Padding The Facts-ICM 506 Module 1

In an attempt to let you know a little more about me, I will share my experiences with my new iPad. Back in March, I had heard that Apple was announcing pre-orders for its brand new iPad.

I had been torn between getting an iPhone or a BlackBerry over the years. So many of my friends with iPhones, while loving the applications, cursed the amount of calls dropped by A.T & T. I was pretty satisfied with Verizon's phone coverage, but hated its internet browser and apps choices. I was also getting tired of receiving e-mails or jokes from colleagues that I was unable to open on my phone. So it seemed a no-brainer to me to purchase the iPad. It would allow me to keep my Verizon served BlackBerry while enabling me to utilize the applications offered on the iPad.

After some research, I decided if I was going to shell out the money for this new technology, I might as well go all the way. I ordered the 3G 64mg version and waited for its late April arrival. Now of course, you can not just order the machine without getting a few extras. I purchased the Apple Care program which is essential in case you run into any problems. But, i also purchased the separate keyboard and soft carry case offered. Let me tell you, if you are planning to purchase an iPad, these are a waste of money. The touch keyboard on the iPad screen is easy to use and very easy to read. The soft case is too flimsy and while the picture frame aspect of it functions well, it is not great for transporting around. I purchased a harder leather case on Amazon.com which is much more effective.

As for the iPad itself, I love it !! The Kindle application is tremendous and gives you many more book options than the iBook app. There are business apps that transforms the iPad into a Microsoft Office, giving you everything offered on a lap top. All of my social networking sites are available and there are separate apps that allow you to utilize Facebook chat, AIM and Yahoo Messenger. Two of my favorite apps are Pandora which takes one song and turns it into a radio station of music from that same genre.....and MLB 2010, which allows me to watch a computer version of a game that is 7 seconds behind real time and also provides you with live radio play-by-play and highlights of all scoring plays. Its great when you watch American Idol with the wife and still want to see how your team is doing.

The biggest negative is that you can only open one app at a time, so you can't listen to music while doing something else. I understand that is going to be addressed in September when Apple rolls out the 4G version of iPhone and can update all iPads.

As you can tell, I love my iPad, so as I run to the mailbox to see if my check from Steve Jobs is in the mail, I can say this will the future and will evolve into everyone having on much in the same way computers and cell phones have found their way into most homes.