How accident prone will Apple’s ipad be?

Apple's new iPad is set to become very popular with tech professionals with a flair for stylish gadgets, but will it be the latest gadget to be better known for being replaced and repaired than being used?

Apple's iPad boasts a large flat panel screen, which , although cool looking, may well be easy to break. Potential accidents are easy to foresee - it would seem particularly vulnerable to drinks being knocked over, either in an office or public house setting. Spillages are known to damage most miniature electronic devices as the moisture instantly short circuits the device.

Such a large screen would also be vulnerable to cracks, with the item likely to be left on surfaces.

Carrying the iPad is possibly likely to create the most issues - while a laptop fits snugly into a laptop bag, and phones occupy the pocket, it is hard to see how most users will carry their iPad - many are likely end to up improvising with laptop bag pockets, rucksack pockets and similar forms of storage. If there is too much space in the carry case for the device to move around, the device has a greater chance of breaking.

Despite the potential pitfalls of damage, it is unlikely that people will be discouraged from purchasing the new iPad. The iPad is seen as a potential challenger to popular e-readers such as the Amazon Kindle. With a 9.7" display the iPad will make an invaluable reading device for people wanting to consume newspapers, books and other electronic media on the move.

But damage to touchscreen devices can be particularly frustrating for users who store important files on the devices which become hard to retrieve when the primary navigation method breaks.

People buying gadgets that they would find expensive to replace are encouraged to consider gadget insurance as a way of ensuring that their gadgets are protected in the event of damage.