(Also see my reviews of other writing and note-taking apps for the iPad.)
MY WRITING NOOK FOR THE IPAD (iTunes store link) (Website)
Last updated: April 27th, 2010, version 1.0.5. (developer has told me he has just submitted a new version to the Apple store)
Size: 0.6 MB. Cost: $4.99.
Developer: Peter de Tagyos
I've been using my iPad for writing quite a bit lately, both with and without the Apple Bluetooth keyboard. I can type and edit much more quickly using the keyboard, but have no trouble typing with the on-screen keyboard if I don't have the keyboard with me.
I have half a dozen writing and note-taking apps on my iPad right now, testing them all out with various writing projects and waiting for future versions. Each of them has good points but so far none of them has everything I want. I'm still hoping, though!
I haven't had a chance to try iWork Pages yet, since it's unavailable in Canada until the iPad officially launches here.
What I like:
Right now, my favourite is My Writing Nook. It doesn't have all the formatting options of an app like Office2 HD, but I find it easier to use. The controls are intuitive: it's easy to create, edit, rename and delete files. The interface is clean and simple. Changing font and font sizes is straightforward. You can export a file by e-mail or sync with the My Writing Nook web app. It has an autosave, an integrated word count for each document, and a dictionary/thesaurus reference tool.
Love the fact that I can use keyboard shortcuts to select, copy, paste, edit and navigate when I'm using my Apple Bluetooth keyboard. This makes things much easier since I can just use the keyboard instead of having to keep leave the keyboard to touch the screen.
I like the fact that I can set a default font and font size.
I like being able to password-protect my documents. Not that I have anything super-confidential right now, but it's good to know that someone (especially young children) won't be able to accidentally modify my work.
I like being able to change the colour of the tab in front of each document title, to further organize my docs.
Coming in the next version (1.0.6):
The developer's told me that he's JUST submitted a new version to the iTunes store which will include:
- TextExpander integration
- Always visible word counter (previously hidden when the screen keyboard was visible).
- "Dark and Stormy Night" mode, with white text on black.
I'm especially excited about the TextExpander integration, which saves me even more typing since I have all kinds of shortcuts for text I use fairly often.
On my wishlist:
Ability to use folders to organize my documents.
Ability to re-order my documents. Right now, they're just listed in alphabetical order, though you can also order them by the coloured tab.
Formatting options (bold, italics, etc.)
Summary:
The clean, simple interface and intuitive controls make this app easy to use. This is usually the app I open when I'm showing my iPad to someone for the first time, and they want to try typing.
