August 12, 2010

Here's what's cool about the iPad: they're great devices to consume and do some basic communications work. You can tune into webinars on GoToMeeting, or you can answer some email. You can stay up to speed on RSS-driven news (including your company news, if you've built RSS feeds as a delivery mechanism), and there are some really clever apps, like Square for payment processing (that I mentioned before).

But beyond that, they're not workhorses, and some basic business chores (like spreadsheet stuff) are really frustrating to do on an iPad. For instance, if you're going to have to input a bunch of things, like listings of homes for a real estate company, or updates to inventory for a store, it's just not an easy tool to use. Even if you buy a Bluetooth keyboard or a docking keyboard, you suddenly find yourself stuck with almost-a-laptop. Oh, and you can't multi-task.

I Wanted to Believe

I bought an iPad the first week, because I believe there's some business magic in this old silk hat. But as an owner of an iPad, it's not yet really kicking butt as a business tool. Mind you, my business relies heavily on content creation (like writing this blog), and so maybe I'm not the norm, but I'm not seeing many people MAKE anything on their iPads. I'm seeing them consume.

So Why Do I Miss It?

The iPad is the single best device for electronic learning that I've ever owned. I use it for digital books like iBooks and Kindle books, and I've completed four rather lengthy books on it so far. I use it for consuming audio and video podcasts. I use it for watching documentaries and other movies. It truly is an amazing device for consuming media of different kinds.

Don't ask me whether I regret buying it. I don't. I think there will be some improvements and innovations that come with it. I also think that some businesses will benefit from buying iPads instead of laptops, should their function be mostly for consuming and communication. But in the shorter term? Save your pennies.

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Join the conversation ( 5 )

• Mark Moskovitz 1 year 9 months and 11 days ago

  

  @Gregory Hay - I feel exactly the same way. I'm not a huge fanboy, but feel like the biggest reason I don't use the iPad as much is the screen, due to the iPhone screeen.@Dawn Dunsmore - I agree that iOS4 will improve the iPad experience, but I end up going to my computer for more creating, and even some consuming for things I can't do on the iPad. Even with my Hulu Plus account, not every video is available to watch mobile, so I have to go to the computer.

• Dawn Dunsmore 1 year 9 months and 11 days ago

  

  When iOS4 is released, the change will be huge. Only then will we see productivity increase, and not just be consumers. I already use my computers far less, and the iPhone 4 much more. I expect that to change with the iOS4 relase for the iPad. Apps like Dropbox help bridge the gap between computers and the iPad/phone. Almost on a daily basis I find something new I can do on my iPad!Yes, data entry will be a challenge...for now, but hey who wants to crunch numbers anyhow, when you have a game of Angry Birds waiting? :)

• Tarah Feinberg 1 year 9 months and 11 days ago

  

  @AlphaGraphics: You can export from Numbers to Excel in the full Mac OS version. Not sure why they haven't enabled that in the app. I agree that you might not want to write a novel or enter massive amounts of data on the iPad, but I've found it to be a huge productivity booster. Keep in mind that I'm a creative, largely working in interactive and social media, but I think there are a lot of businesses where this machine's core functionality and benefits are just as useful, especially with the growing number of great voice transcription and other productivity apps. My biggest gripe right now is that there's no multi-tasking yet. When iOS 4 arrives, this machine will be truly incredible.

• DANIEL SHER 1 year 9 months and 12 days ago

  

  I do use my iPad mainly for consuming information, but it did replace my laptop. my only complaint really has been transferring files back and forth and creating new spreadsheets (why can't you export Numbers documents to Excel?). Of course I am reading a lot more books because I always have them with me (including Social Media 101). Overall, I don't regret the purchase.

• Gregory Hay 1 year 9 months and 12 days ago

  

  The iPad was the greatest thing since Velcro until I got my iPhone4 (amazing scree), now I only use it for reading on occasion. Still an awesome device, but it's not the end-all, be-all for me anymore. #fanboy