If you are a techno geek, gadget monster, or computer wise
doctor, then this article isn’t for you.
This is for doctors who are using the iPad as a tool, and don’t really
invest much time in reading about technology.
In this post my goal is to give you some helpful accessory buying tips
so you can make better use of your new iPad.
Before buying any accessories, you may want to use the iPad
for a few days or a week to see what your needs truly are. Accessories are readily available at Best
Buy, Apple stores, and office supply
stores like Staples, so for most folks it’s easy to pick up the right
accessories on a weekend or in the evening.
You can also find lots of options online. However, since you’ll be handling your accessorized
iPad daily, I suggest you touch and feel your options before buying so you can
make the selections which feel most comfortable to you.
Case
You’re going to need a case, sleeve or some sort of
protection. Let’s face it, at some point
you are going to drop it, it will slide
off a stack of paper you’re carrying, fall out of a car or have some other jolting
experience. While iPads are fairly
tough, they are not invincible.
Case with a swiveling
hand loop
It can be awkward holding an iPad by the edges, balancing it
on your palm or cradling it in your arm.
Consider trying a case that has a loop on the back into which you can slip your hand
and also can swivel 360 degrees. For
standing and walking around, this can very handy. There are lots of options in the market. For some ideas, search online with these
words: iPad case with hand swivel.
Traveling case
If you plan on throwing your iPad in your bag or briefcase
(does anyone even carry a briefcase anymore?) you’ll want something to protect
it from pens, paperclips and that overripe banana. If you plan on flashing your techno bling at
conferences, a nice leather portfolio with paper pad insert may do the trick.
Stylus
Some people find a stylus handy when poking at small application
buttons on the iPad. I personally don’t
use one, but I know people who swear by them.
I suppose a lot of it depends on your application and how your software
is presented. If you constantly lose
pens you’ll probably have the same issue with a stylus, so don’t invest too
much into one unless you plan on treating it with the same care as your Montegrappa. Some stylus’ double as pens as well. Montegrappa
does not make one of these, yet.
For stylus ideas, Google these words: iPad stylus. Don’t get caught up in the graphic artists’
discussions, you’re just looking for a pointer, not a brush.
Screen cover for
protection
Some people just seem to scratch and dent things. If that’s you, then buy some screen
protectors. I don’t use them on my iPad,
but I’ve used them on my old Palm Pilot (ok, I’m dating myself here)and they
worked well. On the iPad my only concern
is how easily you can retain that nice fluid swipe feeling. If you’re using a stylus that may not be as
much of an issue.
Keyboard
This is a surprisingly contentious issue. I personally use the Apple Bluetooth keyboard
when I’m working on a writing project on my iPad. Otherwise, I use the onscreen keyboard for calendaring
and short form items. Some people I know
vehemently protest the need for an external keyboard saying it’s all about
pointing and swiping. Well, it’s hard to
point and swipe a 10 page RFP. So, if
you find yourself frustrated with the onscreen keyboard, buy one.
An important point here is to consider where you’ll be using
the keyboard. I typically use my
keyboard when I’m writing at home and don’t want to be in my office. I leave the keyboard in the kitchen which is
typically where I’ll work. If you think
you may need it to be more mobile, consider a case with an integrated
keyboard. It may not be as sturdy or
robust as a separate, but will be more convenient for travel.
If you have the chance, test out the keyboard before
buying. If you don’t like the feel of
the keyboard or the size and placement of the keys you’ll be less likely to use
it.
Have fun
iPads are actually pretty fun, even if they are used for
work. Hopefully I’ve given you some
things to ponder as you trick out a new iPad.
Fortunately, most accessories are not very expensive, so if you don’t
like something you’ve bought, you can probably pawn it off on someone and buy
something else.
As always, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out
to me via phone or email.
Straight ahead,
Bob
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