My iPad is making me smarter!

I was waiting it out, being patient for version 2, and I wanted to see what the Android tablet device would look like, but I couldn’t handle it any longer, I finally purchased my (first) iPad… and I think it is making me smarter! I have had it for a month now and here are the top 5 things that I find myself doing with it…

• Blogs & Books – I am more up-to-date with the blogs that I read. With the convenience that this device brings, I now can lay on the couch and more comfortably read eBooks and internet content. Not like a notebook where you have to sit in a notebook-friendly position, I can use this device like I would a book (though an oversized book it would be).
• Video podcasts. It’s a good thing that I don’t pay for cable, because I find that I prefer to sit with my iPad, whether I am having breakfast or I wake up in the middle of the night and can’t sleep. My financial and gadget video podcasts are viewed more easier and pleasantly on the big iPad screen.
• Emails – I have started to take my iPad to appointment (e.g. dentist appointments) and use it in the waiting room. Having the 3G connectivity, I can browse the web, read documents, and use iTunes while I wait.
• Maps. I had a meeting in an area of town last week that I was not familiar with. I looked it up on my iPad, went down to street view and saw an image of the building where my customer resided. But one thing that struck my eye was the Starbuck’s across the street – I showed up early had a coffee (while I browsed my iPad) and walked across the street when the time came. Yes, I could have done this on my laptop, but not from my car on 3G… at least not without extra equipment.
• For my work. I use my iPad to manage all email account – I can check and reply to email easily – even with the virtual keyboard (I have never been a fan of virtual keyboards) I can efficiently write without frustration. When I have a proposal to review or a presentation to proof, I find it is more comfortable using a tablet device. My job entails being in front of my computer everyday and when there are documents to read, I move myself over to the couch. I am not only reading in comfort, but I am removed from the IM and other distractions.

It seems that it really boils down to convenience and comfort. I still do the same things as before, but I can do it with more ease, more comfort, with more battery life, from anywhere… and all while listening to my favorite music.

I do have some complaints though. I can’t watch certain web content (e.g. CBC’s The Lang & O’Leary Exchange) due to the format – I never realized how much flash content there is on the web. But for now, my experience has been very positive. In fact I am writing this blog entry on my iPad…

Recently I read an article on the Wall Street Journal titled LG Readies Tablet, Optimus Smartphones http://bit.ly/27ideas-tablet talked about how the LG angle is to create a device aimed for productivity (using the Google Android OS). I am curious what this device will be like and I have always loved LG products. Who knows, maybe my girlfriend will get a second hand iPad later this year. I will keep you posted.

So why is my iPad making me smarter? I am now more motivated to read and watch the things that I should be, rather than mindless television.