This is an absolutely brilliant post and there is something for everyone, even me!
50 really useful iPad tips and tricks an article by John Brandon and Graham Barlow from
MacLife on 30th March over at TechRadar. This could become your iPad manual from here on in.
50 really useful iPad tips and tricks an article by John Brandon and Graham Barlow from
MacLife on 30th March over at TechRadar. This could become your iPad manual from here on in.
iPad 2 tips and original iPad tips - get 'em here!
With great new features like two video cameras, a faster processor and a thinner design, the
iPad 2 is the world's best tablet device.
It's also fully capable of running the latest version of Apple's iOS operating system and great apps like
iMovie and GarageBand. Here we present 50 really useful iPad 2 tips. We cover everything from customising
your Home screen through to getting more from built-in apps like Mail and Safari. The vast majority of these
tips will also work on the original iPad, so owners of the first generation device shouldn't feel neglected.
For 50 more iPad tips, check out a new iPad app called 100 Tricks & Tips for iPad 2.
iMovie and GarageBand. Here we present 50 really useful iPad 2 tips. We cover everything from customising
your Home screen through to getting more from built-in apps like Mail and Safari. The vast majority of these
tips will also work on the original iPad, so owners of the first generation device shouldn't feel neglected.
For 50 more iPad tips, check out a new iPad app called 100 Tricks & Tips for iPad 2.
1. Create folders
iOS now supports folders. To create a folder all you need to do is tap and hold on an app until they all
start to jiggle, then drag the app over another icon and release. Your iPad will create a folder with both the
apps in. The folder will be named according to the category of the apps it contains, but you can rename it
as you like.
start to jiggle, then drag the app over another icon and release. Your iPad will create a folder with both the
apps in. The folder will be named according to the category of the apps it contains, but you can rename it
as you like.
2. Access all running apps
Double-clicking the Home button shows you all the apps that are running on your iPad in a bar along
the bottom of the screen. To switch to a running app just tap on it here in this bar. Just swipe the screen
downwards to remove this bar.
the bottom of the screen. To switch to a running app just tap on it here in this bar. Just swipe the screen
downwards to remove this bar.
3. Orientation Lock or Mute?
The internet got mightily upset when Orientation Lock was replaced with Mute on the iPad during the
last iOS update. Apple listened, and now you can head to Settings > General to choose between Lock
Rotation and Mute.
last iOS update. Apple listened, and now you can head to Settings > General to choose between Lock
Rotation and Mute.
4. Passcode Denied… DELETE ALL!
If you're carrying around sensitive data, you can now enable a feature that'll erase all the data on the
device if someone inputs the incorrect passcode 10 times. Navigate to Settings > General >
Passcode Lock > Erase Data.
device if someone inputs the incorrect passcode 10 times. Navigate to Settings > General >
Passcode Lock > Erase Data.
5. Home Sharing
First, turn on Home Sharing in iTunes (Advanced menu) and on your iPad (Settings > iPod and enter
your Apple ID). Next, launch the iPod app on your iPad. In the left column, find the little house with "Library"
next to it. Tap on that and then on one of the Shared Libraries. It might take a few minutes to update, but
then you can watch and listen to all of that Library's media on your iPad.
your Apple ID). Next, launch the iPod app on your iPad. In the left column, find the little house with "Library"
next to it. Tap on that and then on one of the Shared Libraries. It might take a few minutes to update, but
then you can watch and listen to all of that Library's media on your iPad.
6. Control iPad notifications
Have you ever played Tap Tap Revenge on the iPhone? Good, then you know how annoying notifications
can be. These messages pop up on the iPad as well. but you can control them. Go to Settings, Notifications,
and configure which alerts (and accompanying sounds) will appear.
can be. These messages pop up on the iPad as well. but you can control them. Go to Settings, Notifications,
and configure which alerts (and accompanying sounds) will appear.
7. Go VPN
The iPad supports a VPN connection. To configure it, go to Settings, then General > Network. Select
the VPN and move the slider to On, then add a VPN configuration with your server and account details.
the VPN and move the slider to On, then add a VPN configuration with your server and account details.
8. Stop asking to join Wi-Fi networks
If you're fed up of getting bugged by messages asking if you'd like to join this or that Wi- Fi network all
the time then head to Settings, Wi-Fi and turn off Ask to Join Networks. You can still join any network that
will have you from this same screen, it just won't bug you constantly when the opportunity arises.
the time then head to Settings, Wi-Fi and turn off Ask to Join Networks. You can still join any network that
will have you from this same screen, it just won't bug you constantly when the opportunity arises.
9. Turn battery percentage off
Do you find the battery charge percentage distracting? The good news is you can turn it off very easily.
Go to Settings, General, Usage and you can turn it off here.
Go to Settings, General, Usage and you can turn it off here.
10. Quick volume mute
When the iPad first launched, there was no dedicated mute button anywhere on the device. However,
with iOS 4.3 Apple has given you the choice of using the lock switch to mute the sound or lock the
iPad's orientation. Either way, a good tip for quickly muting your iPad is to press and hold the
Volume-down button.
with iOS 4.3 Apple has given you the choice of using the lock switch to mute the sound or lock the
iPad's orientation. Either way, a good tip for quickly muting your iPad is to press and hold the
Volume-down button.
11. Use an Apple keyboard
Missing a real keyboard? Any Apple Wireless Keyboard will work with the iPad. In fact, your iPad will
work with any Bluetooth keyboard. Some iPad cases have a keyboard built in, which can be handy.
work with any Bluetooth keyboard. Some iPad cases have a keyboard built in, which can be handy.
12. Connect to an HD TV
You can connect the iPad 2 to your HD television using Apple's new Digital AV Adapter (which connects
from your 30-pin Dock adaptor to a HDMI port) or a plain old Apple VGA Adaptor. Both are available
from the Apple Store. The iPad 2 supports video mirroring, so your entire Home screen will appear
on the TV, not just the videos you play.
from your 30-pin Dock adaptor to a HDMI port) or a plain old Apple VGA Adaptor. Both are available
from the Apple Store. The iPad 2 supports video mirroring, so your entire Home screen will appear
on the TV, not just the videos you play.
13. AirPlay: Stream movies, photos and music
Whenever you see the AirPlay icon on your iPad it means you can stream whatever media you're
viewing to your Apple TV, which is usually connected to your living room TV. All you need to do is
tap the AirPlay icon (which looks like a rectangle with a triangle in it) and it starts playing automatically -
it's so simple!
viewing to your Apple TV, which is usually connected to your living room TV. All you need to do is
tap the AirPlay icon (which looks like a rectangle with a triangle in it) and it starts playing automatically -
it's so simple!
14. Take an iPad screenshot
You can take a screenshot on your iPad by pressing Home and then the Sleep/Wake button. The
screen will flash and you'll hear a click, indicating that a photo has been taken. Your screen shots
are saved automatically in your Photos gallery. Here, you can view or email them as you see fit.
screen will flash and you'll hear a click, indicating that a photo has been taken. Your screen shots
are saved automatically in your Photos gallery. Here, you can view or email them as you see fit.
15. Avoid underpowered USB docks
The iPad does not charge when you connect it to some USB docks or even certain ports on some
notebooks. Instead, plug in to a high power USB port (check you computer's specs, or use a powered
USB dock). On some PCs, USB ports on the front of the computer are lower power, so you will need
to plug into one on the back.
notebooks. Instead, plug in to a high power USB port (check you computer's specs, or use a powered
USB dock). On some PCs, USB ports on the front of the computer are lower power, so you will need
to plug into one on the back.
16. Use Multitasking Gestures
Multitasking Gestures, which utilise four and five finger gestures, are available in Settings only to iPad
owners who have installed Xcode on a Mac. You need to buy Xcode from the Mac App Store ($5/£2.99)
and install it, then from the Xcode homescreen, select your iPad and click on the Use for Development
button. You'll be asked for your developer account details, but if you click on Cancel at this stage it still works.
owners who have installed Xcode on a Mac. You need to buy Xcode from the Mac App Store ($5/£2.99)
and install it, then from the Xcode homescreen, select your iPad and click on the Use for Development
button. You'll be asked for your developer account details, but if you click on Cancel at this stage it still works.
17. Restrict your Spotlight searches
Swipe left on the Home screen to reveal the Spotlight search. By default it searches everything
including songs in your iPod, podcasts, apps and events. To restrict the areas it searches, since
you may not want all these categories included, look in Settings > General > Spotlight Search.
including songs in your iPod, podcasts, apps and events. To restrict the areas it searches, since
you may not want all these categories included, look in Settings > General > Spotlight Search.
18. Add a Google Calendar
Want to add your Google Calendar to the iPad's Calendar app? No problem. In Settings open Mail,
Contacts, Calendars. Add an account and tap on Other. Tap on Add CalDAV Account and enter
your Google Account credentials (the Server is www.google.com). Exit the Settings app and tap
on the Calendar app and all your events should appear. By default all calendars are displayed,
but you can tap on the Calendars button to choose which ones are shown.
Contacts, Calendars. Add an account and tap on Other. Tap on Add CalDAV Account and enter
your Google Account credentials (the Server is www.google.com). Exit the Settings app and tap
on the Calendar app and all your events should appear. By default all calendars are displayed,
but you can tap on the Calendars button to choose which ones are shown.
19. Find My iPhone (or iPad) is now free
Apple's Find My iPad works for MobileMe subscribers, but you can set it up for free on your iPad.
In Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars tap the Add Account button and select MobileMe.
In Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars tap the Add Account button and select MobileMe.
If you have an iTunes or MobileMe account then enter it here. Alternatively, tap on Create Free
Apple ID. You may need to check your inbox and verify your account now. Return to the MobileMe
screen and switch on Find My iPad. Now sign into me.com to see your iPad on a map, or install
the Find My iPhone app from the App Store.
Apple ID. You may need to check your inbox and verify your account now. Return to the MobileMe
screen and switch on Find My iPad. Now sign into me.com to see your iPad on a map, or install
the Find My iPhone app from the App Store.
20. Use AirPrint
Thanks to AirPrint you can print right from your iPad, provided you've got a compatible printer, of course.
If you've got an AirPrint ready printer then you just choose Print from the Share menu for virtually any
open document. AirPrint works with the new range of printers from HP, and you can use a Mac app
called Printopia (www.ecamm.com) to print to any printer connected to a Mac.
If you've got an AirPrint ready printer then you just choose Print from the Share menu for virtually any
open document. AirPrint works with the new range of printers from HP, and you can use a Mac app
called Printopia (www.ecamm.com) to print to any printer connected to a Mac.
21. Use a Smart Cover
Apple's new iPad Smart Cover (from £35/$39) is a must have iPad accessory - it's not just a dumb cover.
When you draw it over the iPad's screen it puts it to sleep for you, and wakes it up when you open it. Also,
it latches onto special magnets built into the side of the iPad 2, so it's a perfect fit.
When you draw it over the iPad's screen it puts it to sleep for you, and wakes it up when you open it. Also,
it latches onto special magnets built into the side of the iPad 2, so it's a perfect fit.
22. Share from Pages
Transferring Pages documents from your iPad by syncing with iTunes on your Mac or PC is a real hassle.
It's much quicker to use the Share menu to email the finished document to wherever you need it to be.
Also, you can email it as a Word or PDF document if you like.
It's much quicker to use the Share menu to email the finished document to wherever you need it to be.
Also, you can email it as a Word or PDF document if you like.
23. Turn iPad caps lock on
To type a capital letter on the onscreen keyboard you first tap the left or right shift key, then the letter.
If you need to type a whole word in caps this can be painful. Save time typing in caps by turning the
caps lock on. To do this double tap on either shift key.
If you need to type a whole word in caps this can be painful. Save time typing in caps by turning the
caps lock on. To do this double tap on either shift key.
24. Copy and paste
You can quickly copy and paste text by tapping and holding down, and then choosing Select to select
the exact portion of text you'd like the copy. Next tap Copy, then go to a different app, and tap and hold
down again, then tap Paste from the menu that appears. Top tip: To select an entire paragraph of text
you need to tap four times.
the exact portion of text you'd like the copy. Next tap Copy, then go to a different app, and tap and hold
down again, then tap Paste from the menu that appears. Top tip: To select an entire paragraph of text
you need to tap four times.
25. Replace a word
When you hold down on a word to copy it, choose Select, then you will see a new option: Replace.
Tap this and, you can see suggestions for alternative words that have similar spellings. It's a good
way of quickly correcting typos.
Tap this and, you can see suggestions for alternative words that have similar spellings. It's a good
way of quickly correcting typos.
26. Hidden apostrophe key on the keyboard
This is a great tip for any app, such as Notes, Pages or Mail, that you type into using the iPad's
virtual keyboard. Rather than having to go to the second screen of the keyboard every time you
want to type an apostrophe (which is a real pain) just tap and hold on the ! key and a hidden
apostrophe option will appear - then just slide your finger up to access it.
virtual keyboard. Rather than having to go to the second screen of the keyboard every time you
want to type an apostrophe (which is a real pain) just tap and hold on the ! key and a hidden
apostrophe option will appear - then just slide your finger up to access it.
27. Quick quotes
You don't have to move the iPad's second keyboard screen to enter a quotation mark either.
Simply tap and hold over the ? key and a quotation symbol appears, which you can select by
moving your finger upwards.
Simply tap and hold over the ? key and a quotation symbol appears, which you can select by
moving your finger upwards.
28. Add a full stop
Another great keyboard tip for typing in apps such as Pages, Notes or Mail is to doubletap the
space bar at the end of a sentence. This adds a full stop and a space for you, which can be
enormously time-saving when you're writing long articles.
space bar at the end of a sentence. This adds a full stop and a space for you, which can be
enormously time-saving when you're writing long articles.
29. Dim your iBooks
You can lower the brightness setting down to a low level using the Brightness option under Settings.
But the iBooks app has its own brightness slider, which you can use to lower the level down more
conveniently.
But the iBooks app has its own brightness slider, which you can use to lower the level down more
conveniently.
30. Change days
There's no way to swipe to change between days in the Calendar app, but don't forget the navigation bar
along the bottom of the screen - this can be used to switch to different days (or weeks/months, depending
on the view you've chosen). The current day is always shown in blue, or you can just tap the Today button
to return to the current day.
along the bottom of the screen - this can be used to switch to different days (or weeks/months, depending
on the view you've chosen). The current day is always shown in blue, or you can just tap the Today button
to return to the current day.
31. Street View in Maps
The Maps app running Google's Street View is one of the coolest features of the iPad, yet accessing
it is so confusing few people even know it's there. To access Street View you need to have dropped
a red pin on the map (which happens when you do a search). You then tap the red and white icon
of a person to enter Street View.
it is so confusing few people even know it's there. To access Street View you need to have dropped
a red pin on the map (which happens when you do a search). You then tap the red and white icon
of a person to enter Street View.
32. Directions in Maps
There's no free sat nav for the iPad, but directions in Maps are a substitute if you're walking, driving or
taking the bus. Just tap Directions on the top left of Maps and the iPad even works out where you are
right now, then takes you step-by-step through each stage of your journey.
taking the bus. Just tap Directions on the top left of Maps and the iPad even works out where you are
right now, then takes you step-by-step through each stage of your journey.
33. Display PDFs
There are two ways to display PDFs on your iPad: you can either email them to your iPad, in which
case you get an Open in iBooks button appear, or you can sync PDFs from your Mac or PC via the
Books tab in iTunes. To do this just drag and drop the PDF into iTunes, then when you sync your iPad
click on the Books tab and select the PDFs you'd like to sync. In iBooks you click on PDFs in your library
to see the PDFs you have ready to display.
case you get an Open in iBooks button appear, or you can sync PDFs from your Mac or PC via the
Books tab in iTunes. To do this just drag and drop the PDF into iTunes, then when you sync your iPad
click on the Books tab and select the PDFs you'd like to sync. In iBooks you click on PDFs in your library
to see the PDFs you have ready to display.
34. Camera focus and meter
In the Camera app, tap on your subject to both focus on and meter the light properly. In this shot, notice
how the chair is dark and the boy outside is properly metered. You can reverse that by simply tapping
on the chair.
how the chair is dark and the boy outside is properly metered. You can reverse that by simply tapping
on the chair.
35. Get a grip
You'll probably hold the iPad by its sides, but it'll rotate to put the shutter button at the bottom, making
you wobble when you reach for it. So use the orientation lock to put the shutter where you can easily
thumb it, then just rotate your images or videos afterward in an image editor.
you wobble when you reach for it. So use the orientation lock to put the shutter where you can easily
thumb it, then just rotate your images or videos afterward in an image editor.
36. Take charge in FaceTime
Once you've started a video call, you can move the picture-in-picture window that shows you by simply
dragging it around with your finger.
dragging it around with your finger.
37. Photo Booth fun
Sure, you're great, but Photo Booth is even more fun if you point it at friends or family. Simply tap the
'twirly camera' icon in the bottom right. to use the camera on the back You can also snap stills by hitting
the shutter button, but Photo Booth doesn't do video.
'twirly camera' icon in the bottom right. to use the camera on the back You can also snap stills by hitting
the shutter button, but Photo Booth doesn't do video.
38. Download photos straight from your camera to your iPad
You can't plug an SD card from a digital camera straight into your iPad to view the photos, but you can
purchase the iPad Camera Connection kit from Apple. With this device attached you can transfer photos
straight from your camera's memory card. Get it from the Apple Store online.
purchase the iPad Camera Connection kit from Apple. With this device attached you can transfer photos
straight from your camera's memory card. Get it from the Apple Store online.
39. Quicker websites
Save time typing web addresses in Safari by using the iPad's ".com" key when typing in a URL. A
little-known timesaver is that if you hold down the .com key you get access to a menu that offers a
.co.uk and other options too.
little-known timesaver is that if you hold down the .com key you get access to a menu that offers a
.co.uk and other options too.
40. Quick Safari scroll
You can jump up to the top of any web site - indeed any list - by tapping on the top of the title window.
It's much faster than scrolling by hand.
It's much faster than scrolling by hand.
41. Zoom in on websites
You can zoom in on any website by pinching out with two fingers on the screen. This also makes it
easier to select words and tap links. To zoom out again, just pinch in with two fingers. Double-tap on
any text or image to auto-zoom so it fills the screen.
easier to select words and tap links. To zoom out again, just pinch in with two fingers. Double-tap on
any text or image to auto-zoom so it fills the screen.
42. Turn on Bookmarks bar in Safari
We all know you can tap the bookmarks icon in the Safari toolbar to access your bookmarks, but you can
significantly cut down the number of taps it takes to get to them by turning on your Safari Bookmarks Bar
permanently. In the Settings app, tap Safari, then turn Always Show Bookmarks Bar to ON.
significantly cut down the number of taps it takes to get to them by turning on your Safari Bookmarks Bar
permanently. In the Settings app, tap Safari, then turn Always Show Bookmarks Bar to ON.
43. Clear browsing history in Safari
Need to cover your tracks online? You can delete your Safari browser history in a flash. Just open the
Settings app, then tap Safari and tap on Clear History. Note you can also wipe your Cookies and clear
your Cache here too.
Settings app, then tap Safari and tap on Clear History. Note you can also wipe your Cookies and clear
your Cache here too.
44. Open Safari links in a new page
You can open links in a new Safari window, rather than always opening them in the current one. Just tap
and hold on the link and a pop-over menu appears giving you the option to open the link in a new page.
and hold on the link and a pop-over menu appears giving you the option to open the link in a new page.
45. Find text on a page
You can search for a particular word on an open page in Safari. Type your word into the Google search box.
You'll see a list of suggestions appear, and near the bottom you'll see "On This Page", showing how many
times that word appears on the page. Tap the Find option to go to the first instance of the word.
You'll see a list of suggestions appear, and near the bottom you'll see "On This Page", showing how many
times that word appears on the page. Tap the Find option to go to the first instance of the word.
46. Turn off iPad email alert chimes
You can turn off the chime for new emails. Go to Settings, then General, then Sounds and turn off the
New Mail sound. You can also adjust sound levels here.
New Mail sound. You can also adjust sound levels here.
47. Preview more of your emails
The iPad's Mail app defaults to previewing two lines of each email before you tap on it. Sometimes
however it would be handier to be able to see more of an email before loading the whole thing in,
especially if you are on a slow connection. To do this open the Settings app, then tap on Mail,
Contacts, Calendars and change the Preview options to add more lines.
however it would be handier to be able to see more of an email before loading the whole thing in,
especially if you are on a slow connection. To do this open the Settings app, then tap on Mail,
Contacts, Calendars and change the Preview options to add more lines.
48. Turn off iPad push mail
Most mail accounts default to Push as a delivery mechanism, if available. This automatically 'pushes'
any new emails your way as soon as they are available. If you find this annoying or distracting you can
set your Mail accounts to check for new messages at intervals, or manually so they only check for new
messages when you tap the Refresh button. To turn off Push, select the Settings app and Mail, Contacts,
Calendars and choose Fetch New Data, then turn Push on or off.
any new emails your way as soon as they are available. If you find this annoying or distracting you can
set your Mail accounts to check for new messages at intervals, or manually so they only check for new
messages when you tap the Refresh button. To turn off Push, select the Settings app and Mail, Contacts,
Calendars and choose Fetch New Data, then turn Push on or off.
49. Make an iPad backup
If you want to make sure your iPad's data is properly backed up then you can force iTunes to back it up.
When you're conencted to your Mac or PC, open up iTunes and right-click on your iPad in the Devices list
and select Back up.
When you're conencted to your Mac or PC, open up iTunes and right-click on your iPad in the Devices list
and select Back up.
50. iPad is flat and won't charge
If your iPad battery is completely flat then it can take a while for the red battery symbol to appear when
you plug it in to charge, indicating that it is charging. Don't panic, just leave it plugged in and wait - the
charging symbol will appear eventually.
you plug it in to charge, indicating that it is charging. Don't panic, just leave it plugged in and wait - the
charging symbol will appear eventually.
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