What’s on Your iPad? A simple question but one that leads to some fascinating answers. This is another installment of our now-regular series of What’s on Your iPad posts. I enjoy these a lot because I love seeing how people put their iPads to use – and I find them a great resource for discovering new apps.

This week Martha Sperry is answering our set of questions. Martha is one of the many interesting people I’ve met on Friendfeed and Google+ and I’m very happy that she was able to take the time to do this. Here’s a little bio information on her:

Martha Sperry is a lawyer – artist – musician – blogger – tech lover with a deep appreciation for mobile devices generally and the iPad in particular. She has been fascinated with computers ever since she first learned how to program in Basic on a TRS Model III in high school. Her day job for more than 20 years has been as an attorney in the insurance industry (all of the answers in this article are her personal opinion and are in no way attributable to her employer). In addition, she writes a legal technology blog called Advocate’s Studio, cited this year by the American Bar Association Journal as one of the top 100 Legal Blogs on the ‘net. She writes a mobile app review Tumblr blog called Mobile App of the Day. She is a member of the faculty at Solo Practice University in the legal tech category, currently teaching a course on Google. She is also an illustrator, currently working on a graphic novel about the Battle of Britain and on a children’s book.

Here are Martha’s answers – questions are in regular text, Martha’s answers are in block quotes:

Which iPad model do you use? (original or iPad 2, WiFi or WiFi + 3G, storage size) Any particular reasons for choosing this model?

I have the New iPad (the 3rd gen), 32 GB WiFi + ATT 3G (because of the grandfathered unlimited data plan).  If I didn’t have that plan, I would have gone with Verizon for the free tethering. I happily was using the original iPad, same specs, up until a couple months ago and it is still going strong as my son’s device. I really upgraded for the retina display and the ability to run iMovie on it. I have the data plan because I use this as my mobile computer (instead of a laptop) and often need to work outside of WiFi, but still need connectivity. If you are mostly in the WiFi zone, I wouldn’t recommend the cost of it. 32 GB fits my needs at present, but I can imagine needing to upgrade at some point to the 64 GB model, if app sizes keep increasing.

Do you use any sort of case with the iPad? If so, which one/s and why?

On my new iPad, I use only a white Smart Cover – to match the white iPad. I had a Pad & Quill The Case for my original iPad. I have gotten away from covers – they mostly seem to get in the way. I carry the iPad in a shoulder bag inside a neoprene envelope, when I am not using it.

[click to continue reading…]

We’re a little overdue for another What’s on Your iPad post – and today I’m happy to say we’ve got one from a site reader, Matt Baillargeon,  who approached me by email and has some interesting answers, especially for those of you who are students or parents of students. Here’s a little bio information on Matt:

I am going into my Junior year at Plymouth State University. My major is Information Technology.  I live in Manchester NH, and I live in my dorm in Plymouth during my school year. I work at my schools library fixing computers and use my ipad to log the calls, and computers that I work on.

I also enjoy cats, technology and everything Apple!

Here are Matt’s answers – questions are in regular text, Matt’s answers are in block quotes:

Which iPad model do you use? (original or iPad 2, WiFi or WiFi + 3G, storage size) Any particular reasons for choosing this model?

I used to have the original iPad 1, but when the new iPad 3 was announced and I saw the retina in person. I knew it was time for an upgrade. I am currently rocking out the iPad 3rd gen 16GB Wifi Model in White.

Do you use any sort of case with the iPad? If so, which one/s and why?

I have the gray smart cover with a  Poetic ThinShell Duo Acrylic Back Smart Cover Partner Case. Great combo together and really protects the iPad with a slim profile!

[click to continue reading…]

It’s time for another post in our What’s on Your iPad series. I’m glad to see that some of you are enjoying these posts as much as I am. I find them a great source for discovering interesting new apps and thoughts on how to organize apps on the iPad.

This week Joshua Schnell is providing answers. Joshua is the Editor In Chief at one of my favorite Mac sites – macgasm.net. I’ve known Joshua for a few years now after we originally met on Friendfeed through our mutual griping and troubles with  the lack of good comment services for blogs. One of the things I like about Joshua is he’s very rarely on the fence about anything, and he’s never likely to pull his punches when sharing his opinion on a subject – as you’ll see in his answers here. I’m very happy to have him taking part in this series.

Here are Joshua’s answers – questions are in regular text, Joshua’s answers are in block quotes:

Which iPad model do you use? (original or iPad 2, WiFi or WiFi + 3G, storage size) Any particular reasons for choosing this model?

I’m currently rocking a 16 GB Wifi iPad 3, AKA new iPad. I got the new iPad for the Retina screen, but I chose not to go 3G/LTE because I think data plans are ridiculously priced.  If I need the Internet, I just tether my iPhone to my iPad.  Works great, and saves me cash.  Up here in the great white north, a lot of us qualify for free tethering. I took advantage of that and went with the WiFi model. It’s been working out great.

Do you use any sort of case with the iPad? If so, which one/s and why?

I usually alternate between going naked, and a Pad and Quill Contega case. I tend to prefer using my new iPad case free, but the moment I plan on leaving the house I make sure I put it in a case.  I wouldn’t be able to stomach scratching that sexy Retina Screen.

[click to continue reading…]

Time for another What’s on Your iPad post. I’m still finding these great fun – partly because I just love seeing how others get the most out of their iPad and also because they’re a great source of ideas.

This week Brad Gurgel is providing answers. Brad is a writing colleague of mine at iSource, and I’m very glad to have him as this week’s subject. Here’s his brief bio:

I am a principal and teacher at a private school in Wisconsin.  I work with students in grades 5-8.  My iPhone, iPad, and Macbook Air are extremely valuable tools for me in my work every day.  I use all three devices to keep track of schedules, design presentations for school, and communicate with parents and teachers.  My school also recently purchased iPads and I have enjoyed implementing them in creative ways into our classrooms and curriculum.  I love technology and am an occasional contributor to iSource.com when I can find the time in my busy schedule to write an a review or article. 

Here are Brad’s answers – questions are in regular text, Brad’s answers are in block quotes:

Which iPad model do you use? (original or iPad 2, WiFi or WiFi + 3G, storage size) Any particular reasons for choosing this model?

I use the new iPad 32 GB Wi-Fi model.  90% of my day I am at school or at home and have Wi-Fi available both places so that is why I opted for the Wi-Fi only version.  My iPhone covers me when I’m out and about and need to check email or look something up on the web.

Do you use any sort of case with the iPad? If so, which one/s and why?

I use the Griffin Elan Passport Case for the new iPad.  I bought the new iPad on release day and this was actually the only case available at Walmart made specifically for the new iPad.  I am glad I purchased it as it is a very nice leather case.  It offers great protection so I don’t have to think twice about tossing my iPad in my work bag with all my school books.

[click to continue reading…]

Time for another What’s on Your iPad post. I’m still finding these great fun – partly because I just love seeing how others get the most out of their iPad and also because they’re a great source of ideas.

Today’s guest is Omar Gallaga – Omar writes on technology for the Austin American-Statesman, my hometown newspaper and I’ve got to know him a little on Google+. I’m very glad he’s agreed to do one of the with us. Here’s a little more bio background on Omar:

Technology writer for the Austin American-Statesman and Digital Savant, video blogger/former recapper for Television Without Pity, and contributor to CNN.com’s Tech section, Kirkus Reviews (children’s iPad apps) and NPR’s "All Tech Considered" segment on personal technology

Here are Omar’s answers – questions are in regular text, Omar’s answers are in block quotes:

Which iPad model do you use? (original or iPad 2, WiFi or WiFi + 3G, storage size) Any particular reasons for choosing this model?

I have a 64-GB 3rd-gen Verizon LTE model.  We had a 32-GB WiFi first-generation model that belonged to my wife and for this one, I knew I needed more space since our original was nearly filled up with apps. I wasn’t going to go LTE until I found out that Verizon allows you to use the iPad as a WiFi hotspot at no extra charge.  I’m still not thrilled with the data plan pricing, but I love the hotspot feature.   My wife upgraded her 32-GB first-gen model to a 3rd-gen white model, same size, so we have two iPads in the house now.

Do you use any sort of case with the iPad? If so, which one/s and why?

I use a blue Smart Cover and that’s all.  Our first-gen iPad never left the house and it was fine without a case of any kind.  I’m not a fan of adding more bulk to the iPad.

[click to continue reading…]