On the December 15, 2010 Ask Call, one of the questions was whether I would be using an iPad, laptop or Binder Portfolios in Atlanta.  I discussed my reasons to stick with binders (money, how to put / show pdfs on the iPad and battery life concerns for iPad and laptops.)

Artist Tracy Bishop was kind enough to send me an email with some suggestions and said I could share them with the group.

I’m writing because of what you mentioned about iPads.
First off, I agree with you that an iPad is probably not the best way to display your art at a show but for entirely different reasons.
1) It’s expensive– you don’t want someone to walk away with it when you’re busy in your booth
2) After a while the screen gets oily–gross

BUT if you do want to use the iPad there is a very easy way to load all of your PDF files without changing it and displaying them in a very nice way. You just use the iBook app. (Which is a free app)
1) The ibook app will display your PDF files in an attractive “bookshelf” so you can identify your file visually.  You click on “Collections” on the first bookshelf to then select PDFs.  Learn more at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ibooks/id364709193?mt=8

2) You don’t need to use the WiFi to load the files.
It can all be saved directly onto the iPad’s hard drive through the iTunes sync. All you do is drag your PDF’s into the “books” section of the iTunes. Then you connect your iPad to the computer and it will transfer the files.

3) The battery life for the iPad is very long– much longer than a laptop so that shouldn’t be an issue if all you are running is PDFs on iBook.

I hope this info is helpful.

Tracy Bishop
Illustrator + Designer
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+ web: www.tracybishop.com
+ blog: www.tracybishopart.com

Thanks Tracy!  Now if and when I venture into iPad ownership, I’ll know what to do.  I must say, you were more helpful than 3 trips to the Apple Store… go figure!  I’m sure this will help others pondering the pros, cons and how-tos as well.

Here’s to your creative success!

– Tara Reed