Your iPad sucks - here are 6 examples why

"Your iPad sucks" - ?!?  OK, I was just trying to be dramatic.  I really like my iPad, but I've had a number of discussions with people recently who want to get rid of their laptops and only use their iPads.  I don't think I'll ever get to that point.  Why?  Because I think the iPad is inadequate for some critical business tasks.  Here are 6 examples:

• Working in more than one app at once.  Sure you can switch around between apps on the iPad, but when you really need to have two apps open at the same time (for example, putting a lot of elements of data from a spreadsheet into a Word doc, that switching back & forth is maddening.  The iPad's lack of true multitasking, along with its fullscreen-only presentation model don't cut it when it comes to multitasking.
• Managing files. Managing files on an iPad is very difficult - the security restrictions on iOS alone make this a nightmare.  When you extend this to content-sharing / collaboration sites (Sharepoint is one example) it is very challenging to do any sort of complex file management.  Even DropBox and iCloud, which are fairly iPad-friendly, make file management painful beyond a few rudimentary functions.
• Managing email, especially offline.  My biggest pet peeve with iOS?  I can't delete email when I'm not online.  Often, I like to take advantage of flight time to clean up email.  The iPad is fine for responding to emails but you can't delete or file email when you are not online.  This makes it impossible for me to consider the iPad as my primary email client.  Combine this limitation with the lack of good file management (for attaching files, for example), and it falls short of productive.
• Multi-channel social media.  If you want to monitor multiple avenues of social media and online content, you're going to want a "real computer."  If you want to monitor Twitter and Facebook, you can sort of do that with clients like TweetDeck.  However, if you also want to follow a few RSS feeds, read a blog, along with monitoring Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Yammer, and things like that - and you want to do it while getting your day job done at the same time - you'll quickly hit a wall, even with the fancy new Android-like notification tray in iOS 5.  
• Content production.  Whether you are producing music, video, doing photo editing, etc. you will be far more productive on a real PC than you will on an iPad.  Yes, I know - you can do basic editing, apply filters, and things like that on the iPad.  But if you want to get real work done, pull out your PC.
• Spreadsheet work.  When reviewing and editing spreadsheets, the iPad just frustrates me - I want to be able to zoom, move around, select multiple cells, look at function references while creating formulas, and things along those lines.  I just can't do that on my iPad.  Maybe I could use several iPads together…nah.

These are just 6 reasons I will be using my PC for real work.  I'll still use my iPad for content consumption, meeting notes, on-the-fly research, etc. and taking advantage of its 10-hour battery life as much as possible, but I won't be ditching my laptop any time in the foreseeable future.

What about you - have you successfully moved away from computers to using your iPad as you sole / primary device?  What have you learned and have you successfully overcome any of the obstacles above?

A compact keyboard case for your iPad

In previous posts, I've written about the ZaggFolio keyboard for my iPad and how much I loved to use it with Evernote.  That keyboard totally changed how I used my iPad, and made it very easy for me to take notes and increase my productivity on my iPad.

A successful quest for less travel weight and bulk

Recently, I began to look for ways to lighten the weight of my laptop bag, and the ZaggFolio eventually became a target - it was a little bulky and thick compared to my MacBook Air.  A month or so ago, I discovered a new, lighter keyboard for the iPad called the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover, which is made for the iPad 2 and the New iPad (aka "iPad 3").

The Logitech Ultrathin is a bluetooth keyboard like the ZaggFolio, and has a similar key layout.  However, instead of a vinyl case, this one attaches directly to the magnetic apparatus used to attach the Apple SmartCover.  As you can see in the picture below, the Logitech Ultrathin goes very well with the iPad and has a similar snap and powdered aluminum finish.  The magnetic hinge along the size of the keyboard holds the keyboard to the iPad very well but still makes it easy to remove the iPad so you can place it in the keyboard for use (see the other picture, on the right).

The good stuff

There is a lot to like about this keyboard.  Here are some examples:

This keyboard is slightly smaller than a "normal" desktop keyboard, but I find that you get used to it in a few minutes with no trouble.  As a touch typist, the adjustment was pretty quick and painless.

The battery life is very good, as well - I used it for nearly a month of pretty heavy use without having to recharge the keyboard (you can use any microUSB cable for this - one is included with the keyboard, as well).

There are a number of shortcut keys built into the keyboard to give you quick access to iPad functions like Search, Safari, cut, copy, paste, volume controls, play / pause, etc.  You have to press the "fn" (Function) key to access these.

While in use, the keyboard is very stable - one thing I like about the design is that the little "trough" you use to prop up the keyboard has some magnets in it to hold the iPad in place so you can move it around, type on your lap, etc. without having to worry that the iPad will fall off the keyboard.

You can "dock" the iPad in either portrait or landscape mode, depending on the best orientation for the app you're using.

The keyboard has magnets built into it that automatically turn off the iPad's screen when you close it (the same way Apple's SmartCover does).

Stuff to be aware of

While I am very happy with the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard for iPad, it isn't perfect.  Here are some things you should know:

The shiny finish on the inside of the keyboard is a fingerprint magnet (not they keys themselves - they are a matte finish).  Doesn't bother me, but it comes with a microfibre cloth to wipe them off it the fingerprints bother you.

When it's closed, this keyboard will protect the iPad screen from bumps, but it is not a protective case that will cushion the iPad if you drop it.  If that is what you need, the ZaggFolio is probably a better choice for you.  As for me, I (knock on wood) haven't ever dropped my iPad so I care more about protecting the back from scratches.  For that, I have a Zagg InvisibleShield cover on the back (it is clear, but makes the back a bit more "grippy" to make it easier to hold on to the iPad while I carry it).  I don't have any kind of shield on the Logitech keyboard, though.

A couple of thoughts in closing

If you have an iPad and you take a lot of notes or want to work on the go, the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover deserves serious consideration.  It is such a productivity booster (at least for me).

One comment I get from time to time is, "You have a MacBook Air - why don't you just use it instead of this contraption?"  There are a couple of key reasons:

1. Battery life:  I can use my iPad in meetings all day and never even come close to running out of juice.  My MacBook Air lasts a long time, but not as long as my iPad.
2. Focus:  While I can task switch on the iPad, I can't really multitask.  On my laptop, I start off with the best intentions and open Evernote to take notes.  Then, suddenly, in a moment of weakness I find myself in a web browser, or in email, or on Twitter, or…  On the iPad, I can switch to another app, but it takes more effort and forethought.  The fullscreen nature of the iPad helps keep me more focused.

MacBook Air field guide: privacy and safety

A couple of months ago, I switched to using an Apple MacBook Air as my primary system and I really like it (I have the 13" version, and was moving from the a MacBook Pro).  The Macbook Air is a very small, light computer with great battery life and a very nice screen.

Since this switch has driven a few changes in some of my accompanying accessories, I thought I'd share some of the accessories I've found that I really like.

Note:  All of the items below are available for other computers - if you don't use a MacBook Air, simply click one of the links below and adjust the search to find one for your computer.

I like my privacy

I spend a lot of time on airplanes, as well as working with my computer in public spaces.  For years, I've been a big fan of 3M's privacy filters to keep curious eyes out of my business.  When I first switched to the MacBook Air, I ordered one of the 3M privacy filters, but I wasn't happy - the filter fit just fine, but I got this strange moiré pattern on the screen and couldn't stand it, so I ended up returning the filter.  I don't like to travel with a "naked" screen, so I continued to do research on this.   

I found that 3M makes a specific model number that works with the MacBook Air, as these computers have a higher-res screen than normal notebook computers, and they need a special filter to prevent screen distortion.  I ordered one of these higher-resolution filters and I really love it.  I also moved from the standard, grey-toned privacy filters I've always used to the newer, gold-toned privacy filter and I think I like the gold ones better.

If you have a MacBook Air, the correct privacy filter will include "…MA…" in the model number - those are the ones specifically for the MacBook Air.  You can find the 3M Gold Privacy Filter for the MacBook Air (GPFMA13 for 13" computers, and GPFMA11 for 11" computers) on Amazon.  You can also get it in the "normal" grey-tone filter if you don't want the shiny gold effect (PFMA13 for 13" computers, and PFMA11 for 11" computers).

If you haven't seen these in action before, they do a great job of limiting the opportunity to shoulder surf while you're working on your computer.  If you look at the computer screen straight-on, you see a normal screen, but as you move to the side, the image becomes unreadable.  Be aware- you will have to turn up your brightness a notch or two while using these, as they do absorb some of the light, but I think it is worth it.  You can easily remove the screen if you want to allow others to see what is on the screen.

I like to protect my screen

One of the unfortunate drawbacks of using these privacy filters is that they add a bit of thickness to the screen, which can make the screen rub against the keyboard.  Over time, this can cause a key-shaped abrasion pattern on the privacy filter, with a buildup of scratches up over time.  

To prevent this, I've always used RadTech's Screensaverz - microfiber screen protection cloths.  Not only do they prevent abrasion between the keys and the screen, they also prevent the transfer of finger oil (from the keyboard to the screen), and they double as cleaning cloths.

This is another area where a MacBook Air-specific version of the product makes a big difference.  I tried to repurpose my RadTech Screensavrz cloth from my previous computer, but it was too thick for the MacBook Air and prevented the screen from closing fully.  You can order the RadTech Screensavrz from Amazon, as well - I got the "Indigo" version.

And, I like to protect the computer itself

One of the main draws for a MacBook Air is its light weight.  I decided to try another RadTech product to help protect the computer as I carry it around:  RadTech Radsleevz (yeah, I know - funky spelling…) in matching Indigo.  Man, was this a good choice.  These are extremely thin, and make it easy to hold on to my computer while I carry it around.  It is form-fitting for the computer, and adds almost zero bulk to my MacBook Air.  That means I can stick it in my bag without taking a lot of room, and its TSA-friendly design means I just drop it in the bin in the interrogation line at the airport.

So, if you're a MacBook Air user like me, I hope this gives you a few ideas on how to travel light while protecting your privacy, your screen, and the pretty silver case of your computer.

Is your laptop bag getting too heavy?

What better time than now to go through your laptop bag and find ways to lighten your load?  When I was preparing to hit the road this week, I noticed just how heavy & cluttered my laptop bag was.

I set aside some time on Sunday night to reduce my “travel weight” by getting rid of some things in my bag.  Here are some strategies to help you if you decide you want to lighten your load:

1. Move into a smaller place

   • Nothing forces decisions like having to fit your stuff into a smaller laptop bag.  This is a good strategy if you want to become less of a packrat with the things you carry along with you.  Don't go too far, though - remember sometimes you need room to bring back the things you bring on the road with you.
   • I have done the "try out" process on laptops before since I have a local luggage store with a very customer-friendly return policy.  I buy a bag, take it home and, if I don't like how it accommodates my stuff, I return it.  You can do the same via eBags - their selection is amazing - but it might take a little longer due to the shipping time..

2. Start with a clean slate

   • This is an extreme approach.  You empty your bag ad put in absolutely the bare minimum of “stuff” back in.  Travel like that for a while, and only add in things that a) you discovered that you really needed during a trip; and b) you are absolutely sure you will need within your next 3 trips.

3. Find lighter alternatives to the things you carry

   • This is the kind of approach that extreme backpackers take when they select their backpacking gear – ultralight tents, cups, etc.  You don’t have to go that far, but you could do things like:
     • carry a Kindle instead of books;
     • carry an iPad instead of a laptop;
     • move to a smaller / lighter laptop;
     • carry a smaller note pad instead of the larger one you’ve been lugging around;
     • stop carrying chargers you seldom use on the road;
     • find multi-purpose items (like a single charger that will charge multiple devices)

4. Audit your stuff

   • If you can’t decide what to leave behind and what to keep, audit your bag at the end of each trip.  What things did you ignore, what things did you use?  Are there things you can drop from your bag for your next trip?  If you’re not sure, leave it behind and see how much you miss it.
   • If you are a GTD follower, you could weave this into part of your inbox processing at the end of a trip – don’t just empty your inbox -- empty your bag, too.

These are just some ideas to help you lose some weight really quickly and make it easier on your back.  Got strategies of your own?  I’d love to hear them.

Run your own private cloud at home

I've been looking for an easy way to access some of my home files (music, pictures, some of my software, etc.) remotely, as well as share large files with other people.  I recently found a great, cost-effective way to do this:  The "Tonido Plug 2" personal cloud device.

The Tonido Plug 2 is a small device that you can plug into your broadband router to share data.  The data is shared from a local hard drive, which you can either attach via a USB on the Tonido Plug; or from an internal 2.5" hard drive which you can insert into the Tonido Plug 2's built-in hard drive bay.  I opted for the internal drive, as I had an extra 500Gb drive that I could use. I've been using this device for about a month, and really like it.

The device includes a straight-forward set of configuration instructions, in which you create a "Tonido ID" and establish an account which creates a front-end that enables you to access your files and configure sharing permissions & access controls.  The configuration process also handles making your device accessible outside your firewall so you can get to your data from any internet connection.

It's hard to tell how big this is from the picture in this post, but it is pretty small.  It comes with two power options: one is a cord, so you can lay it on a table or on the floor and plug it into your outlet; the second is a power plug that attaches directly to the Tonido Plug 2, so you can just plug it directly into the outlet and the device just hangs there.

Easy access to my stuff

To get to my files, I have quite a few options:

• Access my personal cloud "portal" from any web browser
• Access my files from my iPhone with a Tonido App (there are native apps for iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry or Windows 7 mobile)
• Mount my cloud drive as a folder on my computer (I use a Mac so I open it via WebDAV, on Windows there is an app to mount it as a folder)
• Stream data to DLNA devices (I don't have one yet, but it supports XBox360, Sony PS3, etc.)

There are also a number of built-in "apps" that run on the Tonido Plug 2 itself (it has its own embedded OS).  For example, there is a file sync app you can use to keep files in sync between your personal cloud and one or more computers.  To find out more about the device or the apps, check out the Tonido site.

Share stuff

I can now use my personal cloud drive to share files with other computers in my house, access files from other computers, and to share files with other people without worrying about file size limitations of email.  For example, I just shared a PDF of one of my previous blog posts and you can download it by clicking on this link.

You can set security controls around your files or folders, which will enable you to restrict who can access specific items, as well as set up passwords for greater control.  It took less than an hour of experimentation to get the hang of the interface, and I really like this piece of gear.

Oh - and I got this for $119, not including the internal hard drive.  Not bad.  If you want your own cloud service, within your own control, I think you'll love the Tonido Plug 2.