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With the third generation Apple tablet taking the 2012 slate tablet spotlight it's safe to say that all small manufacturers who build accessories for Apple's products will rejoice knowing that consumers will once again need to purchase new accessories for their beloved tablets.

I already know of a few dozen friends who will upgrade their tablet to the third generation, some from the iPad 2, some from the first iPad, and most of them think they need to also update all their
accessories. Normally I would say this is true and a necessary step, as Apple is not known for having mercy on its customers when it comes to introducing new proprietary connections or switching the layout of ports and buttons on their new products so that old consumers who want to upgrade need to also change their accessories and peripherals previously bought.

But with the new iPad released in the 2012 model, which is just one tad thicker than last year's iPad 2, it means that in some cases you'll be able to keep the previous case/cover of folio so you won't need to buy a new one. But how will you know? Let's take a look at my personal guide about cases compatibility with the third generation iPad. Here are the three situations that I've found:

1. You own a first generation iPad case - with 99% of the models you'll be able to keep it and fit the new iPad inside if you're willing to let the tablet wiggle a little bit inside (the first generation Apple tablet was considerably thicker) and if you don't care that the back camera and the speaker are covered by the case. So the trade off is that you won't be able to take pictures and sound will be muffled.
2. You own a "tight fit" iPad 2 case - if there's a little bit of room left you can slide the new iPad tablet inside, but most likely there will be a problem if you try to force the tablet in and out. I'd say you try first and, if it doesn't work, you can buy a new case.
3. You own a carrying sleeve or a bag/backpack - this is the best scenario as you'll be able to keep it. It'll be even compatible with the next iPad generations unless Apple decides to radically alter the exterior dimensions of their slate.

As for the new iPad cases, made for the 2012 model, there's not much I can say about them, as manufacturers only needed to adjust the thickness a little bit. The rest remains unchanged, so you can even get the new cases for the iPad 2, and upgrade the tablet later.

John Popes writes for AllTouchTablet.com, a site that covered the new iPad tablet (2012 model, 3rd generation) since it was just a rumor and will continue covering Apple's slates for the years to come.