[Pibe-division] Cross-post regarding the iPad

Thu May 10 13:47:13 UTC 2012

I got this courtesy of a technology user's list (the Visually  Impaired 
Computer User's or VICUG list). As you will note by the date of the  column, it 
is more than a year old, but was just posted to this particular list  last 
night. So, in that year's time, I'm sure there have been many other uses  
for which the iPad has been thought. One enterprising gentleman also suggested 
 that it makes for a pretty slick coaster as well. But, in all seriousness, 
the  iPad is revolutionizing accessibility. That fact is not mentioned in 
this  mainstream column, but we who are blind and/or work with students who 
are can  attest to that fact.

Eric Guillory, PIBE President

Cool uses for your iPad

Kim’s columns, 2/5/2011

When  Apple released the iPad, many wondered how they would use the tablet. 
We've  since discovered that it's great for:

1. Reading

2. Playing  games

3. Watching videos.

But uses for the iPad are nearly  limitless. Here’s more:

4. Restaurants are using the iPad in place of  menus.

5. Hyundai replaces the owner's manual with an iPad for some car  models.

Here are some of the more unique uses for the iPad.

6.  Assistive communication

The iPad is a valuable tool for parents of  children with autism spectrum 
conditions. In fact, it can help anyone with a  condition that affects 
language. At $190, the Proloquo2Go app isn't cheap. But  compared to similar 
solutions, it's a bargain—even considering the cost of the  iPad.

Proloquo2Go is designed to assist with communication. Users build  
sentences by tapping images on the screen. The app can conjugate verbs  
automatically. Then, the user simply taps to have the sentence read out loud. It  has a 
built-in vocabulary of more than 7,000 items. And sentences can be stored  
for later use.

7. Credit card processing

The iPad can also be used  as a point-of-sale system. Some stores and 
restaurants have developed their own  apps. The apps allow them to replace cash 
registers with iPads. Now anyone can  use the iPad to process credit card 
payments.

The Square app works with a  dongle that reads credit cards. Both the app 
and the dongle are free. Square  charges 2.75 percent of sales. You can 
customize the app by adding products.  Then, tap a product to add it to a sale. 
Or, simply enter the information  manually.

8. As a second monitor

It never hurts to have a little  more screen real estate. But maybe you 
don't want the hassle of adding a second  monitor to your computer. The iPad 
can be used as a second monitor. And it  doesn't take much work.

All you need is Air Display, ($10) on your iPad.  You'll also need to 
install a free app on your Mac or  Windows computer.  Both the iPad and computer 
must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Then use the iPad  to view program 
windows. Or, use it as an input tablet!

9. Home  automation

It's no surprise that the iPad can control your home  entertainment system. 
But, it can do much more than that. You can use it to  control your home 
automation system. Turn appliances on and off. Control your  lighting and your 
heating or security systems.

You'll need an app that  works with your particular home automation system. 
And, features will vary from  app to app. Start at the manufacturer's site. 
Or search the App Store for "home  automation" or the name of your system. 
You'll find many apps. For example,  iHome Touch works with X10 devices; 
Indigo Touch works with X10 and INSTEON  hardware.

10. Apps to help drivers with:

A. Navigation

B.  Roadside assistance.

11. Flight controls

You probably wouldn't  imagine that there are apps to help pilots. In 
truth, The iPad is a valuable  tool for pilots. In fact, the iCub aircraft 
incorporates an iPad in its  instrument panel. The iPad includes a number of apps 
to help pilots.

The  apps can also be purchased individually from the App Store. For 
example, there's  ForeFlight Mobile HD, ($75 yearly), which provides access to 
radar, flight rules  and airport maps. There's also MotionX GPS HD, ($3), which 
provides advanced GPS  tools.

12. Doctors are using it to monitor patients' vitals.

13.  Attorneys are using it to select jurors.

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--  
Jonnie Appleseed
With His
Hands-On Technolog(eye)s
Touching The  internet
Reducing Technology's disabilities
One Byte At A  Time

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