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

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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.

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Another good friend, and another iPad owner, Josh Rensch (gmwithadd.com) is the latest interviewee in my iPad owner-a-palooza. Read on to see how he gets his game on with his iPad, and not in ways you might think.

Why did you get an iPad?

I bought it as a PDF viewer for my various gaming books.

Do you like it/love it?

Yeah, it’s very convenient as a reader as well as being able to surf the web.

What need did it fill, or was it a want?

I could have done without it, but it is saving me space since I buy books in PDF now as well as money since the books are cheaper.

How has the iPad changed your "normal" computer habits?

Not that I know.

What are you doing with the iPad that has made your life easier or has surprised you?

Just the form factor has made it possible to take it to the gym and read while I am running on an elliptical.

Do you use it for personal use or have you been able to integrate its use into business?

Just personal. I am getting into game design, so it’s letting me read more games which helps me understand different game mechanics.

How often do you use your iPad?

Daily.

Is that use more that you'd expected?

Nope, I wanted it as a reader.

Do you still use other computers as much?

No.

What apps do you use or have you purchased?

Dude, I have a ton. I am still searching for a decent writing app though.

What would you change about it or what features would you add/take away?

Flash, add it.

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 use it at the gym. As for the blog posts question, I start my blog posts in my notebook/journal. I like the tactile feel of writing things out before typing them.

Have you found any drawbacks in using the iPad? Size, power, weight, software limitations?

Just searching for a decent writing app. Also some companies render the PDF differently and Good Reader has trouble reading them.

Are you using the iPad in any non-conventional ways? If so, how?

I use it as a boom box for my gaming sessions. It’s speakers are good enough for people to hear the music but not be overpowered by it.

You sold your laptop and replaced it with your iPad, how has that trade-off affected you?

Not much. I never used my laptop for writing as much as I would have liked. The other thing is that it started to get bogged down and slow, so I wanted something that I could surf the web and my daughter wouldn’t break.

Are you able to do more than what you'd executed, or are you seeing limitations?

It’s pretty much what I expected. Granted, I am typing up my answers on my computer not my iPad is somewhat a limitation.

Would you recommend the iPad to anyone looking for an ultra-portable device?

Depended on what they were looking for.

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I'm warning out to you right now, the following post is going to turn into a love letter. It'll get real mushy, real fast. It's designer/geek-love for an Web 2.0 service. Why I can't get enough of Evernote.

Since I picked up the blogging bug a few months ago (and can't seem to shake it) my go-to tool has been Evernote. Even before the post writing began, I've relied on Evernote to keep me sane and keep my thoughts semi-organized. It's become a combination of a junk drawer for thoughts, a book shelf for projects, and a personal assistant that knows where everything's been placed.

A place for every thought.
One of the killer features in Evernote is also one of the most basic; Notebooks. Whether you want to keep your personal notes in different "stacks" or need a way to keep business projects organized, setting up Notebooks is one of the easist ways to get this done. I use more notebooks than I can count, but they help keep me organized and that's half the battle.

Something for everyone.
There's no telling when inspiration will hit or in what form it will come and for that, Evernote has you covered. Besides written notes, you can upload photos or snap them from your phone or computer for those that are visually-inclined. If you'd rather talk things through, their apps support audio notes as well, so you could use it to record podcast audio or brief meeting notes if you'd want. On top of all of that, you can also clip Web pages and Web content into a note for later reading or inspiration.

The apps...the apps!
Another killer feature of Evernote is the portability and mobility it has. They've got apps for Windows, Mac OS X, iOS, Android, and Blackberry, plus you can even go platform independent by emailing or tweeting (via a Twitter DM) a note to your account.

A just-released feature for bloggers and Website owners, the Site Memory button, allows site readers the ability to clip individual posts and save them to their Evernote accounts. A one more useful tool for an already-useful service.

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When I started writing on a frequent basis, I never imagine the many and varied (yet connected) topics that could be presented. A Twitter chat with Rob Cairns, John Lusher, and Marty McPadden earlier this week sparked such a topic.

The chat started off talking about football, which shifted to win/loss records which then changed gears to racing and performance expectations. As a fan of Dale Earnhardt Jr., the last two NASCAR Sprint Cup seasons have been less then stellar. When an athlete is in a performance tailspin that they seemingly can't get out of, what can be done to reverse course?

Let's shift gears one more time (but still stay on topic). How do you, when things get stuck or slide out of control, get things back on track? There have been times where I've been in a creative rut, feeling like I'm spinning my tires, not getting anywhere, and just burning myself out. Taking a step back helps, but it takes more than that. Combine that with a change of environment, music, or switching to a different task altogether seems to do the trick. What about you?

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Earlier tonight Twitter announced a major update to their Web interface once again making Twitter.com a destination, rather than a site to check every once and a while. By beefing up the Twitter homepage, @ev, @biz, and the gang are making a compelling argument for people to not use third party Twitter apps and to stick with, what used to be, the only place to tweet.

What's new?
While not rolled out yet, screenshots of the new site have surfaced and Twitter has posted an introductory video (commercial) to get folks pumped up for the new release. The one-pane approach that Twitter has employed for some time is now a two-pane split The thinner, two column layout is now much wider and uses some very nice visual effects taking place when you act on certain links. If you've seen or used the recently-released Twitter for iPad (iTunes link), you'll see many similarities between that app and the new site. Photos and video are now embedded within tweets and will show up underneath the message in the "reading pane". Another cool tidbit that's been discovered is the ability to include whole Flickr sets in a tweet.

The background scoop.
With the wider interface, you'll quickly notice that background images aren't as easy to see as they once were. This change will be a challenge to online marketers, designers, and anyone else that want to display a custom background on their page that has detailed information or branding included.

Change = Good.
These are some exciting changes for Twitter and I'm looking forward to see it rolled out in the coming weeks. To see more of the changes for yourself, check out their preview page

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What do you get when you take one creatively-driven, entrepreneurial person and give them an iPad? An outlet for sharing, creating, cooking, and even a little gaming. Kicking off my iPad owner interview series, I asked a good friend, colleague, and client, Pat Ingelse about her iPad usage and how it fits into her part-time venture Escape Route.

Why did you get an iPad?

I truly enjoy my iPhone-it has become a critical part of the day. I also enjoyed my iPod a great deal. The iPad looked like it was/could become a viable replacement for the iPod expanding its use to a design or promotional tool as well.

Do you like it/love it?

I am definitely glad I made the purchase.

What need did it fill, or was it a want?

While I can say it filled a need I had with starting a craft business, I do think it was more a want than a need! Either way, it was worth it.

If you had to make the decision to purchase it again, would you?

Absolutely

How has the iPad changed your "normal" computer habits?

No so much changed as enhanced. If I want to quickly check something on the internet or my email, it can be done in a snap. It is an easier tool to use to demonstrate an item or show a product. What are you doing with the iPad that has made your life easier or has surprised you? I like to check my email and the news before heading off to work. This makes that a quick step in the morning routine. I also used it this weekend when cooking. I brought up the recipe and had the iPad right along side as I cooked. Can’t say it made the meal any tastier, but I didn’t kill a tree printing off the recipe!

Do you use it for personal use or have you been able to integrate its use into business?

Right now, its more personal use. However, as I start doing trade shows, it will be a valuable tool to show product.

How often do you use your iPad?

At least an hour a day – weekends more.

Is that use more that you'd expected?

Pretty much Do you still use other computers as much?

I do not use the laptop in the morning any longer, which is a definite plus!

What apps do you use or have you purchased?

iBooks, Think Ink, iTeleport, Quickmark, and several programs to assist in determining product markup, sales analysis, etc.

What would you change about it or what features would you add/take away?

I am trying to take more advantage of the Kindle app but I find it is a little heavy to hold up for any length of time. It is a bit challenging to read it in brighter light. An easier way to print would be great. Also, something similar to MS Office (Word and Excel type focus). Maybe that does exist and I haven’t discovered it yet.

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?

It fits nicely in a briefcase-not as bulky as a laptop. It was so easy to prop up on the kitchen counter to refer to the recipes using minimal counter space. I think at this point, I would classify myself as the “typical” user.

Are you using the iPad in any non-conventional ways? If so, how?

Not at this point.

What's your favorite app and what made you choose it?

I like using ColorSplash and Brushes on this. It allows better space for seeing the designs making it easier to get excited about the creations! Sounds crazy, but it does make a difference for me.

Has the iPad helped your hobbies at all?

I have been able to find a couple apps that focus on needlework. The upside is that it has also given me some ideas for other apps, demo recordings, etc.

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A few weeks ago I put a call out to some folks I know that are iPad owners.  I wanted to get their thoughts on how the device fits into their lives and how they're getting the most out of it. 

I've posted, tweeted, and commented many times about how much I enjoy using my iPad for work, play, and everything in between.  My kids love using it almost as much as I do, and it's helped spark a rush of ideas for me in the form of posts and design solutions.  But that's just me.  What do others think about it.  Are they happy with their investments?  Has it altered the way they use their desktop or laptop computers?

Out of pure curiosity, I asked some people for their thoughts, ideas, and even some app suggestions.  I'm thrilled with the responses and can't wait to share them!

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While I wouldn't describe myself as an avid outdoors-man, I do enjoy being around nature and getting out of the normal "rat race" from time-to-time. One escape for my family is to go camping a few times during the summer. The last two trips I've brought my iPad along and at the suggestion of a friend here are some notes on how it fared.

Clarifying the term "camping".
Wikipedia defines camping as "Camping is an outdoor recreational activity. The participants (known as campers) leave urban areas, their home region, or civilization and enjoy nature while spending one or several nights outdoors, usually at a campsite. Camping may involve the use of a tent, caravan, cabin, a primitive structure, or no shelter at all." Sorry, but that's not how I roll.

Let me get this out of the way first. We don't camp in tents or even a cabin. We camp in, what I like to call a small mobile home that happens to be located in a campground. It has running water, air conditioning, satellite tv, beds, and a functioning toilet. I'd be lying if I said we "rough it" when we go camping. I might be lying to myself by calling it "camping", but I digress.

With all of these creature comforts, I rarely find the need to pull out any electronic gadget aside from a digital camera because there's always some form of entertainment a few feet away from us at all times. The first time I brought the iPad with us on an outdoor outing I only pulled it out of my bag once and used it for all of 5 minutes. The second time is different.

A digital Swiss army knife
For starters, I used it to type this post. I'd call that progress, wouldn't you? It's also been used it to offload photos. Not even a full camping day in and it proved itself to be invaluable. While I've only scratched the surface as far as what I can do with the iPad in the great outdoors, a great friend of mine has taken his iPad with him on many camping trips this summer. I'm hoping he'll share some of his insights soon.

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My oldest son and his friend get snapped by my "friend" and I.

If you're a gadget addict like me it's easy to have older, yet perfectly good tech become a digital castoff when a new product comes home. Sadly this became the case with my Nikon D70 (affiliate link) when we purchased a point and shoot to take with us on a family vacation a few years ago. Through some recent trips down a memory lane of photography, I'm starting to right that wrong and spend more time with my old friend.

When my wife and I adopted out cat Stan more than six years ago, he was treated as our first child. We took countless photos of him and it was during those shoots, trying to capture every intricate movement, that I realized I needed to upgrade from my Olympus C1400 and get something that allowed for finer tuning (and a faster shutter).

After much research and contemplation, I decided to get the Nikon D70. We were inseparable. It traveled with us to Vegas and Arizona, helped us capture family events, holidays, and the ever-elusive Stan. It was a great partnership...until the new guy showed up.

How a trip to Disney World altered a friendship.
In 2008 my family and I took a trip to Disney World in Orlando, FL. Based on our past trips, my wife didn't want to lug around the Nikon so we bought a little point-and-shoot that could handle both still photos as well as video. We settled on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 (affiliate link). As soon as I got my hands on it, the D70 became an afterthought. Months went by before I picked it back up and started shooting with it and I scoffed at it's bulk and it's awkwardness. We didn't hang out as much, I started favoring my new, more portable, HD-shooting pal.

Time heals all wounds
As years went by, I realized I couldn't completely ignore my rapid-fire friend. As our family grew, he'd show up to help capture the beginnings of life, anniversaries, holidays, and more.

It wasn't until meeting some great people on Twitter that I've taken a renewed interest in shooting with the D70. Seeing stunning shots like this, this, and this have made me reach for my trusty Nikon more often than the point-and-shoot. In fact, we took it camping this past weekend. The Panasonic stayed home.

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Not much needed in the way of an explanation here. These are based off of my earlier-released iPad wallpapers and work great with the iPhone 3G and 3GS (not to mention the iPod Touch). iPhone 4 wallpapers are coming soon! Just right-click and save or tap, hold, and save.

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My oldest son started 4K today, marking the beginning of his school career. While I can't fully describe how proud I am of him, sending him off into the world does come with a few unknowns.

As he got onto the bus today, I had a feeling come over me that's similar to when I launch a new site or project (only this was on a much larger scale). Those thoughts and feelings were "I hope this works!". As that yellow vessel drove away, there was nothing I could do to help him, if he needed it. He was on his own...and he'd be fine. The more I thought about it today, he's in a great position to be learning new things and encountering new experiences.

Oh, to be young again.
The past few months have been filled with many new experiences for me including some great public speaking engagements, many opportunities to meet some thought leaders, and a few projects that have pushed and challenged my skill-set. Going into all of these, there's been a bit of trepidation, hesitation, and a bit of self-doubt thrown in, just to make things interesting. Today it struck me, my kids have the right mindset going into any new experience they'll encounter. They have no fear.

They don't know the risks, they aren't afraid to fail, in fact they don't even know what failure is. Failure, truly isn't an option. Isn't that great? I'm keeping that in mind when taking on new challenges. After all, it couldn't hurt.

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