Highlights:

Script/book reading

GPS navigation

Monitoring multiple email accounts

Sunday during #scriptchat I saw some buzz about writers wanting iPads for the holidays. It didn’t really hit me that I could add to the conversation until yesterday when a family member called me to ask questions about my new iPad. I realized I could share a few thoughts. I still see it as a toy, unfortunately, it has not yet advanced my business productivity, per se.

The main reason I purchased my iPad was to advise a production company client who asked me for my opinion on how they could make money on applications. The second reason I wanted one was to read scripts and books. It should be super handy on a future production.

When I took my iPad out of the box, I got an error message that my MacBook was not a new enough model to sync with the iPad. I was pretty irritated about that and only solved it because we had another MacBook in the office that was newer than mine. What do you do if you have a PC or an old Mac and no other options, I have no idea!

So, my schedule, contacts, photos and documents wouldn’t easily sync. Luckily I had already signed up for Mobileme.com for about $100 a year. I had wanted a way to share my schedule with my team and that was the most cost effective solution I could find. Now, I’m maximizing my account by using it to sync all of the above with my iPad. However, I still can’t figure out how to access my iTunes account on my iPad! Someday when I get my next intern, we’ll figure it out.

Yes, pictures are beautiful on the iPad but not a reason to buy one. Speaking of pictures, I wish I could organize the icons on my iPad so they didn’t cover up my wallpaper photo, but I don’t know how. Can this be done? Bueller?

I LOVE the way I can read on my iPad. I was always hesitant to print scripts, but it was awkward to read them on the computer. Now I can load up a few scripts and I’m done.

I also love being able to easily check multiple email accounts.

I also have already used the iPad Locator. I returned my new iPad within the first week to upgrade to 3G and forgot to wipe it out first. So, the iPad Locator allows you to do just that, remotely.

We are house hunting and I have been annoyed at using Google on my iPad to not have the ability to zoom into the listings like I can on my computer. Also, when I sign into my housing listings website service, it does not keep me logged in nor does it retain sign in information and periodically I have to sign in while using the application. I don’t know if this issue is with the listings web site or iPad but I wish they would get this fixed soon.

On the other hand, I love using my iPad as a GPS. I didn’t have one, and driving around in LA without a GPS is just plain stupid. It really makes my life easier.

Not all videos play on the iPad, some give errors.

Why can’t I use Skype on the iPad yet? L Come on! It’s really just an oversized iPhone, I should also be able to tie in my number and lose the phone altogether, just use a blue tooth for calls.

As for Twitter, I usually like TweetDeck. However, it keeps crashing on the iPad, so I’m not that excited about it, yet. I think the regular Twitter app is doing a better job right now.

I use iPad Friendly for Facebook right now. It’s OK except if I post something and want to delete it, I can’t – I have to run for my computer. That’s not ideal if you are doing social media for business, and many people using an iPad are, I would guess.

I am desperate for a great note taking application with a stylus. I bought a stylus and after much research, I broke down and paid for an application called Notes Plus. Of course I would later find out I have the “wrong” stylus and I need to find a capacity one. Annoying!

I am also annoyed that I don’t have Word and Excel on my iPad. What’s that all about? Figure it out, guys.

I love watching movies on my iPad. I got an NetFlix subscription when I got my iPad and have used it pretty frequently. It’s easier, lighter than the laptop and I’m more motivated to get more use out of the iPad, so there you go! Unfortunately I’m a little disappointed with the NetFlix inventory. I guess I thought they had way more films then they actually do. I would love to see more classic comedies, that’s for sure.   NetFlix should include a wish list section so I can just list everything I want to see and then they can alert me when they get it. Right?

It’s been interesting to note what companies web sites look like on the iPad. Have you checked what yours looks like? Go to the Apple Store and see.

So, that’s my little iPad update for all you would be Santa’s. I hope this helps. May all your holidays be merry and remember to go off the grid, too, even if just for a little bit.