Yep, I did it. I bought an iPad 2.
I didn’t get the first one. Although I did experience a lot of iPad envy. I’m a girl who loves the latest technology gadgets. But honestly, I just didn’t see the first one being more than a big game console and/or eReader. Not that there’s anything wrong with that…but I wanted slightly more than just wide screen Angry Birds. Hopefully, I got it with this one. I have every intention of putting it to the test.
As much as I wanted the new iPad, it was still a very difficult decision for me to finally take the plunge and buy one. Not as much because of the cost – although an iPad isn’t cheap and of course you have to get new accessories and new apps to go with it – but because I felt like I was committing to some sort of new lifestyle change at the same time. For example:
Books – I love reading. But I hate schlepping around books. So with the new iPad comes a commitment to buy digital books. Or check out digital books from the library. One thing I’m hoping to do with my iPad is share the books I mention during my training sessions. This would allow participants to flip through a few pages on a break and see if they want to buy the book.
Subscriptions – Same goes here. I have my favorite magazines but if I’m not going to carry around books…then I shouldn’t carry around magazines. I think it will initially be a challenge to find digital magazines but ultimately, it will save trees.
File Storage Apps – I already use Box.net to store a handful of files when I’m out of the office. But I’ve decided to take it a step further and add a folder for all of those PDF Executive Summaries I receive. No more printing them out to carry on the plane.
Cloud Computing – I really need to spend more time understanding how cloud computing can benefit me personally and in my business. I feel behind the curve on this one. The iPad is so light (smidge over 1 lb.) there’s really no excuse not to have it with me all the time. (My cosmetic bag might weigh the same, how sad is that.)
Which leads to my last thought, accessibility. I like my technology, no doubt about it. But it’s equally important to disconnect. Talk with people face to face and give them your complete attention. While I’m looking forward to all of the benefits my shiny new iPad will provide, I need to take my own advice and make sure I manage my iPad. Versus the other way around.
It’s hard to believe we weren’t even talking about tablets a few years ago. Now, Forrester Research is predicting tablet computers will account for 23% of all PC sales by 2015. While it might seem fuzzy where the market is headed, the picture is getting clearer all the time. Especially when I hear colleagues sharing how their kids are using iPads to learn geography and how tablets are so intuitive to use.
Even though I must admit there will be some Words with Friends being played on my iPad (you can find me at HRBartender), my goal is to challenge myself with the technology to create efficiencies for me and my business. I’m curious, what do you think of the tablet craze? Is it the fad du jour or the beginning of a change in the way we can do business? Leave me your thoughts in the comments.
Image courtesy of Pedro Eugenio Antunes
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Paul Hebert says
I’ve been eying the iPad2 since it came out – may not end up with one (may go android) but the functionality of it as a “traveler” has made me rethink my “equipment strategy.”
You and I are doing it in opposite steps – You bought the tablet then thought about how to use it – I decided to move email, calendar, tasks, and doc storage (with backup to local drive of course) to the cloud now to see if I can adapt at using non-hard drive based programs.
Only been at it about a week but haven’t opened up Outlook, Word, Excel. Did have to use PPT but that’s a different story. Based on how well this works – the tablet may be in my future soon.
Everything is in my browser. Weird – nothing but Google Chrome running.
As it stands now, about 90% of the work I do could be done in the cloud via a tablet (need a keyboard me thinks) and having a laptop at the office for some heavy lifting chores when needed – but it changes the way you evaluate the various ways you might access information.
In fact – moving to the cloud has made my Droid more functional – me more efficient (everything is synched without me doing anything – hence my thoughts about android tablet.)
Either way – this is definitely the way to go (with back up of course)
Julian Seery Gude says
I didn’t think I wanted an iPad2 and then @seerysm got one and a few iPad specific apps changed my mind. Now I use it every day for…work! Yes, not games or idling away the hours on Facebook, but email, client phone calls (notes, browsing) and client research, web marketing and social media. Who knew, it’s typically billed as a big toy and entertainment device. 🙂
The best feature is the lean back nature of the device, it’s already helping my back and getting me out of my office chair.
/julian
Carolyn Stoll-Sokol says
I can’t keep up with the tablet craze! I found the ipad intimidating so I ended up just buying a nook color, which I have grown to love for books, however it’s too small to enjoy a magazine layout as well as too small to work on. The comment by Julian about the best feature of the ipad – getting out of the office chair, really has me rethinking my decision.
I’d like to hear more comments from those adapting to the cloud? Positive and negative…
Sharlyn Lauby says
@Paul – Totally agree that traveling gives a different perspective. And thanks for sharing your cloud computing POV. I think it’s my next step but like you mentioned, I thought of hardware then software.
@Julian – Thanks for the comment. I’m still trying to decide if “out of the office chair” is a good thing. LOL!
@Carolyn – I really waffled between the iPad and eReaders like the Nook and Kindle. Especially with those commercials that pointed out the anti-glare screen. And, like you, I want to learn more about cloud computing. Thanks for encouraging the conversation!
Jessica Miller-Merrell says
So my iPad2 finally arrived last week. I’m liking it so far. Paid the extra money for the keyboard and it is so much easier especially if I need to craft a long email.
My daughter absolutely loves it. She can sit on my bed and watch her Curious George and Dora shows while we do our things. I think it will be a life saver during our travels. One tool that I’m going to be purchasing is called “LogMeIn.” Essentially, I can remotely access my laptop from my iPad and be able to use programs like Photoshop which I use on a daily basis. This was the main reason I delayed purchasing an iPad. Other than the fact that I am having to use html to post my blogs on WordPress, it’s great!
Jessica
http://www.blogging4jobs.com
Sharlyn Lauby says
Thanks for the comment Jessica. I just got back from a little getaway and found using the iPad very different from a laptop. It will take some getting used to.