Opinion

[DaddyFatSack]

So I was going to a meeting with my Commissioner and a couple of engineers last Thursday and noticed I had a lot of papers and legal pads to keep up with being time for budget meetings and other stuff. I was talking to my wife and she told me maybe I should take a lap top to work but I didnt want to lug one around so I thought about an iPad. Anybody got one of these they use for any work related stuff? I need something I can keep documents on as well as scanning all brochures/bid quotes of items for future purchase. I dont need it for reports, just basic note features, and the camera and internet service would be great for shooting pics via email to my EPA and Dept of Environment & conservation reps.

Any thoughts or opinions before I pull the trigger on one?

[lotus]

I prefer my laptop over a tablet for notes, sending emails, pretty much anything work-related besides my calendar and looking stuff up during meetings. I would say at least get a keyboard if you are thinking about a tablet instead of computer.

Then look at something besides Apple unless you just like handing out extra money for similar functionality. For what you describe I would probably prefer a small netbook or something, and many of these have 3G service available through your provider.

All that being said, you obviously just want an excuse to buy a tablet so just do it.

[JohnnyHustler]

I have an iPad, and for what you're describing DFS, it works nicely. I use it a lot to put documents and specifications on, and use dropbox as my cloud service to put up docs from my desktop.

You can't go wrong with most tablets that are running at least Android 3.0 either. Unless you're getting a Kindle Fire - I'd stay away from the cheap ones that run 2.x - that version was terrible on batteries for phones...I can't imagine how bad they would be on tablets. The Fire is probably better on that account because the 2.x version is customized for Amazon. It really depends on if you have a lot of Apple gadgets or not. If you do, the iPad will run a lot of the same apps, and you won't have to buy them again. My biggest complaint on Android is that you tie your gmail/google account into it from the start, and if you have multiple Android devices, you have to buy the apps separately for each of them due to this.

[Falling Man]

Unless you're getting a Kindle Fire -

I have a Fire and absolutely love it but would not recommend getting it for the reasons DFS mentioned wanting one.

[RayRay]

Exactly-you want it so go get it.

This is my weapon of choice

[DaddyFatSack]

I have the iphone 4s and tap a lot of notes into it and take a lot of job site pics but I dont like handing it over to anybody for any amount of time in case I get some insane text or tit pics from the wife. I have the extra cash for the ipad so cost isnt an issue. I just wanted to know that I could use it for what I want and i didnt own an awkward camera for sometimes use. How easy is it to scan documents to it? or is it even possible?

[mort1mer]

A fair number of folks at my office use the iPad for similar type stuff. They send PDF docs to their iPad, take notes, calendar, etc. It seems to work pretty well.

[DaddyFatSack]

Pulled the trigger on the iPad 3 just a second ago via apples website. got the 16gb 4g enabled version.
My ass is hurting after dropping that much cash, lol.

[houdinisangel]

Exactly-you want it so go get it.

This is my weapon of choice

Love me some Black and Reds. Best (only?) product of Poland ever. Even gives you metro system information for 3 major cities on the inside covers

[DaddyFatSack]

For you guys that use the ipad or have coworkers that do, and are friendly with, could you get some input on the best scanner apps for me? I read all the reviews at the app store but I want an actual user that can explain.

[Jammer]

For you guys that use the ipad or have coworkers that do, and are friendly with, could you get some input on the best scanner apps for me? I read all the reviews at the app store but I want an actual user that can explain.

I don't use a scanner so can't help you there but there is an app called App Advice that gives good reviews of apps out there and makes recommendations.

[houdinisangel]

Also find that http://www.iosnoops.com/ is good too. It keeps track of daily app sales and gives reviews