Game changing.  That's one of the phrases used to describe the all new Apple iPad.  Like many Canadians, I stood in line on Friday May 28th to get my hands on one (3G version running on TELUS of course).  Since then, I have jumped in with both feet and I honestly have to say the way I work has changed.   Here are four ways how:

1 - Preparing for the next day

For as long as I can remember I have had a standard evening routine.  I pull out my Smartphone and review my email and calendar in order to mentally prepare for the next day. The iPad hasn't eliminated that routine - it has made it more dynamic.  Now, instead of just scanning appointments and reviewing emails, I am creating a daily priority list on the iPad.  The larger screen and easy to use interface just makes the whole process friendlier.  Only a few days in and I honestly feel like I am more prepared each morning.

2 - Mapping out ideas

I am a visual thinker and love whiteboards. Yes, I admit it publicly: I love whiteboards.  I love drawing out problems, visually creating a process and tweaking it until it's right. The challenge has always been that whiteboards and mobile working don't really go well together - they aren't very portable!  The iPad has become my portable whiteboard.  For example, while in a conference call with my team mates yesterday, I pulled out my iPad, mapped out the process we were talking about and emailed it to the group.  It took only a few minutes.  Tomorrow's app of the week will focus on the iPad app I used for this: iThoughts HD. Preview: It's spectacular.

3 - Keeping up to date on news, social networks and topics of interest

In business, there is a lot to keep on top of.  Email, calendar appointments, RSS feeds, news, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and the list goes on.  The iPad's large screen and touch interface makes reviewing feeds easy.  Since last Friday, I have taken time out of every work day to step back from my workspace, go somewhere else and review my feeds.  Since I still get my corporate email on the iPad (the Microsoft Exchange integration is solid), I'm never really "away" from work, but the portability allows me to efficiently keep up to date and get back to my workspace refreshed.  It also makes an ideal "second computer" to monitor feeds at your desk.

4 - The locations where I work

I love mobile working because of the flexibility it gives me - I work when I want and where I want.  Since the iPad is so light and has a battery that easily lasts a work day, I am finding new places and times to work.  Yesterday, I worked in 5 different locations - 4 were because I had the iPad and how quickly I can be mobile with it (I even worked from my garage while changing the brake pads on my vehicle!). No cords or bags needed. Just pick it up and go. The handoff between Wi-Fi and 3G+ is practically invisible as you move and the speeds are consistently fast.  The 3G version also has an integrated GPS receiver meaning location based apps and services work well on the go.

Bottom line

The relationship isn't even a full week old but I can honestly say that I have gained productivity, expanded my creativity and have grown my mobile working boundaries because of the iPad.  It's a strong work companion.

But is the iPad perfect?  Far from it.  In fact there are some aspects that can be down right frustrating. Check out the blog next week for a business-focused list.

Fun fact: This entire post was drafted on my iPad using the Apple Pages app.

Do you have an iPad or are considering equipping your business with one?  Add in your comments or questions below.