How do I back up my iPad data, not just the apps?

iTunes performs a backup when I connect. I'm not worried about losing music or photos as the originals all reside on my computer. However, I use my iPad for note taking and todo lists and must have backups of these files. I'm not sure if iTunes backs those up. Anybody know?

iPad Wi-Fi Weird No Connection Issue

http://ipadtouchworld.blogspot.com/2010/04/ipad-wifi-network-problems-weak-how-to.html

All of a sudden this morning my iPad wouldn't talk to my home Wi-Fi. My internet service is through AT&T U-Verse and my TV was fine. I could also connect my laptop to the internet just fine. But the iPad refused to connect even after 1. powering it on/off 2. doing a network settings reset and 3. doing an "all reset." I still suspected it was the iPad.

Then I noticed I couldn't print to my networked printer from my laptop. So I tried using my Verizon Wireless Mi-Fi card with the iPad and voila, it connected right away. So therefore I decided to reset my home router/modem.

I reset my home modem/router and all was good again.

NASCAR Hall of Fame Preview

 

We were fortunate enough to get a preview of the new NASCAR Hall of Fame this past weekend. Being a car guy and racing fanatic since about the age of 10, I was naturally thrilled. The HOF did not disappoint! There is plenty to do for both young and old. I bought a charter membership and will be spending a lot of time there in the future.

iPad: Use BOTH Google Calendar AND MS-Exchange Calendar

Just got my iPad yesterday and was frustrated that I could only have my MS Exchange calendar on it. Then I found this: http://www.google.com/support/mobile/bin/answer.py?answer=151674

I've said it before...Google is going to take over the world!

24 hours with iPad

I've had my new iPad now for 24 hours (it sat unopened in my house for a week while I was on vacation.) So far its everything I expected and I consider it a game changer. Why? For several reasons:

1. The mobile web on handheld devices has never been a satisfying experience. For years we waited patiently through WAP sites, text only mobile sites, painfully slow throughput (anyone else remember CDPD?)
2. I don't consider using a laptop to be a mobile experience unless you're in a passenger seat (Northwest pilots excluded.)
3. There's always been the need for a middle-device between a laptop and a handheld PC. I've craved a device that is big enough to read standard web pages but small enough to slip into a folio.

My hopes were raised when Bill Gates showed the first tablet PC (was it back in 2003?) But were dashed soon after when the devices themselves were still very bulky, very expensive, and had lots of quality problems (Gateway computers anyone?)

Los Gatos at dawn

Los Gatos, CA, is a beautiful little town. Mostly residential cottages and upscale and boutique shopping. Sort of reminds me of Carmel by the sea, but bigger...and not by the sea.

I stayed at the Los Gatos Hotel which also has an excellent Greek restaurant called Dia Deko and a spa. Steve Jobs and Eric Schmidt apparently are regulars...although not at the same time unless they can first notify some paparazzi (in reference to their "coffee summit" of last weekend.)

Los Gatos is another place to add to my list called "Places I've been for business that I would love to re-visit with my wife but not for business."

Well Done, Los Gatians!

Google Perplexed

I flew in from Charlotte yesterday morning for a lunch meeting with an acquaintance at Google. Being a huge fan of Google (Don't Be Evil) for many reasons, I was very excited, to say the least, about setting foot on such "hallowed" ground.

I think it is safe to say I was impressed, but not overwhelmed to be there. I don't know if I had built up some kind of mythology about the place that was going to just wow me. I guess I was a little let down though but maybe my expectations were just too high.

It was a fun, vibrant, college-like atmosphere. I was there during lunchtime and young employees were bustling around. It was an overcast day so there was nobody on the volleyball court. I did see a few of the many fun objects d'art such as the dinosaur skeleton and shark fin. To be fair I also didn't actually go inside any of the offices, just one of the restaurants and we sat outdoors.

Don't get me wrong, I would still love to work there....and live in the south bay area. It's pretty nice, even with all the snails.