After reading the great iFixt article about poor repairability of some new Apple products, including the iPad, I decided...

Bicycle cable ends are available from you local bike shop, and online. They crimp on to prevent the cable end from fraying. I prefer using a plastic bead, like the kind associated with Mardi Gras. Tools & supplies: Plastic beads, small butane torch (a butane lighter will do in a pinch), good wire cutter (preferably a bicycle specific one). 1. cut cable, so end is not frayed. 2. heat end of cable till it turns red. 3. slide/ melt the bead on.