I really want to start using my iPad more... All it does it sit next to my bed and gain dust. I don't know whether its because this thing has no utility for a student/businessman or because I just haven't given it the chance... What apps do I need to make this thing worth while? I REALLY do want to start using it but I feel like bringing my Macbook Pro everywhere still because it'll lack a feature that I'll NEED. I don't know, I just need a kick in the butt to start using this thing, will someone please tell me about their experiences so I can LEARN to love my iPad like I want to?
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I want to use my iPad more but I just can't...
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You bought a product for the wrong reasons, expecting it to do something your Macbook Pro can.
If you're not already in love with your iPad, I suggest you return it, because no app or feature will "magically" make you fall in love with it.
If you're not already in love with your iPad, I suggest you return it, because no app or feature will "magically" make you fall in love with it.
Why did you buy one if you weren't entirely sure you were going to be using it? Most people would do the research, play with one in the Apple Stores for a while before shelling out serious cash to get one.
It people like you that made the waiting lists so bloody long to get one.
It people like you that made the waiting lists so bloody long to get one.
First, what are the specific things that you feel your macbook pro does that your ipad does not due?
Second, which statement rings true: "I take my macbook pro with me over the iPad because I need to do things that the notebook does that the iPad doesnt do" or "I take my macbook pro with me over the iPad because I feel that I might need to do something that the notebook does that the iPad doesnt do"
For instance, I might feel compelled to take my notebook with me to a 2 day conference in the chance I might find myself having a couple hours to do some serious academic writing. I know, however, that in reality for those 2 days the most I need out of a computer is a browser, email, calendar contacts, and the ability to do light writing.
In both scenarios the iPad travels and the notebook is either condemned to the hotel room or my house.
Second, which statement rings true: "I take my macbook pro with me over the iPad because I need to do things that the notebook does that the iPad doesnt do" or "I take my macbook pro with me over the iPad because I feel that I might need to do something that the notebook does that the iPad doesnt do"
For instance, I might feel compelled to take my notebook with me to a 2 day conference in the chance I might find myself having a couple hours to do some serious academic writing. I know, however, that in reality for those 2 days the most I need out of a computer is a browser, email, calendar contacts, and the ability to do light writing.
In both scenarios the iPad travels and the notebook is either condemned to the hotel room or my house.
I keep mine beside me pretty much constantly. At work, it's here on my desk. At home, it's either on the coffee table or countertop, or on my bedside table. When I'm on the go, it's with me (though sometimes, like when I go see a movie, I leave it in the car.)
What do I do with it? Mostly keep tabs on my Twitter, Facebook, and email. Occasionally for Google Maps when I'm on the road, or to-do lists or calendars.
Of course all of that is on my "real" computer too (my MacBook Pro). And sometimes, like when I go to meetings, I need to bring the MBP anyway so I can have access to real apps like Word, or PowerPoint/Keynote, or other files that I know I need. But if I'm not on the hook to take notes or make presentations or some other specific reason I need to bring the laptop, then the iPad fits the bill perfectly.
When I go on weekend trips (road trips, or camping/cottage), I bring the iPad and leave the laptop at home. Half the time, I even leave the charger at home -- I know the iPad battery will last through the weekend!
What do I do with it? Mostly keep tabs on my Twitter, Facebook, and email. Occasionally for Google Maps when I'm on the road, or to-do lists or calendars.
Of course all of that is on my "real" computer too (my MacBook Pro). And sometimes, like when I go to meetings, I need to bring the MBP anyway so I can have access to real apps like Word, or PowerPoint/Keynote, or other files that I know I need. But if I'm not on the hook to take notes or make presentations or some other specific reason I need to bring the laptop, then the iPad fits the bill perfectly.
When I go on weekend trips (road trips, or camping/cottage), I bring the iPad and leave the laptop at home. Half the time, I even leave the charger at home -- I know the iPad battery will last through the weekend!
LOL!
Before iPad release; 'yeah, woah man, all these haters who say you can't do anything with it, there are gonna be soo many apps and stuff man - whoa'.
After iPad release; 'like zomg I can't believe people thought it was going to change after you got it, that's like so totally retarded'.
I thought all the magical, revolutionary, amazing, beautiful, inspired, transcendental apps were supposed to be here by now?
On a more serious note, this is what has me worried about shelling out my Benjamin Franklin's. Well, this and the fact that the three times I used an iPad at the Apple store I held it and thought 'hmmm sexy... now what?'. And the third time it just froze, lol.
I'm not flaming or trolling or whatever you crazy kids call it these days, but like the OP I'd like to have a reason to use one (honestly).
Before iPad release; 'yeah, woah man, all these haters who say you can't do anything with it, there are gonna be soo many apps and stuff man - whoa'.
After iPad release; 'like zomg I can't believe people thought it was going to change after you got it, that's like so totally retarded'.
I thought all the magical, revolutionary, amazing, beautiful, inspired, transcendental apps were supposed to be here by now?
On a more serious note, this is what has me worried about shelling out my Benjamin Franklin's. Well, this and the fact that the three times I used an iPad at the Apple store I held it and thought 'hmmm sexy... now what?'. And the third time it just froze, lol.
I'm not flaming or trolling or whatever you crazy kids call it these days, but like the OP I'd like to have a reason to use one (honestly).
I bought one, knowing I'd not really have any use for it.
And guess what.
I don't have any real use for it!
I am someone who is a CREATOR and I enjoy creating things on a computer.
The iPad is more a CONSUMPTION device, yes, you can create some limited things, but why struggle when a proper computer just the job 10x better.
That said, I'm not selling it, it's a nice thing to own, and when the time comes I'll upgrade to the next model, which perhaps will be better for creation.
Everywhere I generally am, only a few feet away I have a device which does a specific task BETTER than the Ipad.
Jack of all trades, master of none, perhaps you could call it.
Well, Jack of "most/some" trades would be more accurate I guess.
And guess what.
I don't have any real use for it!
I am someone who is a CREATOR and I enjoy creating things on a computer.
The iPad is more a CONSUMPTION device, yes, you can create some limited things, but why struggle when a proper computer just the job 10x better.
That said, I'm not selling it, it's a nice thing to own, and when the time comes I'll upgrade to the next model, which perhaps will be better for creation.
Everywhere I generally am, only a few feet away I have a device which does a specific task BETTER than the Ipad.
Jack of all trades, master of none, perhaps you could call it.
Well, Jack of "most/some" trades would be more accurate I guess.
This is what has me concerned...
When the iPad was released in Australia, I was considering saving a little cash and buing one down the track (mainly for uni). On considering my options however I bought a Samsung N130 (quit laughing in the back!) for AUD$340. I've got Office 2010, and it honestly works brilliantly. Between this laptop/netbook and my iPhone 3GS (which I'm starting to hate, but that's another story) I'm well sorted. Which brings me back to the original question!
It depends how honest you wish to be and how much you wish to forgive the device as it's looks nice, has a cute form factor and is only a v1.00 after all.
Facts are, (apart from stabbing at the screen with your finger) pretty much anything the iPad can do, can be done better by another device.
Sure, it does pack some reasonable functionality into one small neat package.
I can honestly tell you one VERY good use.
You have a wife and the computer is in the spare room.
She watches junk TV (addicted to soap operas) yet moans as she is always left on her own in the room, as you disappear off to use the computer whilst her TV shows are on.
Now, you can stay with her in the lounge on the comfy sofa and use your iPad and keep her happy she is not alone.
I can see this scenario happening a lot.
Actually, this is the case in my house except we actually like our individual domains. But my wife wanted a computer (think netbook) for doing some web surfing, email etc & I thought this would be perfect for someone who wasnt very PC savvy. And she loves hers.
I was looking at getting a Kindle for myself but at nearly $400 it just didnt make sense to not go for the iPad for $600 & also have the mobile web surfing, email, movies, games etc.
IMO thats what the iPad is good at & if you get one for any other reason then Im thinking you didnt really think your reasons to purchase through enough...
My most used apps in iPad, in order of frequency of use:
Safari
iBooks
Kindle
email
Pages/Notes
(various Games)
iPod (music)
ToDo
Wikipanion
Maps
Calendar
Contacts
So basically, for me, it's a portable ebooks/internet reader + PDA, that I can also use to listen to music and play games when I have to kill time. That's what I expected it to be when I bought it, I take it with me everywhere I go, and I'm 100% happy with it.
Safari
iBooks
Kindle
Pages/Notes
(various Games)
iPod (music)
ToDo
Wikipanion
Maps
Calendar
Contacts
So basically, for me, it's a portable ebooks/internet reader + PDA, that I can also use to listen to music and play games when I have to kill time. That's what I expected it to be when I bought it, I take it with me everywhere I go, and I'm 100% happy with it.
Yeah, I agree with everyone above.
If you are not in love with it already, return it. The iPad is single handedly, the best portable device I have ever owned. I do not take my Macbook Pro 13" with me anywhere anymore. I don't need my "pickup truck", like Steve Jobs said, with me everywhere I go. I, more than likely, can get by with just the iPad. I have taken it to a 4-day long conference and have taken notes on it beautifully. And that was Pages v1.0. LOL!
Anyhow, I use it for everything, books, shows, comic books, Internet Browsing. It's amazing.
If you are not in love with it already, return it. The iPad is single handedly, the best portable device I have ever owned. I do not take my Macbook Pro 13" with me anywhere anymore. I don't need my "pickup truck", like Steve Jobs said, with me everywhere I go. I, more than likely, can get by with just the iPad. I have taken it to a 4-day long conference and have taken notes on it beautifully. And that was Pages v1.0. LOL!
Anyhow, I use it for everything, books, shows, comic books, Internet Browsing. It's amazing.
Can you give some examples of things you need to do, which make you bring your MBP? It's not a replacement for a real computer, but for me neither is a laptop (I'm a scientist/professor). So now my MBP is pretty much gathering dust, while my iPad is what I take with me everywhere.
I use it like an electronic planner. I write and review papers on it, create presentations on it, ssh into servers and clusters. I don't use it to create finished products, but I do use it for drafts and getting down ideas. I'm really waiting for a good code editor for it. Especially one with git/ssh integration.
One app that I've found to be excellent is GoodReader. I don't use it for reading PDF's (I use iAnnotate instead), but it has the best two-way file transfer features of any iPad app so far (with DropBox, iDisk, WebDAV, integration). Plus you can edit text files.
I also use the free Simplenote app quite a bit.
I'm not a big fan of Pandora, but if you open an internet radio stream in Mobile Safari. It will continue to play in the background when you switch to other apps. Combined with the 3G I usually play it in the car while I'm driving around.
As a hybrid typing/writing/drawing app, I like Noterize quite a lot. The writing is not as laggy as some of the other apps, and because you can zoom in on the page it helps alleviate some of the pain from the lack of precision of capacitive touch. I tend to use it for derivations, because my preferred notation employs a lot of subscripts.
crackpip
I made a thread like this and got a right good slagging for it. (Scottish word)
Anyway a few weeks on and I find myself using it a lot more. It's great for surfing the web and my gf now uses it instead of her windows laptop
And the kids love it. Talking Tom is the most used app on this thing.
Anyway a few weeks on and I find myself using it a lot more. It's great for surfing the web and my gf now uses it instead of her windows laptop
And the kids love it. Talking Tom is the most used app on this thing.
80% of photographers are snooty. The other 17% just haven't figured that out yet. +/- 3% room for error.
Yes, you can't use Aperture, LR or PS on an iPad, but man...does it make for the best portfolio display. Hand it to potential clients...bam! I wouldn't want to do editing on the iPad anyways. That's what my iMac is for.
OT - I have found myself using it more and more for note taking (besides surfing, movies, etc...). I also use dropbox quite a bit now as well. I loved the update to iBooks (pdf support), as most what I need is in pdf format. Good to have them right by my other books.
To be honest, if I didn't need my iMac for the editing software (Final Cut Pro - Lightroom - Photoshop) and syncing the iPad, I'd strongly consider selling it. FOR ME, the iPad does most of my daily duties.
The vehicle analogy helps because we can understand that everyone has different needs and thus drive different vehicles. Perhaps you are a farmer, or a construction worker, or a contractor, or you like using your fifth wheel camper. Or maybe you really like woodworking and you haul 4x8 sheets of plywood and stacks of lumber home every weekend. In that case, a pickup truck is indispensable to you, and you might look at a compact car and say "What would I do with this?"
Meanwhile, for me, I just use my car to drive 10 km to work each day and back, a couple of bags of groceries, and occasionally fill it with baggage for weekend roads trips. I look at a compact car and say "this is perfect for my needs". I could look at a pickup truck and ask "Why would I want one? Convince me that I need one." Well, hey, maybe the answer is... I don't!
Nor would it be right for me to say to you, "I can get along just fine with my compact car -- therefore there is no point in buying a pickup truck!" Or vice versa. Different machines, different needs.
Chalk it up to the success of the Apple marketing machine that people see their devices and say "Oooh! I want one! I want one!" before they stop to ask, "Wait, do I really need one?"
I view the ipad as a great tool to take with you to school for notes, travel, and meetings. It wasnt designed to replace your laptop.
Wow, OP, do you really own one? I can't believe you wouldn't be having fun with it, being lazy around the house with it, taking it on trips (which would outlast a MBP's battery), etc. Well you might as well sell it if you don't feel there is a use for this tech toy. You should have bought Apple stock with that money instead 