In an asymmetrical environment, battlefield or boardroom, information is power. Our survival depends on our ability to retain it, evolve it, distribute and teach it. For these reasons I’m a bit over the top when it comes to leveraging technology in ways that allow me to remain on the pointy end of the the knowledge spear. If I were going to list the most important characteristics for technology, ease of use and availability would be at the top.
Since I use my iPad for so many things I always have this piece of gear with me. You see my iPad isn’t just an iPad. It’s a tool that enhances, amplifies and duplicates me. I exploit this tool to its fullest potential on the daily. I use it for:
- Photo editing
- Digital map creation
- Teaching
- Delivering presentations
- Drawing
- Flying airplanes
- Surveillance
- Public speaking
A few months ago I was looking for a way to attach it to my hand so that I could easily take notes or use it as a presentation tool. While drifting through REI I found this OtterBox accessory and I’ve been using it ever since.
The OtterBox iPad Utility Series Latch . It’s built to attach to your iPad when it’s in their Defender Series case, but I just strap mine around the thin magnetic cover I use. There are some other shortsighted reviews about this product where they question – well actually mock – some of the features like the leg strap. Like I said “shortsighted”. Here are some of the things I do with this little piece of kit.
Hand Strap:
When I’m mapping an area I use this as it provides a stable writing platform as I’m moving around, taking notes and snapping pictures.
The hand strap also fixes the iPad to a vehicles headrest, converting the iPad into a second computer monitor (with required software) when working from your vehicle. Of course this also comes in handy for movie time. Remember when you used to have to get DVD players installed in your car?
I also use the hand strap to attach the iPad to a tree for use as a second monitor while working outdoors.
Leg Strap:
When you fly it’s a normal practice to use what’s called a “Knee Board”. There is software that converts an iPad into a full satellite weather station as well as a GPS assisted flight planning and navigation device.
I often strap the iPad to my leg while driving to capture notes, annotate maps etc.
The leg strap can also be used to attach the iPad to larger items such as the back of chairs. Again another monitor option.
Shoulder Strap:
Okay this might seem like a stretch, but I’ve actually used this a few times. Typically I’ll just use the hand strap, but sometimes I’m not going to need it for a while so the shoulder strap comes in handy when I’m doing things like climbing.
Also the shoulder strap can be configured so that it hangs around your neck allowing the iPad to sit horizontally just below your sternum. Meaning it’s like a little clipboard hanging below for ready reference and note taking.
SCREEN COVER:
The lightweight cover provides some protection for the face as I’m climbing around or incase some weather comes in. Also good for when I need to put the iPad on a wet surface, like grass, to work on.
So for me this little piece of “low-tech” gear has been of significant value in regards to making my iPad something more than a reading device. Leg strap and all!
Remember… Nothing is only what it seams.
OtterBox iPad Utility Series Latch
