Hasta La Gadget!

Plucky Sprint has figured out a way to get in on the iPad action. The carrier is offering a free iPad case with a pocket for its 4G cellular Wi-Fi router, allowing you to use a basic Wi-Fi iPad and still enjoy an always-on internet connection.

Sprint’s Overdrive modem is like a 4G MiFi, taking a fast cellular data connection and sharing it via its battery-powered Wi-Fi hotspot. Many people, including our own New York Bureau Chief John C Abell, are considering this kind of setup (either MiFi or Overdrive) instead of opting for the 3G iPad. The thinking goes that you can use the connection with any of your devices, not just the iPad.

The downside is that you need a contract, the lack of which is one of the 3G iPad’s best features. Still, this case is neat and, despite the “steal-me” Wi-Fi logo on the outside, is a very smart marketing move from Sprint.

It comes in two flavors: folio and sleeve. Both have a pouch on the side to carry the Overdrive, and the folio has an extra flap that closes over the top.

To get one, you’ll need to buy an Overdrive from a participating BestBuy store. These are sensibly limited to areas where there is Sprint 4G coverage. As you’ll see from the drop down list on the site, there still aren’t many of those.

iPad Case [Sprint via Electronista]