After much internal conflict, I decided recently that “wanting one” was enough to justify the purchase of an iPad. I headed down to the Apple store, and came home with a 32gb / 3G iPad. I ended up with the 3G version not for the cellular data capabilities (though it might get used). I had decided that having the GPS capabilities would be useful, and might help with road trip navigation duties (I have Navigon for the iPhone and it is pretty much amazing)
The iPad is to take the place of my trusted Franklin Covey planner (With a few additions). The first addition was a case. It had to be something that was protective, and presentable without being over the top. Shouldn’t be too hard to find (or so I thought). I settled on one made by rooCase. The “Executive Leather Portfolio” in smooth black. It is quite functional, though it’s not leather, it’s at best “pleather” and kind of smells like PVC piping. Nevertheless, it has a loop for a pen (or stylus) and room for some notes and business cards.
As I went through the setup, and sync for the first time. I began the process that I’m betting every new iPad owner goes through. The “app shopping frenzy” proceded. The standard iOS apps of Notes, and Calendar don’t quite fit the bill when I’m looking to replace the functionality of the Franklin planner, so I settled on an app called “Things“. It’s not quite a direct replacment but the functionality is similar enough to make it convenient, and it will sync with the desktop version, and ical.
Other apps I ended up with were:
- Portfolio (for photo portfolio presentation)
- WordPress (for updating blogs)
- Pulse (RSS reader)
- Pages and Numbers (Word Porcessing and Spreadsheet)
- VLC (Video player)
- Netflix
- Pandora
- iSSH (for Server administration)
- Ego (to track twitter followers, and website stats)
- Tweetdeck (Twitter client)
I’m relatively certain I’m not quite done shopping and spending money on apps. I’ll keep posting if I fond something new and cool. If you have any recommendations, shoot me a note.
