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!