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April 25th, 2013

iPad_April24_BUsing a tablet in the office or for business can help you be more productive or at the very least can make your job easier. One of the most popular tablets is the iPad, with many owners swearing that it has made them more productive. One common gripe however is that the keyboard isn't the best for efficiency. There are some features that help though.

Here's a tip on how you can improve typing on your iPad through the use of keyboard shortcuts.

What are they? Keyboard shortcuts are a built-in feature of iOS that allow you to type in a few letters and have your iPad input full sentences or words. This is similar to a Web browser's autocomplete feature which will fill in forms when you enter a few letters or even a word.

How it works Keyboard shortcuts require manual setup, you will have to set a phrase, sentence, word, etc. as well as the letters that will input the phrase. For example you can set the letters 'beml' to be a shortcut for your business email; when you type 'beml', your iPad will input your email address.

These shortcuts could be quite useful, especially if you find yourself continually entering the same word or sentence. This will make you more productive and, as long as you have the correct information, will ensure that there are no typos in important words or phrases. How to set it keyboard shortcuts Taking the business email example from above, here's how you can set keyboard shortcuts. Note: These instructions relate to iOS 6.1 (the latest version of the operating system.)

  1. Open the Settings app (gray box with three cogs).
  2. Select General followed by Keyboard.
  3. Scroll down and select Add New Shortcut.
  4. Enter the full word/phrase/sentence in the Phrase section. In this case you would enter your full email address.
  5. Enter the shortcut letters that will be related to the Phrase. In this case you would enter beml.
  6. Tap Save in the top-right of the window.
When entering shortcuts, it is a good idea to not use common letters or combinations that make up words. For example if you set a shortcut as 'mai', everytime you type 'mai', the phrase will be entered. To come up with a good shortcut, try using the first letter of the first word, a middle letter and the last. Or, you could enter three consonants or vowels in a row e.g., 'eee'.

How to edit keyboard shortcuts You may notice that when you navigate to the Keyboard section in the Settings app, there is a number of existing shortcuts. You can edit these by:

  1. Opening the Settings app (gray box with three cogs).
  2. Selecting General followed by Keyboard.
  3. Tapping Edit and selecting the shortcut to edit from the Shortcuts box.
  4. Editing the phrase and shortcut associated to it in the window that opens.
  5. Pressing Save in the top-right of the window.
The next time you need to enter a phrase that you have setup a shortcut for, try entering the shortcut. This should make typing on the iPad a bit more efficient and save you time.

If you are looking to learn more about the iPad, or how using one can help improve your productivity at work, please contact us today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Topic iPad
March 28th, 2013

2013May13_WomensFitness_BThe image of a man with rippling muscles pumping iron to let off steam is a stereotype that few people bring to mind when they think of a woman keeping fit. In the case of the female fitness fan, the old fashioned image is of a sedate lady lightly perspiring in a gentle exercise class. Forget it! Today women are taking their fitness sessions seriously and adding power and gusto into their lives through vigorous workouts and exercise that is therapy for the body and the mind.

Exercise and fitness has evolved beyond recognition for the average woman compared with the not so distant past. With advancements in scientific understanding and research about health and wellbeing, there's been a real shift in women's approach to exercise as well as fitness styles and expectations. The gym is no longer the preserve of macho men and increasingly, intensive workouts are attracting women of all ages and fitness levels.

No longer the weaker sex!

You only have to look at movie characters such as Tomb Raider's adventurous Lara Croft and Underworld's toned and agile Selene, not to mention the tough-don't-mess-with-me Alice in Resident Evil, to see the archetypal female action heroine is a little more souped up these days. Forget the weaker sex, these women would make most men shiver in their running shoes. While many women don't aspire to attain such superhuman abilities, many want to be more than simply slender: they want to pump up a little. Toned muscles, taut abs and solid glutes are not just on the wishlist for men any more.

Energy reserves for lifestyle changes

Women have balanced the pressures of work, family and that small bit in between called their own life, for years. There's nothing new in that. However, what has changed is that the working woman of 2013 seems to have more demands on her time than ever, with an ever increasing schedule of must-dos to keep up with. But even the greater emphasis on leisure time that we now have, brings its own pressures and our lifestyles require lots of energy. Now, women realize more and more how exercise is essential to fuel their lives.

Hormone balance

While some women don't relate to the impact of hormonal changes as much as others, exercise can help balance hormones to promote health and potentially reduce the risk of some serious illnesses, if recent research is anything to go by. Throughout the menstrual cycle and at various stages of fertility, hormones can really play havoc with a woman's emotions, clarity of thought and general feelings of wellness. This isn't a feminine issue only of course. However, by exercising and lowering fat levels, many women suffering the the effects of estrogen overload can lessen the burden.  Exercise also triggers endorphins, serotonin and dopamine levels, the so-called 'happy' hormones that balance moods.

Reducing illness risks

With fast food, trends in fattening gastro style delicatessen and supermarket meal options and restaurants aplenty, it's not surprising that keeping the calories at bay can seem like an uphill struggle. Processed foods, hidden fats, and sedentary lifestyles are a recipe for disaster: heart disease and type 2 diabetes being the biggest killers. However, while you might be inspired to battle your bulge to fight off these two life-threatening illnesses, there are other reasons to keep fit. A recent University of Minnesota study reveals a link between aerobic activity and how the body breaks down and metabolizes estrogen. Researchers believe this in turn has an impact on the risk of breast cancer which is driven by estrogen, as well as other factors. With women becoming more holistic in their approach to health, exercise is seen more than ever as a vital component to living a healthy life.

Confidence, camaraderie and control

It's not just the body that benefits from working out, but the mind and psyche too. Getting involved and interacting with others is about more than exercise. It's also about meeting new people, communicating and finding your own path too. Women offer each other a supportive network that is emphatic and encouraging. If you have suffered a life setback, whether an injury, illness, or a confidence issue, can reclaim your personal power and rely on others who exercise right alongside you, helping you to keep up momentum every step of the way. Not letting stress take over, meeting new challenges on your own terms and being able to help others, are some impressive examples of how exercise truly is therapy.

Every woman needs to find a fitness program that works for her individual needs. We can offer you advice and support to help you find the right way to work out for you!
Published with permission from FitnessAdvisory. Source.

Topic iPad
March 4th, 2013

iPad_Feb27_BThe iPad is arguably the most popular tablet. There are many reasons why, one of which is because of the wealth of great apps available. There are apps for almost every type of user, including businesses looking to be more efficient. A popular group of apps make typing on the iPad easier, because typing on the device can be a little challenging.

Here's two that help make typing on the iPad easier and more efficient.

Dragon Dictation When it comes to typing on a touchscreen, many users are not keen on typing longer messages or documents. It would be a lot easier if we could just dictate our thoughts. Dragon Dictation allows users to do just that.

The idea is, you can speak naturally into the mic and it will translate this into text. You can use it to dictate text messages, emails or even longer documents like blog posts or notes. This app does require network connectivity (3G or Wi-Fi), and will work on second generation iPads and newer devices. The app is free and can be downloaded by clicking this link.

TextExpander If you use your iPad to reply to emails, or find yourself consistently typing the same message, TextExpander is a great shortcut app that allows you to configure readymade messages that can be inserted into your text.

The way this works is you configure text shortcuts e.g., Response1, may contain an often used standard response. When you type the shortcut in a text field, the app will recognize it and input the full text.

TextExpander is a great way to make replying to messages more consistent and efficient. You just have to take the time to set up your abbreviations/shortcuts and related text. The app costs USD$4.99 and can be downloaded from iTunes, or clicking on this link (which will take you to the App Store.)

There are many productivity apps for the iPad, what are your favorites? Let us know, and if you would like to integrate the iPad into your daily routine, let us know as we have many potential solutions for your business.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Topic iPad
February 1st, 2013

2013Apr30_PersonalTrainer_AThere are so many positive reasons to hire a personal trainer that once you start entertaining the idea, it's hard to come up with valid arguments not to. In fact, you might even wonder why you've not taken on the guidance of a fitness expert already. If the idea of having your very own exercise guru feels a little indulgent then you might benefit from knowing that a personal trainer can actually save you time, energy and even money when it comes to reaching your fitness goals.

In 10 Reasons you need a personal trainer we highlighted a number of plus-points this type of one-on-one training can offer. These were:

  • Success in getting where you want to go
  • Quicker results
  • The personal touch
  • Interesting and engaging exercises
  • Motivation via the money you've invested
  • Monitoring and feedback
  • Customized training
  • Training that fits in with a busy life
  • Support along the way
  • Exercise that feels more like a hobby than a chore

In 2013 there's a bigger trend than ever for a more individual approach to keeping fit and staying in shape. A personal trainer is seen less as a luxury and more of a modern day necessity for anyone wanting to initiate big changes in their life. Here are 10 More reasons you need a PT!:

  1. Confusion: There are so many different styles, techniques and philosophies when it comes to fitness that the whole exercise arena can be somewhat confusing. A personal trainer can translate exercise ideas easily, making health and fitness more accessible.
  2. Taking responsibility: A common misconception is that by hiring your very own exercise specialist that you are somehow shifting responsibility for your own fitness levels onto someone else. In reality, the opposite is the case. Hiring a PT is often the first step toward acknowledging that you need to make some changes.
  3. In control: By working on a customized program, where you can interact and understand the process, you are able to claim control over where you are going. Being able to feel this sense of power for your own journey, and have a close relationship with a trainer where you can voice your ideas, is invaluable.
  4. Fitness and beyond: A personal trainer isn't just about setting a program of exercises. Well Being goes beyond working out, to such areas as diet and nutrition, as well as lifestyle changes too.
  5. Realistic goals: With the help of an experienced professional, you can set your sights on targets that you have a chance of reaching. Left to your own devices would you set the bar too high, too low or perhaps in the wrong way?
  6. Less stress: One of the great positives a personal trainer can bring to your life is a clear path and process for reaching an end goal. This clearing of the way and defined journey reduces the stress people often feel when they are muddling through unchartered waters.
  7. Lifestyle changes: Because of the focus and intensity that a personal training session entails, working out becomes bigger than the sum of its parts. In other words, exercise is not pigeon-holed into a category of your life but infiltrates other areas. This can lead to positive changes in many aspects of life and how you live it.
  8. Flexibility: A set routine or even a fitness class can sometimes feel rigid and not able to change to your individual needs. Because of the customized approach a personal trainer offers, there's scope for real flexibility which in a life that isn't lived standing still can be a real bonus.
  9. Discipline: If might be something of an old-fashioned concept but no-nonsense discipline can be really effective. While you might respond far better to the carrot than the stick, the setup of one-on-one sessions means that there is an intrinsic system of rules, regulations and expectations.
  10. Accountability: If you dip in and out of a fitness class then you might not feel that you're letting yourself down, let alone your instructor and fellow exercisers. With a closer relationship and the effort and personalization that a personal trainer program promises, there is a greater feeling of accountability for yourself and toward your trainer. This is a great motivator and can keep you on track.
The easiest way to feel the full benefits of a PT session is to try it out. Get in touch with us to find out how!
Published with permission from FitnessAdvisory. Source.

Topic iPad
December 6th, 2012

As technology continues to advance at an increased almost breakneck pace, most advances we see on a daily basis are largely aimed at retail consumers. A perfect example of this is Apple's iPad which was aimed at the domestic market on release and is now being readily adopted by business customers. One reason why the iPad is becoming so popular for businesses is because of the numerous apps that can help boost productivity while away from the office.

Here's some useful apps for the iPad that can help boost your productivity.

Document compatibility It's highly likely that your office uses a document production program that isn't made by Apple - Microsoft Office. Using another program to create documents and then spending time formatting on your work computer isn't a great productivity booster, but there are options.

If you do use Microsoft Office the iPad kind of supports Office documents through Apple's iWork. iWork does support Office files, however formatting and other things like fonts normally won't transfer over. This can be counter-productive.

While there will be a version of Microsoft Office heading to the iPad sometime in early 2013 (no set date yet), you're likely better off purchasing an app like Documents to Go which allows users to open, edit and create Office documents.

If you aren't doing serious work on the iPad and just need it for mobile document production, you can skip paying for an app and instead sign up for an outlook.com or Office 365 account. Doing so will give you access to cloud based versions of Word, PowerPoint, OneNote and Excel.

Not a Microsoft fan? There's also Google Drive. It's not 100% compatible with Microsoft Office  though as many functions and formatting won't transfer over properly. However, with solid word, spreadsheet and presentation programs it's a great option for Google users.

Notes Because of the iPad's size, it's a perfect tool to take notes on. There are literally hundreds of different note apps available for the iPad, some are great, others lack functionality. One of the most consistent is Evernote. Evernote is available for nearly every system, so a note made on your iPad can be accessed on your computer, iPhone, Android Device or even BlackBerry.

Evernote really excels when you need to take simple notes. There's also a number of excellent  add-on apps like Penultimate - which allows you to take handwritten notes - which make it a nearly all-in-one solution. The best part is: The basic app is free.

Sharing files When you are mobile with the iPad, you will no doubt need to share files with users. There are many different ways you can do this. The easiest way is to use an app like Dropbox or SugarSync which allows you to upload files and share them when needed. While you can upload most programs or files, you won't be able to edit some of these.

How most of these work is that you put a copy of the app on your hard drive which is essentially a folder. When you put files/folders into this folder, they will be uploaded to the cloud and allow you to access the files/folders from any device you have installed the app on.

There are many other apps available that can help boost your productivity. Have you found some that you can't live without? Let us know.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Topic iPad
September 6th, 2012

There’s little doubt as to how useful mobile devices like the iPad are, salespeople who give a large amount of presentations don’t have to lug around a computer and managers can check in on the office from anywhere; the uses are near infinite. As the iPad and mobile devices continue to be used in offices, it’s important that you take care of them so you can get the most out of these machines.

Here’s what you can do to ensure you get the most out of your device, and will be able to use it for years to come.

Take care of your Retina The screen and display on the iPad and other devices are things of beauty, however they are slightly fragile. Drop it or scratch it and your flashy device could be rendered useless. You should know that the iPad, and all mobile devices’ screens are made of glass, so it is obviously likely to break if dropped from a height. It goes without saying: be careful not to drop it.

The screen also has an oleophobic coating on it, this means it doesn’t like oil and should, in theory, repel fingerprints. Anyone that’s used the iPad knows this isn’t truly the case, fingerprints will still be left on the screen. They do wipe off easily though and you can clean the screen with a lint-free cloth. If you wear eyeglasses, the cloth you use to clean them will work well.

If you’re worried about scratches, or small nicks you could buy a screen protector - a thin, transparent film that goes on top of screens to protect them. Some films also have oleophobic coating, and are matte or completely transparent. Be sure to follow the instructions on how to apply them, as poorly applied protectors can detract from user experience.

Long lasting batteries The batteries in most mobile devices, the iPad included, are lithium based, which makes them rechargable. While they are rechargeable, you will notice that over time the charge doesn’t last as long. To extend the life of your batteries you should ensure to keep your apps up-to-date as developers will often tweak power consumption of their apps. Beyond that, you should complete a full cycle of the battery at least once a month. This means charging the battery to 100% and using the device until the battery dies, then charging to 100% again.

Environmental care Electronics can be extremely sensitive to the surrounding environment. Prolonged use in extreme temperatures (higher than 95 degrees fahrenheit/35 celsius; lower than 32 fahrenheit/0 celsius) could damage internal circuits along with the display and battery. Similarly, humid environments or water can cause problems, so best to keep your device away from damp or wet conditions. If your device does get wet, don’t use heating elements like the microwave or hair dryers to dry it (common sense, we know, but it has been heard of before!).

Beyond that, it’s a good idea to be careful with peripherals. That cheap power cord/charger you bought off ebay may actually have pieces that can break the connectors/ports of your device. If it’s not a popular name brand, better steer clear of it.

Use a “crash helmet” for your device When riding a bike, it’s important to wear a helmet to protect your head in case you fall. The same can be said for your iPad, and you should have a protective case, cover or folio to protect the device from bumps, drops and daily use.

Smooth operator A brand new iPad is a smooth machine, where navigation is snappy, and loading apps is super speedy. Over time however, your iPad will slow down as you install more apps or put more information and data on it. To ensure the experience stays smooth, it’s a good idea to periodically review your apps and delete ones you don’t use anymore. You can also transfer pictures and media to your computer or the cloud to free up even more space. If you’re iPad is still really slow, a factory reset could also help. Be warned, you will loose all your data, so backup first.

Extended warranty? We don’t need no extended warranty It may seem like the extended warranty that you can purchase for your mobile devices is an unnecessary and costly addition to add on to the purchase of the device. While it does undoubtedly add to the cost of the device,it does mean that if your iPad stops working you can get Apple to replace it, or at least cover the repairs. It’s a good idea for businesses to pursue this option as it can extend the life of a device while minimizing upkeep costs.

These are just a few ways you can ensure your iPad or other mobile device will last longer. Do you have any other things you do to extend the life of your device? Let us know. If you’d like to learn more about how to ensure you’re getting the most out of your device, please contact us.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Topic iPad
August 3rd, 2012

In mid July, Google released its new tablet, the Nexus 7. The Nexus 7 is one of the first tablets to truly challenge the iPad. The Nexus 7 has some great features that have many small business owners contemplating whether they should get one or not. Before you invest in a new tablet, we have compared the iPad and Nexus 7 tablets.

Here is a comparison between the new iPad (iPad 3) and the Google Nexus 7 (N7).

On the outside The iPad is 9.5 inches long and 7.31 inches wide, with a viewable area of 9.7 inches from the top-left to the bottom-right of the screen. The Nexus 7 is smaller at 7.81 inches long by 4.72 inches wide, with a viewable area of 7 inches. The iPad weighs around 1.4 pounds while the Nexus 7 weighs .75 pounds. Due to its size, the Nexus 7 is more portable and due to a rubber backing it’s easier to hold.

Displays The display is one of the most important features to take into account when buying any device. The iPad uses Apple’s Retina display, a super high resolution display that produces by far the best images. The resolution of the iPad is 2048 X 1536 while the Nexus 7’s display is 1280 X 800 - the higher the number generally means the better the display. With a higher resolution, the iPad’s display is the best, however, the Nexus 7’s display is a close second in terms of image quality and viewability.

Build Quality Small business owners or managers that spend a lot of time on the road need devices that can keep up with the rigorous demands of travel. Apple is well-known for high quality devices, the main weakness of the iPad is a slightly fragile screen which is prone to cracking with even the slightest impact. The Nexus 7 is untested, but from drop and dunk tests, it looks like the Nexus 7 is the more durable device without a case. Add a protective case and the iPad is just as durable.

OS and Apps Any Apple device will run an Apple OS, in this case, the iPad runs the iOS which is an extremely user friendly environment. Turn on your iPad for the first time, enter your information and away you go. As the iPad has been out for a couple of years, a number of developers have made iPad specific apps, which means the iPad has a ton of useful business oriented apps.

The Nexus 7 runs on the Android OS and is the first device to have Google’s new version, Jelly Bean. The new OS goes a long ways in making devices easier to use, but it still can’t compete with the iPad in terms of ease of use. There are a large number of apps on Google Play - Google’s app store - but the number of tablet optimized apps is lacking.

Security Android devices like the Nexus 7 are built on an open-source OS - Anyone can download the OS and make changes - which means that it is less secure, as has been proven by an increase in the number of malware and viruses that target Android devices. The iPad, while not immune to viruses and malware, is a more secure environment.

Price There is a stark difference in the price of the two tablets. A basic iPad starts at US$499 and can run up to US$829. At the same time, the Nexus 7 starts at US$199 and costs up to US$250 if you chose to go with more storage.

Which one should small businesses buy? When businesses owners ask which tablet should they buy, we strongly recommend that they look at their needs and current environment. If you’re buying a tablet to take the office with you, or mobilize your office, you need to ensure that there are apps available for your device that will allow you to do this and that your current system is compatible. In general, companies will release apps for the iOS environment first, with Android apps coming later, sometimes up to a year later.

Which tablet do you use, or would you consider using in your business? Let us know below. If you’ve made your mind up and would like to know more about integrating the tablet into your operations, please contact us.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Topic iPad
July 6th, 2012

One of the most common elements of small businesses is the point of sale system. Many businesses use the traditional setup of a cash register, cash drawer, printer and inventory management system. These systems have historically been the last to be upgraded. There’s a new app for the iPad however that’s out the change this.

The system is called Square and is a series of apps that turn your iPad into a point of sale system, similar to standard touch screen point of sale systems already in use by many small businesses.

How Square works There are essentially three different aspects to the Square system. The central aspect is the iPad app called Square Register. You, the shop owner, install the app and begin by adding your inventory. You set the price, sales tax and the category the item belongs in. When a customer wants to buy something, your employee selects the item and starts the transaction. As you can connect both a printer and cash drawer to the system, it works just like any other point of sale system.

The second aspect of the Square system is the card reader. The vast majority of customers prefer to use debit, credit or ATM cards instead of cash. For these situations, Square provides a card reader that plugs into the iPad’s headphone jack. Simply swipe the card through the reader, as you would with normal systems. What’s cool about this is the card reader also works on Android and iPhones, which makes the system portable.

The third aspect is rewards. Using Square Register you can set up a rewards program for return customers, while providing them with yet another way to pay. The client downloads the Pay with Square app, links their credit card to the app and is able to open a tab with you. When they buy something, you can bill their account directly. When they use the app to pay for something, the reward program is updated and they receive a receipt by email or SMS.

What’s the catch? While Square sounds like a viable system, and is a theoretically great idea, there are some things you should be aware of. First, merchants pay a flat transaction fee of 2.75% each time a card is swiped. If you manually enter a payment, or if a customer uses cash, the fee is slightly higher. While this may seem a bit steep, the upside to it is there’s no monthly fee or commitment. you just pay the flat fee.

The other thing to be aware of is Square does put holds on transactions of over USD $1,000 if the credit card information is keyed in, this is a weekly limit. In other words, if an employee manually enters a credit card number for a purchase of $1,500, $500 will be held by Square for 30 days. This isn’t ideal for businesses that manually enter credit card numbers.

This system is a good option for the small business owner looking to replace their current point of sale system, while at the same time integrating the iPad into their business environment. This is also a good option for a company looking to mobilize their business. If you have any more questions about Square or other similar options for the iPad please contact us.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Topic iPad
June 8th, 2012

In order for the Apple iPad to be a viable tool for any small business owner, it has to be able to fulfill a number of essential requirements. One of those is the ability to print. While business owners are beginning to migrate to a paperless office, many will never be truly paperless, so the tools owners use need to be able to print. Luckily, the iPad can do this.

Here’s how you can print from your iPad.

AirPrint AirPrint was introduced by Apple with the iOS 4.2 update. It allows apps on the iPad to wirelessly connect to a compatible printer. There are a large number of apps that support AirPrint, although there’s no official list. To find out if an app can print using AirPrint look at the app’s description in iTunes. There will be a note saying something along the lines of, “Wireless Printing supported” or “AirPrint supported.”

The only downside to AirPrint is that it will only work with a select few printers. A list of these can be found on the Apple website. For AirPrint to work, both your iPad and printer need to be connected to the same wireless network. If you meet the requirements, printing is quick and easy. Simply press the Action button (white square with an arrow) and select Print. The first time you do this, you’ll need to select the printer from the pop-up menu.

AirPrint enabler for Mac If you have a wireless printer that isn’t compatible with AirPrint, don’t rush out and buy a new one as there are apps like Printopia that can allow you to wirelessly print. To do so, you need to download an app onto your Mac which then allows it to share its connected printers with your iPad. When the app is installed, you should be able to find your wireless printer. The only downside to this app is it only works on Mac computers with OS X version 10.6 and later.

Print using a PC Don’t have a Mac? Don’t worry, you can still print using apps like PrintCentral. With this app you’ll be able to print directly to the vast majority of wireless printers, as long as they’re connected to the same network that your iPad is.

You can also print using a printer that’s connected to a computer. To do this, you’ll need to download and install the WePrint software onto your PC. Once this is done the software acts as a relay between the printer and your iPad, enabling you to print even if you’re not connected to the same network.

Being able to wirelessly print from your iPad helps make you and your business more efficient. If you’re working on the iPad during the commute, you can send it to the office printer and have it printed and ready for review for when you get to the office. This also makes you more efficient as you don’t need to log in to your computer, connect the iPad and transfer the information every time you want to print. You can just print it directly; saving you time.

If you’re looking to integrate the iPad into your business and would like to know more about how to do it, please contact us.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Topic iPad
May 18th, 2012

Being able to connect to the Internet wherever we may be, has become one thing we view as incredibly important. Many managers now have a cellular plan with a data connection and regularly check in with the office using tablets like the Apple iPad. What happens if you need to use your laptop, but don’t have access to Wi-Fi? With the new iPad, you can share your network connection.

Here’s how you can share your data connection.

Personal Hotspot Apple calls this feature a Personal Hotspot, the community calls it a hotspot or tethering. In technical terms, a hotspot is any area you can connect to the Internet through Wi-Fi. In other words, Personal Hotspot turns your iPad into a router that can broadcast a Wi-Fi signal using your data plan.

This is beneficial to businesses with employees who spend time on the road, as they may not be able to connect to a traditional Wi-Fi network when they need to. As many wireless carriers provide near nationwide data coverage, it makes sense to use your cellular data plan to connect to the Internet.

How to turn your iPad into a hotspot You can set up a hotspot on your iPad by:

  1. Going to Settings and selecting General followed by Network.
  2. Tapping Set Up Personal Hotspot at the top of your screen. Your iPad will check with your cellular carrier to see if they allow this feature. You’ll receive an error message if they don’t.
  3. Selecting Personal Hotspot from the Settings screen.
To establish a hotspot, press Personal Hotspot and select Off/On. You have three different types of hotspots you can establish: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB. If you choose to use Wi-Fi, you’ll be given the option to set a password that users will need to enter to connect to the hotspot. To connect via Bluetooth or USB, follow the instructions on the Personal Hotspot screen. To turn off the hotspot, navigate back to the Personal Hotspot page and select Off/On.

It’s important to note that your cellular provider tracks how much data you use, this includes any devices connected via the hotspot. If you don’t have a plan with unlimited data you should monitor your data usage.

Personal Hotspot is an useful feature that provides you with another way to connect with the office while on the go. If you’re interested in ways you can leverage other features of the iPad to make your job easier, please contact us.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Topic iPad