The iPad is my primary work device now and my Macbook has been relegated to back-up and for blogging. As a consultant, I do a lot of presentations and public speaking and the iPad has made my job a whole lot easier and much more fun! I have a lot of friends who are also into public speaking and I often get asked about how I use the iPad for my work. This article will just share with everyone how I use the iPad for presentations.
Keynote ($9.99 USD)
I make at least 5 presentations a week. I used to be a PowerPoint user but lugging around a laptop and constantly worrying about charge, the heavy bag, and the hassle was the main reason why I really tried to migrate from the laptop to the iPad. For the iPad I use Keynote (Apple’s version of PowerPoint).
Creating, Importing, and Exporting Presentations
The initial Keynote version for the iPad was practically useless. It’s a good thing Apple listens to their customers because the last two updates almost eliminated all the problems and bugs that the first version had. At the start it was hard importing presentations from my Macbook to the iPad. The font would change and the themes weren’t supported by the iPad. This isn’t the case anymore though as importing and exporting is almost seamless with the new Keynote.
Creating presentations on the iPad is a completely different experience compared to doing it on the Macbook. With the iPad you use your hands and fingers to position text, photos, and add animations! It’s a fun way to work. 
If you plan on creating your presentations on the iPad, I strongly recommend that you create an album on iPhoto which has your most used photos and images. Since the iPad doesn’t have multi-tasking yet, you’ll have a hard time opening and closing Keynote, Safari, and Photos.
To those who prefer PowerPoint, you can import and export PowerPoint presentations in Keynote for the iPad but there are often formatting problems after.
Delivering Presentations
You can deliver presentations in two ways. The first is to directly project the Keynote via the VGA Adapter connected to a projector. To move slides you’ll just have to tap the iPad to go forward or back. If you press down on the screen a red pointer will appear on the projected image. My main concern with this method is that you don’t get to see Presenter Notes which is a must for a lot of public speakers. However if you’re comfortable doing your lecture without it, then this is a good method for you.
The second way is to use Keynote Remote (iPhone App). Basically you link the iPad and your Macbook with the loaded presentation. You then turn on the app and the screen of the iPad turns into a remote control for the presentation on the Mac. You’ll be able to see Presenter Notes as well as the option to see the next slide.
iThoughtsHD ($9.99 USD)
To create presentations I usually do brainstorming and outlining through mind mapping. It’s the best way for me to organize my thoughts and ideas into a coherent body of work. My current favorite mind-mapping app right now for the iPad is iThoughtsHD. It’s an easy-to-use and customizable mind-mapping application which will allow you to export mind maps to pictures or images. Here’s a link for more info on iThoughtsHD.
And that’s it for now. I’ll write more about iPad work applications in the coming weeks.
Cool post, Carlo! I think the best piece of advice is the iPhoto album. Makes sense if you think about it, especially when you insert images in Keynote.
Nakiki-react lang even though I don’t have an iPad. Para I can join a raffle. Mwehehe.
May raffle? O.o hahaha if you’re raffling your iPad cocomment na ako araw-araw! hahahah!
Cool article, and that made me water for an iPad…but I’ll wait for the Blackberry Tablet.
Thanks for sharing this tip. Will download the iphone app.
I created an app to fill the gaps of wanting to see what is on my ipad screen while presenting, and also having a remote control.
Point App
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/point/id401175425?mt=8
Feature Highlights:
* Import photos from your iPad photo library, including slides in JPEG
* Rearrange the order of your slides on the fly
* Display your current slide on the iPad screen while it is connected to a projector or external monitor
* Remote control your slides with the Control Point app for the iPhone and iPod touch
* Remote control your iPad volume with the Control Point app for the iPhone and iPod touch
* 10-hour iPad battery life with WiFi & 3G switched off.
* 18-hour iPhone battery life with WiFi & 3G switched off.