It’s true, my handwriting is awful. My handwriting is so bad that most of the time, I can’t even read what I write. So It’s no surprise that every chance I get, I type, and that is one of the key reasons that I bought an iPad. Yes I type all of my homework and everything that doesn’t need to be hand written, but when I’m sitting in school taking notes, I don’t really have access to a digital device. So when the iPad was announced, I immediately knew that this would be the solution to my problem. Not just a media consumption device, but this is PERFECT for taking notes in school. So that’s the main reason why I pre-ordered one.

So know after using it at home and in the classroom, I can definitely justify my purchase. Now you might be asking: “Now Robert, couldn’t you just bring your Macbook into class?” Well Yes, and No. Now Yes I probably could of, but that would be a little more intrusive then an iPad. Students tend to look around more at the kid with a laptop then just a kid with an iPad. Plus, teachers know exactly what you’re doing with an iPad. Not only can you not multi-task, but you also can’t really be touching the screen and trying to play games while sitting in class.

Another thing is the iPad’s portability. Besides the other iPad accessories I purchased, I ended up buying one of these . It’s a simple 10″ soft laptop sleeve case. It works like a charm with the iPad. So I have my iPad in the Apple case and all I have to is slip it into the case.

The next thing I needed was something I already had, an Apple Wireless Keyboard. Now could I have used the onscreen keyboard? Yes, I very well could have. But again, I am trying not to draw attention to myself. Plus, I can type much faster on a physical keyboard then a virtual one. Now I also did want to buy the Keyboard Dock, but I just don’t have the $60 to spend on it.

Another thing would be the Dock. Just a simple sock, really only got it to prop it up on the desk upright.

And the last would be the most essential to this whole scheme, would be Pages. It was the first app I bought for the iPad and for $9.99, It’s a bargain! Now why do you need pages? Well, besides the key features exporting utes of font changing,bold italics, etc, the main reason is the features. Now I could plug the iPad in and get it off that way, I could send it to iWork.com, but 99% of the time, I E-Mail it. So simple! No cables involved! I love it!

So we have the sleeve for portability, the dock, the keyboard, Pages, and of couse an iPad. I have been using this set up for 2 months now and love it. Works fine, easy to set up, and I can finally read my notes!