I had a Macally Metrolpad case. It was basically a hard plastic backing. I loved it b/c it was durable w/o significantly adding thickness. Unfortunately, the iPad back is very scratch, dent prone if you don't watch out -- esp if you toss it in a bag w/ other stuff. Some don't care, some do. If you do then you'll want some sort of protection. Good thing is that most iPad 1.0 cases are very inexpensive now.