promotional iPad cover will help you accomplish just that. 

If none of these are your thing, check out Mashable's list of "10 Classy Covers for Your iPad." You're sure to find a case that will transform your iPad into a sleek and stylish accessory!  And remember:  If, like me, you don't have an iPad of your own, the covers also make fantastic company holiday gifts!