My Favorite iPad Apps :: Part 3 of 3

My Favorite iPad Apps :: Part 3 of 3

The apps in this short series are in my regular rotation - I use them daily.

Evernote logo borrowed from Assistive Technology

Evernote: A note-taking application.

Pros:

• This app has proven useful for me for grocery lists. I make the grocery list on one device and then make sure I sync devices before heading to the grocery store. The inclusion of the check box is simple yet helpful.

• I audio record my students presentations, usually about 5 minutes. I also tag the notes and they're easy to access for grading.

• For taking notes, meeting minutes and outlining presentations, it's nice to have some formatting options like italicizing and indentation.

• My Instagram pics are automatically synced to Evernote thanks to ifttt.

• The Evernote app is great for capturing business cards and organizing them, however, make sure you double check the details to make sure that it's correct.

• Before I travel, I use Evernote Clipper to capture and file notes on places to go and things to do. I assume that I won't have Internet access and I'll activate Evernote Premium to access the folder offline.

• I don't really use a calendar/task app, I sync my Google Calendar with my iPhone/iPad. Simple and easy. I also don't use the reminder option since I use that feature exclusively with Google Calendar.

Cons:

• I think the paid platform is too expensive for what you get and have access to.

• With the paid platform, you get offline access, however, you have to download and sync in advance. Depending on the size of the notebook that you want to access offline, it could take some time for it to download.

• I know that Evernote and Moleskin have a happy relationship, however, I have the Evernote Notebook by Moleskin and I'm not seeing the big difference between it and any other notebook.

Evernote is available for the iPad, iPhone and Android devices.

I hope that you've enjoyed the My Favorite iPad Apps series. Please share your thoughts on the Evernote app and the other apps in the series in the comments.

My Favorite iPad Apps :: Part 2 of 3

My Favorite iPad Apps :: Part 2 of 3

The apps in this short series are in my regular rotation - I use them daily.

Stitcher logo borrowed from EdReach.us

Stitcher Radio: Stitcher is a way to organize your podcast listening.

Pros:

• There are lots of categories to chose from, keeps track of listening stats, sync across devices, offers suggested listening.

• I have created playlists such as my favs, media, etc. It's nice to hear the various podcasts back to back.

• Typically, I begin my Stitcher use by listening to the headlines especially for AP Radio News. The AP newscasts are about 3 minutes.

• You can opt-in to get notifications when new episodes of your favorites are available.

• When you sign up and sign in on the desktop app, it's syncs your account so that you can pick up where you left off.

Cons:

• There are many podcasts to chose from, but surprisingly not all podcasts are available on the platform. 
• The options to 'thumbs up' and 'thumbs down' a podcast is a bit too small.
• The description is much larger than the 'play' button. They could easily give equal space so that the 'play' button is easy to access.
• There are some advertisements that run between podcasts. So far, it's not too annoying. However, if you do find it annoying, Stitcher has a paid non-ad platform.

Stitcher Radio is available for the iPad and the iPhone.

Please check back next Thursday for the last installation of My Favorite iPad Apps. And please add your comments about your experience with Stitcher Radio.

My Favorite iPad Apps :: Part 1 of 3

My Favorite iPad Apps :: Part 1 of 3

I've been an iPad owner for several years now. It's true that I have not always drank the Apple Kool-Aid, and I'm certainly not gulping it now, but I do love a good app.

The apps in this short series are in my regular rotation - I use them daily.

Zite logo borrowed from Twit.tv

Zite: It's a curation site for news and information, but it also helps you discover news and information.

Pros:

• Looking forward to the merger of Flipboard + Zite, but for now I'll focus on how I currently use Zite.

• For me that's what differentiates it from other curation applications. Your ability to 'thumbs up' and 'thumbs down' an article will bring you more or less of what you like and dislike.

• I use Zite for curating information on the following topics: Journalism, teaching, technology, iPad apps, Cairo, travel, podcasting, hip hop and more. I love it for a quick glance of what's happening now.

• You can sign up and then sign in to the app. It will sync across devices.

Con:

• After the app has been idle for a while, it will wipe out what you were reading and refresh the page automatically. You will rarely find your way back to the same spot, but it depends on how much time has lapsed. It think it would be better if the app asked if you want to refresh.

Zite is available for the iPad and the iPhone.

Please check back next Thursday for the next installation of My Favorite iPad Apps. And please share your comments about your use of the Zite app.

And Just Like That I'm An Apple Girl

And Just Like That I'm An Apple Girl


My brother's been using Apple products since I can remember. It might be true that he's only had two Apple computers in his 40+ years. I'll try to confirm that later.

I, on the other hand, have had a subtle dislike for Apple for some time. Ever since learning that they used proprietary audio files. That's when I first discovered that Windows Media Audio don't play well w/Macs and Mac files don't play well w/others either. That, my friends, was a long time ago.

My nice and shiny new Macbook Pro. (Dec. 2011)

A lot has changed over the years and to make a long story short, I broke down and purchased a Macbook Pro over the Christmas holiday. Now this is after I'd been working on a Mac in my office on campus. I remember when I arrived at AUC in Egypt in 2009 and they asked if I wanted a Mac or a PC. "I'll have a Mac," I recall saying. But I'd never paid much attention to Macs and I didn't even know how to turn the damn thing on. Still, often in my office, I'm frustrated at how to do simple things on the Mac like jump to the bottom of the page or jump to the end of a sentence.

Last Christmas I broke down and bought an iPad. Now that was a worthwhile purchase. I don't think a day has gone by when I haven't used that device.

Add to that the fact that I lost my mobile phone traveling from Washington, DC to Cleveland, Ohio at the airport in Philadelphia. I know, why was there a layover in Philly anyway. Whatever. Point is, I lost my phone and was 'eligible' for an upgrade. And into my life walks "Siri."

It looks so pretty in the box. (Dec. 2011)

Of course, now I'm sucked into the expansive and expensive world of Apple:

• Apple Care ... enough said!
• With three devices tethered to each other, I need more storage from Apple (ching ching)
• I'm considering iTunes Match (ching ching)
• I bought some iTunes gift cards for Christmas (ching ching)
• Additional devices and accoutrements (protective shell, hard drives, mic, bluetooth devices, etc)
• Those irresistible iPad apps (ching ching ching ching ching ching)

But after that briefer at the Apple store in my hometown, I'm all full of knowledge, ready to conquer the world and even ready jump to the bottom of the page.