How to Have an Ipad

Back in April, I got an Ipad. My friends know this already. They are the only people who read my blog, so this isn't really earth-shattering news is it? Hi friends!

Now that I've had it for a few months, I have some thoughts about how to have an Ipad.

1. There's no need to get the most expensive Ipad with the most storage unless it's going to be your new computer. I got the 64GB one because I have a little bit of a technology obsession. Only sometimes though. When the obsession is about an Apple product. I also plan to use it for some of my dissertation study work. It has a decent video camera and there are video editing apps, so I thought that I could use it for data collection. Video takes up space, which is the only reason I let myself actually get the 64GB. I do think the size you choose depends on what your plan for using the Ipad is, but I now know that having the biggest Ipad isn't necessary. Because I still have a little buyer's remorse months later, I'm trying to make the Ipad my new computer even though when I have to do "real work," I still get my laptop out. I'm working on breaking that habit. If you want an Ipad to play on or play on plus a little work, just get the 32GB one. It's a happy medium, not the smallest, not the largest. It's plenty of room, and I think would be totally fine.

2. There's no need to get 3G service. I got the one that is 3G capable through Verizon. Again, ridiculous technology obsession. I haven't activated the 3G yet, and I don't really expect to. I'm in a Wifi zone most of the time. I don't think I realized that before. However, at work, the Wifi is so annoying. I have to log on as "guest" which means I can't do anything except check/send work email which is all I should do at work, but who are we kidding? I can't even get to Gmail. Ugh. I'm going to try to continue avoiding an extra bill though and just keep using my work laptop, which if you see number 1 above, is the habit I'm trying to break--doing "real" work on the laptop. I'm feeling conflicted. My point is that you don't really need the 3G unless you don't have access to any other computer or a decent Wifi connection in your day. Save the money and get the Wifi only. It'll be fine.

3. You'll need some apps if you want the Ipad to be as good as your real-life computer. Here is what I think is necessary:
Stuff for "Work"
*Pages: I didn't want this at first because it cost more than normal apps. But I had to suck it up. To make the Ipad your faux computer, you need something that's like Word. At least I do. So, get Pages.
*Keynote: Replaces the need for Powerpoint. You can even use your Ipad at work to do presentations. Okay, to be honest, I haven't done this yet. I actually just finished a series of Powerpoints for work. I should really use Keynote. See, I'm still trying to make the Ipad my real computer. I will make this happen this year though. Or else.
*Penultimate: I haven't used this app tons yet, but I expect to once I'm back at work for the new school year. It's basically a "notebook" that you can actually write in to take notes or whatever. I'm in meetings or doing classroom observations all the time, so I think it will come in handy. You don't type, but instead you use your finger or a stylus to write. This is nice because you can organize notebooks for different purposes and send your notes to yourself or a colleague in an email. Also, it's paper-free, which is a goal I'm working on.
*Calendar: This comes on the Ipad (and the Iphone). It's actually really good because you can set appointments/events, give them a start/end time, set up alerts to remind yourself, make them reoccurring if they are monthly/yearly, and even invite others to attend with you. You can sync your calendars across all your devices using Google calendar (which is what I do) or Outlook (which confuses me). One goal this year is to go paperless with my calendar. I depend on a calendar a lot because at work I have multiple appointments and tasks that happen at different times daily. Then there are all of the school deadlines, meetings, etc. And then, there's my actual life with appointments and such. To deal, I have been using an awesome calendar for the last few years. I get a new one every year, and I carry it around with me and depend on it in order to keep my organized state of mind. But, I have this tool now, and I should use it like a grown up (and squeeze one more thing out of it because of the ridiculous amount of $$ I spent to get it). My current paper calendar book runs out at the end of December. I have until then to get comfy with using the Ipad/Iphone/Computer calendar instead of paper.

Stuff for Fun
*Evernote: Put this on all of your devices (work computer, home computer, Ipad, Iphone, and whatever else). As you surf around on the Internet all day, you can save whatever you want here and it syncs across all the devices. That way, you don't have to have a good memory later when you need something. It'll be in Evernote, just waiting on you. It's kind of like Pinterest but not public, which to me is better because really do people need to see just how many cupcake recipes I collect or how many how-to videos for hair braiding I like to save? Um, no.
*Google: There's a Google package that has all the Google tools. This is important for one main reason: Reader. I read approximately 1 million blogs a day. I'm kidding but only a little. I really do read way too many and annoy my friends with all of the useless mind junk I read there. Sorry friends, but it just is what it is. Using Reader helps to keep the blog reading organized. Also available there are the other Google friends like Maps, Docs, Mail.
*Blogger+: You can't use the blogger site on Ipad for whatever reason. (Okay, I should clarify that for whatever reason I have trouble with blogger.com on the Ipad. Perhaps it's just me, but this is my solution.) From my various attempts to use blogger online, I could only type blog posts, but I couldn't format them, hyperlink, upload pictures, etc. It's obnoxious. With Blogger+, you can write your blog posts problem free and like a normal person.
*PS Express: Photoshop Express. You can fix pictures. This is good on Iphone too.
*Kindle, Nook, or iBooks: I think these are necessary because I really like to read on my real Kindle, and this just makes it an all-in-one deal. I use the Kindle app more than Nook or iBooks because I had a Kindle before. However, in my opinion they are all pretty similar. The best part is if you have the Kindle app on your Ipad, phone, and the real Kindle, they sync so you are always on the same page you left off on even if you did your last reading on a different device. I'm sure Nook and iBooks work this way too.
*Netflix: Stream movies (and episodes of Friday Night Lights) when you can't sleep at night.

4. Wireless keyboard: In order to make the Ipad your new computer, you have to be realistic and realize that you are never going to get good enough at typing on the touchscreen unless you are Steve Jobs himself. But I bet even he doesn't. It's just silly. This wireless keyboard is the answer. Problem solved.

5. Get a case. At first I wanted a Dodo case. Then, I worried the Ipad would fall out and crash into 378 pieces. I decided instead to purchase the SmartCover that goes with the Ipad 2. It has come in handy because it can be a stand for viewing or it can just sort of prop it up which is good when you're actually working. I also got this case from Timbuk2, which I love because it's not bulky at all, but provides decent protection when my Ipad is in my bag, floating around with a bunch of ridiculous things that could probably scratch it up.


All righty, those are my thoughts on how to make an Ipad good enough to love. I do think it's worth the money, but I don't think anyone needs to be ridiculous and spend a ton on one. It's user-friendly. It's light and will fit in your purse or book bag. It makes travel when you still want to be plugged-in so easy. And it makes you cooler. Well, maybe not, but whatever.