The biggest news this week (and probably next week and the following weeks) is, of course, the iPad. Apple’s much talked about tablet computer. Back in January, before the iPad was announced, I posed the question of whether or not we have enough room in our technology-filled lives for a tablet device. Between our smartphones that keep getting more features and our laptops where we do the bulk of our work, the answer was an overwhelming “no.”
Steve Jobs revealed the iPad to be what many concluded - just a large iPod touch. Despite quickly demonstrating three stripped down versions of iWorks, the iPad was abruptly dismissed as a device for productivity. Many found fault with being able to touch-type with the iPad’s on-screen keyboard. No one wanted to have to pay $70 for an iPad keyboard. Our opinions were based solely on those who had actually seen the device and played with. Apple had also been tightly guarding the few iPads they let developers look into.
On Saturday, April 3, 2010, Apple’s revolutionary “magical” iPad started to arrive via UPS to customers who pre-ordered it. I stopped by the Meatpacking District’s Apple Store in NYC to check out the mythical device. Queuing up in line, Apple staff handed out complimentary bottles of Smart Water for waiting so patiently. I got there around 1pm and was in the store in less than five minutes. No long lines, nothing. I imagined that the real buzz was happening at Apple’s flagship Fifth Avenue store and perhaps even the SoHo store. I got up to the second floor and waited a few minutes before the person in front of me finished playing with the iPad so I could get a nice go at it. Now that I’ve actually held and played with an iPad, I have to say that this device emits “BUY ME” almost immediately. No kidding. Even my friend, a skeptic on it’s capabilities, was immediately in love.
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Regardless of how rich or poor anyone is, we all love to save a little money – even if we’re just going to spend it on something else. Since we all probably shelled out a fair chunk of cash on our mobile devices, it’s good news that we can use them to start earning some of that money back. Therefore, it seems only natural for me share some finds.
Yowza! (Free, Getyowza.com)
This coupon app was created by a Twitter triumvirate that includes Heroes star Greg Grunberg (affectionately known as ‘Grunny’ to his fans). Basically what the app does is incorporate stores one by one and the stores publish exclusive coupons to the application. You bring in your device, show it to the cashier and bang. You’ve saved. Additionally, the app can show you what deals are available based on where you are at the moment and how far away they are. In the beginning, this app was slightly useless since only a small handful of stores were on it, especially if you lived outside of L.A. However, activity is definitely starting to pick up as Grunny painstakingly pursues merchants to add. Your results will vary from city to city, but since it’s a free app it’s basically no harm no foul if you download it and don’t use it. This app is definitely worth giving a try.
Cheap Gas! (Free, Gasbuddy.com)
Cheap Gas is a great little app that simply locates you and then tells you where the cheapest, nearest gas station is on a map. You can’t get any simpler than that and you can’t help but save money this way!
Mint (Free, Mint.com)
Mint.com is a website that helps you to organize your finances and maintain a budget. It’s very sophisticated web-based software that simultaneously logs in to all your banking and credit accounts online and allows you to categorize your expenses, tally up your budget, watch your savings, and see where your money is going. It will even warn you if you go over your budget, if there’s unusual spending on your account, or if your accounts have low balances. Naturally, the mobile application does all the same things, only it’s on the go. For anyone thinking of trying it, I’d definitely recommend using the Mint app in conjunction with the website, otherwise the amount of information could be overwhelming on a mobile device alone. But if you’re willing to put some time in it, Mint is the perfect app to help you get a hold of your finances.
