Can iPad replace the traditional portfolio?

After days of twiddling our thumbs, waiting for the big reveal, we finally got a glimpse of Apple’s latest device. Now that we know what it is, we can assess the iPad’s strengths and weaknesses. Its capabilities can benefit art students in many areas. However, the iPad does have it its limits. The following are the pros and cons the iPad presents for art majors.

Photography
Pro: You can present your portfolio in one device rather than carrying a heavy case.
Con: There is no built-in camera.

Painting
Pro: There are 99-cent applications, such as Finger Paint for in-computer painting.
Con: You would have to photograph each one of your paintings to place them into a portfolio on the iPad.

Graphic design, advertising design and illustration
Pro: iPad serves as lightweight portfolio for work presentation.
Con: Although you can download tutorials like “Learn the Adobe Creative Suite with Terry White,” you can’t use any Adobe software on the iPad.

Motion media design, animation, television producing
Pros: If your files are created with QuickTime, you can present your portfolio on the iPad. You can also watch YouTube videos.
Con: Adobe Flash doesn’t work.

Art history
Pros: You can do your research on the go using the Safari browser on any WiFi and 3G network. You can also take notes in class and even record your class lectures.

Interactive design and game development
Pros: You can choose from hundreds of games to download and play. There is also the opportunity to create and sell games and apps for the iPad.
Con: You can’t create the games on the iPad.

Writing
Pros: Whenever the light bulb goes on and you need to jot down thoughts on the iPad and you can download books to read for inspiration.

Fashion, fashion marketing and management, accessory design
Pro: Applications like Trendstop TrendTracker help you study fashion trends.
Con: iPad doesn’t transform into a sewing machine.

Sculpture
Pro: Instead of hauling around a truck of your sculptures, you can show photographs of your work on the iPad.
Con: There aren’t many applications for sculptors.

Sequential art
Pro: You can do rough sketches on the go using the free application Doodle Buddy.

Interior Design
Pro: There are several apps, including Home Interior Layout Designer – Mark On Call, that cater to interior designers.