I’ve never really been a fan of all the special add-ons and accessories sold alongside electronics. In my opinion, a nice solid case is as far as phone/tablet accessories should go. But at a meeting with Logitech recently, a couple of iPad accessories definitely caught my eye.

Both are very different in nature — one’s for gaming while the other is more of a utility device — but the reason they caught my eye is because of the added value they will bring to the tablet itself. There are plenty of funky attachable speaker bars and camera lenses you can slap onto your iPad, but in all seriousness, how often will you actually use those things? Maybe you’ll bust out a speaker bar for a party, or put the lens in your pocket before heading off on vacation, but that’s really the extent of it.

The new offerings from Logitech are for every day use, and will likely make a difference in the length of each iPad session, as well as the activities performed on the slate. So without further ado, let me introduce you to the latest iPad accessories from Logitech.

This thing is pretty damn nifty. It’s basically a two-in-one iPad 2 stand and Bluetooth keyboard dock, and works well with Apple’s smart cover. Though Logitech wouldn’t recommend it, it would probably protect against some minor falls and bumps (in conjunction with the smart cover), too. It also charges over USB, so you can stop worrying about how many times you’ll have to switch out batteries.

When closed, the keyboard shuts off automatically to save power. When open, it automatically switches on and connects to the iPad. What’s more is the Fold-Up Keyboard is actually a full-sized keyboard — so not only are you breaking free of the touchscreen typing frustration we’ve all experienced, but you actually get a comfy physical keyboard roomy enough for two man hands.

The only real problem I have with this keyboard dock is that it’s bulky as a baby’s diaper. Thin and light, thin and light, thin and light. That’s what Apple, and just about every tablet/smartphone maker out there, is all about. Logitech’s Fold-Up Keyboard, while super functional, doesn’t really follow in the same thin and light vein. The pricing isn’t all that attractive either, come to think of it.

Logitech’s Fold-Up Keyboard for iPad 2 has an MSRP of $129.99 and should be available across the U.S. and Europe in September.

We’ve seen a few odd joystick-style contraptions of late, but none quite as thought out as Logitech’s. If you’ve ever played a game on your iPad that requires a joystick or a D-pad, you understand where I’m coming from when I say losing sucks. Not because I or you or anyone else lacks the skill to beat the game, but because paying attention to the game and to your finger placement makes it feel unfair.

Logitech’s Joystick solves those problems pretty completely, without adding any heavy junk to your tablet. It connects to the iPad with suction cups, and is super light. Its spiral design makes sure the thumb pad always returns to the center position, finally offering some tactile feedback on the iPad.

The Logitech Joystick for iPad has an MSRP of $19.99 and should be available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in September.