The iPad is a device of many uses. It can be an ebook reader, a netbook, a portable entertainment device, you name it. With so many uses, it’s not surprising that it would attract the attention of children, as well as adults. Of course, when you’re talking about a $500+ piece of technology, one might be hesitant to put it in the hands of a child. That’s why the people at Griffin developed the LightBoard.

The Lightboard is a combination of case and app that turns your iPad into a kid’s activity center. The case composed of a shatter-resistant polycarbonate shell that lets the screen remain visible and functional. The primary focus of the app is to be used as a traditional light box. You can slide in a piece of paper, and an image is displayed below that can be traced.

As both an iPad owner and something of an artist, I love this idea. I don’t often have a need to trace anything, but on the rare occasion that I do, the iPad would be brilliant for it. With the screen’s brightness turned up all the way, it makes a perfect light box. I think Griffin is onto something with this $40 case and app (the LightBoard Trace app is a free download).