1.
Apple Case
2. Very much
3. Yes. I can charge in this case with the USB cord, it does not fit into the Apple Dock without trimming the case first or slipping it out.
4. The only other case I would consider is a
Dodo Case.
in addition to being in the apple case 80% of the time my iPad also has a skin from
Best Skins Ever applied, front and back. The front offers protection even within the Apple case. The back offers protection when not in the Apple case. The film is thin and transparent and does not inhibit the iPad's use in any way.