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Attention AR Addicts: Here Is How To Blog From Your iPad Or iPhone!

By
Real Estate Agent with Compass

This is the day I made half the agents in my office happy because I showed them that they can use Zipforms, the flash-based contract-generating service we use--on their iPads after all.  (iPad acquisition has been highly contageous at our firm; all generations of agents have been equally affected.)  For dear friend and colleague, Pat Kennedy, however, Zipforms was less important.  What counted much, much more was BLOGGING!  The same simple method enables her to write posts (yes, including pictures and links!) from her iPad or iPhone!

Check out Pat's first iPad-generated blog post here.

Now, what did we do?

Basically, we got a free application in the app store that enables her to connect to one of the places where she would normally write her posts or comments.  There are a bunch of "remote access" (our search term) apps, either paid or free.  The one we used is called iRemote, and it's set up in seconds. And it's free--forget about the "upgrade" or "sign in" demands for now; just click "new" and fill in the parameter (host server, user name, login) for one of the networks you use.  We went with Pat's Evers & Co. desktop at the office which happens to be Windows-based.

Once the app is set up, tapping it on your iPhone's or your iPad's home screen leads you directly to your virtual desktop.  The one on the left is the one I set up on my own iPad -- it turns the little Apple tablet into my office PC with all the virtual tours and client files at hand, except that it's touch-sensitive (same swipes and swishes make things bigger or smaller) and my fingers play mouse.  

Now for blogging, you can use it just exactly as if you were actually sitting at that host computer and start typing away on your blog (except, of course, that you are sitting at Starbucks or in the doctor's waiting room instead). 

Check out (below) Pat inserting a picture in her blog post.  Just like that.  It's way cool.

Go try it!

 

P.S.:Here's my CHALLENGE FOR YOU TECHIES AND DROIDS!! I love my iPad, but I'm just as much in love with my Android phone and would love to be able to make comments on the go from that as well.  Couldn't find a decent remote access app for that yet.  Any ideas, anybody?

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© 2012, Catarina Bannier 

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Comments (46)

Cheryl Ritchie
RE/MAX Leading Edge www.GoldenResults.com - Huntingtown, MD
Southern Maryland 301-980-7566

Yahoo, yahoo, yahoo. Just in time for the the Verizon ipad release next Thursday!

Oct 22, 2010 12:51 AM
Cheryl Ritchie
RE/MAX Leading Edge www.GoldenResults.com - Huntingtown, MD
Southern Maryland 301-980-7566

Catarina, I just wrote a post this morning about the IPAD , which gets released via Verizon on Thursday , and mentioned your iremote  tip above again to give it extra air play.

http://activerain.com/blogsview/1927725/how-many-times-have-you-visited-the-verizon-store-today-

 

Oct 22, 2010 01:26 AM
Catarina Bannier
Compass - Chevy Chase, DC
DC Real Estate The Smart And Fun Way

Eric, let us know how it goes when you try it!  We haven't tried logging in to our home networks yet, but that will be next.

Christine, yes--me, too.  I wanted to hold out for an Android tablet--my phone can play any file; it's just too small for some things--, but what I've been reading from the European market, all the models so far have disadvantages, too, and the big flood just hasn't come yet.  But then I started hearing about all kinds of clever ways to get around all the limitations (not to able to use zipforms was almost a deal killer for me, but now that's "fixed").  I'm glad I gave it a try!

Virginia, yes--I'm hoping for that!!  Let's see!

Oct 22, 2010 02:32 AM
Catarina Bannier
Compass - Chevy Chase, DC
DC Real Estate The Smart And Fun Way

David (and #3 as well), yes, we have heard from a few people now who can post from their iPhones (or even iPads in one case) without any workarounds, but most can't.  We have no idea why, and AR has told us they've been working on it but haven't figured it out.  I even tried my son's oldest and latest iPod touch--no go.  Same for most droid phones: you see the box but when you tap in it, nothing happens.  Not to mention links or pictures.

 

Oct 22, 2010 04:10 AM
Catarina Bannier
Compass - Chevy Chase, DC
DC Real Estate The Smart And Fun Way

John, a big software update for all iPads is due next month, and I think the biggest part for me is the ability to print directly from the iPad (either on a wireless network or by blue tooth). 

Cathy, go ahead and indulge--it's so easy and fun to maneuver around on these things.

Marilyn, I don't think you need such a server to connect to.  That's just what we did because it was easiest (I already knew what domain name to use, etc).  As I understand it, you should be able to connect to your home computer as well--as long as you leave it on when you leave the house, and as long as it's connected to the internet. We just haven't tried it yet.  (And you may want to call the tech support line of your internet provider--mine is rcn, and i only know the names of their mail servers so i have to find out what to fill in as a host in iRemote.)

Oct 22, 2010 04:36 AM
Lori Cain
Own Tulsa - Tulsa, OK
Midtown Tulsa Real Estate Top Producer

iPad is definitely on my shopping list and this helps make my decision. Bookmarking to read again!

Oct 22, 2010 04:37 AM
Catarina Bannier
Compass - Chevy Chase, DC
DC Real Estate The Smart And Fun Way

Sherry, who knows, maybe it will work on the Verizon iPhone.  Strangely, some people seem to be able to post.

Judi, no, you don't have to be anywhere near the computer.  As long as you're on the internet, 1000 miles are just fine ;-)

Oct 22, 2010 04:41 AM
Lora "Leah" Stern 914-772-4528
Coldwell Banker, 170 N Main Street, New City NY 10956 - New City, NY
Real Estate Salesperson

Ok, you've got me sold on the idea of an ipad, though I need to wait for when I'm due a big gift.  Not sure I'll be able to wade thru all this techie stuff though.  You make it all sound so simple but I somehow just dont' think it will be for me.

Oct 22, 2010 04:45 AM
Catarina Bannier
Compass - Chevy Chase, DC
DC Real Estate The Smart And Fun Way

Margaret, the truth is, I couldn't really justify it--I have a laptop, netbook, android phone, iPod, mp3/video player... all of which are quite capable.  So, when I'm honest, I kept making up all kinds of excuses: it's lighter, it's faster, has a bigger screen than the phone, clients can sign paperwork on it, kids can be pacified with it on the road.  None of them would hold up in closer confrontation, but...  it's been great!

Susan, let me know when you have figured it out.  The wordpress app for droid I have tried--it's better than the one for iPad because you can get stats on it, too.  It works great--but only for your wordpress site.

Actually, I've come to the following conclusion:  We should petition AR to develop apps for Android and iPad!  Anybody with me here?!

 

Oct 22, 2010 05:16 AM
Catarina Bannier
Compass - Chevy Chase, DC
DC Real Estate The Smart And Fun Way

Pat and/or Wayne, it's a peculiar thing.  You can enter comments, not posts, only when you come in from a link--then you'll get a strange-looking (almost like a mobile version, although AR says there isn't any) limited interface.  As soon as you switch to the "full version" nothing goes.  You can see everything exactly like on any other computer, but you can't post.

Chris, I'm with you!  I was fully intent on waiting, but then came the moment of weakness... I guess other woman might have opted for a new dress or new shoes...

Oct 22, 2010 05:23 AM
Catarina Bannier
Compass - Chevy Chase, DC
DC Real Estate The Smart And Fun Way

Kimberly, you might have guessed it by now--I do love it.  It's amazing, very responsive, and some things--like editing pictures with the tip of your fingers--just make you enter a different dimension.  One thing you really don't have to worry about it learning how it all works--very intuitive.  (Actually, I've never been a huge fan of Apple because of the exclusivity, extra money for everything and the whole cult, but I'm beginning to get it a little.)

Heidi, you're welcome (and see what I said about justifying the purchase... oh, well)!  You have something to look forward to!

Oct 22, 2010 05:29 AM
Catarina Bannier
Compass - Chevy Chase, DC
DC Real Estate The Smart And Fun Way

Alex, let me guess...sounds like you're fighting the symptoms of addiction.  Just give it up!  (And you've only been blogging for a couple of weeks?!)

Phil, never say never...

Marc, you're holding out for 2.0 next spring?  Maybe it's going to be even lighter?  Probably have a camera?  Or maybe by then the Android tablets have more to offer.  We'll see.

Tammie,  it's no effort at all.  The on-board (virtual) keyboard has limited function, but in landscape view the keys are about the same size as on a laptop but much more responsive.  I bought an external wireless  keyboard, though, that connects to the iPad by bluetooth and literally only weighs a few ounces.  Very handy for longer texts or documents.

 

Oct 22, 2010 06:58 AM
Catarina Bannier
Compass - Chevy Chase, DC
DC Real Estate The Smart And Fun Way

Roland, let me know when you have!  I'm sure there must be something similar in the Android market -- I just haven't found it yet.  All the remote access apps there seemed to be specific to certain programs.

Simon, see my previous response about the external keyboard.  Light, thin thing, easily slips in your briefcase. 

Gee, I'm beginning to sound like an Apple salesperson!  I'm not!!  How did I get into this?! LOL

Leilani, you are the voice of reason here!  Good for you--and I'm sure it's a lovely and elegant looking little thing!

Oct 22, 2010 07:05 AM
Catarina Bannier
Compass - Chevy Chase, DC
DC Real Estate The Smart And Fun Way

Robert-- can't blame you :-).  In my case, we already have a bunch of devices with front-facing cams in the house (EVO, new ipod touch, netbooks), so didn't need that.  (By the way, on wi-fi, Skype works great on the iPad, even with the built-in mic and speakers--just no picture of *me,* but i want to see the others, anyway...)

Fernando, yes, and I wonder if there's a group on AR that compares best apps for real estate (apple or android).  if not, we should start one!

Cheryl, thanks--I commented on your post.  Good luck with the decision!

Erica, don't know about the slowing down since i can't be physically in both places, but it probably depends on what you're doing.  If you're watching all those (flash!) movies and/or otherwise strain the memory, it might be a problem for the other person working on it.

Oct 22, 2010 07:18 AM
Catarina Bannier
Compass - Chevy Chase, DC
DC Real Estate The Smart And Fun Way

Lori, thanks, and have fun when you get it!

Leah, really, it's probably simpler than any other machine you've used.

Oct 22, 2010 07:22 AM
Lee & Pamela St. Peter
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices YSU Realty: (919) 645-2522 - Raleigh, NC
Making Connections to Success in Real Estate

I'm going to have to look at this 1st thing tomorrow morn as right now I'm on done time!  Been a great but hectic week but this is great info. Thanks Catarina for taking the time to post it~

Oct 22, 2010 11:16 AM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Wow, you! Another gold star for you!  Thank you so much for helping me get this to work.

Oct 24, 2010 04:28 PM
Gail Robinson
William Raveis Real Estate - Southport, CT
CRS, GRI, e-PRO Fairfield County, CT

I reblogged this.  I expect to buy an iPhone early next year when Verizon gets it.  Thank you for this valuable information.

Nov 12, 2010 12:43 PM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Catarina - Excellent information and tips on how to blog from ipod or iphone. Thank you for sharing a very good blog.

Nov 12, 2010 04:12 PM
Catarina Bannier
Compass - Chevy Chase, DC
DC Real Estate The Smart And Fun Way

Pamela/Lee and John--I think I neglected this post, but thanks so much!  And good luck if you're trying it--let me go how it works for you.

Gail--thanks for reblogging!  I think I'd wait, too.  Verizon might turn out to be more reliable.  (In Europe people don't have dropped calls on their iPhones, so AT&T must be part of the problem.)

Nov 17, 2010 07:05 AM