Zoe ,'The Train Job'
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meara,
get the regular ipad. it isn't really too big (IMO) and there are really nice keyboard attachments that meld with the ipad and are full size for my hands (and I have big hands).
there are really nice cases and carriers for the ipad and not for nothing, but I also use the mac bluetooth keyboard for the ipad if I really am power typing.
Google + Hangout?I use it pretty regularly for meetings, and I've seen a fair number of podcasts that have switched over from other thingies because it's really easy and painless compared to a lot of the options that existed before (and unlike Skype it allows for group video chats without paid accounts). Super easy.
I'm assuming they're setting it all up, in which case you'll get pinged in chat or they'll send you a link and clicking it to join is all you need to do. If you were the one setting up the hangout, first of all, BAD HUFFPO NO BISCUIT THIS IS NOT HOW WE TREAT GUESTS, but after that, it's a matter of going to google plus and clicking "hangouts".
I second all of dcp's tips for video quality -- some thought to lighting and a decent headset or mic will make a huge difference over room light and whatever's built in to your laptop. But that's all true no matter which provider you use.
Cool. I'm going to test out the mic I have to make sure everything is still okay, and I've figured out the best place to put the laptop so there's good lighting, a decent angle, and a plain background.
Jilli, if you want to test it out later I could hang out with you briefly. I use it all the time for the online class I teach and with my brother. I will be available from 7:30 to 8:30 central time or so. Send me an email at profile Addy with info if you want to try it.
It's pretty easy but you should probably try it once to make sure all the plug-ins and stuff you need are installed.
Since I got the iPad mini, the full-sized iPad stays on the refrigerator. The smaller size is just so much easier to tote around. Caveat - my full-sized iPad is first generation, so not a retina screen and probably thicker than newer models, both of which no doubt affect usability.
Your roommate definitely should wait a month for the new iPad models to come out.
except, they probably will be considerably cheaper than the new models
After the new iPad models come out, the current generation will probably drop in price. Either way, I'd wait.
Agreed.
ita let me know what stylus functions you fall in love with. I haven't used it for much beyond writing things in Lecture notes (a pretty amazing app itself) If you root the device (no need to install anything custom just a simple root) then GMD SPen Control will probably give you significantly more options on pen gestures - essentially full customkzability to do whatever you want, especially if you use it to launch tasker tasks. I think I might take more advantage of that with a tablet form factor.
Styli are neat but not worth two posts.