Yes, I was one of those crazies. One of those ridiculous people that actually waited in line to get my hands on an iPad 2. The wait was crazy. The lines were crazy. Was it worth it? You bet. I actually had a blast. And I’d love to share my take on the iPad 2 along with some of my favorite apps.
First off, I did not have the original iPad. I’m new to the iPad world. And if you have the original iPad, I don’t think the iPad 2 is worth the upgrade. That being said, I think the iPad 2 is one incredible and ingenious device (it’s just not that incredibly different from the original.)
The new iPad is very much like the original. But with a sleeker design. The “insides” are much much faster. Two cameras (front and back). The cameras are pretty poor, but I never imagined holding up a tablet to take a photo. That’s what I have my camera and my iPhone for. The cameras do work great with FaceTime though. I also purchased one of the Apple smart covers. While I don’t think they’re perfect, and that other companies will probably create a better design, they are quite amazing. As you’ve probably seen, the cover puts the iPad to sleep and wakes it every time you close and open it.
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The smart cover also works great as a stand. Although this is where I think other companies will create something that shines better. It’s not the most stable thing when it’s propped up like the picture below. And there is no 45 degree angle which I think would be very very useful. Other than that, I love it!
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Now for some favorite apps.
1. My first favorite app would have to be Flipboard. It displays your Facebook, Twitter, News, Google Reader, and any other blogs/website you like to follow in a gorgeous way. I’ve never heard of anyone that didn’t like Flipboard. If you have an iPad, you must test it out for self. Especially since it’s free.
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2. Another app that I love is called Splashtop. It’s quite amazing. Simply put, I can control (not only access…but literally control) my iMac from anywhere in the world. I love it. It actually works really really well. I can use Safari and view flash websites, access my finder, and even download files/programs if I need to. It literally lets me do anything my iMac could do, on the iPad. It’s pretty amazing. Here’s a shot of my iPad with Spashtop running accessing my iMac.
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3. Garage Band. I have just barely scratched the surface of this app, but it’s capabilities amaze me. More than anything, it’s honestly just fun to play around with.
4. iWork (Pages, Numbers and Keynote): I love that I can have my client data base on a spreadsheet, or wedding agreement on a pages doc, and sync them wirelessly to my iPad so that I have it on the go.
5. iDisk (along with the MobileMe service): Luisa and I LOVE MobileMe. We use it for only two reasons. Syncing our calendars, and iDisk. I know there are other ways to sync calendars through google calendar etc…but I’ve never found anything to be as seamless as MobileMe. If I’m on a trip in New York, and I add something to the calendar on the iPad, within ten seconds it syncs with our iPhones, our iMac, and our laptop. We also love iDisk, which is basically cloud storage. I’ve also heard amazing things about Drop Box, but have not tried it out yet. Again, I’m able to pull a document off the iDisk, edit it on my iPad on the go, then resend it to the iDisk, and immediately we have access to that file anywhere. I love it!
6. Netflix: If you have a Netflix account, it’s a no brainer. I love using the HDMI cable to connect the iPad to any TV or projector, and voila, you have Netflix anywhere on the big screen.
7. Penultimate: With a stylus, this app is genius. Sometimes, you just want to take some hand written notes. Maybe a sketch or two. Penultimate lets you grab really quick notes, and send them as pdf’s or keep them on your iPad. The user interface is brilliant as well.
8. PDF Expert: This, so far, is my favorite PDF app. I’m able to take all my contracts with me, fill in any necessary info on the run, and even have a client sign the contract if they’d like to during the consultation. Definitely a must have.
9. National Geographic’s 50 Best Photos: This one is just cool. It was my wife’s idea, but I’ve loved it. It shows their 50 greatest photographs, along with the backstory, and all about the photographer. Beautifully designed as well.
10. And finally, Flight Control HD: I had to put at least one game in here. Unless you have haven’t experienced the craze of Angry Birds, this one is perfect for taking a little 5 minute break.
In short, I LOVE the iPad. It’s beautifully designed, incredibly functional, and may be one of the best ways to show your photos. I use it easily every day, and can’t wait to travel with it. If you have any questions about any of the apps, or have any app suggestions of your own, I’d LOVE to hear about them.
Have a great Tuesday!
Emmett Perkins - Thanks for the insight, like you i’m a first time ipad user/owner. Just my first week and learning more about. Thanks Emmett
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