So the big hype the last couple days is the Apple Ipad. Curious how you think this device will effect the VA industry. Are you going to run out and purchase one or give it time?

http://tinyurl.com/ygw8vh8

When we saw the unveiling of the iPad a few days ago we were so excited and signed up for notification so we could buy one as soon as they were released BUT that was before all the specs were out and now that I'm aware of what the machine is lacking [and it's lacking a LOT] I think we'll be holding out for the model that's set to come out from HP [it's supposed to have all that the iPad doesn't and more].

With that said, I don't think the iPad would make much of a dent in my work or my business simply because for the most part it's an entertainment machine and not so much designed for work. It doesn't multitask [you can only run one application at a time] and it's basically a giant iPhone WITHOUT the phone part... so - not exactly earth shattering for this industry or any other, except maybe the publishing industry. It's prettier than the Kindle and looks like a great ebook reader but that's about it in my opinion

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I'm a big old Mac hater (that's right I said it!) so I don't have many nice things to say about the iPad.

It's lacking in so many features that its useless as far as I'm concerned. It's just an extra large cell phone. Tablet PC's have been around for a while now so if I really wanted one I would go get a regular one that was cheaper than the iPad. Really in all honesty though I feel as if laptops are more efficient for business use overall, especially in this industry. If a tablet PC is something you just got to have however I would look into the WePad, it makes up for many of the features that the iPad is missing, while its not available it has an SD card slot, usb ports, and flash (so you can actually view any website!).

I think its only going to be available in Germany at first for the soft launch, but I personally cannot wait for it!

Here is a link for it:
http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/04/12...d-launch-date/

How about the new Ipad Generation have you changed your opinion how this could work for the VA industry?

We've since bought one and love it I will say though that it does get mostly used by our two and a half year old for alphabet games and Bakery Story which she adores, LOL...

Hamid uses it to read his programming books, so that's been a convenience and we've installed Skype on it as too, which has worked out well.

We've really become a 50% Mac household since you first posted this. I am still working on my Vaio and Nou has her little HP laptop but Hamid is working on a Mac and we have an iPhone, iPod nano, iPad and some generation of iPod touch...

In any case, I think Hamid would tell you it's dramatically improved his quality of life as a programmer simply for the sake of reading on a decent and truly portable screen but I haven't found a way to utilize it for my own work. I guess I'm a creature of habit and really like being on my laptop if I have work to do.

What do you think? Have you been using an iPad for work at all?

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What are the major differences between Ipads 1 and 2?

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Jacqueline D. Callender
Global Horizons VA Services

Jacqueline:

The iPad2 has two cameras, instead of one. I also believe that the dimensions and weight are slightly different.

I am not sure about other features, but you know, as with many products, there is a built-in obsolescence factor, so that you will desire the "new" model, and spend more money.

I have an Ipad. Received it as a farewell gift from my boss. My 3 year old nephew used to use it more than I did. I used it only for games or as a Kindle or to check my favourite blogs whilst not being behind my desk.

I´ve recently started using it more for work as it´s good to read my email on when I´m on the beach or at our other house which hasn´t got wifi. I can manage calendars with it as well, so it´s useful.

Not interested in the Ipad 2. I think I´d rather get a small laptop with a SIM card as I find typing on the Ipad quite difficult.

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Hilde
www.vbbassociates.com