Shortly after purchasing my iPad , I went to Target to buy my husband's birthday present and while he and the salesman, Mike, were looking over what he wanted, I got interested in looking at the iPad accessories. I had already done the rest of my shopping.
Of course, I had already ordered the rubbery case and the Cocoon travel bag but I knew I might need something that protected the screen. I didn't know that a transparent cover would come with the rubbery case. I have since applied it and it is not really good enough. So, I am trying to decide about the Zagg or iLuv antiglare screen protectors. My friend recommends the Zagg.
I was reading the book iPad the Missing Manual and it said that the best screen cleaner was microfiber. I leapt up because while we were in Target that day, I had purchased (in those $1 bins which I love looking through), several microfiber cleaning towels, mitts and these pads pictured here. By the way, they are two for a dollar.
This pad, not only cleans the screen but fits neatly over the iPad screen to protest it while in the case. The next day I went back and bought more. (Colors pictured here).I think it should be named the "Pad for the iPad".
Hey, I can always use the ones I don't give to friends for cleaning, right? My dad always said that you can be a big shot for 50 cents.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
iPad: The Missing Manual
Yes, that is my knee. I took this photo yesterday so that I could try writing a short blog post from my iPad today.
This is the book that I reserved from the library and it was worth it because it is giving me answers to some of the questions I have, such as "why does the iPad say not charging when I plug it into the sync cord at at my desktop computer?" it is because charging by USB is not enough for this device. Good to know.
It is interesting that I can send a photo from Flickr to my Blogger blog but I can't edit the text in Blogger with my iPad.
This is the book that I reserved from the library and it was worth it because it is giving me answers to some of the questions I have, such as "why does the iPad say not charging when I plug it into the sync cord at at my desktop computer?" it is because charging by USB is not enough for this device. Good to know.
It is interesting that I can send a photo from Flickr to my Blogger blog but I can't edit the text in Blogger with my iPad.
iPad: Earbuds
For some time now, I have been purchasing for myself and for others as gifts, these JVC Marshmallow earbuds. They come in many colors including silver and black for my guy friends (or for those of us who are colorful enough without them). I have pink, silver, red, bright yellow and orange.
CNET reviewed them some time back and this video explains their findings. Available in WalMart stores and online, I bought my first pair (in this photo) from Amazon.com.
I recently purchased several Bobino cord managers for the power cords on all my electronics and they also make a cord wrapper for headphones. [Amazon]
The sound quality on the iPad is so great. I must admit to being surprised. At its loudest, it can easily be heard without using headphones. But, there are those times, where you just want to listen without involving other people's ears (and opinions).
CNET reviewed them some time back and this video explains their findings. Available in WalMart stores and online, I bought my first pair (in this photo) from Amazon.com.
As I am quite short, I like my earbud cords to be shorter, hence the Sumajin Smartwraps Earphone Cord Manager The small pink cord shortener [PKOH NYC Ear bud Clip] is good too but is somewhat more fragile. However it is lightweight. [Amazon]
I recently purchased several Bobino cord managers for the power cords on all my electronics and they also make a cord wrapper for headphones. [Amazon]
The sound quality on the iPad is so great. I must admit to being surprised. At its loudest, it can easily be heard without using headphones. But, there are those times, where you just want to listen without involving other people's ears (and opinions).
Thursday, January 27, 2011
iPad: Lapboard Case
When I go to genealogy meetings or conferences, I watch people trying to balance a laptop or netbook on their lap to take notes.
It is fun to see people lugging a beanbag lapboard or a paper notebook with them to put on their lap. Nothing is comfortable when you are trying to look geeky. Just try to get past us to sit in a seat in the middle of an aisle. Just try....
I thought this was a good idea. It is a sleeve for a small netbook or my iPad. The flap on the end can hold cords or my phone while I am sitting in an audience. I bought it through the Solutions catalog. It is available in plain black or red.
It is fun to see people lugging a beanbag lapboard or a paper notebook with them to put on their lap. Nothing is comfortable when you are trying to look geeky. Just try to get past us to sit in a seat in the middle of an aisle. Just try....
I thought this was a good idea. It is a sleeve for a small netbook or my iPad. The flap on the end can hold cords or my phone while I am sitting in an audience. I bought it through the Solutions catalog. It is available in plain black or red.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
iPad: Clean Screen
There is a lot of problems with the screens on the "electronic" devices. I have cleaned the screens of my computers since 1983 when I bought my first computer.
I have been using the solution that I buy to clean my eyeglasses. I spray it lightly on a cloth and then gently wipe the screen. Pictured here is the ALLSOP screen cleaning wipe that I use when I am NOT cleaning with a solution. (It is the blue ones with the water droplets.
Imagine my surprise when I noticed that the default "wallpaper" on the iPad is a water droplet image!
I bought the solution and cloth here which is named Monster iClean ($7.99 at Target) because it has an antibacterial cloth. Now, I have taken many courses in microbiology and I really don't know if a cloth (that is not wet) can be antibacterial. It seems to work much like the glasses cleaner and the disposable cloths for our glasses.
I see a lot of wipes for electronic screens claiming to be antibacterial. With everyone sharing a phone that goes up near your face, I have to hope that it works. I used to clean computer labs with disposable towels and sprayed Lysol.I discovered I was the only one doing it and cleaning the land like phones too.
I like this cloth but it is expensive. Look for it in the electronics section of your local office supply store (or near the register) or at Amazon.com
I have been using the solution that I buy to clean my eyeglasses. I spray it lightly on a cloth and then gently wipe the screen. Pictured here is the ALLSOP screen cleaning wipe that I use when I am NOT cleaning with a solution. (It is the blue ones with the water droplets.
Imagine my surprise when I noticed that the default "wallpaper" on the iPad is a water droplet image!
I bought the solution and cloth here which is named Monster iClean ($7.99 at Target) because it has an antibacterial cloth. Now, I have taken many courses in microbiology and I really don't know if a cloth (that is not wet) can be antibacterial. It seems to work much like the glasses cleaner and the disposable cloths for our glasses.
I see a lot of wipes for electronic screens claiming to be antibacterial. With everyone sharing a phone that goes up near your face, I have to hope that it works. I used to clean computer labs with disposable towels and sprayed Lysol.I discovered I was the only one doing it and cleaning the land like phones too.
I like this cloth but it is expensive. Look for it in the electronics section of your local office supply store (or near the register) or at Amazon.com
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
iPad: Cocoon Case for iPad
This is the case that I ordered from Cocoon to carry my iPad in. I needed one that could fit (without the strap attached) inside a computer bag. I could have bought a sleeve or a zippered neoprene case, I suppose but this is going to be "hands-free" while I am walking.
I chose red for the exterior so that I could see it easily when my laptop bag is in the back seat when traveling. It also is available in black and city gray.
Right now, this case (CNS360) is on sale for $28.88 but its regular price is $34.99 direct from Cocoon. (plus shipping)
With the case and the detachable strap seen in this photo, comes a large cocoon grid-it organizer. The organizer fits inside both zippered pockets. Empty it provides cushioning for the iPad if I put it in the "back" pocket along with the iPad. I put the iPad in the front pocket for this photo. The Web site shows the grid-it in one pocket and the iPad/netbook/computer in the other. This is because you probably want to use the large grid-it for cords, headphones, cell phone and other stuff which might scratch the iPad.
Just a mention that this case also holds a netbook (bigger than the one I own) or a Macbook Air. I could use one pocket for my netbook and the other for my iPad if I am taking both when I am traveling. The water resistant case, when empty, weighs 1.44 lbs.
The inside lining of both zippered compartments is plush and soft. It is gray in color.(Cocoon-like, get it?)
The other Cocoon cases for the iPad are on this page.
I chose red for the exterior so that I could see it easily when my laptop bag is in the back seat when traveling. It also is available in black and city gray.
Right now, this case (CNS360) is on sale for $28.88 but its regular price is $34.99 direct from Cocoon. (plus shipping)
With the case and the detachable strap seen in this photo, comes a large cocoon grid-it organizer. The organizer fits inside both zippered pockets. Empty it provides cushioning for the iPad if I put it in the "back" pocket along with the iPad. I put the iPad in the front pocket for this photo. The Web site shows the grid-it in one pocket and the iPad/netbook/computer in the other. This is because you probably want to use the large grid-it for cords, headphones, cell phone and other stuff which might scratch the iPad.
Just a mention that this case also holds a netbook (bigger than the one I own) or a Macbook Air. I could use one pocket for my netbook and the other for my iPad if I am taking both when I am traveling. The water resistant case, when empty, weighs 1.44 lbs.
The inside lining of both zippered compartments is plush and soft. It is gray in color.(Cocoon-like, get it?)
The other Cocoon cases for the iPad are on this page.
iPad: the Case (bottom)
This is a photo of the backside of the silicon skin I bought for my iPad.
I was amused by the cut-out for the Apple logo.
I was amused by the cut-out for the Apple logo.
iPad: the Case (front)
After searching many Web sites, I decided upon a "skin" type protective case for my iPad. Oddly inexpensive, I was a bit skeptical about how much I would like it.It is made by CrazyonDigital [company page link for skins] I ordered mine through Amazon.com because I had some other items to order.
Mine is the Clear Silicon Skin Case. I expected it to be a tight fit. It took me a few minutes to get it on all the corners but I have this type of rubbery case for my iPod touch and I love it.
It came with a clear screen protector to put on the front. I have not applied that as yet. It will take patience and time (perhaps tomorrow). It is important to protect the screen. The iPad manual discusses how imperative it is to keep it clean and grease free. I will obsessively clean the screen before applying the screen protector.
When buying any skin case, be sure that all of the ports on the iPad will be accessible.
I went to my local Target store and looked over the choices available. My techno-friend, Kathy Schrock, who is a mobile warrior chose the ZAGG system for her iPad.
I studied hers when she came to visit. It gives the screen COMPLETE protection. I liked the way it felt and looked. She presents with her iPad and demonstrates it to many people. Hers needs the total protection.
Notice that when buying a skin or a protective case, you may need to buy a model that is for the Wi-Fi version or the Wi-Fi and 3G version.
Mine is the Clear Silicon Skin Case. I expected it to be a tight fit. It took me a few minutes to get it on all the corners but I have this type of rubbery case for my iPod touch and I love it.
It came with a clear screen protector to put on the front. I have not applied that as yet. It will take patience and time (perhaps tomorrow). It is important to protect the screen. The iPad manual discusses how imperative it is to keep it clean and grease free. I will obsessively clean the screen before applying the screen protector.
When buying any skin case, be sure that all of the ports on the iPad will be accessible.
I went to my local Target store and looked over the choices available. My techno-friend, Kathy Schrock, who is a mobile warrior chose the ZAGG system for her iPad.
I studied hers when she came to visit. It gives the screen COMPLETE protection. I liked the way it felt and looked. She presents with her iPad and demonstrates it to many people. Hers needs the total protection.
Notice that when buying a skin or a protective case, you may need to buy a model that is for the Wi-Fi version or the Wi-Fi and 3G version.
iPad: The Unboxing
I finally took off the box overwrap, and took the iPad itself out of the box. In the box was the charger and cord. Not shown was the small sleeve that held a simple on card instructions and the always present Apple stickers.
It is important to take EVERYTHING out of the box. I keep the box until I am sure I like the product. I think it was easy to miss the envelope sleeve. I am wondering how many people just went to find their iPad box to make sure all items were removed.
I removed the plastic covering the screen, assembled the charger and plugged it in to the electrical socket. (I have owned several iPods. Not all were charged when I got them. So even though the directions didn't say so, I plugged it in anyway)
While this was happening, I went up to my desktop computer, launched iTunes and checked to make sure it was up-to-date. I then closed iTunes. iTunes MUST be up-to-date or you will be sorry.
The iPad was mostly charged so I unplugged it. The screen said to plug it in to iTunes so I did and followed the prompts to synch, add the apps I had from my iPod touch.
Then, I ordered the case and the cocoon grid-it that I had my eye on. Both orders have now arrived.
It is important to take EVERYTHING out of the box. I keep the box until I am sure I like the product. I think it was easy to miss the envelope sleeve. I am wondering how many people just went to find their iPad box to make sure all items were removed.
I removed the plastic covering the screen, assembled the charger and plugged it in to the electrical socket. (I have owned several iPods. Not all were charged when I got them. So even though the directions didn't say so, I plugged it in anyway)
While this was happening, I went up to my desktop computer, launched iTunes and checked to make sure it was up-to-date. I then closed iTunes. iTunes MUST be up-to-date or you will be sorry.
The iPad was mostly charged so I unplugged it. The screen said to plug it in to iTunes so I did and followed the prompts to synch, add the apps I had from my iPod touch.
Then, I ordered the case and the cocoon grid-it that I had my eye on. Both orders have now arrived.
Monday, January 24, 2011
iPad: The Box
Last Wednesday, 19 January 2011, I purchased a 16 GB iPad (the wi-fi version) at a local Best Buy. I decided against the 3G version which is a nice luxury but most people I know agreed I didn't need it.
I ordered it online to be picked up at the store. We showered, dressed, ate breakfast and drove the 15 minutes to Marlborough to pick it up.
Upon arriving home, I took this photo. I hadn't even removed the shiny over wrap. The color of my kitchen granite counter top reflects a sepia tone to the box.
A friend of my daughter's, upon opening the box of his first computer, a laptop, called me and told me that he was enjoying just looking at the box.
So, here we are, enjoying this "the iPad box". A moment to remember.
I hope I enjoy paying the bill as much. $499.99
I ordered it online to be picked up at the store. We showered, dressed, ate breakfast and drove the 15 minutes to Marlborough to pick it up.
Upon arriving home, I took this photo. I hadn't even removed the shiny over wrap. The color of my kitchen granite counter top reflects a sepia tone to the box.
A friend of my daughter's, upon opening the box of his first computer, a laptop, called me and told me that he was enjoying just looking at the box.
So, here we are, enjoying this "the iPad box". A moment to remember.
I hope I enjoy paying the bill as much. $499.99
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