Memeo Connect Reader - Accessing and Syncing Google Docs With Your iPad

As of this writing Google has not created an iPad app for its Google Docs platform. Memeo has come in to fill that void with its Memeo Connect Reader. While it's still in development and there are some glitches and limitations, the fact that Memeo has given it free to iPad users is a huge gain for the iPad community.

Memeo Connect Readers syncs with your Google Docs account to provide you with real time access to your important files. Currently the developer has limited the amount of files you can access to 1,000 (up from 200) and plans to lift that limit entirely as the app matures. The Connect Reader is specifically targeted at reading your paperwork; you CANNOT edit them, although the firm claims it is seeking into adding an annotation element in the future.

You'll be able to view any file that's saved inside your Google account. The Reader supports virtually all the formats Google Docs supports for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations. The Memeo reader also allows you to view and sync PDFs, audio, video and images. The exceptions are the Memeo Reader is still limited to what the iPad can play. (i.e. no Flash).

Using the Reader is very easy and navigation is similar to using Docs on your web browser. You can browse all the folders you have set up in Google, star items, delete items, etc. Memeo's reader also lets you drag and drop entire folders into your Google Docs account similar to what you would do on other cloud services such as box.net and Google Docs.
Developer Description:

- Automatically syncs with Google Docs to keep your documents up to date
- View all your Google files including MS Office, Apple iWorks & PDF documents - even view photos and videos
- Easily scroll and zoom Docs for easier reading
- Read offline to keep productive while you are on the go
- Works with Google Docs Standard, Education and Premiere edition users

What's New in Version 1.1.0

1. Can now import Google documents to Pages, Keynote and Numbers
2. Document limit increased to 1,000 (previously 200)
3. Documents stored in Google's online format can be synced as Microsoft Office files
4. Documents stored in Google's online format can be synced as PDF
5. Support for multiple page spreadsheets
6. New settings to change which documents are synced
7. Switch to disable sounds
8. Switch to disable automatic login
9. Fixed bug where the login screen might be displayed when launching the app without a valid network connection
10. Fixed crash when viewing large images

John Noel has been a Apple user and technology expert for over a decade. He is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley holding a Masters in Computer Science. Come visit his website at http://www.myappworld.com/ which helps people find the best iPad apps such as Docs for iPad as well as the latest Apple products and the best iPad accessories.

How to Write an Ebook Using Google Docs

Did you know that Google Docs provide most of the basic tools that can be found in paid programs such as Microsoft Office? Google Docs includes a basic word processor that functions similar to Microsoft Word without all of the unnecessary bells and whistles. In this article I'm going to talk about using Google Docs to write an ebook. We'll first look at the features available in your account and then how to use them to write your ebook.

The Features You Need to Write an ebook

You don't really need many tools in your word processor to write an ebook. Basically, you need to be able to type up the words of the document, do some formatting (e.g., bold, italics, change font size), the ability to insert a table or a picture, and spell check. You might also want a highlighter to mark the places that you need to revisit or touch-up in your ebook. Google Docs provides all of that with the additional advantage of having your ebook online and available to work on wherever you happen to have access to the internet.

Writing Your ebook in Google Docs

The first step is to log into your Gmail account. If you don't have one you will need to sign up for one, don't worry it's free. Once logged in, click the link that says Documents and you will be in Google Docs. Here is where you will create a new file and begin writing. Depending on they layout for your ebook, you can either write your ebook in a Document format or in a Presentation format, it's up to you. If this is your first time using Google Docs, I suggest you go with the Document format because it has all of the tools I mentioned earlier (especially the spell check!).

When you create a new Document, you will see the screen is pretty much laid out like Microsoft Word or OpenOffice Writer. Simply start typing and formatting your ebook the way you want and inserting any images. Just remember to save often just like you would in any other program. Your document will be auto-saved, but it's still good to save it yourself regularly.

Finishing Up Your ebook

If you need your ebook proofread or edited, simply go to the Share menu and give your editor access to your document to review. It's all online, so there is no need to email your ebook. Once the ebook is complete, go to the File menu and select Downlad as a PDF. Yes, that's right! Google Docs will convert your ebook to PDF for you as well.

Once you've mastered using Google Docs to write a basic ebook, you can start looking at how to make your ebooks better. Go to http://www.improveyourinfoproducts.com and pick up your free quick course on how to improve your ebook.