University Communications

Apr 9, 2010

Will this be for here or to go?

Following the trend of my fellow bloggers, I am going to add my two-cents about the portability of the iPad. I must agree that the iPad does seem a bit "slippery," but overall, I think the iPad, which was designed for portable use, is quite portable. 

Apr 9, 2010

Kindle Killer! (What?)

In case you haven't heard, Amazon released an E-book reader called the Kindle in 2007. When the iPad was announced, certain news sources immediately dubbed it the "Kindle Killer." iPads are really, really cool, but the Kindle is a superior digital reading device. No contest. 

Apr 9, 2010

I’m already an Apps addict

It showed up! Are you surprised? I have to tell you, I kind of am. I received an onslaught of emails, gchats, and texts via my PunkBerry informing me my iPad was ready for pickup, and I immediately began to think of the possibilities. "I can charge my phone with the USB port! I can transfer files from my iPod to the iPad! I can look at my Design PowerPoints on it rather than print them out!" Sadly, none of those things happened. 

Apr 8, 2010

Mathematics Singled Out

The mathematics department received the 2010 American Mathematics Society Award for an exemplary program or achievement. 

Apr 8, 2010

Colby Wins Turner Award

Jack Colby, assistant vice chancellor for facilities operations, received the Frank B. Turner Award, given to a state employee who makes an outstanding professional contribution to the built environment. 

Apr 8, 2010

Great Chemistry

Incoming Chancellor Randy Woodson discusses everything from his plans for the university’s future to his passion for bluegrass. 

Apr 8, 2010

Roll Out the Research

Curiosity is brewing about whether hops, a key ingredient in beer, could be a viable crop in North Carolina. Researchers, growers and beer makers intend to find out. 

Apr 8, 2010

Test Drive

NCSU Libraries has long been a technology incubator for the university, helping students with budgets based around Ramen Noodles to have free access to the latest computing platforms, ebooks and multimedia gear. This week, we put iPads in the hands of five students, who agreed to blog about the gadget as they head to class, do their work, and surf the Web. 

Apr 8, 2010

Compare and Contrast

While a friend was going to class, I asked if I could test out their netbook, just to see what it was all about. He willingly gave it to me and said, "You'll love it!" So, here I am, typing this blog on this netbook, just to try it out – all while my iPad is sitting right next to me, taunting me. 

Apr 8, 2010

Written on an iPad

All in all, though, I'm impressed at how well the iPad seemed to work – until I tried to be productive in it by writing this entry. I'll see how the week progresses, but right now, it still feels like just an over-sized iPod. 

Apr 7, 2010

Class Notes and Games

The iPad will play YouTube videos, ABC videos and games, read the news and even show you the pages of a book. After all that, the iPad still won't do a very good job for notetaking. 

Apr 7, 2010

7 Thoughts after 24 Hours

I've had the iPad for a day now - here are seven thoughts ranging from the good to the 'What were they thinking!' 

Apr 7, 2010

iPad and its night on the town

So, I'm tired of using this iPad in the safety of the office. Seeing as it's Wednesday and there is not too much going on to corrupt the innocence of my new iPad, I'm going to Cafe Helios for a drink with a friend, and I'm bringing it along for the journey. I'm curious as to how the iPad stands up on the go. 

Apr 7, 2010

Waltz with the iPad

The iPad is heavier than it looks. Not a lot... it's Apple-product heavy. Sort of like the iPhone is a little bit heavier than you would think by glancing at it. It's also shiny. Very shiny. After I picked up "my" iPad at the library, I took a quick look at it in the Learning Commons. Minutes later, a couple of people were asking me where I got it, which model I chose, and a number of other questions I wasn't ready to answer. 

Apr 7, 2010

You only get one chance at a first impression…

...And the iPad had me hooked from the start! My first impression is a positive one, but over the next week, I'll certainly look to delve deeper – to explore the point of the iPad, how it can be beneficial and the purpose it serves, or can serve.