Arstechnica Blogger Tests Productivity of iPad-Only Day
Can a blogger be productive by using only an iPad, and no Mac? Can he even survive?
Preparation: iPad Apps
For his day without Mac, Jacqui Cheng mainly used these iPad Apps:
- Writing Kit [App Store] $4.99
- Beejive IM App [App Store] $9.99
- Web based IRC client: Alice
- No RSS, instead he used the official Twitter App [App Store]
He used iPad 2 + Apple Smart Cover + Apple Wireless Keyboard (connects over bluetooth).
iPad Only Blogging?
So, does the iPad work in a professional setting with Movable Type-based CMS? Jacqui Cheng wrote about his experience in Masochist me? An Ars writer’s iPad-only workday. Conclusion:
Working on a tablet made it more difficult to constantly monitor everything that happens in a day, but there was a tradeoff: it was significantly easier to be productive when actually writing. In fact, I produced slightly more the day I worked on the iPad than on a normal day, and I didn’t miss any significant news—work-related or otherwise. I did feel as if I was somewhat disconnected from the world compared to my usual setup, but I wasn’t—I just couldn’t see everything at the same time, all the time.
ObamaPacman: iOS 5, with its improved notifications should make it even easier.
Keyboard Workflow Improvement Idea for iPad Blogging
Jacqui’s suggestion for improvement? When using iPad with keyboard:
- Command + Tab should switch to last used iPad App
- ObamaPacman adds: bring up app switcher when holding Command+Tab without letting go, just like the Mac behavior
Writing Kit: iPad Blogging Research / Writing App
Writing Kit [App Store] “built for researching and looking up stuff” seems to be a great app for blogging. Features:
- TextExpander snippets
- “Learn about anything you come across within two taps. You don’t even have to leave the current page.”
- Browse Instapaper unread items
- Queue things you find interesting to view later
- Website search with text results
- Can email or share text, or generate HTML
If I ever get me one of those gee,whiz-gimzos, I might just try blogging for bit on it? Not sure, but I rather like my desktops, be they of the Mac or Windows variety.
I usually have my MBP, iPhone, and iPad. I find iPad’s long battery life great while traveling.