Thing 6

Oh, how I can get frustrated trying to edit word docs and excel spreadsheets on my iPad!

I do usually end up just going to a desktop computer, but we are trying a new minute taking template for meetings, and typing into an iPad is just so convenient!!

I am most familiar with QuickOffice, although I liked it better before Google took it over!  I just haven't worked with Google Drive enough for me to find it useful.

I tried out CloudOn (another app I heard about at our staff There's An App for That! training), and I did like using it.  It just seemed REALLY slow at times - there was a definite lag between typing and the words appearing on the screen!  (By the way, I have an awesome Zagg Bluetooth keyboard with my iPad - I can't imagine trying to edit or create docs with the popup keyboard on the screen.)

I use Smart Office 2 the most, I think I got it for free on a special.  It was the only one that imported my meeting minutes template correctly, and allows for quick and easy typing during my meetings.

I will be curious to see if the new Microsoft apps for iPad will take off, or if people will be put off by the cost and just stick with apps like these.

I think I will mostly use this for quick edits and idea generation for now - I'm not fully ready to get rid of my desktop computer yet!

Thing 5

I'm pretty much obsessed with note-taking and to do list apps, although I don't know that it has made me anymore productive!

My favorite notetaking app is one you have to pay for - Notability - but I love it and use it all the time for all my work stuff.  I'm trying hard to reduce all my paper notes and sticky notes.  I also love the simplicity of the Notes app that comes standard on the iPad for making simple lists.  It's so easy to use, I use it all the time, and that's where my massive books to read list currently lives!

I have also used Remember the Milk a little, but it's not one that has stuck with me.

I signed up for Springpad and downloaded Bamboo paper.  Springpad seems like it could be fun to work with, but it was really slow!!  Bamboo paper annoyed me because I couldn't type into it.  I can see it being really cool for someone who likes to draw or doodle...and that someone is not me!!  Although maybe I could use it to start exploring my artistic side.

I think it's always good to have a free notes app in your head when you are helping patrons new to the tablet world.

One thing I am noticing as I go through the things is how I hesitate to share and interconnect all of my apps and stuff with Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, etc.  It feels a little like oversharing to me - I'm not all that interesting, and I don't want everyone in my business!  I wonder if it's a generational thing or just a personal preference.