They do have various good quality protective cases for ipads and some can also be used as holder stands.
There is also a clear plastic protective film for the front screen (for scratches, fingerprints and such) as well.
So unless someone would purposely throw it down on it’s face to crack the screen, they really aren’t as fragile as you might think.
Basically the ipad is just like a larger version of the iPhone. I’ve had my iPhone in a case with a clear screen face since the day I walked out of the store with it and there isn’t a scratch on it after three years.
This is in spite of the countless times that I’ve dropped it or the cat has knocked it off the nightstand :)
I would imagine that dropping something as large as the ipad to be more unlikely still. I think the little extra cost involved in getting a good protective case is more than worth it. That’s the secret to a long happy life, as far as I’m concerned.
And the companies who make these have had years of experience perfecting their products for both iPhone and iPod so you shouldn’t have that much trouble finding a good one for the ipad. There are also various sites and YouTube vids devoted to reviews of them all to help in the decision.