That’s right. And I can see a lot of it. 
P.S. Did I misspell “foreseeable” somewhere? Dammit!
Actually, I copied the text as it is from Keith’s posting (in the other iPad-thread). The only thing I’ve changed is “there” to “There”.
But I can easily create another version. Any suggestions?
My only regret is lobbying for a version of Scrivener, which in fact is not an important issue to me at all. I did not realize that other thread had eaten up KB’s usual good cheer. (Suggestion: perhaps go read a new novel, Sir? 8) )
Anyway, let’s try to keep the focus on whether or not the iPad IS a decent reading/writing environment. Contrary to the prevailing opinion, formed with little or no actual experience on the machine, it really is quite fine. I will take it to my library, on a trip, and anywhere that Wi-Fi is available.
Years ago I worked on the Radio Shack Model 100, and to many scoffers, devoted to their typewriters and notebooks, I insisted that it was a decent lightweight portable computer. You got files in and out on a tape recorder, for Pete’s sake. Later they added a disk drive and file system. The iPad is way beyond those humble beginnings.
I will start working with Pages and and also look for a solid outlining app. If I can assemble reading notes and pass that file to my other machines, for use in Scrivener, Endnote, DevonNote and other apps, I’ll be content. I do have a MacBook Pro for use, but now it seems like too much machine for the lighter work of surfing, e-mail, and writing brief notes, all while resting in a recliner (which I am obliged to do for health reasons).
PS: I bought the external keyboard and also a VGA adapter for hooking the iPad to a data projector. It should be a terrific way to display web sites, PDFs, and KeyPoint slides to my classes.
Ah, another Radio Shack Model 100 dinosaur heard from. Mine went everywhere with me back in days of yore–to sea, down the road, way up in the woods. When I got home I downsucked the files that became newspaper and magazine articles to my IBM XT with its amazing 10mb hard drive, and rewrote them into shape.
I’ve been trying to recreate its monoblock simplicity ever since–with a Newton, which was actually pretty good, egg-freckles and all. With a Compaq iPaq, which also wasn’t bad–used the same basic handwriting recognition as the Newton, and worked even better with a fold-out keyboard for late-evening note-smoothing in some dingy hotel room or lodge or tent where only four double-A batteries stood between you and your 3x5 notecards.
The iPad looks promising as a combination preliminary writing tool, a newspaper reader far superior in monolithic loungability to an opened Macbook with its easily-damaged hard drive, a book reader for those long trips where The Barsetshire Chronicles won’t quite fit in the carry-on, but an iPad stuffed with all six volumes will.
Wish the iPadian version of Pages would retain its comments, though. Twould be a far more relaxing way to read a marked-up manuscript, sprawled across the sofa, than sitting primly upright before the big monitor.
For an outliner, just found this iPad app.
appshopper.com/productivity/outliner-for-ipad
Will test it soon.
I believe the OmniGroup is going to be putting out an iPad version of OmniOutliner when they can get it finished and approved.
I guess my question about the iPad as a note taker, research tool is whether or not it is more useful than a netbook would be. Without having put a hand (or a finger) on an iPad, my sense is that it is not, mostly for the typing reasons… also it is more expensive than most netbooks. However, if you’re looking at it as primarily an entertainment system that you can also use as a convenient note taker, that may be another story.
My opinion of the iPad. I’m finding it far more useful as a writing/research tool than i thought would. The keyboard doesn’t take long to get used to and with the apple case is actually very comfortable. Transferring files is easy over WiFi. The iPad version of Pages is easy to use and there are numerous Apps for file transferring/reading/downloading of just about any file format. There is even a free version of Dragon Naturally Speaking! Its the perfect writing/research tool for my needs. Granted its not Scrivener. However, with all the Apps in development and Apple adding multitasking abilities, the platform will only become more useful. Add to that the entertainment value and sheer iPad badassedness, you’ve got one mean beastie.
Hmmm, after rereading that, i seem to sound like an apple employee.
Disclaimer: I am not an employee of Apple. However should they wish to hire me i would be agreeable!
they have pickled spam?
Still, I’ll be interested to hear what you think of it. Dunno when we in the UK will be able to get them (unless you happen to be Stephen Fry of course) - not that I’m especially bothered, given that the iPad excites me about as much as pickled spam.
Best,
Keith
[/quote]
I have been using an iPad since the day they came out. My overall (perhaps a bit highfalutin) assessment is available here: futureofthebook.org/blog/arc … ml#c341262
We have a beautiful and hitherto much-loved iMac. To be quite frank, now that I have used an iPad, I only sit at the thing when I absolutely have to. The iPad so far is more than I could have dreamed of as a reading and research tool. The kind of reading that used to keep me chained to my desk, lifting my neck and my wrists higher than I care to, is now greatly minimized, since I can grab a PDF or web page and read it where and whenever I please.
I have precise and detailed notes available to me at all times, thanks to Pages and my ability to touch type on my little piece of glass. Because of this, organizing my papers in the overall sense, as opposed to the in-Scrivener sense (that is, what do I have to do next, what do I need to email so and so about, etc., which I have tended in the past to do on 3 x 5" yellow stickies), is so much better with this thing!
I am writing this on my iMac because I am in a hurry and the touch typing I can do on this keyboard is quite a bit faster than what I can do on the iPad’s screen, but I really would rather be using the iPad, and more and more, I imagine I will. I have only been at the iMac, as noted above, when I really have had to, since my (technological) world was turned upside down last Saturday.
As for Scrivener on the iPad (if I may mention it in this thread in the spirit of figuring out how I am actually using my iPad), I’m not so sure about that… I am still figuring out my workflow for this semester’s papers and will know more in the next few days when I start writing in earnest, but I think there are things the desktop machines are better at, and when I am working in Scrivener, the larger the screen, the better.
But as my till now rather light use of VoodooPad increases, I can see wanting a copy of VoodooPad or DevonThink on the iPad itself, which is becoming a bottomless book for me, thanks to the various reading apps, PDF apps and the ability to search in Google Books, etc.
My guess is that I will go back and forth between intense bursts of writing on the iPad – perhaps with an external keyboard, but very likely not – and bouts of organizing and strategizing and arranging and rearranging in Scrivener on the iMac, but more on that in a few days…
P.S. About the best thing I have read today was the news that Scrivener 2.0 will support ebooks! Go Keith!
Screenwriters using Final Draft may be interested to know that they are developing an iPad version and you can register to be notified about development here: finaldraft.org/products/ipad/notify-me.php
Hi All,
I’m typing this message on the iPad with its new Keyboard Dock. Much relief, as I am not too swift on the virtual keyboard. I had to remove the case, which is a bit of a trip (stick thumb into the frame, and push in one direction, while pulling in another), and the Pad only sits in portrait mode, but that may seem OK, especially in Pages.
Typing is very smooth, and auto-spelling is helpful, if you need it. The keyboard has a number of special keys that bring on Pad functions. Normal Cmd functions work, like Cmd-A. You move the cursor with either the arrow keys or just touch. The screen is quite readable, the keys have a good feel, and now I can really see the Pad as a research/writing tool.
Some Wi-Fi problems are popping up: my University has banned iPads from campus use because they don’t attach and detach properly from the server. Apple is said to be working on a fix. Today, Israel has begun to confiscate Pads because they don’t use the “superior” European Wi-Fi standard. This may set back even farther the Euro release date.
I’m going to post this, play some more with the function keys, and come back with a later report.
OK, brief comment on those function keys.
-
leave the current app, go out to another, and return to where you were. In Safari, I came right back to the L&L posting window.
-
Search the iPad. To find files or look up a reference. Again, press Safari, and I’m back at L&L.
3-4. dim or brighten the screen.
-
The icon is a sunflower. Instructions say View photos in Picture Frame mode.
-
Show or hide the virtual keyboard. Kind of redundant.
7-9. controls to rewind, play, pause, fast-forward to next song, movie, image, or slide.
10-12. controls to mute, decrease, or increase volume to speaker or headphones.
- Lock screen so nothing happens if you touch it.
I have to say, one of the nicest features is NOT working with a mouse. To make a correction, just touch the screen to place the cursor. To change the screen size, pinch out or in. All the multi-touch features are there, along with fast typing. Next I’ll move on to Pages and try the keyboard there.
On the topic of having to use the screen for pointer input, how sturdy is the contraption when hooked together? Is the base large enough to keep things from shaking about? How much force can be used on the screen before the dock connect appears to stress, or is the surrounding support material enough to keep the iPad fixed in place? Is there any flexing or torquing when pressure is applied near the top? Does it look like the combination could be used on anything but a level surface (could it be used on a lap board, or a train where things are bound to vibrate, does it “lock” into place or is it just sitting there?)
Very sturdy. The base is heavy and solid; doesn’t slide around on a table top. When I press the screen, the base doesn’t move at all. No flex or torque, wherever I press. I would think it’s OK to use on a lap board (will try tonight) or while traveling in train or car. It doesn’t lock, but the setup doesn’t skate around, either. The keyboard and base together anchor the Pad. It runs without wires, but you may plug in your adapter and juice/synch the keyboard while working on it. I will attach some pictures. See also the review on Macworld at tinyurl.com/y4nhw2x.
Here is the back view.
And a side view. I’m hoping that eventually we can choose landscape view, which I’d prefer.
For a picture of the coolest set up yet, see this story on Gizmodo:
tinyurl.com/yyuk7tn
The writer bought a 69-cent business card holder from Office Depot.
He rests the Pad in that and uses a wireless keyboard!
AND, he’s not restricted to portrait mode, as you can see.
Thanks for the pictures, Druid.
But the best setup for me is the one using the business card holder. This way one can move the display (iPad) away from the keyboard and put it at a convenient height.
Franz
Franz,
Check the other links, at the bottom of that Gizmodo story.
They report that the cheap card holder does not make the iPad stable.
It can easily slip or fall over, so be careful!
There may be better DIY solutions; the wireless keyboard is fine, if you have a store of batteries.
Droo