13" Mac Book Pro and iPhone4 Hotspot

The relatively new hotspot function that was added with IOS4.3 on the iPhone has made the 13" Mac Book Pro and my iPhone4 perfect traveling companions, with one exception.  Lets focus on the good first.

For me, the hotspot function on my iPhone has sealed the deal with utilizing the laptop over the iPad2.  With my secure connection I'm up and running in no time while traveling.  While I'm not an everyday rail commuter, I did recently travel to the big city and found myself on a few rails utilizing my laptop and iPhone.

I find the little 13" Mac Book Pro the perfect travel size.  Its small enough for any of my briefcases or backpacks, with plenty of room left over for paperwork and accessories.  Up until the hotspot option, I had to rely on an air card.  I don't consider myself lazy, but it used to drive me crazy having to start up the computer, then plug in the air card, then after it loaded, click connect etc etc.  That is the old way now.  I've streamlined everything and I'm practically going instantly with the hotspot on my side at all times.

The one exception I mentioned above is when collaborating on projects on the road where I need to talk on the phone and utilizing Google Docs online; Houston we have a problem. Maybe one of these days I'll be more comfortable with Google Talk and that will solved the problem.  For now though I will find hotspots like Starbucks to utilize both the phone and computer at the same time.  

Blogging on the Go? Use your cell.

"Using the iPhone to blog." was posted from my iPhone4. But can it be successfully incorporated in the business? I think so, but not in the traditional sense; but  I'll have to get back to you, as this is a work in progress.

iPad2 is Great, But...

Well,  I finally got around to testing and utilizing the iPad2. I've now used it on the road, plane, and one foreign country.  I tried it as a replacement to my laptop while on the road, a business tool, a means of entertainment, and reader.  I can say it looks cool and makes me even look like a cool techie (okay maybe not that cool).

If you think you are concerned with breaking the glass on your iPhone, just imagine worrying about the iPad screen.  I had hoped that Apple was going with the gorilla glass we had seen so much about the last couple of years.  I did like the new case/stand/cover that Apple came up with, but when spending that kind of dough, I only trust OtterBox. No, they have never given me anything, but their cases have protected my and the family's iphones; and their warrant is outstanding.

With all of the above considered, for me, the iPad2 makes a great net book replacement.  The price is competitive, the picture is wonderful, Netflix is great with it, etc.  I really enjoyed the entertainment aspect, especially watching Netflix over the free wifi while staying in hotels.

There always has to be a "but" and here it is. I can say that while it is fast, convenient, and easy to use, it is not a replacement for my Mac Book Pro while on the go.  As a matter of fact, having an iPhone4 in conjunction with my 13" Pro is actually easier to travel with while conducting business.  This became even more the fact with the iPhones ability to become a hot spot (but thats a later story).  Over the course of my testing, I found myself in need of my laptop more often than not; and when I didn't need my laptop, the iPhone would have worked just as well as the iPad.

I enjoyed the experience, but the iPad2 was not a keeper for me.