iPad for a photography business?

[dave lackey]

Okay, after several threads about Kindle and iPad and other things, I am trying to figure out how to get one of those choices to work for me in my business. The first of which is what will fit in my Billingham Pro bag....both?:)

So, what are the dimensions of a Kindle and what are the dimensions of iPad?

Also, will an iPad basically replace a laptop?:confused:

What would an iPad do for me in a photography business?

[franswa]

Depends on your business and your business model, Dave. What kind of photography and what is your ideal client?

I shoot weddings and I got an iPad to take with me on client consultations. It's a nice, easy way for them to view my portfolio and they still have to be engaged in the process to do so. It also allows me to take notes and show them my pricing guide. I also use it in conjunction with my Square app and Square card reader for taking credit card payments on the spot.

It's a new tool and a lot of clients seem to be affected by the wow-factor it brings. I tend to have clients of the young-ish variety.

[FrankS]

I've had my iPad for a couple of weeks now, and love it. It is great for presenting pictures. It's picture handling capabilities is critically limited however and it cannot replace a laptop. I can not email pictures or upload pictures to RFF with my iPad for instance. For business and photo presentations, I'd also wait for the iPad 3 which is rumored to have a higher resolution screen. I'm fervently hoping that the upcoming iOS 5 software update will address the picture handling issues.

[Frank Version Two]

A good way to keep the photography business a viable business is not to buy stuff you don't need. If you have to ask what it's for then maybe you don't need it yet?

It seems that eventually we'll get a nice wireless way to use it to preview DSLR images and if the camera manufacturers get their heads out of their $w&$@#@#$ then we might even control our camera with them. You can sorta do it now but it ain't seamless, wireless, or bulletproof without buying a bunch o gear and being a bit geeky. But I bet by the time version 3 of the iPad arrives that Canikon might have heard the wake-up call. By 2014 it should be rocking!

It's also nice for presenting your work in a fast, casual setting... But so is a nice book or portfolio.

[willie_901]

I think a Kindle, while it a fine device, would be worthless for a photography business. The Kindle is a reading device. It can display PDFs or documents in Amazon's Kindle file format. Third-party software can convert some types of documents into Kindle-formatted documents. Kindle don't have Apps or virtual keyboards. Kindle batteries can last for weeks (or longer).

So it's either iOS, Android or The Blackberry PlayBook.

At the moment I plant to wait for the iPad 3. However I often get the urge to order refurbished iPad or a new iPad 2.

Android is an open OS and is neither as secure or as stable as iOS. iOS is a closed, controlled environment and so App development is stifled somewhat compared to Android. Android devices do have some advantages over the iPad. I could care less about Android, but I understand how some people prefer that system. The PlayBook... well, it's a PlayBook.

The iPad is the safest way to go. Right now iPads and iOS dominate the mobile market. Apple has about 76 billion dollars in cash on hand. Think about it for a second. How could you undercut Apple on price? About 85% of Fortune 500 companies are deploying iPads. Since April 2010 Apple has sold around 25 million iPads (and not one of them runs Flash). There's safety in numbers.

[dave lackey]

I have heard that you cannot print from an iPad...is this true? The lack of ability to handle pictures as mentioned above is a major problem for a business that deals in pictures.:mad:

Any way around that? PDF?

[Texsport]

I have heard that you cannot print from an iPad...is this true? The lack of ability to handle pictures as mentioned above is a major problem for a business that deals in pictures.:mad:

Any way around that? PDF?


iPad 2 has wireless printing capability.

Texsport

[Roger Hicks]

Okay, after several threads about Kindle and iPad and other things, I am trying to figure out how to get one of those choices to work for me in my business. The first of which is what will fit in my Billingham Pro bag....both?:)

So, what are the dimensions of a Kindle and what are the dimensions of iPad?

Also, will an iPad basically replace a laptop?:confused:

What would an iPad do for me in a photography business?

Dear Dave,

Turn the question around: what do you want 'appliance X' to do?

Make a list of what you need, then buy the machine that comes closest to doing it.

For what I'm doing at the moment, I think a Kindle is a lot more use to me. It's also a lot cheaper: I was astonished when I found out what iPads cost, and find it hard to understand how they've sold so many. But then, what I'm doing is text/information based, with the pictures either as 'how to' or to break up the text.

Cheers,

R.

[Texsport]

Here's a new product for Photoshop and iPad users---the Adobe Nav for iPad.

It acts as an axillary customized keyboard, allowing you to select the Photoshop tools you prefer and to control Photoshop CS5 through iPad. It frees you from the iPad keyboard.

http://www.photoshop.com/products/mobile/nav

I'd suggest watching the video in the photoshop link.

I haven't used it, but am posting for those who might like it.

Texsport

[Gabriel M.A.]

A good way to keep the photography business a viable business is not to buy stuff you don't need. If you have to ask what it's for then maybe you don't need it yet?


Agreed. But how else can you hype your stock and your existence to stockholders? Back in 1982, everybody needed to have a videogame, because the mere existence of a videogame meant Lot$ of Buck$ (that was the revenue-winning design plan behind E.T.'s videogame: revenue by video ipsofactoness)

Then there were webpages. Everybody needed a webpage, because that's what everybody did. Now everybody needs an iPad (and an iPad app that just wastes good memory real estate; the guy with the app from his bank nows whaddamtalkinabot, right?)

[FrankS]

Sure you can email photos, as many as you want, but keep in mind if you are on 3G it will count toward your total monthly data (wait for wifi). Just go to the photos you have on your iPad and choose "email."

As for printing -- all iPads print, it is a function of the iOS, not the hardware.

Alas - you cannot upload photos to the RFF, that is something you will have to do on your computer, the RFF is not set up to work with the iPad. Of course if you want you can post to Facebook, etc.

Note it will also use a card reader.


Thank you for this info, photomoof. Now I know how to email pictures!
just 2 days ago another forum member explained to me how to scroll within a dialogue box with 2 fingers. As I said, I'm a newbie and just learning some of the finer points.

[dave lackey]

Frank, I agree 100% that one should not buy something that is not absolutely needed. That is why I don't have an iPhone, iPad, i-whatever, smart-whatever. Over the last 40 years, I have been through at least 50 computer systems and software applications just to do what I did for a living and I am not anxious to learn yet another electronic leash. If it can't make me money, then I will not use it. It appears that a Kindle might fit in with PDFs.

What do I want another electronic brick to do? Everything that my current 9-year old Dell desktop can do and more at substantially less cost than an Airbook or whatever is the latest laptop. I do not want another PC. I prefer an Apple product that will be dedicated only to my business. If I can separate the online activity from the professional work, it would be nice.

Fred, it is good to hear that you can print as well as send photos by email. But didn't you post the other day about the memory limitations?:angel: All of this information is part of my research into the "latest and greatest" (LOL...) technology. It just seems to me that everything is still in it's infancy and needs maturation, and a lower price.

[willie_901]

A Kindle will display PDF documents. It will display other documents one converts to kindle format using third-party software.

[Frontman]

I bought an iPad last year for my business, and it has paid for itself many times since then. In buying and selling, the ability to stay updated and to make deals in a timely manner is very important. My smartphone was not as fast to use, and my notebook PC took too long to boot up and shut down.

The only complaints I have about the iPad are it's keyboard and auto-complete feature, which "corrects" misspelled words in often comical ways.

[certifiable]

@Frontman:

2 small tips...
1) disable the auto-complete function, that thing gave me a headache!
2) buy a cover with build in keyboard, it connects trough bluetooth and gives you a normal keyboard.

both problems solved!

[back alley]

i like the ipad keyboard. i am faster on it than a normal keyboard.

[dave lackey]

Hmmmm....been looking over the posts above. I still do not understand. For those of you actually doing photography as a business, specifically, how has it made money for you?

Just because a device boots up or shuts down quicker or is faster than using a phone or waiting to get home to work on the desktop computer is not a money-maker for me unless it actually does make/save money. I don't get paid by the minute anymore. I never even held an iPad, much less know anyone locally that uses one, so bear with me.:confused: These are real questions that need answers because iPad2 in whatever configuration is a huge expense.

The question remains, can someone give me specific examples of how to use an iPad to make money in a photography based business? Advertising? Marketing? Photo processing?

Or is it just another device that is popular for what it is, where a smart phone or other device can actually do the same thing for a photography based business?:) I am open...

[Bob Michaels]

............................. What do I want another electronic brick to do? Everything that my current 9-year old Dell desktop can do and more at substantially less cost than an Airbook or whatever is the latest laptop. I do not want another PC. I prefer an Apple product that will be dedicated only to my business. If I can separate the online activity from the professional work, it would be nice. ..............................

Dave: is it possible that replacing your 9 year old Dell with a modern desktop or notebook may be a better use for your funds?

[FrankS]

Image presentation to clients, either before, in order to secure a contract, or afterwards for image presentation/selection. Client email. But I am not running a photo business currently. At this point an iPad cannot completely replace a laptop, IMO.

[dave lackey]

Dave: is it possible that replacing your 9 year old Dell with a modern desktop or notebook may be a better use for your funds?

No...the computer works very well. It has been upgraded over time and should last quite a bit longer. No problems there.:)

That is exactly why I am trying to figure out about an iPad...is it just a toy or does it have some reasonable use for a photography business? Like I said, I am open to technology if it is a useful tool but no one has yet come up with anything that makes an expenditure of time and money worth buying an iPad.:confused:

[FrankS]

The only advantage I see is in the elegance of image presentation, so no, it probably is not worthwhile.

[dave lackey]

Image presentation to clients, either before, in order to secure a contract, or afterwards for image presentation/selection. Client email. But I am not running a photo business currently. At this point an iPad cannot completely replace a laptop, IMO.

Presentation by the iPad screen or hooking up to a projector? It might be okay for the average person by screen (or a portfolio) or projecting to a larger audience. Has anyone actually done this in lieu of another form of presentation such as a nice portfolio? If so, was it worth the cost? I hate being a penny-pincher but that is life these days.

(Speaking of cost, an iPad with wifi+3g with 64m is what, $800+?)

Looking to be creative, folks, and I do appreciate your input more than you can possibly know.:)

[FrankS]

If you might be spending $800, a Mac book pro is just a few hundred more, and that will give you everything including photoshop capability and storage/memory.

[Frank Version Two]

If you use high quality professional portfolios, like those custom ones from House of Portfolios, Brewer & Cantemello, even Lost Luggage... you can spend $3-400 on a nice 11x14 book and pages, plus the additional cost of printing 20-40 images. That approaches the cost of an iPad, which arguably does the same thing, maybe even better.

I don't think an iPad replaces a print book, but if you are out showing your work, you may want more than a single book. Showing a nice 11x14 print book and then supplementing it with hundreds of images on your iPad is a pretty nice presentation. I've carried five 11x14 books into meetings, it isn't pretty!

Also, since clients may be looking at your site (or app, which seems silly but off point) it is useful to be able to preview what your stuff looks like on a variety of devices, an iPad being a crucial one to check.

On further consideration, I am thinking the next computer cycle that I will go back to using a desktop (a 27-inch iMac, loaded up) and ditch the laptop in favor of an iPad. That's assuming I can avoid having to use digital for work, which is one of my goals. For what I need a portable for - email, surfing, portfolio, notes and memos - an iPad does fine and is lighter and cheaper.

[dave lackey]

If you use high quality professional portfolios, like those custom ones from House of Portfolios, Brewer & Cantemello, even Lost Luggage... you can spend $3-400 on a nice 11x14 book and pages, plus the additional cost of printing 20-40 images. That approaches the cost of an iPad, which arguably does the same thing, maybe even better.

I don't think an iPad replaces a print book, but if you are out showing your work, you may want more than a single book. Showing a nice 11x14 print book and then supplementing it with hundreds of images on your iPad is a pretty nice presentation. I've carried five 11x14 books into meetings, it isn't pretty!

Also, since clients may be looking at your site (or app, which seems silly but off point) it is useful to be able to preview what your stuff looks like on a variety of devices, an iPad being a crucial one to check.

On further consideration, I am thinking the next computer cycle that I will go back to using a desktop (a 27-inch iMac, loaded up) and ditch the laptop in favor of an iPad. That's assuming I can avoid having to use digital for work, which is one of my goals. For what I need a portable for - email, surfing, portfolio, notes and memos - an iPad does fine and is lighter and cheaper.

I agree...a desktop for all the heavy duty work and a HUGE screen is crucial for me. A laptop sucks for me because every laptop I ever used had a crappy battery and most of them died early deaths. But that has been awhile.

So, a desktop home base with an iPad might work...or not. That is what I am trying to decide. I like FrankS's comment about elegance. Presenting my film photos in digital form is easy because they are already scanned at 26mb.

I envision both a portfolio and a small device to show images to show both the print form and electronic images.

How hard is it to hook up an iPad to a projector at, say, a City Council meeting and what size will handle a lot of photographs for presentation?:)

[dave lackey]

If you use high quality professional portfolios, like those custom ones from House of Portfolios, Brewer & Cantemello, even Lost Luggage... you can spend $3-400 on a nice 11x14 book and pages, plus the additional cost of printing 20-40 images. That approaches the cost of an iPad, which arguably does the same thing, maybe even better.

I don't think an iPad replaces a print book, but if you are out showing your work, you may want more than a single book. Showing a nice 11x14 print book and then supplementing it with hundreds of images on your iPad is a pretty nice presentation. I've carried five 11x14 books into meetings, it isn't pretty!

Also, since clients may be looking at your site (or app, which seems silly but off point) it is useful to be able to preview what your stuff looks like on a variety of devices, an iPad being a crucial one to check.

On further consideration, I am thinking the next computer cycle that I will go back to using a desktop (a 27-inch iMac, loaded up) and ditch the laptop in favor of an iPad. That's assuming I can avoid having to use digital for work, which is one of my goals. For what I need a portable for - email, surfing, portfolio, notes and memos - an iPad does fine and is lighter and cheaper.

Frank, in regard to the 11 x 14 portfolio...what size prints fit that?

I went to your links but couldn't find the Brewer and Cantemello site. Sam Flax has Prat portfolios at reasonable prices... while the House of Portfolios look very nice!

http://www.samflaxny.com/browse.cfm/4,2257.html

[Frank Version Two]

http://www.brewer-cantelmo.com/

Can't spell Italian names ;-p

Sure Prats are fine, anything that keeps your work neat is professional enough I think. But amongst a certain old-school class of commercial togs, the nice custom leather books command a lot of respect. I remember looking at Dennis Manarchy's book (http://www.manarchy.com/) when I was on the agency side and it was all worn and distressed but still really classy and beautiful. Hiro, lots of the big names all had them like that.

[kshapero]

I have heard that you cannot print from an iPad...is this true? The lack of ability to handle pictures as mentioned above is a major problem for a business that deals in pictures.:mad:

Any way around that? PDF?Not true, I print photos from an Ipad. But why would you want to do that? I usually wait until I am home and do it there.

[dave lackey]

http://www.brewer-cantelmo.com/

Can't spell Italian names ;-p

Sure Prats are fine, anything that keeps your work neat is professional enough I think. But amongst a certain old-school class of commercial togs, the nice custom leather books command a lot of respect. I remember looking at Dennis Manarchy's book (http://www.manarchy.com/) when I was on the agency side and it was all worn and distressed but still really classy and beautiful. Hiro, lots of the big names all had them like that.

Wow! Thse Brewer-Cantelmo portfolios are very nice!!!:)

Time to check on Manarchy's book...

[Peter Wijninga]

The one single word that annoys me in the debate is 'tactile'. As if we hadn't experienced 'tactile' before. Me myself believe that the Ipad is just one of these thingies you don't need. The only advantage I see...kids stuff....with children accessing whatever they want without having to sit behind a desk...

[Spleenrippa]

The one single word that annoys me in the debate is 'tactile'. As if we hadn't experienced 'tactile' before. Me myself believe that the Ipad is just one of these thingies you don't need. The only advantage I see...kids stuff....with children accessing whatever they want without having to sit behind a desk...

Having a tablet or a decent phone puts more knowledge at your fingertips than any one person could process in a lifetime.

[wgerrard]

If you need to carry a laptop for specific reason, and are shopping, look at the Mac laptops. Especially the Macbook Air, which comes close to being as light as the iPad. If you are close to an Apple store, go and play around. All their products are laid out and ready.

iPads have no internal drive, and, of course, no physical keyboard. The iPad keyboard might annoy a skilled touch typist until they get used to it.

If your need is to show off a small collection of pix, an iPac can do that handily. But, lacking a drive, its storage is limited. That said, if you are sure of wifi or 3G access, you can always put the pix online.

[wgerrard]

iPads can print from some apps to "Airprint" wireless printers. If printing is critical, research it well.

My iPad is on my wifi network with my printer and can't see it at all.

[back alley]

i'm not a photo business...

but i don't see an ipad making money for someone who is.
i love my ipad for the myriad things it can do for me, i have access to the net and therefore to a ton of info plus all my contacts but my iphone does that as well.
it is a killer exhibit peice for my images, people love looking at the screen and flipping to the next page with their finger tip or just sitting back to view a 'slide show'.

i hope i always have an ipad...but if i had to choose only one the macbook would be it.

[dave lackey]

i'm not a photo business...

but i don't see an ipad making money for someone who is.
i love my ipad for the myriad things it can do for me, i have access to the net and therefore to a ton of info plus all my contacts but my iphone does that as well.
it is a killer exhibit peice for my images, people love looking at the screen and flipping to the next page with their finger tip or just sitting back to view a 'slide show'.

i hope i always have an ipad...but if i had to choose only one the macbook would be it.

Yeah, Joe, that may be the best answer so far... no internal drive so even presentations would be limited. Easy enough to put the presentations on a memory stick and take it to a group meeting just like I have always done and a portfolio for one-on-one.:angel:

[Frank Version Two]

I can't wait to see a 32gb Powerpoint, that would be so much fun!

[dave lackey]

I can't wait to see a 32gb Powerpoint, that would be so much fun!


Ok, so back to the basics for me, how much can the iPad handle? Seems to be some conflicts in the posts above.:angel: Also, what kind of presentation is your portfolio in? Powerpoint? Built-in software? Sorry to be so basic, but I have no friggin idea what an iPad can do and I am trying to find out as much as possible before spending $40+ to go to the nearest Apple store for a look around....

[FrankS]

If only the iPad had a USB port to use for memory sticks.

[back alley]

16, 32 or 64 gigs...

[FrankS]

I believe that when you save a photo on an iPad, it really resizes the images to the minimum that is required for the iPad screen presentation, so you can load a ton of pictures in a small amount of flash memory space.

[dave lackey]

I believe that when you save a photo on an iPad, it really resizes the images to the minimum that is required for the iPad screen presentation, so you can load a ton of pictures in a small amount of flash memory space.

That sounds good...but is there a slideshow built into the device? Or does it take Powerpoint or PDF or what?:)

[FrankS]

Slideshow is built in.

[mwooten]

Dave, aren't you near Marietta? There are Apple stores in Alpharetta and at the Perimeter Mall (as well as Lenox).
I think that an ipad is an excellent way to carry a flexible portfolio. By setting up several folders, on your main computer, for your images before they are brought into the ipad you can tailor what the client will see.

[dave lackey]

Dave, aren't you near Marietta? There are Apple stores in Alpharetta and at the Perimeter Mall (as well as Lenox).
I think that an ipad is an excellent way to carry a flexible portfolio. By setting up several folders, on your main computer, for your images before they are brought into the ipad you can tailor what the client will see.

Nah, we're 50 miles south of there...costs a fortune to travel to North Atlanta these days.

Just heard there was some kind of store over in Peachtree City but have no idea what they have in stock. May just drop by there in a few days on my way through there to see what they have on the showroom floor.

[dave lackey]

I have not tested powered units but it reads my SD memory cards without any fuss, it simply sees them as an attached camera, and offers to import them. I will not however view them full size without importing.

I would think it would read a memory stick if you leave it in the camera and then connect it to the adapter USB port. Can't confirm though since I have never tried it.

On another note -- will it make you money? Who knows? But lets face it, one is much more likely to have an iPad at a party, opening, gala, dinner party, gallery opening, or etc, than a leather portfolio (which would really look pretty silly). All you need is one small job to pay for it. I have had huge jobs come basically out of nowhere, it is the nature of things.

Ah, Fred, you are the first one to post an actual use for the device that cannot be done by a phone, portfolio or anything else!:angel:

Now, if I can find a way to load up a copy of a photo essay to show someone, then we may be on to something. Maybe just linking to the Adorama (or other DIY sites) for the book preview is enough?

[Al Patterson]

Okay, after several threads about Kindle and iPad and other things, I am trying to figure out how to get one of those choices to work for me in my business. The first of which is what will fit in my Billingham Pro bag....both?:)

So, what are the dimensions of a Kindle and what are the dimensions of iPad?

Also, will an iPad basically replace a laptop?:confused:

What would an iPad do for me in a photography business?

Having seen people I know show me photos on an iPhone or Android phone, and having also seen photos on the iPad, I will say the iPad is a better device for showing pictures. I don't think it can totally replace a laptop, but it does beat a smartphone for showing pictures to friends or clients.

[dave lackey]

Having seen people I know show me photos on an iPhone or Android phone, and having also seen photos on the iPad, I will say the iPad is a better device for showing pictures. I don't think it can totally replace a laptop, but it does beat a smartphone for showing pictures to friends or clients.


+1...how many times did I hammer a student of mine for submitting documents in 10 pt. type? Or thumbnail pictures. Grrr...I could always tell when my students were under age 40 because they had no clue that most professors are of an age that reading assistance is necessary.

IMO, showing pictures on a phone is worse than anything, I absolutely refuse to look at someone's phone pictures, usually because I don't have any reading glasses on hand.:p

[wgerrard]

I have not tested powered units but it reads my SD memory cards without any fuss, it simply sees them as an attached camera, and offers to import them. I will not however view them full size without importing.



Several inexpensive adapters, etc. are available from Apple for the iPad. Worth looking at before you decide. Goto: store.apple.com

[wgerrard]

Nah, we're 50 miles south of there...costs a fortune to travel to North Atlanta these days.

Just heard there was some kind of store over in Peachtree City but have no idea what they have in stock. May just drop by there in a few days on my way through there to see what they have on the showroom floor.

Dave, if it's an Apple store, they will have iPads out that you can play with.

[wgerrard]

I don't think an iPad replaces a print book, but if you are out showing your work, you may want more than a single book

If you are usually within range of wifi or a 3G connection, then the amount of storage on an iPad is irrelevant, because you can point a browser at any web site.

[wgerrard]

How hard is it to hook up an iPad to a projector at, say, a City Council meeting and what size will handle a lot of photographs for presentation?:)

Dave, Apple sells a thingie to permit use of an iPad for projection. I have no idea what it is compatible with. Remember, though, that there are no ports on an iPad. No place to plug in an ethernet or USB cable, etc.

There is nothing that you can do with an iPad that cannot be done on a laptop, except for running iPad/iPhone apps. A Macbook Air notebook costs more, but it isn't much bigger and it's got internal storage and ports and all the usual goodies.

[mwooten]

Dave , I guess Lenox Sq. would be closest for you. If you have not purchased by October, and do make the Oct. Euro car show you could always swing by the Apple store here in G'ville.

Bill is right about the Macbook Air being much more powerful and versatile. (I'm using mine right now.) However, I would feel more comfortable in handing someone an ipad to "flip" through a set of images rather than my Air.

[Al Patterson]

+1...how many times did I hammer a student of mine for submitting documents in 10 pt. type? Or thumbnail pictures. Grrr...I could always tell when my students were under age 40 because they had no clue that most professors are of an age that reading assistance is necessary.

IMO, showing pictures on a phone is worse than anything, I absolutely refuse to look at someone's phone pictures, usually because I don't have any reading glasses on hand.:p

I had a guy shove an iPhone in my face yesterday who expected I could actaully READ the tiny news item regarding the earthquake. I can't wait until these 25 year old folks need bifocals. I'll bet then they will have an iPad sized iPhone...

[dave lackey]

Well, well, well... my trip to the Apple store was very informative.

1. The iPad fits in my Billingham pro bag outside zippered pocket and also inside. I believe an Airmac would fit in the inside compartment.
2. Presentation-wise, there appears to be nothing better than an iPad for on-screen presentation. For group presentation, or for showing on a TV, there are adaptors for each available for $30.
3. The iPad comes with free Kindle software.
4. Loading photos is done through the online iTunes account.
5. A 32gb wifi +3g does not require hooking up to 3g service but is a nice feature to have for later or resale. Wifi is desirable. 32gb is a reasonable size, I think.
6. Email, yes.
7. Elegant for presentations, yes.

And so far, that is about it. I like Fred's example of showing your work at an event...nothing worse than a small phone screen.

Cheap? No. Disposable? Yes. Have no idea what the usable lifespan will be. Is it a good alternative for an Airmac? No way. But I don't need a laptop/notebook computer anyway.

Will I buy one? Hard to say about the future but it is possible. Not any time soon as there are other priorities.

Thanks to everyone for their input. I have learned a lot.:)

[wgerrard]

Dave, the cost of 3G may depend on the carrier and where you are. You have to pick your carrier at time of purchase because the technologies are different. Here, in North Carolina, Verizon is $20 per month. No long-term contract; it runs until you cancel. Sign up is on the iPad. It's dead simple.

[back alley]

i have the wifi only version but i can make my 3g iphone4 into a hot spot!
i love technology!!

[Richard G]

iPad 2 can connect via a VGA adapter and mirror anything to a projector, but the original can only mirror a Keynote presentation. You would have to import each photo into each slide. Any iPad is big enough for any amount of photos. They take very little space.

[ampguy]

If you're showing your work off to a prospective client, and you want them to pay you right then and there, you can wirelessly take their sale immediately with squareup's squarecard or cardsquare.

Anyone with a compatible iphone/pad/android can take cards physically, but to take them wirelessly and have people nearby know that you are there, you need an ipad, at least for now.

If you are a touch typist, and used to a regular keyboard, try out typing on an ipad vs a computer, you will probably favor one over the other.


Hmmmm....been looking over the posts above. I still do not understand. For those of you actually doing photography as a business, specifically, how has it made money for you?

Just because a device boots up or shuts down quicker or is faster than using a phone or waiting to get home to work on the desktop computer is not a money-maker for me unless it actually does make/save money. I don't get paid by the minute anymore. I never even held an iPad, much less know anyone locally that uses one, so bear with me.:confused: These are real questions that need answers because iPad2 in whatever configuration is a huge expense.

The question remains, can someone give me specific examples of how to use an iPad to make money in a photography based business? Advertising? Marketing? Photo processing?

Or is it just another device that is popular for what it is, where a smart phone or other device can actually do the same thing for a photography based business?:) I am open...