Where were you in 1984?

Do you remember a world where having a computer was a really big deal, and the thought of having a computer that would fit in your house was unbelievable? Most people who were born after 1984 can not imagine a world with out computers – let alone the internet, mobile devices, email, iPad, and the list goes on and on.

This week, 27 years ago in January 1984, the demo of the first Apple Macintosh by Steve Jobs, took place in front of 3000 people.

Andy Hertzfeld captured the moment quite well in his retelling:

“Pandemonium reigns as the demo completes. Steve has the biggest smile I’ve ever seen on his face, obviously holding back tears as he is overwhelmed by the moment. The ovation continues for at least five minutes before he quiets the crowd down.”

Can you imagine being there? It is truly amazing for me to watch this and realize just how far we have come. It sure puts the iPad into perspective!

Here is the video: (click here to view)

I wonder what we’ll be talking about in the next 20 years?

Written by: Katie Lance, Senior Marketing Manager, Inman News @katielance

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REALTORS® – did you receive an iPad under the Christmas tree this year? If so, here is your quick-start guide to setting it up!

1. Remove from the box and remove the clear plastic cover.

2. Plug it into your computer to sync it up. When iTunes launches, you’ll be asked to activate the iPad, agree to its Terms and Conditions, and register your device. If you have never had an iTunes account, you will be prompted to set one up. You will need to provide your credit card information. This is the card that will be used when you purchase anything from the iTunes store like apps, music, videos and movies. You’ll also need to come up with a username and password. Take my advice and write that down somewhere so you don’t forget! If you already have an iTunes account, you will be prompted to add your iPad to your account. One of the best things about Apple is how untuitive their set-up process is. But, if you need assistance, you can go to apple.com and use their live chat feature or view any one of their video tutorials.

iTunes will serve as your iPad’s “backup system.” If you already have an iPhone or iPod, I recommend that you start fresh and do not automatically sync everything from your iPhone or iPod to your iPad. Why? Not everything is compatible and it will take a lot of time!

Next, you can choose to automatically sync applications, photos, music and videos or customizing your options.

You can also skip the iTunes process temporarily if your iPad was activated at the Apple Store.

To set up your email, click on the General Settings app button on your iPad, enter your login information, and you’re ready to go.

3. Now the fun part – let’s download some apps!

Apps are already segmented between “universal” apps (that work for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad) and apps that are designed specifically for the iPhone. So you can sync all of the universal apps you already have, and then either track down the iPad equivalents of the iPhone apps you love.

4. What apps should you download right away? Here are just a few of my favorite for REALTORS®:

• Flipboard (Free) - Overwhelmed by the amount of content streaming through your Facebook, Twitter and RSS streams? Turn your social media and RSS feeds into an easy to read magazine.
• Friendly Plus for Facebook ($.99) – Until Facebook creates it’s own app, this is the next best thing. I also love how easily you can switch between accounts if you have more than one person sharing your iPad. This is great if you are part of an agent team and sharing one iPad – you can all easily flip back and forth on your Facebook accounts.
• Keynote ($9.99) This app is gorgeous! If you are creating presentations, this is a must-have. As a real estate agent, I would use this all the time with clients, especially listing presentations. You can create animated charts and transitions and so much more.
• Numbers ($9.99) This is the best spreadsheet app hands down. If you live in Excel, then you will love the abilities of Numbers. Plus, it’s just a fantastic app for organizing data. Completely redesigned for the iPad – this one is a must-have for every real estate agent or broker,
• Pages ($9.99) The perfect word processing app out there. Create letters, documents, PDF’s and so much more. Another must-have for the mobile real estate agent.
• …there are SO many more great iPad apps for real estate professionals – check back often for more blog posts about this very subject!

5. Purchase a case for your iPad. Your iPad will get banged and bruised very quickly without getting a proper case. Do a quick google search and there are millions of options or search right from the Apple store.

Am I missing anything? Feel free to chime in with your tips and feedback – leave me a comment below! Stay tuned – we are planning on many more iPad blog posts for 2011.

The iPad has truly changed the technology industry – and for REALTORS®, the possibilities are endless!

Written by: Katie Lance, Senior Marketing Manager, Inman News @katielance

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Kori Covrigaru is a young entrepreneur, currently CEO of PlanOmatic, an online real estate marketing company providing interactive home tours. Kori grew up in Michigan, went to school and Western Michigan University, and currently lives in Colorado, enjoying the mountains in all seasons.

If you can relate to one of the situations listed below, then “RockMelt – Your Browser. Re-Imagined.” is definitely for you. On the other hand, perhaps what I meant to say is exactly the opposite. If you can relate to any of these situations, download Google Chrome J… I guess that’s for you to decide.

• You consider yourself to be a “Social Media Guru”.
• You spend most of your time on the web surfing through facebook, updating your status and posting new tweets.
• Every other click on your computer takes you from one social networking site to another.
• You’ve closed your browser window, only to find yourself opening a new one and subconsciously going directly back to the same social media site you just left (yes, it happens to the best of us).
• You’ve just finished a two-hour couch session with your laptop, and find yourself browsing through facebook and twitter in bed with your smartphone, only to read the same exact posts you read five minutes ago.

RockMelt, available for both Windows and Mac, is a remarkable social networking, news feed and content contributing platform built directly into a desktop web browser. It incorporates facebook, twitter, RSS feeds, sharing solutions and much more while maintaining a clean, easy to navigate user interface. See a snapshot below.

I have RockMelt installed on my Mac, but is RockMelt for me? Probably not.  Without the help of RockMelt, I find myself plenty distracted by news and social networking sites throughout the day as it is. Perhaps if social media is your business, I can see how RockMelt might be right for you.  However, for those of us who don’t use social media to earn a living, I think we’ll pass.  Isn’t social networking easy enough to come across in a standard web browser?  Do we really need facebook, twitter and RSS feeds hovering on the outskirts of our window as we type in a simple search for directions to the closest convenience store?  I think I’ll stick to my bookmarks for now.

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On Wednesday, January 27, Apple will likely unveil the company’s long-rumored tablet device. Apple sent out invitations to selected media outlets yesterday morning, asking people to “join us for an invitation-only event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco on January 27 at 10:00 a.m.

Rumored to be anywhere from $500-$1000 many Realtors will undoubtedly be wondering if they should make the switch to a tablet-like device. The launch of the all-in-one touch-screen tablet computer on will most likely spark the same excitement from agents and brokers that followed the iPhone’s launch in 2007.

What would the Apple Tablet mean for Realtors?

1. Portability

This may be the single biggest selling factor Apple will have when marketing to Realtors.  A Realtor could easily slip the tablet into their bag or briefcase. If the tablet is as sleek and thin as rumored, it will be simpler to transport than a traditional laptop.  Also, as agents are moving more and more away from a “traditional” office – something as light and portable as the tablet is sure to be enticing.

2. Paperless

This topic has been talked about for a few years at least – but the tablet may be the catalyst to make it happen industry-wide. The tablet potentially will have the ability to easily pull up contracts and receive digital signatures on the spot. If this is the case, a client would be able to literally ‘sign’ their contract on the tablet – much like how they accept a UPS package by signing on the UPS ‘tablet. ‘ In addition, there is certainly the ‘impress ability’ factor – clients will certainly be impressed by their tech savvy agent.

3. Easy learning curve

One thing I have heard over and over again by agents, is how easy the iPhone and other touch-screen smartphones were to learn. A short learning curve is key.  The only downside I can foresee is that unfortunately, some agent website vendors and MLS still are not compatible with Safari. If the tablet sweeps the Realtor world by storm, vendors and MLS’ will have to sit up and take notice. As mentioned at Connect NYC – now is the time to take a hard look at your vendors and see if they are in line with the goals you have set for yourself for 2010.

I am curious about your thoughts!

Will you consider purchasing an Apple Tablet? Why or why not?  A recent survey says 1 in 5 consumers will purchase one. Leave your comments here on the blog – thanks!

Written by: Katie Lance, Marketing Manager, Inman News

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