O/T: Nibbling on an Apple

Well, as much as I hate to admit it, I've taken a small step over
to the dark side: I've picked up an iPad Mini...

Like most Apple devices I've worked with, it seems this one does
nothing extraordinarily well, but it is rather
versatile.

I purchased the device thinking that it would be a nice, portable
audio recording / editing platform, giving me the ability to
record interviews and then do a bit of clean up work regardless
of my location. Ditto for video.

Unfortunately, the memory limitations on these portables leaves
them a bit lacking when it comes to working with large files, as
does the hardware used.

Obviously, I haven't had the opportunity to try each and every
app out there, but I picked up a copy of "Garage Band" and
another sound app ("Audio Memo") which seem to have a nice
sampling of features.

The major obstacle I've encountered is that, in spite of
recording in 16-bit linear PCM format, actual sound quality is
quite poor when compared to a comprably priced netbook / portable
digital recorder, which is most likely do to the tiny microphone
used in either the device or the Apple-built headset I
chose.

The end result is that large files quickly fill the limited
resources of the iPad without actually capturing a file that
could be considered broadcast quality.

Having said all that, I found to my rather great surprise that
the Mini makes up for these short-comings by completely
surpassing my expectations in the area of other
utilities.

For example, using "Siri," I am able to keep track of my
schedule, take notes, and communicate via email with an ease I've
not really dreamed possible...

Even more surprising is that the provided browser, in conjunction
with the voice over screen access system, makes it rather easy to
browse the net.

While it is more tricky to initially track down and click a link
(due to the strickter reliance on page layout / design), once one
gets a mental picture of the layout, one can navigate more
efficiently because one doesn't have to "click through"
(sometimes) hundreds of elements in order to get to the desired
control.

I also have to say that the little taps and swipes used to access
info and move around are niceley intuitive and easy to
master.

All in all, I have to say that I'm pleased with the iPad Mini,
not for what I purchased it for, but, rather, for the way it has
proven to help me with every day tasks I've been struggling with
for several decades.

Nice work, Apple.

Take Care,
Dudley