Certain applications can be better suited to niche uses, for example. While there are no applications that are better for doing the dedicated work that Apple has set them up to do, as far as homepage icons go, there are certain applications where it might be better to use them if you are using one of the default applications only for a niche use. For example, if you are using the Maps feature to find Starbucks locations in your area every time, it may be simpler to download a specific application for Starbucks specifically. This application will have complex store data and every Starbucks location. It will have been designed by Starbucks, and it will function a lot better for the average Starbucks power user.

There are also certain niche applications for viewing movies on the iPad. The IMDB application, for example, is the most perfect device ever for viewing movies. You can see their whole movie collection up-front, search for it, and view it at your leisure. This extremely nice application is perfectly suited to movie aficionados that really want to get the most out of their movie-viewing experience. If you have been using Safari to browse for movies on the IMDB website, then you have really been cutting yourself short.

As a general principle, it is better to download specific applications for websites instead of going to the website every time to use it on its own merits. These websites were designed for desktop computers, not the iPad. Therefore, as a general rule, get a specific application for every website you visit. Another principle regarding battery life should also be mentioned because some people are having issues with their battery life. In a small sub-set of iPad users, they are not getting a full charge from their computer when they plug it in to be charged. The trick is to pay a little extra for the power adapter accessory because it will charge your iPad much better from a wall outlet.

Speaking of accessories, there are certain accessories you can get to enhance your iPad outside of its general in-box product offering. There is a keyboard you can connect to your iPad that will function as a device to hold the iPad up and charge it at the same time. There is a power adapter for charging it much better than you could through a computer. There is a camera connection kit for inserting all your photos into the device. There is even an iPad case that can make the iPad stand up on its own and do the double duty of protecting it. All of these tricks should help you get the most out of your iPad instead of just using it straight out of the box.

Now that you have gone through your ceremonial “unboxing”, it is time to use iPad. If you aren’t familiar with Apple iPods, iPhones, or most technologies, this could be a very frustrating task. Fear not as I am here to help show you how to set up your Apple iPad and jump right in on some Apple app fun!

The first thing you want to do after your iPad unboxing is to connect your new baby directly to your computer with the USB cable. Open your iTunes software once you are connected to the computer. If you don’t have iTunes, you will want to download it from Apple’s website before you connect your iPad. iTunes is free fairly easy to set up.

Once your iPad is connected to your iTunes you will be asked to register. This may be where you experience your first hiccup in the process. If the iPad is not connected properly it is likely your version of iTunes is out of date. Just go ahead and update your iTunes and you should be fine upon restart.

You will be asked to register your iPad once iTunes recognizes it. Make sure you register because if something goes wrong with your iPad, you may be delayed in receiving a remedy from Apple if it isn’t registered. So go ahead and register your iPad.

Next you will be asked to restore your iPad to its original state or set up your iPad as new. Obviously this is a brand new iPad so you want to choose the option which lets you “Set up a new iPad.” Keep in mind if you do want to restore the iPad it could take quite awhile. So in the future if you do have to do a restore, make sure you set up your restore at a time where you don’t need immediate access to your iPad.

The next step will be to sync your media. You will be asked to set up iTunes so it automatically syncs. I choose not to do this with any of my Apple devices. If there is one fault with the iPad it is that the iPad apps are huge and you will fill up your iPad fast. So choose carefully when it comes to syncing your media. If you have a ton of movies in your iTunes, you may want to only sync the movies or videos that you intend to watch right away. Otherwise you are going to fill up your iPad quick with a bunch of files you won’t be using in the immediate future. My recommendation is to sync your media manually so you can pick and choose what you want on your iPad.

Email set up is one of the easiest things to set up on the iPad. It is as simple as selecting your email program, entering your login information, and then you are good to go.

I would also recommend taking some time and searching the Internet for Apple iPad tricks and tips. There are a ton of really cool things that some iPad users have done with the device. There are things you would never dream of that some people have figured out and posted step by step tutorials online for new iPad owners like you.

Now you are set up to receive email, download apps, and watch your favorite media on your new toy. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the wonderful world of this amazing piece of technology. It will change your life and before you know it, it will be time to make a race to the store for Apple’s next version of the iPad.

Watching video on your iPad can be one of the coolest functions of the gadget. Viewing media on the iPad has never been clearer but what if you have a big movie collection? Sure you can upload the movies to your iPad through iTunes but the limited space will clog your iPad hard drive quick. The solution is easy. Stream your movies from your computer to your iPad without having to download them and take him hard drive space.

There are a few different iPad apps that you can use to stream your media but the Stream ToMe app seems to be the most popular. Stream ToMe is not free but for $3 it is one of the best bargains when you consider what you get and the amount of hard drive space you will save for a few measly bucks.

Once you purchase Stream ToMe you need to then download the server companion, Serve ToMe (how cute right?). Once downloaded, open Serve ToMe. Select the folders you wish to share from your computer. Obviously your computer needs to be a network which is accessible through your iPad.

Now that Seve ToMe is open, launch Stream ToMe from your iPad. Find the computer which houses the hard drive you wish to share and tap it. Once in, search through the folders and find the media of your choice. Open it and enjoy.

Notice I didn’t mention music much at all here. That is because Stream ToMe is not a great music utility. Playing music in Stream ToMe can be a bit frustrating as the program stops after every song. You can’t play a playlist or multiple songs. If you want to hear one song, fine. If you want a jukebox, forget it. Streaming video on the other hand is not a problem since most movies are at least 90 minutes.

There are some limitations. Protected video from the iTunes Store won’t play on Stream ToMe. On the flip side, Stream ToMe offers playback on a ton of different video types including; MOV, FLV, MP4, AVI, MPG, MKV, and WMV.

For $3 you can’t beat it if you are looking to stream movies. If you are looking to stream music I’d recommend a different app like ZumoCast.

One of the reasons I never jumped on the iPhone bandwagon was the battery life (and the dropped calls). As cool as the iPhone always looked, I had no interest in buying a phone that would die in just a few hours. I had those same fears about the Apple iPad. While iPad battery life is decent, unlike the iPhone the tablet allows users to extend battery life with just a few tweaks.

The general batter life of an iPad is expected to last for around ten hours. I say expected because mine hasn’t made it quite to ten hours. In all honesty, ten hours is a lot of time but why settle at ten if you can get more? Here are a few simple steps to follow to get more from this wonderful piece of technology.

Turn off your iPad Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi can eat up your battery and if you are watching a movie or playing a game, you probably don’t need it. Turn it off and keep it off unless you need it. Even if you aren’t connected, your iPad is still searching for a hot spot and sucking away your battery time.

Turn off the Bluetooth. Chances are you will rarely be using Bluetooth. If you don’t need it turn it off because keeping it on will help suck out a lot of battery life. My recommendation is to keep it permanently off in your settings.

Turn off your location services. Unless you really do need them on and you are hoping to be discovered by your friends, kill the setting.

Keep the brightness as low as possible. I do this on my Android phone as well. You would be surprised as to how much more battery time you will get with less brightness. Even more important, the full brightness may not be healthy for your eyes if you are an avid iPad user.

Turn off media you aren’t using. If I am watching a movie or playing iPad apps, I tend to leave them on if I get a call or a distraction. Just make sure to turn them off when you aren’t using them.

It is really that easy. Remember, your iPad will come defaulted to settings that may not be applicable to your usage. Go through the rest of the settings and make sure everything that is turned on is necessary for optimal use. Otherwise follow this check list and get even more out of your iPad battery than Apple intended.

Cut, Copy…What?

Knowing how to cut, copy and paste on the iPad is a time saver in itself, but knowing how to deal with those annoying blue circles is a whole other battle. Don’t ever drag and drop those uncooperative blue dots around large blocks of text again. If you tap on a world 4 times (semi-quickly), the whole paragraph that surrounds the particular word will highlight itself – without ever revealing the blue dots!

1…2…MUTE!

We have all been there before…just as the room falls silent your iPad starts playing an annoying YouTube video and everyone turns to look at you! Navigating the iPad menu to mute your iPad in the traditional manner may take longer than you want to be the center of attention. You can actually mute your iPad in 2 seconds by pressing the decrease volume button down for two seconds.

Turn your iPad into a Digital Photo Frame

Digital photo frames have become extremely popular in recent times, but they also are accompanied by a hefty price tag. You have already dropped a pretty penny on your iPad, so allow it to have multiple purposes. Follow these steps to temporarily turn your iPad into the digital photo frame you were tempted to buy:

1. Hit the power button when your iPad is idle.

2. Tap the flower icon to the right of the “Slide to Unlock” switch.

3. Let your iPad play continuously through the images.

You can manipulate the speed of your “photo show” in the iPad settings area. Be sure that you also turn off the “Zoom in on Faces” option so that your images are shown with better quality.

While policy features and benefits may differ among providers, a typical insurance policy may cover things like accidental damage (often including liquid damage); theft; and breakdown outside of the manufacturer’s warranty period;
Note that not all insurance for iPads will offer the same benefits and features as another, so do check the policy wording so you can be sure what the insurance entails;
Some iPad insurance cover may also be referred to as gadget insurance;
Look out for additional benefits offered by the more generous providers such as one month’s free insurance for your iPad;
Worldwide protection for your iPad is available with some gadget insurance providers;
How quick will you get a replacement iPad in the event of loss or damage? Some policies will guarantee a 48 hour replacement in the event of successful claim;
If you have other gadgets you also wish to insure (eg a camera, sat nav etc) then look out for providers who offer a discount if you cover more than one item with them;
Does the iPad cover offer a free data back up service? This is available with some providers and means you won’t lose all of your precious data should something happen to your iPad (there will usually be a limit as to how much you can store with the provider);
Check out how much the gadget insurance policy excess will be. An excess is the amount that you will need to pay in making a successful claim;
Do make sure that you know what the cover entails. As with any insurance product, terms and conditions, exclusions and limitations will apply and you may wish to read these carefully to ensure you understand them;
Finally, do shop around and compare iPad insurance cover so that you can satisfy yourself that you have bought the most suitable cover for you.

The first tip is to find an iPad cover that protects your iPad yet also allows for ease of use. Aside from protection, you’ll want the ability to use the device without removing the cover. That’s why you should look for a cover that has a clear front so you can access the apps and use the device without any hassles.

The second tip is to consider the material of your iPad cover. It should be one that could withstand shock to your iPad like bumps and possible scratches. Constant bumps on your gadget may affect sensitive hardware installed inside it. That’s why it’s recommended that you look for materials that offer thick cushioning but still provides makes your iPad easy to access.

Third, look for an iPad cover that best suits your daily use. If you’re more of an outdoor person, you may want to use a cover that can suppress wetness and protect it from shock (from dropping the device or accidently banging it against a surface). A good example of covers that protect your device from moisture and shock is neoprene. This is the same material sued in wetsuits for scuba diving so you can trust that it will do its job.

Finally, look for style and innovation when looking for a cover. Manufacturers are adding many different functions from security straps, handles, extra pockets, and even weird designs. While all the various designs are nice, you have to remember that the main point of buying the cover is to protect your investment. You want to feel secure that your iPad will be protected in the worst case scenario.

iPad covers come in different materials and different styles. It varies from clear, textile covers, to other modified materials to suit your needs. Prices may vary from less than $8 to less than $50 depending on the material and brand. If you’re having a hard time deciding on what type of iPad cover you want to use for your gadget, you can always browse manufacturers’ websites to see what they are offering.

A proper docking station will allow you to enjoy reading your favorite e-books or watching your favorite movie on your Apple iPad at a good angle. An Apple keyboard, on the other hand, makes typing long documents or composing emails much easier than tapping out single letters with your fingers on the iPad’s screen. With both, your Apple iPad gets transformed into a hi-tech laptop or Netbook. But how do you know what docking station and keyboard to buy among dozens of others available now? Well, below are some tips that you can use to help you get the best iPad docking station and keyboard.

1. Choose a sturdy docking station. You wouldn’t want your Apple iPad to suddenly topple over, right? It’s best to get a docking station that feels solid and sturdy. It should also be stable enough so that your iPad does not wobble around when placed on it.

2. List down the devices you want to connect to the station. From the dozens of such stations available, choose one that allows you to connect all the devices you need. Some docking stations only allow you to connect an Apple keyboard, while others can let you connect speakers.

3. Choose one that is more than just a glorified stand and charger for your Apple iPad. Get the most out of your money by choosing a docking station that has extra features. The Dragonpod iPad docking station, for instance, has built-in speakers and alarm clock. Some of them even have keyboards attached to them.

4. It’s better to choose a docking station that is versatile. When shopping for an iPad dock, go for one that allows you to choose different positions for your Apple iPad. One example is the BookArc for iPad, which allows you to dock your iPad in four different positions.

5. Go for a dock that enhances the coolness factor of your iPad. Why mar the beauty and minimalist design of your Apple iPad with a cheap-looking docking station? Choose a dock that has the simple clean lines and the modern look that has been an Apple standard for years.

6. It’s more affordable to get a keyboard dock. Why spend on two separate things when you can get a docking station and an Apple keyboard in one device? Although the official Apple iPad keyboard dock is a bit pricey at $70, it’s still cheaper than getting a dock and a keyboard separately.

7. Go with a wireless keyboard if you want portability. Apple Bluetooth keyboards work seamlessly with the iPad. Use this if you want to be able to carry a handy keyboard around with you.

8. Check if the hot keys and command keys work. Make sure that all your favorite Mac shortcuts work with the keyboard and that the hot keys do what they’re supposed to do.

9. To save money, don’t choose a USB keyboard. Apple iPad users should be warned! The Apple iPad does not have any USB ports, so you cannot connect any USB devices to it.

10. If you want to use a USB keyboard, buy an iPad camera kit. The only way to connect any USB device to your iPad is through the Apple iPad camera kit. It may be advertised as a connecting device for digital cameras, but you can hook up a USB keyboard to your iPad using this kit as well.

Make your experience with your Apple iPad more enjoyable by buying a docking station and a keyboard. Get the most out of your money by using the tips above to help you find only the best.

Among the many advantages of the iPad is the fact that it is a constantly expanding tool. Whether you use it for business or pleasure, don’t underestimate the potency of this multimedia device.

If you are planning to make use of your iPad for business, it is essential that you do things properly. You don’t want to find yourself wasting more hours trying to figure this tool than you do utilizing its potential as a great business tool.

Listed below are 3 strategies for having the best results..

1. Invest in the Wi-Fi plus G3 model. As a business tool, there will be nothing more convenient than having fast Internet access wherever and whenever you need it. So you should not make the error of overlooking this particular imperative option!

2. Choosing the right apps to purchase and download.

Just about as essential as investing in Wi-Fi plus g3 model if you intend to use your iPad as a business tool, you need to make sure that you download and use the best apps for your business needs such as the I.Works suite for word-processing, spreadsheets and even PowerPoint type presentations.

Again if you intend to use your iPad for business one of the best investments you can make is purchasing a model that includes G3 connectivity. I am telling you, this is not a thing to neglect. The increase in price is definitely worth the productivity that you will gain by investing in this, which is something everybody involved in business requires.

3. Be sure to carefully consider the amount of memory that would be adequate for your needs.

The iPad comes in three different preset memory types. There is a 16 GB, a 32 GB and the 64 GB model.

Again if you will be using this for business in particularly on the road I would seriously consider going with the 64 GB model which is what you’ll need if you intend to go with the 3G connectivity.

Last but not least, you should not overlook the advantages that the iPad provides as a mobile business tool — and I’m sure you will agree that as far as mobile computing goes for speed and convenience the iPad is an awesome tool to add to your arsenal!

If you developed an app that ran perfectly on the iPhone, Apple says that you can run it on an iPad just out of the box. However, this isn’t always the outcome. Apps that worked well on the iPhone may become unstable when they migrate to the iPad. Only thorough testing can reveal bugs before you release your app.

You can use Xcode’s graphical debugger to help with finding what’s at fault in the code. Instruments, also included with the SDK, collects real-time performance data to help you identify and fix serious performance issues.

Another tip: try out your app on an iPad while using a Wi-Fi connection. You can quickly determine if there are any issues using a wireless connection. Remember, you are testing how a user may interact with the iPad in the real world. In addition, test the connection with a carrier network if you can.

The Apple Developer Program features technical support from Apple engineers and two technical support incidents where you can receive help at the code-level, guidance, and technical documentation. In order to be a member of the Developer Program you must pay $99 per year. This allows you to test on a real iPad and submit your app to the App Store. The yearly fee also includes assistance with the distribution of your app.

Finally, when software testing keep in mind that the iPad is a new device and no one knows all of the ways a user might approach it.