IPad
Introduction
“The iPad (pronounced /ˈaɪpæd/ eye-pad) is a line of tablet computers designed, developed and marketed by Apple Inc. primarily as a platform for audio-visual media including books, periodicals, movies, music, games, and web content. Its size and weight falls between those of contemporary smartphones and laptop computers. The iPad runs the same operating system as the iPod Touch and iPhone—and can run its own applications as well as iPhone applications. Without modification, the iPad will only run programs approved by Apple and distributed via the Apple App Store (with the exception of programs that run inside the iPad's web browser).” (Wikipedia, retrieved 15:03, 15 September 2011 (CEST))
Accessories
Accessories are both produced by Apple and by third parties.
- Essential Apple accessories for academics
- iPad VGA Adapter (for older video projectors, else use HDMI if you can since it weights less than HDVI)
- HDVI Adapter (e.g. the Belkin HDMI to DVI cable). I didn't get this one, because most modern projectors also have HDMI input.
- iPad Camera Connection kit (for both USB and SD Cards). It can be used for other purposes. Since the USB adapter is female, you can connect the IPAD to a digital keyboard with a "normal" USB-A to USB-B connector. Test with the Yamaha DGX-640 digital piano.
- iPad Apple Digital AV Adapter (for modern video projectors / TVs). E.g. it has a HDMI connector. It's probably a good idea to get a HDMI m-m cable (either from Apple or another source) for connecting to a projector or TV (didn't try the latter).
- A keyboard (also provided by third parties) if you plan to write. The foldable Logitech (See below) is probably the best buy.
- iPad Smart Cover (both for protection and rapid wake up/sleep)
- Accessories from other vendors
- Bamboo stylus from Wacom for people who like to draw and doodle.
- A wireless boombox or loudspeakers
- A keyboard e.g. the hip Fold-Up Keyboard. There are others from Logitech, Apple and others.
- .... there are many more
The iPad for education and learning
(to do ...)
Applications
Educational software
(to do ... don't have time now, sorry - Daniel K. Schneider 19:25, 14 October 2011 (CEST))
Drawing / Diagramming
- OmniGraffle ($ 50) is a diagramming software. Not very easy to use, but powerful. Read Lex Friedman's review on MacWorld (april 2010) and Jesse David Hollington's at iLounge.
- Mindjet (free) is an iPad/iPhone version of the popular "MindManager" application and online service. Can synchronize with the online app.
- iThoughtsHD ($10) is a fully featured mindmapping software (good price/performance ratio). Can import/export from most popular applications including freeware like Freemind and Freeplane.
- SimpleMind for iPad ($7) is a a mind mapping software. There is also a free version, SimpleMind+
Note taking
There are dozens ....
Music software
- Indexes
- iPad software archive at Synthopia
- iPad Apps for Music Making: What’s Coming, The Bigger Picture (March 2010)
- iReal B - Chord chard and Play-along software
- iReal b.
- Also available for Android and MacOS X
- Create, edit, etc. chord charts. 1000s of Songs can be found in the iReal b forums.
- Practice with a play along/rhythm machine with Jazz Medium Swing, Bossa Nova and Rock styles. Additional packs can be bought.
- MuseScore
- MuseScore (iPad version is commercial $5)
- Music editor / display
- Allows to create, import and display MusicXML and Standard MIDI files
- Symphony Pro
- SymphonyPro
- Music editor / display / playback.
- Supports MusicXML and MIDI
- $15
Other software of interest to education
(to do ...)
Tips
- external keyboard layout/language
If you own an external keyboard, press CMD-space to switch keyboard language and layout. You can add layouts you will use in the settings
Links
Overviews
- iPad list of features at Apple for the iPad 2 ("there's more to it. And eve less of it (retrieved 15:03, 15 September 2011 (CEST)).
- iPad (Wikipedia)
iPad in education
- Teaching with the iPad – first days, Teleread, June 2010.