Use an iPad when Traveling

Apple's tablet , the iPad, has made it easier to take work, games and movies with you wherever you go. Although it does not have a disc or USB drive, data can be stored on the Internet and accessed remotely; this is called "cloud computing." There are also over 90,000 iPad applications (apps) that give you access to programming and content. For the millions of people who travel for work and fun each year, the iPad can lighten luggage and provide access to entertainment and information on the road. There are some guidelines you should follow to get the most out of your iPad when you are on a trip. Read more to find out how to use an iPad when traveling.

Steps

iPad Travel Considerations

  1. Choose a Wi-Fi iPad, if you will be mainly using it for travel out of your home country or network. You may be subject to roaming charges if you try to access the Internet outside of your country. Many Western countries have widespread Wi-Fi, and you can sometimes pay extra for a local micro-SIM card.
    • Download a Wi-Fi Finder application before you leave home. This will allow you to find locations that have free Wi-Fi for easy access while you travel. Check near your hotel, airport and more.
  2. Choose an iPad with a lot of memory, if you plan to use it for travel. You will want a good amount of applications, documents and content to be stored on it. The 32 and 64 gigabyte options are the best choices.
  3. Turn off apps, Wi-Fi and 3G when you are not using them to save battery life. It is a good idea to keep them open long enough after landing so that the iPad can latch on to your location. Controlling the amount of power you use is essential if you are often away from a charging station.
  4. Look for signs indicating whether your iPad needs to be removed from its case when you go through security. In 2011, the TSA does not require you to remove it.

iPad Preparation

  1. Download all system updates a day before you leave. This is best done to avoid any syncing problems 10 minutes before you leave. It's best to do any cleaning up or changing 1 to 2 days before to avoid any technical difficulties that may arise.
  2. Download movies, newspapers, books, music, games and more before you leave home. If you choose to do this away from home, you may be at the mercy of slow Internet connection, and you may use up precious battery life. Set them up to download overnight so you can be ready when you don't have an Internet connection in flight.
  3. Check if your airline uses Adobe Flash for its website before you leave home. Many airline websites run their check-in pages with Flash, which is not compatible with the iPad. If this is the case, you will need to find another way to check in early.
  4. Plan your work schedule before your flight. Download the Dropbox application before your trip, so that you can keep all of your work documents in "the cloud" and download them when you have an Internet connection. Download those documents that you will need directly onto the iPad in anticipation for a lack of Internet mid-flight.
    • If you work in Microsoft Office, you can download the Documents to Go app to make sure you are compatible on your Apple product.
    • Many people suggest "batch scheduling" of work on the iPad. When you don't have an Internet connection, you may be more inclined to use the iPad to work rather than surf online.

iPad Travel Equipment

  1. Buy the necessary accessories before your trip. Just like choosing the perfect carry-on suitcase, passport book or walking shoes, iPad accessories can increase the effectiveness of the iPad. With the right tools, you may be able to replace your laptop completely.
    • Buy an iPad keyboard, if you plan to work or email extensively on your trip. While the iPad's touch screen keyboard may be ideal for social media, like Facebook and Twitter, it is difficult to write a document or a travel log abroad. Look for a keyboard that is built in to a case and stand or a silicon keyboard that is less fragile and rolls away easily into your carry-on.
    • Bring a wall plug to charge your iPad. This is especially important if you do not plan to bring a computer. Research whether or not you need an adapter before leaving home and purchase one, if you do not think you can find an Apple store where you are going.
    • Buy an iPad case that is also a stand and doesn't draw too much attention. iPads already attract attention, so just like a diamond ring or a wad of cash, a bright red case flashes an announcement at potential thieves that you have something worth stealing.
    • Bring a set of headphones that contain a microphone. This can help you to talk on video chat applications while abroad.
    • Buy a headphone splitter, if you have a traveling companion. You can both watch content or listen to music while you are on a flight.
    • Buy a camera connection kit and SD card. Load the SD card with movies that can be transferred directly to your iPad with the kit whilst on the road.

iPad Travel Applications

  1. Consider downloading the following apps for use when you get to your location.
    • Download a weather application if you plan on spending a lot of your time outside. You can check from the hotel and plan your activities accordingly.
    • Download a flight application that will tell you about delays. FlightTrack is a great option if you travel often for business. Also DEFINITELY download a translation app.
    • Use the OffMaps application. This app gives you access to thousands of maps while you are offline. Many other map apps require a very good Internet connection to produce a street map, so it is very difficult to check on the map as you move through the city.
  2. Speak with friends and family through Skype or TruPhone. Download the application through the app store and ask your friends and family to do the same. Although you will need a good Internet connection in order to make your calls, you can save a lot of money by calling online rather than with a cell phone or calling card.
  3. Place all your iPad travel apps on your home screen for quick access. You can save time and power by planning ahead.

Warnings

  • Be careful when walking around using an iPad street map. You are more at risk to theft in this situation. Many people do not feel comfortable bringing out the iPad in the middle of a street.

Things You'll Need

  • Keyboard
  • Applications
  • iPad case
  • Headphones with a microphone
  • Plug-in adapter
  • Headphone splitter

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

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