As a technology advisor I get all kinds of questions related to all types of technology. One of the recent ones I have been hearing from clients is: “Have you used the iPad?” or “We bought an iPad and are looking at it to help do…what do you think?” So I have one now and have used it for roughly 3 weeks. The one I bought was the 32GB 3G version (the only version Best Buy had at the time). So initially I thought it was an “oversized” iPod/iPhone; surely I can do all it can do on my iPod Touch or iPhone or Laptop. That is not entirely true.
A Couple of Advantages:
One of the advantages I see with the iPad over my laptop is the size and convenience of being able to take it without all the “baggage” of my laptop and it is easier to see outside. This is good for me when I am at a softball game or away from home when taking the laptop is just not practical. The size is just about perfect to use for remote support and reading PDFs and e-mails (see note below on Box.net), as compared to my iPhone.
A Couple of Disadvantages/Issues:
The cost and cost of accessories make the iPad not quite practical for a lot of potential uses that I can see for it. Additionally, the apps that are useful also come with a price tag, usually $0.99 to $9.99. Another thing I have noticed is without a case or a stand it is not quite as easy to use like a laptop on your lap or on a table. The back is rounded, so it tends to wiggle a bit as you type on it. I maintain a few social media fronts for the firm and myself and have yet to find the perfect app to do this like I can on my laptop with Tweet Deck.
Now for my App List:
- iTap RDP Client: I use this app to connect the servers we manage. I have complete desktop connectivity just like I do with my laptop.
- Team Viewer Pro: this is the tool that we use to connect remotely and work on individual PC issues and help support our clients remotely.
- Evernote: I use this application to take notes to help keep track of the things that I did during a particular day. This syncs to my laptop PC as well.
- eWallet: I have used this application for years to keep track of all my passwords and login information. Now I have the same database of usernames and passwords on my iPad as well as my iPhone and PC, all syncing back and forth.
- Box.net: I use to keep articles and items to read in my PC bag but with this application I can PDF those items and e-mail them to my Box.net account and read them on the iPad at my convenience.
- WordPress: We maintain a couple of websites with WordPress back – ends and this allows me to have access to make changes to these sites from about anywhere I have a cell signal or a wireless access.
- To-Do: This app helps me keep track of my task list and is compatible with the GTD (Getting Things Done) theory of task. I simply add or e-mail my To-Do list with the action and it will help monitor and track the things that need to be done.
- Corkulous: This app is like an idea board that allows you to keep track of ideas and jot down notes quickly and easily.
- Numbers, Pages and Keynote: These are the Apple Office products for spreadsheets, word processing and presentations.
- I-Clickr: have not used this yet but it is a must have if you do PowerPoint presentations. Set your computer by the projector and start the host i-Clickr and then take control with your iPad and click away. Great controls to allow easy access to the slide notes and even a peek ahead option.
I will share more of my findings later, but if you are looking to get an iPad for something specific, let’s chat and maybe we can help you decide on your plan or test the app for you before you spend the money on the hardware.