07 January 2012

BOOK REVIEW: iPad at Work




iPad at Work is a revelation as well as an incredibly useful tool. The author's writing style is so instructive and engaging that I read the book in one sitting. I look forward to returning to it time and again if and when I ever get up and running with the iPad. You see, I don't even own an iPad yet and I still enjoyed the book.

This book is a great place to look if you are thinking about whether or not to purchase an iPad. If you are like me, wondering whether to go with an Android based tablet or an iPad, after reading this book, chances are you will decide to purchase an iPad. This is especially true if you, like me, use a Mac at home or work.

If you do already use a Mac, you should also get this author's book, Mac at Work. That book is also mesmerizing and extremely useful. It will change the way I use my Mac for the better. As the author puts it, in regard to the way I've been using my iMac, I've been driving a Ferrari in the parking lot. It's time to take it out on the highway with some of the Omni software programs he describes in Mac at Work.

Having read these books on the Kindle, I recommend purchasing them from iTunes in the iBook format. They will look better and the links to the Apple App Store will work making for a seamless experience on your Mac or iPad. However, the Kindle experience is just fine for getting your head around these wonderful tomes.

If you have an iPad, you should read this book. If you are considering buying an iPad, you should read this book. Even if you don't have or want an iPad, this book is an interesting read just to see where we are in 2012 in terms of technological devices and productivity tools. The title of the book promises the iPad is a business tool and by the end of the book you will have no doubt that indeed it is that.

I like the way the author takes care of newbies at the beginning of the book with basics and fundamentals such as how to use gestures to work the iPad. I'm talking about basics such as whether to get a black or white one. The author prefers black because videos look better against a black outlined screen. You'll also learn the difference between WiFi and 3G devices so you can decide which suits you best. All the basics such as how to cut, copy and paste on the iPad are covered. If these topics sound elementary to you, hang on because you are just getting started.

The book then goes into a detailed but not boring overview of all the different ways you may use an iPad for business. This includes everything from printing from you iPad to text messaging and video conferencing. You learn to how remotely control your home and work computer from your iPad whether your computers are Windows based PCs or Macs.

The book goes into great detail on pertinent items without being tedious. For instance, here are a few of my notes from different sections of the book:

  • How to sync photos from iPad to Mac & iPhone ... Must have OS X Lion on Mac
  • Move PDF files from iPad to Google Docs or Dropbox via the GoodReader app
  • iCloud account : How and why to add it on Mac OS X Lion


Throughout the book, each topic covered such as taking notes in meetings or managing contacts gives a nice review of a few of the best apps available and each chapter ends with the author giving a few paragraphs about his workflow stating how he uses the apps he has reviewed in his own work as a trial attorney. I also appreciated the author's dry wit which adds interestingness without being sarcastic.

This is a well written and fascinating book on many levels.

I recommend it without reservation.