This makes up for their cropping issue I noted a few years ago. Somewhat.

Ah, the power of social media never ceases to amaze me. I've been able to meet many new people from all walks of life and all corners of the globe and reconnect with friends that I've known in the past. One of my recent acquaintances has been Marty McPadden. After we'd chatted for some time, I wanted to get his thoughts on his iPad purchase and use.

Why did you get an iPad? I love my iPhone but I always wished there was a device that did everything my iPhone did but had a larger screen. When the iPad was announced, I thought, this is it!! I pre-ordered as soon as it became available. The hardest part was waiting the extra month since I ordered the 3G version. I’m glad I did.

Do you like it/love it? I LOVE it! Since owning and using the iPad, I’ve used my MacBook exactly twice. Both times, just to run software updates. While the iPad doesn’t quite replace the need for a MacBook, it handles about 90 percent of what I need in a mobile computing device.

What need did it fill, or was it a want? It filled a gap between the iPhone and my iMac/MacBook Pro and has really streamlined my mobile computing work-flow.

If you had to make the decision to purchase it again, would you? In a heartbeat!

How has the iPad changed your "normal" computer habits? It has replaced my MacBook Pro for most of my mobile computing needs. I just tuck it under my arm and I’m ready to go.

What are you doing with the iPad that has made your life easier or has surprised you? Email, managing my social media accounts and reading magazines and newspapers have been some of the main tasks I have been able to accomplish via my ipad. I have been surprised with the ease of use and efficiency it has afforded me. The selection of apps have been getting better and better over recent weeks.

Do you use it for personal use or have you been able to integrate its use into business? Since I work for a major media/entertainment company, I have company supplied tools I use. I prefer to keep business separate although my company does offer the option to access email through personal mobile devices including the iPad. I do use it for personal business though and since I am an “aspiring” entrepreneur, I plan on integrating it into my work flow more as opportunities present themselves.

How often do you use your iPad? Every day! Seemingly, all the time!

Is that use more that you'd expected? I did expect to use it a lot, but even I’m surprised with the amount of time I’m using my iPad. I find new apps and uses everyday.

Do you still use other computers as much? Of all the computers I own, I rank my use as follows: iPad, iPhone, iMac, MacBook Pro. The first three I use fairly frequently and my MacBook Pro getting left in the dust. My MacBook still has a place in my work-flow, for example, if I need to do photo and/or video editing on the go, the MacBook is my tool of choice.

What apps do you use or have you purchased? Wow, I have a bunch. I use a lot of free apps but will pay for apps that provide value. Some of the apps I’ve purchased and use regularly include: Osfoora HD and Twittlelator (Twitter clients,) Friendly (Facebook browser,) Goodreader (document, PDF reader,) IM+ (Instant messaging client,) Feedler Pro (Google Reader client,) TextNow (texting app.) Also, Zinio which is a free app that allows you to purchase digital versions of popular magazines; either single issues or subscriptions. I also have the Wall Street Journal app and subscribe to the paid digital version of the paper. I love not having to deal with the clutter of physical paper.

What would you change about it or what features would you add/take away? I think the upcoming iOS 4.2 update will address most of my current wants with multitasking and folders being the top two. I’d love to see a front facing camera for video conferencing That would be killer.

How are you using the portability of the iPad to your advantage? Is it allowing you to write more blog posts or at least start ideas because of its mobility? I believe I am. I do utilize SimpleNote and Instapaper as note taking apps and the on screen keyboard is much better than I expected. I haven’t tried any of the iWork apps yet but I am testing the trail versions on the desktop. The tools are definitely there to write blog posts, I just need to find the time to write more. I don’t think there's an app for that! LOL!

Have you found any drawbacks in using the iPad? Size, power, weight, software limitations? Th size is perfect for me. It could be a bit lighter in weight, but that’s nitpicking. The battery life is amazing!! There are software limitations but nothing that’s a deal breaker as long as you understand the ipad is not a computer replacement. I see it ore as a computer workflow enhancement. It’s portability is it’s main benefit. Since there’s no boot-up time and it’s “always on,” it makes checking email and replying to email and doing a lot of quick computer related tasks a breeze and quick!

Are you using the iPad in any non-conventional ways? If so, how? For now, I’m pretty conventional. So many apps, so little time!

What's your favorite app and what made you choose it? Wow, that’s a tough one. If I had to choose just one, it would have to be Osfoora HD (iTunes link) since I spend so much time on Twitter. It’s a great Twitter client and worth every penny of the $3.99 price. I love the app “ToDo” also. It’s my go to task manager.

Has the iPad helped your hobbies at all? Not yet but with all the photography/video related apps available, I expect it will, especially when I’m mobile. I do tend to use my iMac/MacBook for photography/video related tasks though as my first choice.

What peripherals would you suggest, cases, cables, etc? The camera connection kit is a must and highly recommended. It provides you with a USB connection which will work with many but not all USB devices depending on power requirement of each device.