A bleg about tools and toys and software

Hello, all --

So, like many people, I'm thinking about eventually getting an iPad. I have been at a couple of conferences lately and just think it would be so much easier not to lug a full-sized computer around when I travel. I'd really like it to be usable even for extended trips -- for example, is it enough computer to take to the UK for six weeks? Or would I need to take my macbook, but still only carry the iPad to the BL to work? (and of course I now need to check and find out if the stories of abused iPad manufacturing workers in China are true...

No, I can't really afford one, but we can use our research allotment towards it, which I think would be better than trying to justify one on my taxes. Far easier to explain why I need professional memberships and journals.

Anyway, so the first questions are:

Is it really a good tool?
How much memory is the minimum I need?
How much can it replace my heavier computer?


But also... and these are more important questions:

Can I use it to duplicate my current workflow?

Can I use it to re-create the workflow I want?


Because here is the thing -- I like to take notes by hand, but I like the organization of programs like zotero. Zotero only runs with Firefox, which I can use on a mac, but not on an iPad. Sente seems to do much of the same, so that's a possibility on the organizational end.

But what I would love to do, and what would absolutely sell me on an iPad, is to be able to take notes on the iPad with a stylus (no problems with bringing pens into the BL!!) and then drag them into the note management software. It's clear that scrivener will not be available, but Apple has at least made a version of Pages for the iPad, so writing can be done -- but the research still has to be somewhere.

So people, what do you think? Is it possible to do what I want? What software do you recommend?

Computer Bag Update

Computer Bag Update

Ok, here are some options, for those of you who are interested ...


This Tom Bihn messenger bag

This Pinder bag in chocolate with the matching sleeve -- which I like, because it's big enough to carry stuff, and doesn't look too computer-case-y, but OTOH, I don't know how comfortable I'd find the straps, because I usually carry bags on my shoulder...

This Timbuk2 bag, which is a little bigger than I'd like, and I'm iffy on the colours ...


this other Timbuk2 bag, but the colours are a bit much for me -- can't argue with the price, though

I really like this, but am not at all sure I want a backpack -- opinions?


This, in black

This Sumdex one in green or brown


What do you think, oh lazywebs?