Comments on: Is there a business case for buying an iPad?

By: Blaine Robertson

Blaine Robertson — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:48:34 +0000

Your mention of the audio notes app appears to be a screen shot of the sounfpaper app. Which is the one you are actually recommending?

By: I30project

I30project — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 16:26:58 +0000

So far I am in agreement with you. I am in mobile confinement for 30 days and I think it is the best consumer product and can augment business nicely… But not a stand alone business device. See some of my thoughts as I blog daily http://i30project.com

By: Joel Drapper

Joel Drapper — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:01:40 +0000

You didn’t mention under the Portability heading the amazing battery life which when coupled with say the http://clamcase.com/ allows you to get a lot done away from the office. It’s more the a consumption device. Also have you tried the “Brushes” app with a stylus?

By: Emily H

Emily H — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 20:49:42 +0000

I've been thinking that the iPad would be great to take into meetings, not just for presentations as has already been discussed above, but for taking notes. I find transcribing handwritten notes onto the computer, for sharing the 'minutes' and keeping a formal record, a real chore. But I object to having laptops in meetings because it can seem 'rude' to have a screen up in front of you. Who knows what you're actually doing behind there?! So I was thinking the iPad would be a nice transparent way of note taking in a meeting.

So though perhaps justifiable as a business expense, in reality, our next hardware purchase needs to be a new laptop for one of our team. And - being a small outfit - we can't afford to buy an iPad in the same 6/12 month period as that.

By: KJ

KJ — Fri, 28 May 2010 21:13:22 +0000

I think the ability to easily bring and show comps at meetings -- and better, to travel via flight, are reasons enough for a design or art professional to get one. Many offices have WiFi already, and most hotels do, too. (See how I talked myself into that?)

By: Janko Bosch

Janko Bosch — Thu, 27 May 2010 18:30:42 +0000

I hoped to hear a great reason why I need the iPad so I can convince my girlfriend. Now all i can say is because Paul says it's cool...don't think she will buy that.

Anyway I see some very interesting apps here. I'm really curious how we will look at the iPad within one or two years. If it's heading in the direction you mention here this could become the revolution Steve was talking about.

Anyone here using the Mifi?

By: Beth

Beth — Thu, 27 May 2010 18:24:30 +0000

I loved the article, great idea, but...

...i disagree with the sentiment that it's not business-critical for the web designer/developer yet - I wish that I had paid more attention to generating mobile versions of our companies' sites earlier in the iPhone's lifespan! We could very well be on the cusp of new site trends and a major new platform for consumption with the iPad, so I think we should all be prepared.

By: Pat

Pat — Thu, 27 May 2010 14:33:13 +0000

Thanks for the thorough review. Currently, we're still contemplating of getting one. Hopefully, soon.

By: Michael Lomas

Michael Lomas — Thu, 27 May 2010 12:21:26 +0000

For myself I've highlighted three main business uses, email, calendar and presentation. I rarely answer email via my iPhone and I always carry a standard diary for appointments which get duplicated to my iPhone later. In both cases it's mainly because the iPhone isn't quite as natural at these tasks, but I think and iPad could be. The other consideration is the 'wow factor' when demoing work to both new and existing clients - web design work is always going to look better on an iPad than on a bulkier laptop with a lower quality screen.

By: Ben Collier

Ben Collier — Thu, 27 May 2010 12:04:06 +0000

I expected this to be about an actual 'case' that's smart looking and acceptable for business use!