The Apple iPad's Versatility

The Apple iPad's Versatility

The Apple iPad is the most versatile digital device I've ever owned. Lighter and easier to carry than a laptop, the array of comparatively inexpensive app solutions makes the device a winner at both work and at home. Although I purchased the Apple iPad primarily for use at home, it's versatility has made the device a work day essential.

Apple iPad and iPhone Integration

One of the delightful aspects of owning and using an Apple iPad is the easy integration of work processes with the Apple iPhone. As I've mentioned previously, I use both OmniFocus for the iPad and the iPhone to manage work projects. Synching calendars between my Apple iPad, iPhone and my Mac at home is a feature available through Apple's MobileMe service.

iWork apps and iCal

I'm now using Numbers, Pages and Keynote on the Apple iPad and documents from the Mac and iPad versions of the apps can be easily transferred between devices. Being able to integrate project management, synch calendars and share documents among devices is creating a decidedly lesser role for my office PC in day-to-day workflow and accomplishments. 

The Apple iPad Transcends The PC

I have my iPad with me at all business meetings for the purposes of taking notes and entering new contact information. Because my iPad, iPhone and Mac at home all synch through Apple's MobileMe service, I no longer bother to enter business contact information into my work PC. All of my business contact information is readily available on my mobile devices when needed and is stored on my Mac at home.

Ironically, my iPad has become my general use device while my work PC has become a limited and specific-use utensil. At home my Mac is used primarily for content creation, Website updates and moderating discussions in the Apple Finance Board. All other tasks from following Twitter activity, reading news, reading books and monitoring my email activity is performed more conveniently on my Apple iPad. 

It's not that the Apple iPad "replaces" a netbook or notebook PC. The Apple iPad represents a product paradigm that transcends the netbook and notebook PC. The iPad's touchscreen and app environment is rendering the netbook obsolete. 

The Apple iPad and the Era of the iOS app

I have well over 125 iOS apps installed on my Apple iPad and over 100 apps installed on my iPhone. Including the Apple iWork app suite, iPad and iPhone versions of OmniFocus and a few assorted and inexpensive apps for home and work, my collective app investment remains under $125. Matched with pre-installed apps on the Mac, iPhone and Apple iPad such as iCal, Address Book and iTunes, additional app purchases provide for specific desired functionality at attractive prices. Integration of information across devices extends and enhances functionality among all of the devices. 

I'm intrigued by the concept of a Macintosh app store and what developers will bring to market for use on the Mac and iOS-based devices. I see opportunities for continued integration and sharing of content among multiple devices.

iOS 4.2.x for the iPad

Meanwhile, I'm patiently waiting on the release of iOS 4.2.x for the Apple iPad and the expected increase in uniformity in the user experience between the Apple iPad and iPhone. There's more to the Apple iPad and its versatility than I expected when I first purchased the device. The integrated uses of the Apple iPad and the iPhone are among the pleasant surprises. 

Robert Paul Leitao