iPad and iPad 2: Internet Browsing Tips

Search for Text on Individual Pages

One very useful tool currently missing in the iPad version of Safari is the ability to search for text within a page. This is especially annoying when you follow a link in Google and end up on a very long page with no idea where your search term appears.

A workaround for this is to get into the habit, when searching the web, of visiting Google's "cached" (saved and indexed) version of a webpage rather than the "live" version. You'll find a link for this option next to each of the results when you search Google. Click "cached" and see a version of the target page that's got each of your search terms highlighted in a different color throughout - almost as good as being able to click the "Find" option.

How to View PDFs and Word Docs Online

The iPad and iPad 2 can view Word, Excel and PDF docs on the web. Once opened, scroll down to read subsequent pages, and double-tap to zoom in just as you would with a regular webpage.

Unfortunately, that's all you can do, as there are no options to then save the PDF files to your iPad or iPad 2. You could, however, create a bookmark so that you can quickly return to the file again, assuming you are online, or use a dedicated PDF reader app that can save a copy of the file on the iPad for you.

iPad Specialized Websites

Though the iPad and iPad 2 can handle almost all webpages, some are specially designed to work perfectly on the iPad screen. One of the best examples of this is Google's Gmail interface. Try it for yourself to see how awesome it looks.

Many sites like this use the latest HTML5 technologies to create their look. This is one technology that has been made popular by Apple and is championing as a part of their much-hyped anti-Flash policy. This topic has been highly debated and questioned by both, Apple enthusiasts and PC lovers.

Using Browsers Other than Safari

There are several alternative browsers available in the iPad App store, but none that compare to Safari. Safari offers the most features and is the one browser that integrates the iPad and the World Wide Web in the most effective ways. Browse or search the "Utilities" and "Productivity" categories to see what's available in the App Store. There are always a ton of new apps being released.

Often times, your browsing the internet on your iPad or iPad 2 can be easier when using an iPad case. iPad cases allow you to get a better hold on your device and some even come with multiple viewing angle stands. Check out the newest Speck iPad 2 cases, which are amazingly effective and efficient for browsing the web.

You can learn more iPad tips and tricks at our iPad 2 blog.

iPad and iPad 2 - Top Internet Connectivity Questions and Answers

Apple's iPad and iPad 2 devices can be intimidating pieces of technology, especially if you have never owned any type of Apple device. iPhone user learn to use the iPad quickly because it is very similar to the iPhone. One of the most misunderstood aspects of the iPad and iPad 2, which creates heaps of questions from iPad users, is the topic of internet connectivity. Let's take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions and discuss the answers to them! Get your pencil out - because you will want to take notes.

1. Does the iPad allow you to make phone calls or video calls with it?

This question as two possible answers, which depend on whether you have an iPad or an iPad 2. Put simply, the original iPad has no video calling capability. The iPad 2, on the other hand, is equipped with two cameras and now comes with the "FaceTime" feature, which allows users to make video phone calls. You may need additional apps to do this.

As for making voice calls, both generations of the iPad are equipped with a speaker (an external speaker can be hooked up through the audio jack for increased audio)and a microphone so that making voice calls is completely possible.

2. Can I get my iPad to connect to the internet by tethering it to my iPhone?

If you don't know what tethering is, you're not alone. This is one term that causes a lot of people to shrug their shoulders. In simple terms, this is when you have one device that is connected to the internet and connect an additional device to the internet through the original device's connection. Tethering is not "legal" in the world of Apple, because it would allow users to pay for one internet connection but give them the capability to use that connection for all of their devices.

3. Can I travel with my iPad and connect to the internet from international locations?

There is one thing that you should always keep your eye out for when traveling - Wi-Fi hotspots. These are areas where you can access an internet connection for free. These are becoming more and more common, especially at places like McDonald's and Starbucks. If the country you are in has 3G coverage, then you will be able to connect to the internet from anywhere (assuming you have a 3G enabled iPad). Don't be quick to fire up the 3G though - check out how much it will cost you first!

Make sure that you can always connect your iPad to the internet by keeping it protected with the best iPad 2 case. Visit our blog for many more iPad 2 tips or GleeMobile.com for the largest selection of iPad accessories!