Going All Apple

[Swingman]

Are you guys suggesting I get a iPad 3g and get a seperate data plan for it or is tethering ok?

My experience with tethering from my phone, both BB and Android, was it was pretty tough on the phone's battery life. An iPad 3G data plan for $20 month, with no battery worries, is something to consider for the added versatility.

 

[fidelfs]

Are you guys suggesting I get a iPad 3g and get a seperate data plan for it or is tethering ok?

My experience with tethering from my phone, both BB and Android, was it was pretty tough on the phone's battery life. An iPad 3G data plan for $20 month, with no battery worries, is something to consider for the added versatility.

That is a good point and 100% correct.  The thing is that I only use tethering for work, so unless I am using VPN or dropbox, i only use the Ipad to write.
It is how do you work, it works for me, but it might not work for the rest.

 

[Holzhacker]

Woodguy, I don't have a link but I do have pics. Here ya go. The thing is made by Incase, it is not listed on the Apple website. Found it in the store. Hope that helps.
Markus

 

[jjhomes]

Woodguy, I don't have a link but I do have pics. Here ya go. The thing is made by Incase, it is not listed on the Apple website. Found it in the store. Hope that helps.
Markus

That is pretty nice.  I like the idea of the keyboard for doing real typing stuff.  But, by adding this and carrying it around, wouldn't the 11" MacBook Air be better?
Oh, by the way, my wife is a teacher.  So we get a discount on the Mac, but not on the iPad.

 

[fidelfs]

The Ipad and mac book air are so different. 
The mac book air, will give you more computer power, freedom of choice on what to do and how to do it.  Air requires tethering or wifi so you loose the choice to have the 3G included like with an Ipad.

The Ipad is more like to enter small info into the Ipad,such as customer requirements, sizes, etc.  You won't have access to Sketchup (If you use it), you will have a better/easier way to present images than with the macbook air.  (Mac book air can do it,but you have to use the mouse pad, not the screen).

With the Ipad, you might have the keyboard (the one Holzhacker showed) with you or not. It depends if you need it right on the field at that moment, mac book air does not have that option.  Without the keyboard you can hold the Ipad and Type, with the Macbook Air will be more cumbersome.  The macbook air is more oriented to be in a table/desk the Ipad is oriented so you can hold it.

It is always what do you want to do, just try to imagine yourself in the field.

 

[jjhomes]

The Ipad and mac book air are so different. 
The mac book air, will give you more computer power, freedom of choice on what to do and how to do it.  Air requires tethering or wifi so you loose the choice to have the 3G included like with an Ipad.

The Ipad is more like to enter small info into the Ipad,such as customer requirements, sizes, etc.  You won't have access to Sketchup (If you use it), you will have a better/easier way to present images than with the macbook air.  (Mac book air can do it,but you have to use the mouse pad, not the screen).

With the Ipad, you might have the keyboard (the one Holzhacker showed) with you or not. It depends if you need it right on the field at that moment, mac book air does not have that option.  Without the keyboard you can hold the Ipad and Type, with the Macbook Air will be more cumbersome.  The macbook air is more oriented to be in a table/desk the Ipad is oriented so you can hold it.

It is always what do you want to do, just try to imagine yourself in the field.

That is a tough call.  Using in the truck, the iPad may be easier due to space.  Using for typing anything, the Mac will be easier due to the keyboard.  And it is nice not to have to lug around a keyboard.  The Mac can probably do more because it is a full computer.  But will I need that.  Google Sketchup.  I have never used it.  But that is something I would like to learn too.  Never having used it, I am not sure if that is something I would be doing in the field.  I imagine it would be nice to draw up something quickly to show a sub or a homeowner.  But again, is that easily done??
Next, if I did go iPad, do I wait for the 3?  That is the one thing I hate about this apple stuff.  They never make it perfect the first time around.  We all know why. 

 

[woodguy7]

Typing on the Ipad 2 is much better & easier than i thought it would be.  If i went the cordless keyboard route i would leave it at home.

I am a self employed Carpenter & i use my Ipad for the following,
checking emails or sending
researching stuff on the tinterweb
showing pictures of past projects to clients
taking pictures & emailing them at the touch of a button
taking video if required
typing up an invoice right there in someones home & emailing it to there home computer
reading the newspaper at lunchtime
listen to music if i desire
speak to my buddy in Australia on facetime
take notes & do sketches using notebook & using a stylus

probably lots more but cant think of them right now.

Remember, all this on something smaller than most notepads.  Also up to 10hrs battery life.  I don't know what battery life a Macbook air has but my dell has only 1.5hrs battery life.

I honestly cant put mine down & don't regret the purchase at all.  I bought the 32gb 3G & the smart cover (that cover is so cool)

I decision now is do i get an Iphone or a Blackberry ?

Woodguy.

 

[tbellemare]

When you Apple people use the term, "tethering", are you connected by a cable?

I use my T-mobile phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Tom

 

[fidelfs]

Mac book air has Up to 5 - 7 hours depending of model.

Remember that time is based in a controlled usage, even the iPad if you use it heavily it will drain the battery faster.  I have an apps that if I use it for more than one hour the Pad battery is drain from 100% to 5%

 

[fidelfs]

When you Apple people use the term, "tethering", are you connected by a cable?

I use my T-mobile phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Tom

Tom,

It can be any way you want it.  I have the option to tethering via wifi, cable and blutooth.

I am using Mywi app in my iPhone.

 

[jjhomes]

Can't you get a car charger for the iPad and the MacBook?

 

[peter halle]

Save yourself some bucks and get versatility.  Buy a cheap inverter for the car.  Then plug in the normal stuff.

Peter

 

[jjhomes]

Good idea.

 

[Swingman]

Google Sketchup.  I have never used it.  But that is something I would like to learn too.  Never having used it, I am not sure if that is something I would be doing in the field.  I imagine it would be nice to draw up something quickly to show a sub or a homeowner.  But again, is that easily done??

I use SketchUp heavily and don't see the actual program as a tool for field use. It would be tough to use the drawing tools on an iPad with no mouse. Orbiting around a 3D model for a client is another thing, but you can do that with a SketchUp model on an iPad already.

 

[jjhomes]

Google Sketchup.  I have never used it.  But that is something I would like to learn too.  Never having used it, I am not sure if that is something I would be doing in the field.  I imagine it would be nice to draw up something quickly to show a sub or a homeowner.  But again, is that easily done??

I use SketchUp heavily and don't see the actual program as a tool for field use. It would be tough to use the drawing tools on an iPad with no mouse. Orbiting around a 3D model for a client is another thing, but you can do that with a SketchUp model on an iPad already.

Is this SketchUp model preloaded on the iPad?
Did you say you use a stylus for it? 

 

[peter halle]

I don't know what program was being referenced for viewing the models, but I found one that might be interesting named SightSpace 3D.  I have not used it.

Peter

 

[jjhomes]

Ok, I think I am ready.
I get $100 back if I purchase before the 20th.
Every little bit helps, but I can't help but feel something better will be coming out on the 21st.

I just need help configuring everything.
27" iMac
-Standard Memory and Hard Drive.  This should be ok I think.
-Mouse and Trackpad.  Do I need the Mouse?
-Wirless Keyboard with keypad.  Or should I get them seperate.
-Apple Care
-One to One
-Apple Battery Charger
-Software:
- Account Edge
- iWork (we have this on the office managers iMac, by the way she is my sister, can I use it on the new one too?)
- Do I need anything from Microsoft??  
- How do I transfer my stuff from my Dell to the Mac?

iPad 2 (or should I wait for the 3)
-WiFi + 3G/64GB
What else?

iPhone 5 (when it comes out)  By the way, I am currently with Att.  In my area Att is ok.
-Have to wait and see when it comes out, but now thinking 32GB.

Please, take it easy on my wallet.
Thanks!

 

[fidelfs]

YOu will get good with the track pad, it can substitute the mouse.  I am old fashion and I need a mouse to work with sketchup.

 

[Swingman]

I don't know what program was being referenced for viewing the models, but I found one that might be interesting named SightSpace 3D.  I have not used it.

Peter

It's a service and app from 3Dvia.com Here's a quickie YouTube video of a current project of mine on my iPad:

Sketchup on an iPad2

(hope it works, I'm on the balcony typing this on my iPad)  [smile]

 

[Swingman]

Google Sketchup.  I have never used it.  But that is something I would like to learn too.  Never having used it, I am not sure if that is something I would be doing in the field.  I imagine it would be nice to draw up something quickly to show a sub or a homeowner.  But again, is that easily done??

I use SketchUp heavily and don't see the actual program as a tool for field use. It would be tough to use the drawing tools on an iPad with no mouse. Orbiting around a 3D model for a client is another thing, but you can do that with a SketchUp model on an iPad already.

Is this SketchUp model preloaded on the iPad?
Did you say you use a stylus for it? 

I do use a stylus on the iPad for taking notes, but I can't imagine myself using one with SketchUp.