How Could the iPad Be Used as a Tool for Blogging?

The iPad is Apple’s latest multipurpose, multimedia device.  In a very short time, it has taken the tablet market by storm, shipping out millions of units per month.  Slowly but surely, the device is proving its worth as a tool that is ideal for email, web browsing, and many other common tasks.  So is the iPad suitable for bloggers?  Definitely, and here are some ways it can be used to blog more effectively: 

If you plan to do some blogging on your new toy, one component you need to make yourself familiar with is the keyboard.  Built into the device, this feature isn’t as annoying as it may seem.  In fact, using it in landscape position can come in handy when you need to type up short drafts, or notes you may want to add to your post.  Even if you have trouble fitting your fingers on the keys, the spelling correction and automatic text expansion features can save the day for the most helpless typists.  The built-in keyboard is definitely serviceable, but a wireless version is the way to go for the dedicated blogger.  While Apple has its own version, similar products can be obtained from other manufacturers as well.  The best wireless keyboards are small in size, super-responsive, and perfectly fit for blogging on the iPad. 

The Apple App Store is loaded with text editing applications that can be used for creating and editing drafts.  Applications such as MyWritingNook and SimpleNote are two options that come to mind as they both work well for drafting purposes.  Both of these programs are also compatible with TextExpander, a text completion application that is available for the Apple iPad and iPhone.  These apps may not be ideal for all bloggers, but can be extremely useful for those who prefer to do their drafting and editing away from the desk. 

If text editing apps don’t sound interesting, a good blogging app would be the next best thing.  The WordPress app is currently the most popular application in this category.  Though a condensed, limited version of the web-based platform, this app offers a comprehensive view, along with a comfy, nice sized area for editing.  It also includes basic features such as the ability to create, delete and edit your posts, allow comments, and more.  The WordPress app is great, but it is just one of several available to help you make the most of your blogging experience on the iPad. 

The iPad can indeed be a capable blogging tool, but it does have its limitations.  At the moment, tasks such as adding links, images, and quotes cannot be performed.  The lack of multitasking is another limitation that could result in issues for bloggers.  Such shortcomings can be somewhat mitigated by utilizing other programs, but there is only so much these applications can overcome. So while the iPad can be useful for blogging, there are still some improvements that need to be made before it becomes a tool the blogosphere can rely on.