You can insert graphic shapes, images or photos - and resize them or move them about the page. It can format for outlines, lists and multiple columns. Of course, it handles all the basic text formatting options (bold, italics, font sizes, paragraph alignments, etc). It’s about as close to a Mac-like page-layout program as currently exists for the iPad. Actually, it’s more than a word-processor. Apple’s Pages is a great iOS word processor. The time to decide had now come.Īfter working my way through all of my old text apps, plus a few new ones I added along the way, I came to my decision. But I had never decided which one(s) would be my main go-to choices. I had fiddled with each one at one time or another. My next decision was the more difficult one: Which word/text processing app(s) would I mainly use? The problem was that I had acquired over two dozen text processing apps since getting my first iPad. Still, it’s great for casual initial entry of text. Finally, when you get to the point of editing and revising already entered text, dictation is almost useless. Second, if you frequently pause and correct yourself, it doesn’t work well. First, it only works when you have an Internet connection and a relatively quiet environment (and one not too public you don’t want your talk to disturb others nearby). However, it is far from a substitute for typing. It’s amazingly accurate, and I do intend to use it. Even with an external keyboard, I can access it when desired (the ZAGG has a button to bring up the virtual keyboard). I have a third-generation iPad, which means I can use iOS 5’s dictation feature - via the microphone key on the virtual keyboard. And the setup is impractical in numerous situations, such as when I want to type with the iPad on my lap. I don’t want the hassle of three separate components to carry around and set up. I never much liked my prior arrangement: an Apple Bluetooth keyboard and separate stand for the iPad.

It’s done well in my “pre-flight tests.” The main downside is that, when I don’t need the keyboard, the case gets in the way and I often wind up removing the iPad from it. I’m taking along an external keyboard: a ZAGGfolio iPad case. I won’t be depending on the iPad’s virtual keyboard. As I prepare to leave for a two-week vacation - with my iPad and no MacBook - my main concern is about how best to use the iPad as a word processor. Not just for brief notes or email, but for tasks that require extended typing. I’ve been in this situation before - but it’s time for me to re-evaluate. You’re going to have to depend on your iPad for everything. Or maybe you have both a MacBook and an iPad, but you’re going on a trip where you would rather leave your MacBook at home. Maybe you don’t own a MacBook and the iPad is your only option. Here’s the setup: You’re ready to use your iPad as your sole mobile device.

Apple word processor name