Four Reasons Facebook Needs an iPad App

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There is mounting speculation that a Facebook app for the iPad is imminent. Despite Mark Zuckerberg's assertion that the "iPad isn't mobile," the demand for a Facebook app and the success of alternative Facebook apps for the iPad suggest otherwise.

Here are four reasons that Facebook needs to recognize the iPad as a unique platform and develop an app for it:

1. Zuckerberg is wrong. The iPad is mobile. Yes, the Safari browser on the iPad is more capable than its iPhone equivalent, but the iPad--and every other tablet--is a mobile device. I don't have any complaints about navigating and working with the Facebook site on my PC, but the iPad is another story. The Facebook app on the iPhone is arguably one of the best apps available for the smartphone, and it makes working with Facebook on the go simple and intuitive.

2. Display. Granted, I can pinch and zoom, and resize Facebook to fit the iPad display in the Safari browser, but the Facebook iPhone app just fits the screen, and I would expect the same from a Facebook iPad app. The display is a fixed size, and Facebook should be able to deliver the content to fit on the iPad display without me sliding back and forth or pinching and zooming.

If the rumors are true, we may soon see a Facebook app like this on the iPad. 3. Photos. Facebook is one of the leading platforms for sharing photos online. This wasn't as big an issue with the original iPad because it lacked a camera, but now that you can snap pictures with your iPad, it would be nice to be able to easily post them to Facebook. The "Upload a Photo" option on the Facebook site expects to find a traditional file and folder structure to pull from, and doesn't work with the way photos are stored on the iPad. There is an option to upload via email, but choosing a photo from the library is a much more elegant method.

4. Checking In. Again, the iPad is mobile. That means, I take it with me when I go places. When I grab some lunch at a neighborhood restaurant, I'd like to be able to check in on Facebook Places. If there is a Facebook Deal available, I'd like to be able to take advantage of it. As the customer, I want Facebook to recognize the iPad is mobile so I can check in, and if I were the retailer, I would want Facebook to recognize the iPad is mobile so I am not ignoring potential customers with my Facebook Deals.

As a fan of the Facebook iPhone app and owner of an iPad, I am very hopeful that the current rumors are true. I have used a couple of the alternative Facebook apps on the iPad, and they are OK, but they don't really compare to the experience I have come to expect from the Facebook iPhone app.

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You can follow Tony on his Facebook page, or contact him by email at tony_bradley@pcworld.com. He also tweets as @TheTonyBradley.

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The Livescribe Digital Pen: Here Are 3 Reasons Why It Is The Best!

If you would like to learn more about the Livescribe Digital Pen then you've come to right place. Digital Pens in general, and the Livescribe Echo in particular has literally revolutionized the process of automating the note taking and delivery industry. It is on this subject that the following paragraphs are focused. After reading this article, the reader should have a better understanding of the value of Livescribe Digital Pens.

Writing Abilities

The Livescribe Echo has the same writing features as its predecessor models, along with most other digital pens on the market. They all have the ability to make written comments in more or less the same fashion, since they are built with the same underlying technology. However, there are some minor improvements included with the new Echo such as a smooth rubber grip that seems to be more comfortable. It also has a flat surface on one side in order to stop the pen from rolling off your table. In addition, the Echo offers expanded capacities; currently up to eight gig of flash memory.

Recording Abilities

The Echo has an interesting feature that (as far as we know) is unique. We refer to the ability to record audio information, store it within the device, and transfer it along with written information to your PC. With this feature, an enterprising student can record a lecture and never have to take any notes whatsoever. Likewise, a businessman can take a quick nap during a meeting and still come away with detailed notes of what transpired. How cool is that?

Transfer Abilities

The ability to effectively transfer data is where the true value of any product in this category will be found. The Livescribe Echo is unequaled in its ability to capture, store, and subsequently download all pertinent information so that it can be later examined, edited, and redistributed. These notes can be exported as PDFs, or as a doc file. Eventually, it is rumored that the iPad and iPhone will be able to play back these files, and add video as well if desired.

Conclusion

We are confident that this product will be a valuable asset to virtually anyone in the business community, as well as college students who are looking to improve their note-taking system. When set up properly, the Livescribe Echo can serve as a seamless interface to most business applications. In reality, it is virtually a fool-proof system in that the user only needs to know how to write on paper. We think it goes without saying that the Livescribe Digital Pen is a verifiable bargain for all of us.

To get a more complete picture, please click here: Digital Pen Reviews. Felix has gathered a wide range of resources to help you in choosing the digital pen that is best for you!