Always Think.

“There deadline is always the same: right now.”

“Journalism Next” was published in 2010. The introduction to this chapter, which focuses on mobile journalism, describes the camera phone as the newest form of immediate news.

Well, two years have gone by, and new innovations in the technical world have truly catered to the idea that news needs to be published: right now.

Take the Apple iPad. In the last couple of semesters I have noticed something truly remarkable about this device. It can be found in the hands of every aspiring journalist and veteran journalist alike. The advent of the iPad brings connectivity to the roaming journalist, and allows its’ user to write the story, add video, edit video, and publish: professionally.

The chapter illustrates what a ‘gearhead’ might take on their journalistic expeditions. A laptop, internet connection, camera, video camera, tripod, audio recorder, headphones, microphone, and of course the cell phone all find their way into the ‘gearhead’s’ pack.

If you add up the costs of these items you’d be well into the thousands (several), however, an iPad with the right amount of memory and connectivity might set you back 800 bucks, and it can do it all.

Reporting on an iPad is only one way in which to take advantage of the new technology. Having the compact notebook size tablet allows you to bring it everywhere, and use it for everything. From blogging, tweeting, and taking notes, the iPad essentially replaces the laptop.

As with any technology, there is always room for improvement, but when it comes to the iPad, theres little space to deal with. The battery lasts for 10 hours, and the device can store hundreds of hours of audio and several dozens of video, and comes with Apple’s very accommodating AppleCare (if you so chose to add the $79.99 feature) which will land you with 2 full years of worry free operation.

The only direction is up for the iPad, which is now in its second generation of production, with a third on the way.

Save your money and consider the iPad your all-in-one.. everything.