If you have never worked on a computer that has two monitors you are missing out.  You may think it is a geek thing but really, dual monitors can help just about everyone.  The biggest benefit is during those times where you need to reference information while working on something else.  For example, you are putting together a presentation and need the numbers from a separate report.  You could constantly switch back and forth between the presentation and the report, or you could use your second screen.  Place the presentation on one monitor and the report on the other.  It really makes things move quicker.

Having dual screens works well for desktop users, but what about laptop workers, or people who don’t want to spend the money on a second monitor?  That is where your Ipad can come in.  There are a number of applications available for the Ipad that can turn it into a second monitor, I chose Diplaypad because it is inexpensive and very easy to use.  All you need is a wireless connection.

To set it up

1. Download display pad onto your Ipad.
2. Download the Displaypad app onto your mac or pc from the companies website.
3. Make sure the laptop and Ipad are on the same wireless network.
4. Launch Displaypad on the Ipad
5. Launch Displaypad on the laptop
6. Select your Ipad from the list of available devices on the Laptop

Thats it, simple.  Now all you have to do is drag things to the right of your main screen and they will appear on the Ipad.  For this to work really well, I put my Ipad standing up vertically in it’s case and set it to the right of my Macbook.

The resolution and screen refresh rate are not great, so this is not for watching video, but it really excels when it comes to setting up a second screen.

Best of all you can take this setup anywhere.  It also looks pretty cool to anyone passing by.

On it’s own the Ipad is a great devices but there are a couple of things you should pickup that will really help you get the most out of the device.

1. Invisible Shield – I am a big proponent of screen protectors, these devices cost $500-$1000 dollars.  Invest a little money in a screen protector.
2. Carrying case that doubles as a stand – many cases out there are just that, cases.  What you need is a case that doubles as a stand.  Make sure it can stand your Ipad up vertically and is stable.  Here is an example
3. Noise isolation headphones – pick up a pair of headphones that block out external sound.  Etymotic and Shure make good in ear versions similar to earplugs, Bose and Beats have good over the ear versions.  These are great for those times you need to block out external distractions and focus on what you are doing
4. Stylus – a Stylus you can use to write, draw, and navigate your Ipad with is great.  I am currently using one from Targus that my wife bought me as a Christmas present and love it.

Some people may recommend a keyboard, I’ve never used one and never felt the need.  It makes the Ipad to much like a computer and that is not what I am trying to achieve.  If you have a small business you make look into Intuit’s Gopayment credit card swiper for the Ipad and Iphone.  I think this is one of the next hot things that will be big over the next 3-5 years.  You could probably even use it to let your friends pay you those annoying IOUs by credit card(could be morally questionable but that is for you to decide)

Out of the box the Ipad comes with some great apps such as reminders, mail, and calendar.  These can be tied to your work systems which I expect you would do if the Ipad will be used for work.  This is nice but to really maximize the use of your Ipad, you need a few more apps.  Here is the list.

1. Dropbox – simple way to share files between your computer and your Ipad.  The basic version is simple and just works.  I recommend getting this app whether you use an Ipad or not.  I an open and view documents and powerpoints in dropbox which is great.
2. Evernote – the ultimate cross platform note system.  Save your notes on any platform and access them anywhere.  I will take handwritten notes, email them to evernote and they are searchable through an optical recognition capability that evernote has.  Yes, evernote reads handwriting.
3. Dragon Diction – take voice notes and transcribe them into text notes.  Still needs work but is definitely usable
4. Note Taker HD – use your finger or a stylus to handwrite notes, draw diagrams, create mind maps, and mockup/sign pdfs.
5. Skype – make phone calls from your Ipad
6. PDFReader – quality pdf reader

These 6 apps can make up the core of what you need for your business suite.  In a future post I’ll talk through the workflow on how I use the apps.