Article

How I replaced my notebook, camera, laptop, phone, and sketchbook

Topic: ProductivityPublished October 18, 2016

Legacy signals

Legacy popularity: 1,229 legacy views

It used to be that when I would travel, I would take along a journal to write, a sketchbook to draw, a laptop to work, a camera, and a small planner to keep in my bag. I had to remember to bring each thing, and to make sure they had enough clean pages to keep me going for a while. If my plans changed, I'd have to erase or cross out in the planner, and the limited space would sometimes be messy. These paper things would wear out and fade. All those are gone now, replaced by much less. I do carry a combination sketchbook/notebook to sketch and jot things down in ink. But now I just use my iPad Pro to do everything, even take photos. I love the big viewfinder (the whole screen). I take lots of videos. And selfies. I heard about how you can use tablets for art, and knowing that a tablet is like my smartphone with a tons of apps, I started looking online for a site that explains drawing tablets, and I found this one: http://www.tabletsforartists.com. Wow, there were a lot more choices than I had imagined. I picked the iPad Pro because I love my iPhone. And, the review said the iPad Pro is ideal for taking notes and drawing. Like many of us, I have side gigs going that I do with a good Internet connection. These require communication with the client at any time of the day or night and sometimes from different time zones. Because it's pressure-sensitive, the harder I press down, the darker line or color I get. I use apps that are versions of Photoshop and sketching and painting apps, and notetaking apps. So my writing looks like real writing. I can get a sketch done in very little time and make it look like watercolor, well, sorta. Photo editing is quick too. I can make fun little cards to send my family. I still use my cell phone, but I also make calls on the iPad Pro, where I can see faces close up. Since the tablet isn't good for texting, I still use the phone for that. When I do my editing of documents, I use the Apple Pencil as the old red pen. Then I can just email the work to the office. I can use any color and make any kind of tool. I use a new layer so I don't need to touch the original document. Of course, I can also open up the document and edit the typing. Plus, I can make a PDF out of it. It couldn't be more convenient. If I don't have Wi-fi, I use my cell phone Internet sharing.If you don't know about that, here's a place you can look. http://www.howtogeek.com/213329/how-to-share-your-smartphones-internet-connection-hotspots-and-tethering-explained/ In some instances a laptop is still best. It can do a lot more, but I don't always need that kind of multitasking. For shorter trips, the iPad really can replace my laptop. There is such a thing as laptops you can draw on, too, and maybe I will get one of those, for when I need to multi-multitask. But for now just having the tablet will do. Traveling just wouldn't be the same without it. I now even carry a smaller bag. My kids finally think I'm cool—well, almost. They were the ones who convinced me to get it. Watching Netflix is easy on it too. You just open the app. And I can order food or shop online. And buy plane and train tickets. The only thing it can't do is actually transport me from one place to the other, but I can do virtual meetings on it. Any tablet would do most of these things, but the drawing capabilities are really good on this one. I also like that it has a warm pink light, it takes out the

Further reading

Further Reading

4 total

Video

Strategies for achieving sustained focus and meaningful output in an age of constant interruption.

March 29, 2026

Article

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way people create and transform digital visuals. Among the most powerful developments in this field is the AI image generator from image , a technology that allows users to upload an existing picture and generate a completely new version while maintaining the core structure of the original image. This approach enables creators to explore new artistic styles, redesign scenes, and experiment with visual ideas faster than ever befor

March 9, 2026

Article

Introduction The solar industry is often described as a field full of opportunity. Demand grows as energy prices shift and environmental awareness increases. Many companies enter the market with strong technical knowledge and passionate teams. Yet growth does not always follow enthusiasm. A common and quiet challenge exists behind the scenes. Companies invest heavily in marketing, hire talented installers, and build impressive product lines, but still struggle to maintain con

February 9, 2026

Article

Introduction The solar industry is often described as a field full of opportunity. Demand grows as energy prices shift and environmental awareness increases. Many companies enter the market with strong technical knowledge and passionate teams. Yet growth does not always follow enthusiasm. A common and quiet challenge exists behind the scenes. Companies invest heavily in marketing, hire talented installers, and build impressive product lines, but still struggle to maintain con

February 9, 2026