OK, I have been quite slack in posting so I got  a lot of catching up to do. One of most active post was when I reviewed the iPad when they first came out. Well I decided to address the long term review. I ordered my iPad when they first came out in April 2010. Yes, I still have it!

I have had the iPad for about a year and a half. It still works great and I use it everyday. Has it always been perfect? No! Some of the updates sucked. The current IOS5 update has messed up my Safari browser and caused me a few headaches. Some of my apps did not keep up and now are playing catch up to be able to function properly. I had a couple of times when I had to do a reboot to fix problems. The 3G did not always work like it should. So your question is, do I still recommend the iPad?

I am the biggest cheerleader for the iPad. I have gotten many hours of fun, used it for many business purposes, used it when I did not have Internet at home, and much more. I do not believe in the whole time I have owned it, there has been a single day when I have not used the iPad. I travel with it, it is the first thing I check my Internet with in the morning, and I use it during my TV watching. I was told to wait to buy it until they added new features. I f I did, I would have missed out of all the fun and use since I bought it. Is the new iPad2 a little fancier? Yep! However, I have no desire to replace my old iPad. The camera is cool but I have so many cameras; one my phone, one my computer, and two digital cameras.  Do I really need another one. Not really! Most of the other features are of no use for me to spend the additional funds to update to a new one.

For those of you who have rode the fence about getting an iPad, I still highly recommend it of you can afford it. I do most of my internet browsing on the iPad. I can read books, watch videos (you tube, Netflix, and more), and play tons of cool games. I am cheap as a rule and I have spent less than $25 in apps. Most of what I want can be had for free or really cheap. Yes the iPad is costly and no it is not a need but if want one, you will not regret it. I had minor quirks but nothing that ever makes me regret my purchase.

Please feel free to share your iPad experience. Very curious to here from those who upgraded from iPad one to iPad two.

I have read tons of reviews about the Ipad. The problem is, many of the reviews come from people who do not own one or that have never even used one. This review is an honest review from someone who owns one hand has used it for over a month.

I received my Ipad on April 30, 2010. As I opened the package, I was still wondering of I made the right decision in spending the $858 for the 32G 3G Ipad. I am cheap and this was a huge expense and I had buyers remorse as I was unwrapping the package and preparing to sync up with my computer.

I have to say, the remorse was gone quickly after I started using the Ipad. I wake to the Ipad and I go to bed with the Ipad. This has almost replaced my PC for everything I do. I take it almost everywhere I go and with the 3G network, I am hardly every out of range of the Internet.

First, lets talk about the 3G service from AT&T. I chose to go with the $14.99 plan which gives me 250 MB of service for a month. This has supplied me with more than enough to check email, check Facebook, and play a few games on the go. This service is with no contract and you can change it at anytime. When you sign up, you sign up for automatic renewal but you can change before the plan ends and it will cancel or change plans. They use to have unlimited for $30 a month but I just noticed that the plans has changed to 2G for $25. I am guessing that too many people were watching videos on YouTube and using a lot of data. I save the videos for when I am hooked to WiFi. The Ipad will pick up a WiFi service and use that first unless you tell it otherwise. Many places have free WiFi and with either plan, you get free WiFi at any AT&T hot spot even if it normally cost money. I do not use the 3G a ton but I still think the original cost upgrade and the monthly fee is worth having it when I need it.

The next thing I want to talk about is the book reading. I have found this one of the coolest features on the Ipad. There are so many readers that my head spins. The main two I use are iBooks and Kindle. These offer tons of free books and you can also purchase new releases of top selling books. Most of the free books are classics or old titles but there are still many to choose from. I have loaded a bunch of books and find reading a joy on the Ipad. It is much easier to carry than a bunch of books. There are also many PDF apps that work great to download free eBooks. All together, there are access to thousands of books for free even if you never want to buy one.

The overall choices for apps was a bit limited when I first received my Ipad. Many of them were iPod apps that needed to be enlarged to use on the Ipad, However, more and more apps have updated or been created just for Ipads. If you are not careful, you could spend a ton of money on apps. I spend very little because there are always free apps that meet my needs or I watch for them when they go on sale for free as a promotion. Yes, there is a app for that too. I have a couple of apps that keep track of apps when they change to free so I can grab them. I check daily and grab what I want.

Gaming on the Ipad is a whole new experience. I have many games and they are fun and I could play for hours. My favorite is Bejeweled 2. Though they have not made a Ipad version yet, it works just fine expanded from the iPod version. This was one that I did purchase for $3 and it was worth the money. Many other games I have downloaded for free and I can always find something fun to play. Again, one could spend toms of money to get all the coolest games. However, I am happy with a few good ones.

Business use is another thing that I use my Ipad for. I use it to check my emails, type up short notes, and text those I need to contact for work. There are many apps that are designed to help with business needs. I have downloaded a few for free and I plan to purchase a few in the future. Apple offers their equivalent to Microsoft Office for $9.99 per app for a total of $30 for the three main ones. I plan to purchase Pages, the word type program, sometime this summer., The other two, I do not need so I will save money on those. My understanding is that you can save in work and transfer the document to your computer for printing. I just bought a wireless printer and I am going to work on figuring out how to print to the printer from the Ipad. I know there is a way but I have not had time to even hook up my printer so I will have to figure that out.

Emailing is a breeze with the Ipad. It is easy to read, reply, delete, or create. The built in email app offers multiple accounts to set up web based email from all major services. There are also separate apps for Gmail and others but I like the built in app best. I find it quick to check all my emails in the morning while getting ready for work. It saves me time from having to start the computer and I can carry the Ipad wherever I am getting ready, Yes, even the toilet.

I have always wanted to journal but hated keeping track of a journal. With the Ipad, I have added an app that lets me have a password protected journal that is fun to write in and I can even back up on my computer through the iTunes software. This was one of the other app that I sprung a little money for. This was well worth the money and I enjoy using this almost daily.

Another thing I do with the Ipad is watch videos. I love to sit and watch You Tube videos and they play nicely and are easy to load. The app is already loaded on the Ipad and it is easy to use with very little hangups. The other videos you can watch are Netflix, To do this, you must have an account with them that offers unlimited online movies. The movies play great and will be great when I start to travel more this summer. You can also check your account and update you queue for Netflix right from the Ipad.

Mapping on the go is one of the cool features that the Ipad offers. It has built in GPS locator that allows you to map from anywhere you are at. This is great when you are travelling to a new area and need to find a hotel or another location. This even picks up my house which is normally not shown when I use online mapping services. Since I normally carry my Ipad with me, I can always check for directions and I can use the yellow book app to find local diners or other attractions. I am never out of touch with the Ipad with me.

The Ipad comes with a built in microphone and offers a voice over which will speak everything on the Ipad. This feature is cool but if you fail to read the directions in the online Ipad manual, you could have some grief from this feature. I turned it on to try it out and I swiped the screen and lost my display. I could not figure out how to get the display back and stress set in. I researched online and could not find any answers. I finally found set up on the Ipad using the voice and touching around and was able to shut off voice over. This restored  my display and I laster found the reason in the manual. It seems if you swipe with three fingers, you can turn off the display and do the same to turn it back on. I did not like the fear that my Ipad was damaged so I have not used voice over since.

The sound quality is great on the Ipad and it is quite loud without any additional speakers or headphones. I have watched many videos and heard everything clearly. The volume can be adjusted on the side of the Ipad or on screen. The display rotates on all directions and can be locked in any position. This is an improvement over the iPod touch because you do not have to worry about moving the wrong way and your screen flips.

When purchasing the Ipad, I do recommend the Apple case that is made for the Ipad. It cost $40 but it fits great, offers good protection and looks good. I also would put on a screen protector which keeps the glass safe. Many people complained it was hard to install the screen protector but I did it the first time and had very few bubbles. Once in the case, The Ipad looks like a little notebook and is easy to carry. Many complaints about the case is that it is tight and hard to  remove the Ipad. This is true and it would be a pain if you use a docking station. I have found no need for a docking station so I do not need to remove it. The power cord plugs in fine and the Ipad is always protected.

I also purchased the camera connector so I can load pictures directly from my camera or a SD card. This works great and the pictures load quickly. They also look great on the Ipad. You can turn your Ipad into a digital picture frame to share the pictures with a friend.

There are loads of other things I could say about the Ipad but then I will be risking writing a book. However, I do need to add the cons of the Ipad to give it an honest review. The one most annoying thing is that just like the iPod touch, the Ipad attracts fingerprints and is hard to keep clean. The other thing that I wish the Ipad had was multitasking so that I can listen to a radio app while doing other things. As I type, I am updating my iPod touch with the newest software that now allows multi-tasking. Steve Jobs promised this for June and he delivered. He also promises the same update for the Ipad in the fall and I have no doubt he will deliver.  The final thing that is a little disappointing is that you can not load anything from the Internet that uses Flash. This can be frustrating when you find something you want to watch. However, many sites are changing so that they can be viewed by the Ipad.

Overall, I love the Ipad. I use it daily and I very seldom go on my computer to do the normal tasks. It is easy to surf the web and the key board is easy to use once you get use to typing on a touch screen. In landscape view, the keyboard is about the size of a netbook keyboard. I even sold my netbook because I found I was not suing it since I got the Ipad. For those who have trashed the Ipad as a toy, try using it for a while and see the possibilities. I can do many of the same things a full size computer can do with the ease of a tool that weighs  under two pounds and it small enough to carry everywhere. I can take it to work for notes, I can watch videos, I can play games, and I can read before bed all with this little toy.

If you are looking for a great tool or just a fun toy, the price is high but not for what you get. I highly recommend the Ipad if you are riding the fence trying to decide. It is a computer, a game, platform, and computer all built into a small compact package. I have been approached by many people as I sit using my Ipad. They are amazed at the features and the beauty of it. This is truly a worthy investment and I have not a single regret!

Please feel free to share your comments about the Ipad.

The following is a sponsored review.

One of the hottest status symbols in the current times is the Hummer. We all want one and we all love to drive them. How do they really stack up?

One site that gives you the low down is The Car Connection. Their reviews are compiled by reviewing many other reviews and also hands on testing. They did a wonderful job on the 2008 hummer h3 reviews. Their experts actually drove the Hummers in order to give an honest review.

I was impressed with the 2008 hummer h3 reviews provided by Car Connection. The reviews were very precise and well written and included both the positive and negative aspects of the vehicles. Along with the comprehensive reviews, they provided some unique pictures of the different designs. This is very helpful for someone looking to purchase a Hummer H3 or any other SUV.

The picture gallery is awesome with fourteen different pictures of the Hummer H3 along with a 360 degree rotating picture. The site also includes a place to select the trim you prefer and recommended prices for each model. On top of all of that, they include a quote system which will provide you an accurate quote from a local dealer for the model you may have an interest in.

The Car connection is awesome for the car lover in all of us. I loved the well designed site and the vast array of tools the site offers. I have always loved the looks of the Hummer H3 but it is nice to read the real facts about it.

If you love cars like I do, you should check out the links above to see the quality reviews on the 2008 Hummer H3.

I have always enjoyed watching the Dave Ramsey show. His advice is clear and precise and seems to have helped a lot of people. He is straight forward and to the point in a almost folksy way. If it is stupid, he will call it stupid.

The information he provides is not really rocket science, it has been said before and it makes logical sense. The key to following his advice is that the person has to have will power and be able to commit to getting out of debt and taking control of their own finances. Many financial wizards have said the same things but it is personality that i believe helps to get his point across.

If you find yourself lost and in need of help, I highly recommend watching his show on the Fox Business Channel at 8 PM EST or listen to him on talk radio. You can also listen to him on his website . He also allows both emails and phone calls but those are often backed way up so you may or may not get through.

His website also provides some information  on getting out of debt. However, a large part of his site is dedicated to selling you a product. I do understand that he is in the business of making money but I do have a problem with how much his website is trying to sell. For a man who is dedicated to helping people become debt free, I am surprised on how much he is trying to sell to the people who need his help the most.

Listen to his advice, read all you can  for free on his site, and borrow his books from the library. He is a smart man with sound advice and following his advice will help lead you and your family to a debt free life.

If you have taken his advice and have become debt free, feel free to post your story here by leaving a a comment. Either positive or negative, I would love to hear how you feel about Dave Ramsey.

The following is a sponsored review.

One of the newest attraction areas of the world is in the former Soviet Union. There are many interesting cites that were once hard to visit and closed to most of the world. One of those cities in Prague in the Czech Republic.

Prague is one of the oldest cities in the old world. It is a beautiful city full of wonder and mystery. The historical value is extensive and they offer some of the most unique sites like including the Prague Castle which is considered the largest ancient castle in the world.

If you are considering a visit, you should check out the deals on Cheap Prague Hotels. The site I linked offers many great deals that will save you both time and money. They offer both a star system and a customer ranking so you are sure to find the quality you want and deserve. They will find you the best price for what you are looking for. Four star hotels at a two star price.

If Prague is not the city for you, this site also offer discounts form all kinds of Hotels in the World. They offer an easy to use format with quick response time to searches.

This is an interesting site but be aware that the funds are stated in Euros and if you do need to reach them, the phone is a European number. Otherwise, they offer great deals for great prices so be sure to check them out if you need a hotel for your travels.

Finding good back links for your website or blog is not always easy. If order for them to count for the search engines, they need to be do follow links. You could spend hours searching and checking websites to see if they have do follow links.

Instead of wasting time searching, I found a great way to find do follow links. I found a DoFollow Directory that has listings of several websites and blogs who allow you to comment and those comments are do follow links. Like many other directories, they have several categories and offer a wide selection of niches to choose from. Webmasters can find many benefits from using this directory.

If you have a do follow blog that allows comments, they allow you to Submit DoFollow Blogs for free. This is a great way to increase traffic for your sites. If you are in a hurry to get listed, you can contact the web owner to purchase a premium listing.

The directory is well designed and easy to navigate. I find that this directory very helpful for any webmaster who is trying to promote his/her site or for finding great places for quality back links. You need to check this one out for yourself!

The following is a sponsered review of an online business.

I was asked to check out and do a review of Sonic Shack.com. They offer several clothing products that can be created with the customers own design or one of the designs offered by their gallery. They are most popular for their personalized t shirts. These t shirts come in several colors and can include both a design and text words.

I checked out this site and was impressed in the easy to use website. I tried out the designer interface to design my own t shirt. There were several categories of popular themes with designs to suit just about any need. All this can be placed on the t shirt design and color of your choice along with any text you which to include. This is all done by their state of the art digital printing that creates a beautiful full colored finished product.

The personalized t shirts can also be created with a design you have and upload to the Sonic Shack website. The prices are quite reasonable and you can order just one if that is all you want. However, the prices are discounted as you increase the quantity of your order.

I was impressed with this website the moment I opened the site. The layout of the site is a kind of retro look and feel and it is easy to find exactly what you need without filtering through a bunch of junk commonly found on many ecommerce sites. They accept Paypal so that it is easy and secure to purchase from them. Sonic Shack also offers to do everything possible to resolve any problems you have with your order.

When doing reviews, I normally find something that annoys me with a website or product. That is not the case with Sonic Shack. They offer a quality website with great prices. I highly recommend checking out their website if you are looking for personalized t shirts.

The following is a sponsored review for a hotel booking website.

I was asked to review Destinia and decided to check it out as I am all about saving money. The first thing I looked at was the look and feel of the website. I always am interested in how easy a website is to use. The site was well set up and offers a cool search engine to search for cheap hotels. I decided to check out some of the options in this search engine.

I searched a few major cities of the world and discovered that they do offer a variety of price ranges for hotels around the world. Since I always wanted to visit London, I did a search of London Hotels. While searching, the picture across the screen is a woman walking with a suitcase and it keeps moving. I liked this feature as it was not as many other hotel sites. The results took about three minutes and it came back with eight pages of hotels in the London area. Each listing gave details for the hotel and the price for the set length of stay and the per night charge. They truly have a nice database of hotels.

Since Destinia is a Spanish owned travel agency, all prices reflected are in Euros. I would like to have seen a conversion calculator for other currencies but that is easy to find elsewhere. The prices seem to be very reasonable and they also offer a guarantee that if you find a cheaper price with in 24 hours of your conformation, they will refund the difference. You can not beat that for a deal.

Overall, the site was well designed and it was easy to navigate. The prices seem reasonable for the European market. They offer other features on their site such as travel guides, airline tickets, apartments, and more.

One of the complaints I have is that there are times that you click a link and try to go back to the homepage and you end up on a page with a different language. This is easily fixed by clicking on the symbol of your country. The only other complaint is what I mentioned earlier that I wish that the fees were shown in all different currencies. Besides that, I recommend Destinia as one of the better websites I have found to find a great deal on Cheap Hotels.

The following is a Sponsored review of a Credit Card Resource website:

When looking into Student Credit Cards.com, my first thought was this is just a typical credit card site trying to push credit onto college students. However, in fairness, I always try to look at all aspects before making any judgment on a website.

The site was very nicely laid out with a very pleasing look about it. The cute girl in the header always gets the readers attention. I wanted to know the meat of the site, what sets this apart from other credit card sites.

I was pleased to find out that they have a strong focus on the responsibility of getting a school credit card. Their website clearly lays out the student’s rights and responsibilities with having a credit card. They go further by explaining how APR works and how to decide which card best fits your need.

Many students find the new found freedom of college and jump into credit without knowing the facts. This website does a wonderful job of laying out everything involved in getting a school credit card.  From my standpoint, if the student fails to read all the information provided, the blame shall lay on them for credit problems.

Though this site was set up to get new credit card holders, they do a nice job of explaining the risk and rewards. They also offer a very nice selection of cards that could meet the needs of the student looking for credit cards. It is like a whole credit card bundle all packaged in an easy to navigate website.

If you are a student looking for your first credit card, I recommend checking out http://www.studentcreditcards.com as one of your first stops in the search. By reading the information they provide and looking over the various offers, you should be able to find the right card for your situation and be on your way to a great credit future.

As you know from previous post, I have recently got DSL High Speed Internet. This has opened a whole new world for me. One of the newest things I can do is watch You Tube Videos. As always, when i find something interesting, I will share it with you.

I found this one last night:

 The Potato Song

This video is so funny, it is a song all about potatoes. Yes the favorite staple of many people. This song is cute and the animation is hilarious. If you can, take the time to watch this. It is funny cute, and family friendly so you do not need to have the kids leave the room.

Enjoy the video and leave a comment and let me know what you think. I give it a 5 star!