iPad Tablet Computer
What can you do with an iPad?
Turns out you can do a lot with an iPad. iPads were geared more toward customers who would consume media, rather than produce media on the device. However, people are creative, and some figured out how to actually put the iPad to work for them. Here are a few ideas of how to use your iPad for work:
- Email and correspondence
- Writing blog posts, articles, books, proposals
- Social networking
- Readingand research
- Project planning and management
- Create and edit photos and images
- Organize
- Track expenses and mileage
- Scheduling (calendars)
The iPad is portable, and allows you to work anywhere you have an Internet connection. The iPad can easily do each task above, but may not be the ideal tool to use every day for heavy-duty working—your desktop or laptop would be better for those heavier jobs. However, the iPad can be handy to take along when you’re out and about. The tablet is lighter than a typical laptop or netbook. Even if you add in a Bluetooth keyboard (more on that later), the weight will still be lighter than your laptop or netbook.
Bluetooth Keyboard
The iPad’s onboard keyboard (on the touch screen) is nice. However, if you have much typing to do, you’ll find the work angle will tire your wrists and fingers. Plus, the onboard keyboard takes up precious space on the iPad’s screen.
One of the best ways I’ve found to make the iPad more user friendly is a foldable Bluetooth keyboard. Adding a Bluetooth keyboard makes it much easier to write and edit emails and other documents. I have an older foldable Bluetooth keyboard, by Think Outside the Box, from back in my PDA days. You can still find similar Bluetooth keyboards at places such as Amazon. A foldable keyboard is light and usually comes with a case, making it easy to carry when you’re out and about or on the road. You can also use the same keyboard with your smartphone, if it’s Bluetooth enabled.
Apps
Apps are the small programs you use to customize your iPad. There are apps for everything under the sun, including productivity and business apps. You can download apps from the iTunes store directly to your iPad, no computer needed (but you do need an Internet connection). There are apps that let you scan documents, presentations and more and safe each file as a PDF. Other apps allow you to access the “cloud” to store your files and collaborate on projects with your clients and colleagues. In addition, there are word processing apps, project management apps, note-taking apps and more.
iPad for Work
iPads really are more than just a toy—they can be a real workhorse for lighter jobs when you’re away from the office or traveling. The addition of a Bluetooth keyboard, and the right apps will make your iPad work for you—you can even earn money online or through freelance work with your iPad. I’ll write another article about some of my favorite apps to use for work. Make your iPad work for you!
Disclosure: I bought my iPad, it was not given to me for review purposes.
