I operate a desktop PC but never owned a notebook. The reason is that my out-of-house activities are limited to entering texts that I extract from libraries and archives using small and ultra-portable machines. I edit, format, or integrate the typed-in information into my blogs and web pages on my desktop PC. This practice has mostly stayed the same over the past years, except I replaced the sometimes cumbersome small machines with an iPad mini.
I use the lightweight eight-inch tablet not only for texting but also for reading ebooks and communication when traveling. In addition to the WiFi connection, the mini carries a SIM card connecting to the UMTS net of T-Mobile in case of need. During transport, the display is protected by a Logitech Bluetooth keyboard, transforming the tablet into a mini netbook when detached. You can leave the keyboard permanently on, for the Bluetooth connection falls asleep when not used and hence does not drain its built-in battery. The connection awakes when you hit a key.
At home, I use a ten-inch WiFi-only iPad mainly to check email, surf, and text. As mentioned before, I switch on my PC only for editing web pages, blogging, and photoshopping. Loyal readers of my blogs know all this, but they have possibly been waiting for an update on my use of iDevices.
Both my iPads show the same home screen. From left to right:
For managing my appointments, tasks, and contacts, I adore more and more the now fully matured Pocket Informant. In using iOS calendars only, all my devices (Desktop PC, iPad air, iPad mini, and iPhone 5) perfectly synchronize the data in iCloud. There are no longer any "lost" appointments, forgotten tasks, or double entries for people.
ContactsXL allows users to group contacts according to countries, cities, positions, firms, etc. This feature is handy when looking for misspellings in my data.
Apple's built-in mail client lacks functionality and elegance. Until a few days ago, I used Molto on my iPads instead, but then CloudMagic released their iPhone mail client for the iPad, and I jumped on it. On the other hand, Molto is more elegant on the iPhone, so I keep the mail client there.
At home, I use a ten-inch WiFi-only iPad mainly to check email, surf, and text. As mentioned before, I switch on my PC only for editing web pages, blogging, and photoshopping. Loyal readers of my blogs know all this, but they have possibly been waiting for an update on my use of iDevices.
Both my iPads show the same home screen. From left to right:
For managing my appointments, tasks, and contacts, I adore more and more the now fully matured Pocket Informant. In using iOS calendars only, all my devices (Desktop PC, iPad air, iPad mini, and iPhone 5) perfectly synchronize the data in iCloud. There are no longer any "lost" appointments, forgotten tasks, or double entries for people.
ContactsXL allows users to group contacts according to countries, cities, positions, firms, etc. This feature is handy when looking for misspellings in my data.
Apple's built-in mail client lacks functionality and elegance. Until a few days ago, I used Molto on my iPads instead, but then CloudMagic released their iPhone mail client for the iPad, and I jumped on it. On the other hand, Molto is more elegant on the iPhone, so I keep the mail client there.
Reading emails on various devices causes problems when using pop-mail server accounts. Eventually, Deutsche Telekom offered a protected imap server replacing their outdated pop mail service. In using imap, mails are not only deleted on one iDevice but also on the server. So you will not see them again when downloading mail on another iDevice. Group emails are still a problem on iOS, so I send those from my desktop.
Wikipedia is an icon produced with iHomeIcon, an app allowing users to program specific actions. In this case, touching the icon will directly open my Wikipedia watchlist.
I found Facebook interesting when I adhered to a couple of German-American Internet portals. In addition, the Academic Year in Freiburg (AYF) program communicates information on cultural events to its students via Facebook.
The next row starts with three browsers. Built-in Safari is a must, with most apps addressing the browser by default. A few apps, however, allow me to switch to my favorite Chrome.
Wikipedia is an icon produced with iHomeIcon, an app allowing users to program specific actions. In this case, touching the icon will directly open my Wikipedia watchlist.
I found Facebook interesting when I adhered to a couple of German-American Internet portals. In addition, the Academic Year in Freiburg (AYF) program communicates information on cultural events to its students via Facebook.
The next row starts with three browsers. Built-in Safari is a must, with most apps addressing the browser by default. A few apps, however, allow me to switch to my favorite Chrome.
Coast is a strange construct. Its splash screen offers programmable tiles, so I placed frequently used web pages for direct access onto them.
Next, come my two news readers, Flipboard and NewsFlash, which I programmed with my most important news sources.
The third row starts with my favorite database application PhatNotes. Although it is still an iPhone app, I adhere to it as a comprehensive platform on the PC and the iDevices.
Meteogram and WeatherProHD were conceived for the iPad. Meteogram is still my favorite, but WeatherProHD dares a prevision of the weather for a fortnight (two weeks).
Quickoffice has now become a Google app. It allows me to edit the source files of my Internet pages on my iPads. The MS Word formatting is maintained, although I learned the hard way that copying links does not work.
There is nothing to add for Nebulous, my one and only text-typing application displaying one row of programmable touch keys at the bottom of the screen, including fast cut, copy, and past.
I tried a couple of alarm clock apps but eventually returned to the built-in Uhr (clock).
Utilities groups speed testers (with Deutsche Telekom, I now frequently clock 30 MB/s, although I pay for up to 50), unit converters, and other helpful stuff.
Sport1 allows me to even follow the US baseball season.
PCalc is still my favorite and frequently used RPN calculator.
Google gives me direct access to queries on the Internet.
The permanent last row of icons starts with Fotos. I now carry around picture galleries on all my iDevices of the most memorable events from 2000 (the advent of digital photography) to 2013.
Evernote contains all my collected snippets of odd and sometimes helpful information. I am still struggling to get some order into the stuff.
Status Board is a programmable app displaying your recent emails, upcoming events from your personal calendar, local weather, time, date, and information on selected news channels. This is an ideal app for a quick look at what is up.
No comments for App Store and Einstellungen (Settings).
Launch is a most recent addition. Conceived for the iPhone with its limited number of icons on the home screen. Launch recently became available for the iPad. When the icon is touched, a whole new home screen opens. In edit mode, you cannot only place apps and their icons in the well-known grid structure but also program often-used actions, e.g., send frequent emails to a person and create an icon with his/her photo. I am still learning the multiple possibilities of Launch.
Next, come my two news readers, Flipboard and NewsFlash, which I programmed with my most important news sources.
The third row starts with my favorite database application PhatNotes. Although it is still an iPhone app, I adhere to it as a comprehensive platform on the PC and the iDevices.
Meteogram and WeatherProHD were conceived for the iPad. Meteogram is still my favorite, but WeatherProHD dares a prevision of the weather for a fortnight (two weeks).
Quickoffice has now become a Google app. It allows me to edit the source files of my Internet pages on my iPads. The MS Word formatting is maintained, although I learned the hard way that copying links does not work.
There is nothing to add for Nebulous, my one and only text-typing application displaying one row of programmable touch keys at the bottom of the screen, including fast cut, copy, and past.
I tried a couple of alarm clock apps but eventually returned to the built-in Uhr (clock).
Utilities groups speed testers (with Deutsche Telekom, I now frequently clock 30 MB/s, although I pay for up to 50), unit converters, and other helpful stuff.
Sport1 allows me to even follow the US baseball season.
PCalc is still my favorite and frequently used RPN calculator.
Google gives me direct access to queries on the Internet.
The permanent last row of icons starts with Fotos. I now carry around picture galleries on all my iDevices of the most memorable events from 2000 (the advent of digital photography) to 2013.
Evernote contains all my collected snippets of odd and sometimes helpful information. I am still struggling to get some order into the stuff.
Status Board is a programmable app displaying your recent emails, upcoming events from your personal calendar, local weather, time, date, and information on selected news channels. This is an ideal app for a quick look at what is up.
No comments for App Store and Einstellungen (Settings).
Launch is a most recent addition. Conceived for the iPhone with its limited number of icons on the home screen. Launch recently became available for the iPad. When the icon is touched, a whole new home screen opens. In edit mode, you cannot only place apps and their icons in the well-known grid structure but also program often-used actions, e.g., send frequent emails to a person and create an icon with his/her photo. I am still learning the multiple possibilities of Launch.
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Everything is very open with a really clear description of the challenges.
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I'm i-mazed! I enjoyed your FB post on Phubbing and have used it in different situations and also as a plural. I wonder if there is an e-etiquette book on proper use of e-devices in different situations? I really was late getting on board with electronic photos and didn't get my first one until 2003, boy have I learned a lot since then! Thanks for keeping us updated and moving us forward as we become e-educated!
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