Thing 6: Creating & Editing Docs

http://23mobilethingsmn.org/the-23-things/6-creating-editing-docs/


I have an older MacBook, with equally aged software that I use for my freelance writing and other documents for home. Conversely, at my library job, I am spoiled with a constantly up-to-date Windows-based desktop computer that provides the latest in Microsoft Office Suite.

Recently I've been needing to create more spreadsheets outside of library work, and find my Mac software horribly outdated. (But, Office 2004 seems like it just came out yesterday, doesn't it?) I don't have a portable Windows-based computer at home, so I have been on a frustrating quest to find the best way to make good spreadsheets on my iPad, or on my home computer without being forced to update my antiquated software on a laptop that probably can't handle the change. So, I've been trying some iPad apps, all of which are offered for free.

  Enter Google Sheets: This would work just fine if I weren't already spoiled by the fantastic offerings on my work computer. It does the job, but is VERY basic, with only 6 font choices, for example. I like to be more fancy than that.

  Enter Numbers, a free app I found in the Apple App store, and downloaded on my iPad. This got me excited. It was intuitive and easy to use.  However, when I tried to open it in Excel, as it says I can, I lost the formatting. The creators of Numbers still have work to do to win me back.

  Enter CloudOn. Oh, CloudOn, where have you been these past few weeks?? It is an amazing app, and looks and works just like an Excel spreadsheet on my iPad. I'm not sure if I can get it on my MacBook (although one CAN download apps to Mac computers now), but I am thrilled with this app! Not only does it work well as an Excel provider, but also gives us Work and PowerPoint. I can also sync it with my Google Docs. And, it's FREE!
This girl is happy!

  I have not tried the QuickOffice app yet, but it sounds like it is similar to CloudOn. I'm going to try it out as well, to see which one I like the best. No worries if I don't like it--CloudOn suits my fancy just fine!

Thing 5: Notetaking

http://23mobilethingsmn.org/the-23-things/5-notetaking/


I like the idea of having different types of note-taking apps. We all learn and organise differently, so it's fun to check out the ones for verbal people (Dragon Diction for Apple), the people who prefer handwriting to typing (Bamboo Paper), and of course those list makers (Springpad). I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with the choices, and find myself gravitating towards the old and tried (the plain old notes app on my iPhone, or the tasks list within my gmail account.)

When I'm writing a task list, the last thing I want to do is learn how to USE a task list. I just want to jot down my ideas on a real or virtual piece of paper!
Also, I want something that is EASY that will sync with my calendar, etc., which is what is so great about using google.
However, I did try the Bamboo Paper
I must be a neat freak, though, because although I LOVE to write by hand on regular paper (pencils are best-a good one just glides across the paper), I really don't like it on a mobile device. It is just not neat enough or physically conducive to doing so with any comfort.

I did not try Dragon Diction , although it's a great concept for some (speech to text). I just don't like talking that much! Plus, during dictation, I find I do a lot of 'uh's and 'um's.

Springpad     reminds me a lot of Pinterest, which tends to get information-overloaded and out of hand for me.
So, while those are all AWESOME apps for certain people, and even I would get better at them with practice, I will just stick with the simple list making apps I already use.

Thing 4: Keeping Up

http://23mobilethingsmn.org/the-23-things/4-keeping-up/


By "Keeping Up",  they mean keeping up on the news, on your favourite social media sites, on your RSS feeds.
I use Flipboard to collect all of my RSS feeds together. It's a great app,  highly customizable, and reads like a magazine as you 'flip' through the pages (thus the name). I don't have it connected to my Facebook or Twitter, although you can-I have to get away from those sites sometimes. It really is a handy gathering place for all of my Canadian news sites, etc. It suggests news sites and categories through Flipboard Picks--such as "Oprah" (NOT a fan!), and "Oddity Central" (sometimes very interesting reading for this weird brain!)
I like it, I just don't use it enough.

Thing 3: Utilities

http://23mobilethingsmn.org/the-23-things/3-utilities/


I didn't find this section on utilities so helpful. However, I know they could only choose a few to profile. I have used Wi-Fi Finder, and have found it helpful when I'm out and about. I like the concept of the iHome Sleep app (which, despite its name, is for both Apple and Android), and the StandApp is cool for those who sit a lot and could use a reminder to get up and stretch those legs.

Personally, I  like and use the Errands To Do List app, created by David Mandell of Yoctoville. It is a high quality, stable, regularly updated app and has been free so far. I love the unusual alarm tones!
The developer asks for donations, and I think he deserves them, this app is so good!

He also has three other great apps that have the same level of quality and great customer service.

I also found of interest the human story behind a web developer's life, something we don't always think about. This fellow lives an interesting nomadic life, traveling in a camper van with his computer and his dog, Buddha. Read his story here and follow his blog here.

  Errands