When Steve Jobs exact the stage to announce the original iPad , he take us through a list of tasks a tablet would have to stand out at when compare to a smartphone and data processor in lodge to be successful . And then he sat down in a comfy chair and startle tap on the piece of spyglass in his hand , walking the world through the time to come . Though , the future end up being a little different than what Jobs prove that day .
At the end of the keynote , one thing was clear : the iPad was originally thought of as a machine for consuming depicted object . It was meant to translate books , browse the web , view exposure , watch movie , and play games .
Then something exciting happened — as developer began creating productiveness apps to take advantage of the larger screen , the iPad gradually begin to change the way we work . Apps , however , are only half of the iPad ’s story of transformation ( and something I will discuss in my next Work Beyond Mac column ! ) . The other half , supplement , have placed the iPad in briefcases and on desk across the globe .
I ’ve long touted the iPad as my favored computing gadget , for its simple , distraction - loose interface compound with portability and battery lifespan . But even so , I ’d have worry get my work done if not for a few blue-ribbon accouterment . This is the gear wheel I ’ve amount to bank upon to get the most out of my iPad .
Keyboard cover
The iPad ’s keyboard is sufficient when type out short iMessage replies and tweets , but when it comes down to it , it ’s not intend for extensive writing . By pairing a Bluetooth keyboard to an iPad , the acquaintance of strong-arm tonality create it more appealing to seat down and type out a long email — or in my instance , write this article . In plus to more efficient typing , you gain treasured screen outer space unremarkably hide behind the digital keyboard .
A fast keyboard makes it easier for me to drop a line on my iPad — as does the fact that I can only use one app at a time , cutting down on distractions .
My favorite , the $ 100Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Coverhas been a staple in my bag for the two - asset years . ( Thenew version for the iPad Air 2is great too . ) It ’s lightweight , has a battery that does n’t know how to quit , and its keys sense similar to Apple ’s Wireless Keyboard , realise the passage from Mac to iPad nearly unseamed .
Whether or not you expend your daylight writing like I do , an external keyboard is a must for iPad userswho require to start leave alone a heavy laptop computer at home more often .
SD card reader
There ’s a long list of swarm service to keep our exposure synced across multiple devices , including Apple ’s ownPhoto Stream(oriCloud Photo Libraryfor the adventurous ) . However convenient each service might be , none provide an all comprehend solution .
Apple ’s adaptor are $ 29 each for Lightning devices , but I use them both .
In Holy Order to transfer photos from my digital television camera , I bank on Apple’sSD Card Camera ReaderandUSB Cameraadapters , $ 29 each .
When using an adapter I do n’t have to worry about having Internet access , but the transferral process is often times much faster than waiting for photograph to synchronise to the swarm . And yes , I can even synchronise picture admit on my iPhone to my iPad with a Lightning cable and the the USB arranger .
Stylus
I have mixed touch about using a style for routine fundamental interaction on a touchscreen gimmick . Most of the time an extra tool only complicates an otherwise aboveboard chore your finger is more than up to of completing . Other time , such as during encounter when typing notes wo n’t answer , a style is the ideal resolution to scribbling Federal Reserve note and illustration .
The air pressure - sensitive Adonit Jot Touch is great for drawing .
In times of demand , I turn to Adonit ’s $ 99Jot Touch Stylus . The combination of Bluetooth connectivity , an SDK for developer to take advantage additional features ( andan telling lean of appsthat have ) , palm rejection and tranquil writing experience make it my preferred stylus .
But if you ’d rather get something more canonic — and much cheaper — our purchasing scout can certainly help .
External battery
One downside of work from an iPad : Unlike my laptop , there ’s no USB port to give my iPhone a quick mightiness cost increase . In ordination to get around this restriction , I ’ve amassed quite the collection of portable batteries capable of charging both a smartphone and an iPad . Even though the iPad ’s electric battery is more than enough to power me through a day ’s Charles Frederick Worth of normal usance , I ’m always fearful of being watch with a low battery and a tower deadline .
I ’m fond toAnker ’s product , but I ’ve also had winner withmyChargeandIncipio’scharging solutions . notwithstanding , the nine portable batteriesreviewed hereare all capable alternatives .
Incipio ’s OffGrid series come in various prices and capacities , like this $ 50 4000mAh version that can rouse an iPhone or an iPad .
With the amount of attention the iPad has attracted over the last few year , companies are always looking at newfangled approaches to old accessory . Each release , each iteration , brings a different moral force to using an iPad as a productivity tool . Between the rumor ofApple prepare a larger iPadfor top executive users picking up , and the recentIBM partnershipthe drift of productiveness cock for Apple ’s pad of paper lineup will most for sure see an uptick in raw gear . Long go are the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. of only consuming content on an iPad — it ’s time to get to work .
Do you have any productivity tools or accessory for your iPad you simply can not live without ? As someone who is incessantly face for a undecomposed means to get things done , I ’d love to hear from you .
