The Apple iPad has been a hit and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down, with the iPad apps climbing past 10,000 in the last few days.
Morgan Stanley figures show that the Apple iPad is the 3rd fastest hardware platform to pass 1 million purchases, passing that number in just 28 days which even surpasses the Apple iPhone at 74 days.
As with any device that captures people’s imagination, the way that the iPad is used has been shown to be both practical and fun and that is the way it should be.
I came across the CNet News NanoTech blog which had asked users their favourite uses for the iPad and here are some of the responses and I have added a few of my own along with a fun video on 10 creative ways to use an iPad.
1. Audio system
“I decided to flush mount the iPad into my mom’s kitchen wall…the iPad became the ultimate song storage and categorized jukebox. We could search for any song, show album art, show full lyrics, and buy a new song whenever we wanted through Wi-Fi.
2. Cookbook
We use apps like epicurious for recipes plus I scanned all of her old recipes in as pictures…Perfect for the kitchen. That is where the iPad belongs.”
3. Productivity
- File management–get Goodreader (misnamed horribly), which allows you to maintain a folder/file structure, import documents from the cloud, and open documents in appropriate applications, such as pages.
- PrintCentral–print to a wifi printer or a USB printer
- TaskPro or Todo Queue for task management
- iThoughtsHD–a terrific mind mapping application
4. Students
“I’m a student, and the iPad is great for me. I find it much more comfortable to study on the iPad rather than on a laptop screen. I take notes on my laptop, but then study them on my iPad. Before I got it, I printed out hundreds of pages of notes and PowerPoint slides and had to carry around large binders. I know the iPad isn’t for everyone, but I love it.”
5. Kids
“My kid enjoys the iPad so much. Actually enjoy reading Tintin (search for it) and Spiderman on it…I also noticed my kid having completed almost 3/4 of Treasure Island too in the last 2 weeks.”
6. On the can or ‘Toilet PC’
“Don’t discount (it as a) toilet pc–how’s the complete works of Shakespeare, the NY Times, movies you can actually see, and a healthy chunk of your music collection strike you?”
7. On the plane
“The iPad is also light and its battery life is longer than an average laptop, at least long enough to survive most flights. I don’t have to look for an electric outlet for extended use. Its browsing experience is much better than a smartphone at least. So far I find the iPad an adequate replacement (for) a laptop when traveling for pleasure.”
8. Laptop replacement
“The iPad has replaced my laptop on the road. Does everything I want or need it to do…and I have read more books and magazines, played more games and watched more movies in the last month than I have in the last year!”
9. Artistic application
“Everyone who loudly proclaims that the iPad is not a workhorse is merely looking at their personal work situation and not seeing the wider world out there…I am an artist and the iPad is a brilliant sketch book. In fact I find it ideal whenever I have early ideas to get down whether that is music, poetry, mind mapping a new Web site design, and jotting down notes for my book. Would I try to make a finished painting on it or write a book?–no, but the best computer one has (always) is the one that is with you at the time.”
10. Restaurant menu
“Seriously though–a good idea for iPad is to use it as a menu in a posh restaurant. Customers select what they want and the Wi-Fi beams it to the kitchen for the chef. It won’t be long before someone attempts this.
11. Coffee Table Device During TV Commercials and Boring Bits
“I own a MacBook Pro and both my wife and I own the iPhone 3gs. The iPad sits on our coffee table in front of the television. It gets used constantly…I love it as an e-reader…My wife loves to check her e-mail and casually browse shopping websites while on the couch…My 15-year-old son loves using it to check his Facebook page and play a few games.
12. Expensive Childrens Back Seat Entertainment Device
Just make sure they have clean hands and you have the electric windows on ‘lock’.
13. Real Estate Agents Listing Presentation Platform
As the iPad is immediate to boot up it would be great for agents to use for presenting their pitch for listing a property.
14. Combine the Two Best Inventions in History – The Apple iPad and Velcro
15. As An Impressive Name Tag at Exhibitions and Events
Just put it on a good strong cord, put in your name and company on the the display and ‘voila’ the biggest, the most technologically advanced and most impressive name tag you have ever seen will gain you some much needed attention if you are feeling a little unloved.
16. To Stop Your Table Rocking At Your Favourite Coffee Shop
The iPad is really convenient if a leg on your table is short and you need to prop it up.
17. To Amuse Your Baby
18. To Entertain Your Dog
I have seen an online video on this but couldn’t provide it here due to publishing deadline commitments
18. To Hand Out To Passengers For a Fee To Entertain On Long Flights
This is already being done by Virgin Blue an airline owned by Sir Richard Branson
19. As A Remote Portable Hotel Concierge
Where your hotel doesn’t have the budget for a concierge to provide that important local information
20. To Stop You Getting Bored
How are you using your Apple iPad?
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