My On-the-Go Set Up

ByMike Moffit

Katie's Set Up

I caved. I bought an iPad 2. I couldn’t resist. From the moment I tried out the iPad 2 on demo I fell in love. I thought the first generation iPad was a cool device, but I just didn’t think I needed one. Now, I can’t figure out how I lived without it.

As I write this post, I have my iPad 2 propped up vertically with the help of my Apple Smart Cover (in green) and I’m using the Apple Wireless Keyboard (that I originally purchased for home use with my MacBook Pro). This set up is ideal. I am totally a fan of the multi-touch keyboard, but when I have a lot of writing to do, like a blog or a long email, I prefer using the Apple Keyboard. The thing I really like about the combo of iPad 2 and the Apple Keyboard is that I can move my iPad wherever I want on the table. For instance, if there is a glare, if I want to share the screen with someone else, or if I need to move it because my neck hurts. There are no limits to adjusting the screen because it’s not confined to a laptop—I feel FREE to do my thaaang!

The screen on iPad 2 is so clear and vibrant that you can easily see whatever you’re doing, and don’t need to worry about things showing up too small (use the pinch gesture, and life is good). With such a nice screen, you don’t want to risk scratching it. Yes, iPad 2 is supposed to fight scratches, but once your Apple Keyboard’s keys come into contact with the screen in your bag, well, you’ll think different! To make sure I didn’t fall victim to a keyed iPad, I purchased the PDO Crystal-Clear Screen Protector. I opted against getting the PDO Anti-Glare Screen Protector because I think it really takes away from the amazing experience of the iPad 2 screen. Sometimes with anti-glare screens you get kind of a foggy look, and that’s the last thing I wanted.

To tote around my iPad 2 I purchased the Incase Nylon Sleeve for iPad. Yes, I do have the Smart Cover, but this little iPad 2 is like my baby, I want to protect it the best I can. The nylon sleeve from Incase allows me to bring my iPad around and not have to worry about banging it up. It has cute little handles and a pocket on the outside that fits the iPad’s sync cable, power block and my Hammerhead Cleaning Cloth, which is like magic by the way. Fingerprints on my iPad and iPhone are gone with one swipe of the cloth. I highly recommend this product—we will have more in stock soon!

Even though I use my iPad 2 for almost everything, I still have my trusty iPhone 4 with me at all times. However, since I am a clumsy lady, a case is 100% necessary for me. I favor the Aura case by Hammerhead, in the Red Diamond pattern, because it’s silicon and will absorb the shock of a fall (which with me happens a lot). The other great thing about the Aura is that it has an outer lip that goes around the front. This means if I drop it screen first the outer lip will hit the pavement first, not my iPhone’s screen. Another plus is that I can charge my iPhone, put it in a sound dock, and plug in the AUX cable in the car without ever having to take the case off.

The last item in my “collection” are my headphones. I am super picky about headphones and I feel like I have purchased about 30 pairs. However, I have finally found a pair that are comfortable, stay in place and have a good sound: Urbanears ‘Bagis’ headphones. These little puppies will stay in your ears whether you’re kicking back, doing work or jogging on the treadmill. I hardly notice I have them in—minus the fact that I’m jamming out to music. For $29.99 these are a great replacement for your Apple earbuds. The ‘Bagis’ also include a microphone and a button for play/pause on your iPhone/iPad/iPod touch.

I finally feel like I have a good mix of products that allow me to do my work—but are also fun. I am extremely happy with these products and highly recommend them to any iPad user, or iPhone user where applicable!

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    The first thing to consider — and most important to me — is the battery. The chemicals in the Lithium-Ion batteries totally hate extreme temperatures and will drain much faster than they should. In some cases, your battery will display a decent amount of a charge but in reality, will be on its final leg, and you will discover your phone dying out of nowhere.

    If this does happen, DO NOT TURN IT ON.

    Wait until you get inside and your phone warms up to room temp. Although the effect of cold weather draining your battery is temporary (phew!), you can permanently shorten your battery’s lifespan by trying to power it on immediately after it shuts down. Grandma’s Facebook comments on your pics aren’t going anywhere, so just wait until your phone warms up to check out what she said!

    The next thing the cold will try to kill is your screen! Cold temperatures tend to make your LCD screen way more sensitive then it usually is. Watch how you are applying pressure to your screen, especially if you have any pre-existing cracks and knicks! I had a customer come into the store last week and tell me about how she was talking on her iPhone outside and all of a sudden, heard this pop in her ear. When she looked, the pressure from her fingers mixed with the cold had cracked her screen in half! Definitely keep chats on your phone outside to a minimum!

    One final thing to look out for is condensation. Liquid is the number one enemy to your electronics. Much like your windows, condensation will form underneath your display as your phone travels from the cold to your warm houses. This will cause liquid to damage and corrode your internal parts! This will literally break your phone beyond repair, causing you to have to purchase a new one!

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    # Charge your iPhone before bringing it outside — this will give your battery the strength it needs to survive
    # Finally, do not get it wet in the snow — perhaps the most obvious one, but please watch where you are busting that phone out!

    So, as a reminder, keep it safe everyone — and be mindful about when you answer that text. Is it really worth replacing your iPhone because you had to check on that smiley emoticon text from mom?

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