IPad Testing - Day 1

First, let me warn you.  I am not writing this post using my IPad.  That should give you some idea how my testing is proceeding.  Don't get me wrong.  The IPad is fantastic for reading and entering data into simple forms.  I was able to download the NY Times, Washington Post and Solitaire apps. We can read the latestnews and play games on a sharp and easy to read screen. That is a great feature...but not exactly what you might want to use the IPad for in a work setting.

However, to actually write something is another story.

It all began last night when I decided to write this first report using the IPad.  I was able to log onto the blog, bring up the digital keypad and start the entry.  Then reality hit me.  This keypad is not my mother's typewriter.  I was formally trained eons ago in the touch typing method of the old mechanical typewriter (yes, they did once exist).  To keep your fingers placed on the QWERTY keypad-- a fundamental--causes the IPad to erupt in spurts of characters.  To effectively type, I had to hold my fingers off  the pad.  I couldn't "feel" my keys so I had to look at the keypad when I typed--a sin in the old school where your fingers learned their positions and you looked at your paper, not the typewriter keys. this gave me speed and accuracy over years of practice.  The digital keypad was designed for the the two fingers typing wizards.  I need retraining.

Realizing my limitations, I proceeded with the two (maybe three or four) finger method.  It made me type more slowly -- that turned out to be a good thing as I more carefully measured my words that poured from my head to my fingers and onto the screen.  I was error prone (fat finger prone) and had to edit without the benefit of my loyal and accurate point and click mouse.  First, I had to enlarge the screen.  To move the cursor requires that you touch the screen (duh, it is a touch screen) with just one finger to place the cursor. Not difficult and I succeeded in correcting, adding and deleting single words.

The IPad wants to help you.  That means it is always asking you "Select or Select All".  Select works fine.  The word you are working with is highlighted.  However, to "Select All" is very dangerous.  Once you figure out what and how to Select All, "Cut Copy" buttons display.  I picked "Copy", but it was "Cut" so my finished entry turned into a blank screen and I couldn't find a "Paste" command.  I had to start all over again.  You may ask, "Why didn't you just save the entry along the way?"  I tried that, but it seems that the IPad touch screen and Blogspot are not happy with each other.  It took three tries of pressing and holding the "Save" button.  By that time, I had mistakenly deleted the second article leaving another  empty screen.  "What happened to paste?"  I just don't know.

After two hours, I poured a whiskey, climbed out of the boat and walked the dock regain my sanity.   The IPad requires a few basic lessons for us ol' school folks.