For techies everywhere, yesterday's unveiling of Apple's (AAPL) iPad 2 was a thrilling event. The thinner body, the faster processors and the front-facing camera all wowed the crowd. However, the most disruptive feature to the iPad-accessory industry that has evolved during the past year may have been the Smart Cover -- a magnetically integrated protective cover that doubles as a stand. To see just how disruptive this new feature is, look no further than ZAGG (ZAGG).

ZAGG manufactures protective cases, skins and screen protectors -- like the invisibleSHIELD -- for iPads, iPhones and other portable electronic devices. Apparently, ZAGG investors had been anticipating a new wave of sales for the company's products once the iPad 2 hit store shelves. As soon as Steve Jobs announced that Apple had developed the Smart Cover, ZAGG's stock price dropped nearly 24%, from just above $9 to just above $7 per share.

The addition of 217,000 private sector jobs reported by ADP led the market opening higher this morning, but the gains have been hemmed in by a sharp jump in the price of crude oil. Many investors fear that the continued rise in crude oil prices could squelch the economic recovery. More intense fighting in Libya pushed WTI crude solidly above $101/barrel today, while Brent crude remained above $115/barrel. Gold has jumped $6.50/ounce, to $1,437.20, and the US dollar was weaker against the euro, pound, and yen again today.

Here are the numbers for late afternoon trading today:

Dow Jones 12,066.80 +8.78 (0.07%)
S&P 500 1,308.44 +2.11 (0.16%)
Nasdaq 2,748.07 +10.66 (0.39%)

Here are some highlights from this past week's earnings coverage on BloggingStocks:

• Ann Taylor Stores Corp. (ANN) declining same-store sales offset better-than-expected Q3 earnings.
• Canadian Solar Inc. (CSIQ) reached a new 52-week high after Q3 results handily exceeded expectations.
• Dillard's Inc. (DDS) said that it swung to a Q3 profit due to cost cutting as revenue declined year over year.
• GameStop Corp. (GME) reported uninspiring Q3 numbers that included a slump in same-store sales.
• Home Depot Inc. (HD) lower Q3 earnings and revenue beat analysts' estimates, but shares still declined.

Analyst upgrades:

• Credit Suisse upgraded Sprint Nextel (S) to outperform from neutral and raised its target to $6 from $4. The firm believes Sprint Nextel's core business is turning and that valuation is attractive. Credit Suisse also added Sprint Nextel to its Focus List.
• Goldman expects Nordstrom (JWN) to benefit from a recovery in the high-end consumer. The firm upgraded shares to buy from neutral and raised its target to $41 from $39.
• Deutsche Bank remains cautious on the Dry Bulk sector long-term but expects increased Q4 day rates. The firm upgraded Genco (GNK) to buy from hold and raised its target to $31 from $24; the firm also upgraded Eagle Bulk (EGLE) to hold from sell.
• Steelcase (SCS) was upgraded to buy from hold at BB&T.
• United Rentals (URI) was upgraded to outperform from perform at Oppenheimer.
• GLG Partners (GLG) was upgraded to outperform from market perform at Keefe Bruyette.
• Ladish (LDSH) was upgraded to outperform from market perform at FBR Capital.

Analyst upgrades:

• Janney Montgomery upgraded City Holding Company (NASDAQ: CHCO) to Buy from Neutral due to valuation and a belief the banking franchise is strong. The firm has a $33 price target on the stock.
  
• JMP Securities upgraded Acadia (NASDAQ: ACAD) to Outperform from Market Perform following the announcement that it has partnered with Biovail to develop and commercialize Pimavanserin. The firm has a $7 price target on the stock.
  
• RBC Capital upgraded Methanex (NASDAQ: MEOH) to Outperform from Sector Perform and raised its price target to $18 from $11 based on its improving free cash flow outlook.
• MGM Mirage (NYSE: MGM) was raised to Buy from Underperform at Banc of America/Merrill.
• Research in Motion (NASDAQ: RIMM) was lifted to Neutral from Underweight at JP Morgan.
• Con-Way (NYSE: CNW) was upgraded to Overweight from Equal Weight at Stephens.

When Best Buy, Inc. (NYSE: BBY) decided to pick up the ZAGG (OTC: ZAGG) invisibleSHIELD product, gadget fans everywhere need to have cheered. After all, the ZAGG product, which I've used, is an invisible shield made of military-grade film that covers all exposed surfaces of thousands of portable electronics, saving them from harm, scratches and nicks. What's not to love? Instead of those bulky and hard to handle leather and rubber cases, just cover your beloved iPhone, BlackBerry or digital camera with some clear film and drop it all you want. Well, hopefully not.

Best Buy has a unique marketing opportunity here that it may not recognize yet. Portable electronics are where it is at. We all want to have our email, voice-mail, digital camera capability, text messaging and maybe even portable Internet access anywhere we go, at any time. This means portable gadgets. While most of them are designed to look and feel extremely nice, the rigors of abuse in the real world don't generally agree. That's where ZAGG's product comes in.

Best Buy needs to land a major web and possibly TV marketing campaign to show just how easily this product can protect their sensitive and loved personal portable electronics. Get customers into stores to buy or special order one and make sure they leave with a few peripheral purchases. Accessories generally don't get the general public excited, but this is one that should. Some retailer needs to take advantage of it.