The first is a game. Being an old lady, I like simple games that don't tax my thumbs. The first game I purchased is a solitaire game called 12 Solitaire Games from Astraware. It costs $.99. It has all the most common versions of the game. The cool thing about playing a game like this on the iPad as opposed to either the iPhone or the Mac, is you just touch the cards and they move. A single card or a whole line of cards, depending on the circumstances. If they don't go where you want them to go, just touch them again. It is quick and easy, and one of the side benefits is that people with problems with their hands, such as arthritis, can play computer games again. Every action in the game is controlled by a single touch. This particular game is beautifully designed, has clear directions, allows you to start a game over, and even has a hint button if you wish to use it.
The second app is WolframAlpha. I am still learning all that this app can do, but it is amazing. It is unlike any option we have ever had before. It is not a dictionary, nor is it an encyclopedia. There are categories of questions and you ask something like "calories in carbonated beverages" and get a whole page of information - unit conversions, comparisons to daily intake, ranking among common foods, nutritional facts, and of course, calories. When it was first released it cost around $50 I believe, but you can get it right now for $1.99. There is also a version for the iPhone.
The third is iBooks. At this point there is not a large selection of books to purchase in the books store, but oh my, it is wonderful to read a book on the iPad. The text is easy to read, but if necessary you can actually enlarge it. The price of books start at $9.99.
If you haven't examined an iPad, there are units to check out at Apple stores and Best Buy locations. Now that things have calmed down a bit, you should be able to get someone to demo one for you.
[ add comment ] | permalink |
( 2.9 / 76 )If you have never had the experience of waiting in line to buy a new Apple product you have missed out on a unique life experience. You can read my account of waiting in line for the iPad here if you are interested. In addition to getting my iPad, which I will get to in a minute I met someone who has agreed to work with our user group to put on a free training session to teach interested people how to develop apps for the iPhone and iPad. At the other Apple store here in Austin, other members of our group met some people who want to start a special interest group about servers and we agreed to sponsor them. I love "Mac people".
The iPad is awesome. Everything is so clear and bright on the screen. Hopefully you have seen the commercials and realize that you can turn it to get landscape or portrait views. It is very fast. The applications that have been created just for the iPad are more sophisticated than those that I am familiar with for my iPhone. Most things operate with the touch of your finger, even playing games. There is no mouse.
You can only have one application open at a time, so to read your mail, you must close whatever you are working on. But, when you go back to the first thing, it opens back up to where you were. For instance, if you are playing a game, it will take back up where you left off.
If you have both an iPhone and an iPad, it is easy to distinguish between which apps are for which unit so you don't have to worry about loading iPhone apps that you don't want on the iPad and vice versa. Many apps are being updated so that they work on both formats. You only have to pay for them once.
Many iPad apps cost more than you are accustomed to seeing for iPhones. I think developers understand now that they have been undercharging for their products and are starting out with more appropriate prices this time around. You can download Pages, Keynote, and Numbers, but each application is $9.99.
If you get an iPad you really need to get a case of some kind for it. Because of the size, it does not fit in your pocket nor will it fit in most purses. It is easy to drop it or knock it off a table and it will break. Breaks are not covered under warranty, only manufacturer problems, so it is better to prepare up front. The screen is very tough, but I would not want to carry mine in a purse even if it would fit because eventually it would get scratched.
You can passcode lock the iPad in the same manner you can passcode lock your iPhone.
My iPad is calling my name. It's saying "Nancy, Nancy, come play another game, come prop your feet up and write a column, come read a book......" OK.
[ add comment ] | permalink |
( 2.9 / 81 )There is a very good application for the Mac that allows you to make real crossword and word search puzzles using your own words. The end result is as professional looking as any puzzle you might see in a newspaper or magazine.
If I were still working with kids in scouts or teaching I would consider this as a great tool for making learning fun. The app does most of the work. You have to come up with the words and the definitions.
The app is called Crossword Forge and it is kinda expensive at $49.95, but there is a lot of programming in the background that allows it to present the finished product that it gives. You can download a trial version that lets you check it out, but you can't print any completed puzzles until you purchase the product.
The web site is http://www.solrobots.com/.
[ add comment ] | permalink |
( 2.4 / 28 )If you have time to investigate some new software here is a recommendation. I saw it demonstrated at Macworld and have since purchased and tried it. It is easy to use and, at least from my perspective, a great asset.
It is BusyCal from BusyMac. It works with iCal but offers more options. For instance the weather report for your area for the next 7 days is included in the form of weather icons. You can get information about or edit events in a box just by clicking on the name of the event. Even better, for beginners, there are very good movie tutorials included in the download that show you just what to do. Oh, and if you are on a network, you can share calendars between users. It requires OS 10.5 or 10.6 and costs $49 for a single user license or $79 for a family license. Check it out at http://www.busymac.com/.
[ add comment ] | permalink |
( 2.8 / 63 )If you are looking for unique, useful gifts for your Mac enthusiasts, I have a couple of suggestions. Both of these are laptop stands, but they are probably unlike any you have seen before. Even though different, both are very practical.
The first is the Xtand Cooling Bar. It sells for $39.99.
It is a solid aluminum cylinder, 15 inches long and about 2.5 inches around. One “side” is flat and holds a rubber pad to prevent slipping. Think of an orchestra conductor’s baton. It is stylish, light weight, and doesn’t take up much room, but it holds your laptop firmly in place, providing good airflow. Everyone who sees it will notice it. If you would like to see a full review of it you can see it here.
The second is the AViiQ Portable Laptop Stand. It sells for $79.95.
This is perhaps the perfect gift for the traveling man or woman. It weight 5.5 ounces and folds into a compact 12.75 x 2.75 x 0.25. It will hold any laptop computer up to 17”, and provides a 12 degree keyboard angle when open. It is easy to use and very sturdy, although it is also flexible. A cloth carrying bag is included. The white lines you see in the image are the fold lines. It folds up something like a map. A full review of this product can be viewed here
[ add comment ] ( 2 views ) | permalink |
( 2.8 / 50 )
Calendar
