Once more with feeling: Yes I can work with the iPad mini - ZDNet

Summary: I use a lot of different devices productively, and it’s not unusual to hear that a Particular gadget I use is not the best for that. Mentioning the iPad mini as a productivity tool sets some folks over the edge.

ZAGGkeys Cover with iPad mini – Image credit: James Kendrick / ZDNet

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I get it. There are a lot of folks out there who refuse to believe That the iPad and especially the iPad mini can be used productively. Every review of a keyboard for the iPad or the iPad mini I write Guarantees responses for months with the new hotel tablets from Apple can not be used for real work.

That

I understand many do not want to use iPads of any kind for production. I’m fine with that. I am used to hearing repeatedly That they are mere toys and THUS not capable of being used for work. I know that there is often a knee-jerk reaction to the very thought That iPads can help some of us get things done.

See related: Two keyboard cases for iPad mini from ZAGG change the game | Logitech Mini Keyboard Folio for iPad Mini: Small case, big keys (hands on) | Definitive Guide to keyboards for the iPad and the iPad Mini (Spring 2013)

What I never get used to is the statement I hear all the time that I can not use an iPad / iPad mini for my work. Yes, even I write articles explaining how I use them for dry work are met by some with exclamations that I can not actually use them that way.

Using an iPad / iPad mini productively might not work for you, but do not tell me it can not work for me. It makes no sense to deny what I do or how I do it.

I’m not sure why the thought of using iPads for production sets some people off but it does, every single time. As if reading about it is not clear enough, a recent incident in the coffee shop blew my mind.

I was sitting at a tiny table using the iPad mini with the ZAGGkeys Cover I recently reviewed. I was writing as I always do, touch typing at a good clip. A guy approached me and watched me using the iPad mini for a bit and then Asserted That what I was using just could not work.

I sat back considering how to respond That is when he repeated with the new hotel iPad mini with such a small keyboard could not be used productively. Without saying a word I resumed writing without missing a beat to show him that I could indeed work productively with the setup in front of me.

He watched me for a couple of minutes and then left, muttering That no matter what I “said” the iPad mini can not be used for work purposes.

I was blown away. He watched me using the iPad mini productively, yet he still could not admit That it could be done. Unlike the comments claiming the same in reaction to my articles detailing how I do this, the same reaction to someone’s actually watching it in practice was surreal.

Most of the people who refuse to believe I can get work done with an iPad or iPad mini are Likely folks who do not like the tablets from Apple. That’s OK, they’re not for everyone. But that does not explain why so many refuse to believe that I can use them for my writing. It’s as if they think will shift the earth off its axis if they admit they can be used productively.

I am the first to admit That using a bigger system is better. When I head out for a long work day I usually bring a laptop with me. I’m anxiously awaiting the arrival of my new MacBook Air, matter of fact. For shorter work days I may throw the iPad with keyboard in my little gear bag.

I carry the iPad mini in a little keyboard case when I head out and do not plan on working. The tablet is so small it’s easy to carry and comes in handy when writing an unexpected opportunity comes along. It’s nice to have it if I need it, and that’s it. It came in handy for writing this article while this whole thing was fresh in my mind.

To be clear, I am not nor have I ever suggested That Should others do what I do with the iPad / iPad mini. I occasionally use them because they work so well for me. It might not work for you, but do not tell me it can not work for me either. It makes no sense to deny what I do or how I do it.

And do not tell me that your HP, Dell, Apple, Surface Pro, or other laptop would be better for this. They might be better for you but they are not for me, as I have proven time and time again. I have four laptops at home, but the best tool for the job is the one I have with me.

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