I'm not typically an early-adopter but the iPad I just had to have because I could see how much it would complement my work as a Realtor so I pre-ordered and got the 3G version the day it came out. (I have never been so excited about a FedEx arrival in my life).

What's the number one question you get while out touring homes? "What are the taxes on this property" and you can bet that whatever is entered on the MLS isn't correct. So that was reason number 1 for using it - mobile access to the internet whenever and wherever.

And now let's begin my argument for why every agent should have the iPad:

#2) Super-fast power-on and power-off. One thing I hate about lugging a laptop or netbook is how slow it takes to turn on and off. By the time I'm on the internet my customer has asked me 3 other questions and now I just look like a bumbling fool. The iPad turns on with a touch of a button and a swipe of the finger. Pick your app and have at it.

#3) Dropbox. Sync and access your documents from ANY computer with internet access. I have Dropbox synced on my work laptop, my Macbook, and my iPad and I never have to worry about where my documents are. Dropbox gives you 2 Gig of free storage space when you join (that's a lot).

I save my MLS sheets for a tour to a folder in Dropbox. When we go on the tour, I can flick through the sheets and have access to all the information that was on the MLS.

 >> Get 250 mb of extra free storage by using my referral link. ;)

#4) Map / GPS that comes with the iPad. Customer asks, how far are we from the beach? and I can visually show them with some cool finger-manuevers on the Map of iPad.

I love the GPS on the Map so much better than my car's GPS that I find myself bringing out the iPad to navigate more often.

#5) Looking really cool. Yes, it helps to look like a complete uber-geek with an iPad and customers get a twinkle in their eye when they know their agent is tech-savvy.

#6) Long battery life. I charge mine maybe twice a week.

Major CON: So far our Regional MLS is not compatible with the Safari browser so I cannot get on the MLS while out and about.

Alternatives to this issue:

• Realtor.com application (still only for iPhone) that allows map-based search and gives broker office's phone number
  
• Remote Desktop application. There is one by Jumpdesktop.com that is $19 and will allow you to remote desktop to your "main" windows computer and go on Internet Explorer. However, you have to always have your main computer up and running. I'm considering trying this out.
  
• Agent IDX application (free). From what I understand you can register with Agent IDX and prove your a Realtor through their website and they give you a code.

My opinion on a few other things:

I think Realtor.com needs to get with it and create an iPad app or make their iPhone app, iPad compatible. Zillow has a stellar iPad app that puts Realtor.com's to shame! I don't use Zillow because I know it's not a true database of all homes listed for sale but I've seen my customers using it on their iPhone when we're out touring property.

You've gotta buy the 3G version. Don't skimp and go with wifi only. Unlimited access is $30 a month - that's cheaper than an air card.

I held out on buying an iPhone because I didn't want to switch to AT&T. I can now say that I will never buy an iPhone because the iPad does it all and I don't see why I would want to do the same business on a smaller screen. I'm happy with my blackberry (that has real keys) and kind of enjoy its simplicity.

I don't think that I'll ever give up an actual clunky laptop. Typing on the iPad isn't bad but I couldn't bang out a long-winded email and mostly use the typing feature just for quick emails and forwards. Viewing attachments on the iPad is fabulous (much better than a blackberry).

Can't wait to hear other's thoughts on favorite apps and such.

- Sarah Taylor
www.SarahTaylor.com
RE/MAX Masterpiece Realty