IPad

Recently, I got an iPad.   I have used other's iPads a couple of times.  Now I had my own!

I was anxious to see how a tablet could improve my life.  

This article is about my initial experiences with a tablet / iPad.

One thing is clear.  The mobility it provides us has been beyond my expectations.  Previously, we had a bag of books for my young daughter Addy that we lugged around. Now Addy just has to carry the iPad - all her books are stored in the iPad.  It is much easier than lugging around a back pack full of books for her to read.  

Because the iPad loads fast, it allows me to more quickly check e-mails (i.e.  I don't have to wait for an operating system to load - as I do with my personal computer). This allows me to quickly check e-mails and find information on web sites.

Another benefit has been the ability to connect with my sisters visually through FaceTime.  Being that both my sisters live an hour away, connecting with them in person does not happen as often as we would like.  FaceTime is a new way for us to stay connected.  I was jazzed to see how well it worked when we first did it.  Being that they both have the iPhone, I am able to use FaceTime to see my sisters, nieces, and nephew - oh, and yes, my brother-in-laws.  

FaceTime is good tool that Addy uses to talk with her cousins as well.  The kids have easily figured out how to use this web conferencing tool.  It is easy. You tap on the FaceTime icon and then tap on the person's name with whom you wish to connect (on the list). It calls them and you are connected (if they answer).  This is so easy, that Addy calls constantly (too often - to my dismay).  Maybe Apple should make this a little more difficult for young children.

One of the limitations is that I am unable to work with some applications that I have available through my personal computer.  For example, I would like to be able to use Microsoft Office documents on my iPad.  It may be possible to do so. I have not had time to research this.

Being that we have been using Google Applications more in our work, I do like being able to use Google Applications on my iPad.

One of the best things about my new iPad is that I can enjoy listening to music and checking emails while in the kitchen making dinner!