INTRO TO iPAD
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ComputerTree's Intro To iPad class is designed for first-time users of Apple iPad devices. Some of you will have never used any computer before. Others will be familiar with Macintosh computers, or with Microsoft PCs. But unless you've used the iOS operating system before (as, for example, on an iPhone), this may seem pretty strange at first glance. As with any new thing, it does take some getting used to. No worries, though: we're here to help.
The iPad is not like a Mac or a PC
With a traditional computer, it is still possible to make significant use of it without needing to be in communication with the internet (to write books, to organize locally stored photos, to play locally stored music, etc.). The iPad, however, is a creature of the internet. It is a network appliance. Practically every task it performs assumes that it will be in contact with the internet, at least during some part of the process, although you can read books, listen to music, or watch videos which were downloaded to the device before you went offline.
The iPad was not originally meant to be a stand-alone device. As much as the iPad is an internet appliance, it is even more strongly an iTunes appliance. The iPad participates in the iTunes relationship you've already got on your Mac or PC. Books, music and videos can by synced (shared) between the devices. Software comes to the iPad in the same way that song files are downloaded: from an online store maintained by Apple. The vast majority of applications for iPad are free to download and free to use.
3G versus Wi-Fi-Only
The iPad is also a creature of wireless connectivity. The iPad contains at least one internal antenna used to connect to Wi-Fi internet hotspots (a private router at home or at the office, a public router at restaurants and hotels, etc.). Some models of iPad contain a second internal antenna used to connect to cell phone towers using 3G technology. This does not cause these models of iPad to become large iPhones. Rather, it allows these 3G models to reach the internet by way of a cellular service provider when a Wi-Fi hotspot is not within range. The choice of 3G versus just Wi-Fi must be made at time of purchase; it is not something which can be upgraded to later. Think of 3G as the internet equivalent of 4-wheel drive: it can take you to places you can't reach using 2-wheel drive, but it's not something which can be retrofitted.
If you plan to use your iPad almost entirely at your office or home, or occasionally at the corner coffee shop, Wi-Fi-Only will serve you well. If you plan to use your iPad on the road, especially in locations where Wi-Fi hotspots are few and far between, the extra up-front cost of the 3G will likely pay for itself very quickly. IMPORTANT: the 3G choice itself has another choice, that of cellular provider. Before you buy, consult the signal coverage charts of the providers in your area to be certain that the one you choose will deliver a strong signal to your office, home, etc.
Application Centric, not File Centric
One of the strangest differences between iPads and Macs/PCs is that there is no equivalent to the Mac's Finder app or the Microsoft PC's Computer Explorer app. Instead, there are two replacement ways to find the document you seek. The first way is to launch the application in which that document was written, then use that application's own method of finding compatible files. The other way is to swipe to the screen left of the home screen, causing a keyboard to appear. From here, by typing at least part of the name of the file (or in some cases some part of the file's contents), you call up a list of matching files. Neither approach gives you the big picture of what's really going on under the hood, and that's by intent. In fact, Apple refuses to allow developers to write Finder apps. This is because Apple intends for the iPad, iPhone & Family to be presenters of data and not file servers.
Strongest at Examining Data
Computers can be used to create, to store, and to examine data. Different devices are designed to focus strongly on one or another of those tasks. The iPad is strongest at examining data which has already been created then stored somewhere else. It is second strongest at creating data from its cameras, either still-shot or movie, which data is then to be sent out to other devices. The iPad is least strong at locally storing and organizing large volumes of data, and second least strong at creating typed data. It is possible, with practice, to touch type using the iPad's onscreen keyboard:
It is also possible to add a real keyboard to the iPad (via Bluetooth). But if you're about to write the next great American novel, a Mac laptop would probably serve you better. On the other hand, if most of what you do is examine data, the iPad is ideal. Whether it's email, ebooks, spreadsheets, photos, recorded or live video, you can access internet-based or iTunes-based information wherever you happen to be. It takes a great deal of effort to run down an iPad's battery in less than 8 hours, over twice as long as most laptops can make it on one battery charge. Also, the iPad can be held firmly in one hand, making it easier than a laptop to use when standing or in some other location without a tabletop.
For More Information
We regularly provide Intro To iPad classes. Please contact our Training department (800) 467-9820 x6, or (336) 768-9820 x6, or training@computertree.com) for more information.
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(800) 467-9820 x6
(336) 768-9820 x6
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