Like thousands of other people, I got an Apple (AAPL) iPad. It worked out-of-the-box and has a similar interface as my iPhone.
And it's a conversation starter. At a coffee shop yesterday, four people asked me about my iPad.
My response? It's awesome. For the most part, I will probably not use my laptop much anymore (yes, I have a Mac Air).
My main reasons are the following:
- Boot-up: While my laptop takes a few minutes to boot up, the iPad takes a few seconds.
- Battery life: It is 10 hours for the iPad. In other words, I don't have to worry about finding an electric outlet.
All in all, the iPad is about making my life much easier. This is certainly something I'll pay for.
But can an iPad improve business?
I think so. First of all, if you run into a potential client, you can do a quick -- and colorful -- presentation. Or, you can show-off your website or a video of your product.
Next, the form factor is just right, with a screen of 9.7 inches and the weight at 1.5 pounds. As a result, the iPad is just right for writing emails and documents -- as well as making updates to your social networks like Twitter and Facebook.
Although, I would recommend purchasing Apple's Pages word processor. It is only $9.99. You might also consider getting Box.net, which is free (it's one of the first iPad apps for business). Basically, you'll be able to share your documents.
Now, there are some limitations with the iPad. For example, you cannot use Flash-based applications. Also, the iPad device looks fragile. So, I would purchase a $39 case for it.
Finally, you might wait for the end of the month to get a 3G version, which operates through AT&T's (T) cellular network. The current iPad version only works with wi-fi.
But to me, these are minor things. Already, I've notice a big difference. And as more apps come on to the iPad, things will only get better and better.
Tom Taulli advises on business tax preparation and is also the author of a variety of books, including The Complete M&A Handbook
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-12-2010 @ 6:11AM
Mike Sanders said...
What is an I-pad? Or, an I-pod for that matter... One more thing, why is texting such a step forward? I keep telling the kids that one day, you won't have to type. You'll just talk into it and the other person will be able to actually HEAR, what you are saying. No cadrpel-tunnel syndrome, mis-spellings, or worries about who's on the other end of the line. Mark my words!
Alexander G. Bell
4-12-2010 @ 6:15AM
Mike Sanders said...
Oh yeah, if you like "texting," you will absolutely LOVE the Morse Code.
._ ._.. . _.._
4-12-2010 @ 7:49AM
Bob said...
Steve Jobs is the greatest American innovator of technology since Edison and Bell.
4-12-2010 @ 11:19AM
GovtofMars said...
Conversion starter? Does it come with chellpeck?
4-12-2010 @ 11:21AM
jimtube said...
If you can hear what the other person is say isn't that called voicemail? Than texting would be worthless wouldn't it. If you want to hear what the other person is saying just talk live to them.
4-19-2010 @ 5:39AM
dropshipper said...
thanks for sharing such a nice post . its really very useful & handy . Keep posting such innovative ideas .
4-19-2010 @ 11:00AM
lwellsnyc said...
I must say that the iPad has all the techies jumping, but it's too limited for my use...my iPhone and netbook are much more versitile, and I'm not in love with AT&T's 3G service, so why get another gizmo that relies on it? There's no camera, no Flash, and Apple won't catch the clue-train and make all their peripherals work with their new products. (i.e, ear phone plug is different, so is the charger/sync plug) Planned obsolescence takes on a whole new meaning when 'Job's' is in charge.
5-13-2010 @ 8:56AM
blogs325 said...
One of the most useful pieces of advice I took away from his talk was the importance of being able to learn very quickly and adjust the game plan on the fly. When pitching an investor, if the pitch doesn't go so well, use that as a learning opportunity. Understand why the investor declined to invest, and when you leave the meeting, go to the closest coffee shop with your team and do a post-mortem analysis of what worked and what did not, and what needs to be refined for the next pitch. Sounds very similar to customer development for start-ups, perhaps this should be called "investor development for start-ups"!
http://www.prime-targeting.com/