How to get the most out of your new tablet in the new year

Started by BrandPoint, Jan 08, 2014, 11:31 AM

BrandPoint

(BPT) - Tablets are clearly today's hot tech device: shipments will reach 184 million units in 2013 alone, estimates Gartner, an information technology research company. If you don't already own a tablet, it's very possible you might receive an iPad, Kindle or Nexus as a holiday gift. Knowing a few tricks to get the most out of your new mobile device will ensure it helps streamline your life both at work and at home.

Software concerns and solutions:

The kingpin of tablets is, of course, the iPad. Most people use their tablets alongside their existing technology - so they complement each other and help make life simpler at home and on the go. If you have a Windows PC or a Mac at home, you might be concerned about if you can run programs you have on your home computer - like Word, Excel and PowerPoint - on your new tablet. Unfortunately, these and many other full-featured applications are not yet available on tablets.

Remote access and functionality:

Great news for iPad users is that today with Parallels Access for iPad (www.parallels.com/access) you can remotely access everything on your Mac or PC - including all of your full-featured applications such as Excel - and use native iPad gestures including tap, swipe, pinch and zoom, just like they were made for your iPad. You can even use Internet Explorer on your computer to watch Flash videos with sound via your iPad. No more waiting for the applications you already invested in to be available on the iPad - real mobile productivity is finally here. Now you can start leaving your computer at home or work and use your iPad to get more done on the go.

Did your daughter leave her homework on your home PC? Simply access your home computer from work with your iPad and email it to her teacher before today's deadline. Did your boss request a few last-minute changes to your PowerPoint presentation but you are out of the office and unable to get back before his deadline? Relax. Use your iPad to tap into your work computer to quickly make and send the changes before his important meeting. From executives to soccer moms, Parallels Access enhances your iPad's functionality so you can do what you need to easily and efficiently. Download a free trial of Parallels Access onto your iPad at the iTunes App Store.

Battery life:

Another main concern for tablet users is battery life. You may be surprised just how often you use your iPad for work and play, which means you'll be using up your battery quickly. It's important to learn how to conserve battery life so you're not tethered to an outlet constantly. Make it a habit to check the system's task manager and close unused apps - simply double click the iPad home button and you'll see the task bar displaying all open applications. Remember, even if you aren't interacting with apps, if they remain open after you close them, they still suck energy. Quitting unused apps running in the background is a simple way to extend your iPad's battery life.

Another way to conserve energy and boost battery life is to adjust the screen light intensity. It takes energy to light that beautiful iPad screen, so it's wise to adjust settings to as low as is comfortable without straining your eyes. Reducing your iPad from full-bright levels will help so you don't get a battery warning sooner than you'd like - simple click on the settings icon on the screen and adjust appropriately.

As more of the world goes mobile, tablets are here to stay. Use these tips to get the most out of your new iPad and enjoy the features and programs you love from all your technology devices.