Tuesday, January 3, 2023

What Is An iPad And Why I Own One?

An iPad is a tablet computer developed and marketed by Apple Inc. It runs on Apple's iOS operating system, and has a variety of uses, including web browsing, email capabilities, media consumption, text messaging (yes, you get the blue bubble when using Apple's iMessage) and productivity.

iPad Basics

It comes in a variety of sizes and models, each with its own set of features and capabilities (from the iPad mini, to the traditional iPad model, the iPad Air, and the power iPad Pro lineup. Some of the key features that are common to the iPad include multi-touch screen displays, a variety of processors and storage options (for photos, documents, etc.), front and rear-facing cameras, and support for various types of connectivity, Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil 2 (to use as a stylus for writing, drawing, etc.), Apple's AirPods, and they all come with Wi-Fi and / or cellular data from the major (and most minor) wireless carriers.

Productivity With An iPad

The iPad is designed to be portable and lightweight, making it easy to take with you wherever you go. It's also equipped with a variety of sensors, such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a compass, all of which allow it to respond to movement, orientation - essentially any input we give it.

In addition to its built-in features, the iPad also has access to a wide range of third-party apps and services accessible through the App Store.  These "apps" allow you to customize and extend its functionality to suit your specific needs - especially since many developers know that Apple's IOS ecosystem is widely integrated into the technology many of us use and count upon to assist us in our day to day activities.

I can speak to this first hand as I originally owned a BlackBerry device (dating back to the original "touchscreens"!), was swayed by Apple, and then transitioned to Google's Android operating system.  Even though I liked using Google's Pixel mobile phone (due to the deep integration it had with many of the Google products I use - Google Maps, Google Drive, Google Keep, Gmail, etc.), I didn't like the shorter lifetime support of the phone (with newer software upgrades leaving a phone, only a few years old, left without the newest software) whereas Apple's support is across the board until it becomes almost unusable on the older hardware (so you never feel left out).  In fact, older devices are supported to a much higher degree (typically years of support - well past 3 or 4 years).  Additionally, I've been able to reliably integrate the iPad, iPhone, iWatch, and Mac Mini (I absolutely love the newer Mac Mini with the M1 chip - especially for what you get for the price you pay!) into my daily life by being able to maximize my business and family life workflow.  Whether one likes it or not, technology is a huge part of our lives and is here to stay!

iPad Versatility

Built on this foundation of software and hardware we can trust and depend upon, the iPad is also a versatile and convenient device that can be used for a wide range of things - whether you use it for entertainment, such as watching movies, listening to music, or playing games. Others use it for productivity, such as creating documents, organizing schedules, managing emails, creating artwork, engineering blueprints or drawing architectural plans for your remodel, managing your Bitcoin trading account, drawing up NFTs, or driving a small business (from the medical profession, to restaurants using it to manage their booking reservations, to a coffee shop making use of it as a "point of sale" machine - the list is endless). Still others use it as a tool for education, research on the Internet, or simply to communicate among family and friends.

iPad Details

To hone in on the nuts and bolts of what can be done with an iPad, here are some general benefits.  However, by no means are they limited to these functions.  You'll find the only limitation to these devices are our lack of curiosity to explore the power of what they can actually do! 

Portability: Since the iPad is small and lightweight (especially the iPad mini), it's easy to take with you wherever you go. This makes it a great device for people who are always on the move or who need a portable computer for school, work, or business (even keeping the little one's happily occupied on a long road trip - in the hopes of getting your vacation started off on the right foot rather than losing your patience along the way with the endless cries of, "when are we going to get there")! 

Touchscreen: The iPad has a multi-touch screen display (coming in various sizes depending upon the model you opt for), which makes it easy and intuitive to use for everyone. You can interact with the device using your fingers, which can be more natural and responsive than using a mouse or keyboard.  You can also use a stylus (among others, I use Apple's pencils - first and second editions are available with support depending upon your specific model) or even connect it to various keyboards (external or one built-in to an iPad case).  Compared to many other tablets, the iPad is fluid and, in my opinion, the most polished tablet on the market today.

App Store: The iPad has access to a vast library of apps and services through the App Store, which allows you to customize and extend its functionality to suit your specific needs. Whether you want to play games, create art, learn a new skill, or stay connected with friends and family, there is likely an app that can help you get it done.

Long battery life: The iPad has a long battery life, which means you can use it for extended periods of time without having to worry about running out of power.  Remember, with these lithium ion batteries, don't routinely drain your battery or fully charge it (many recommend keeping them charged between the 20% to 80% range - I do this and have found this to do a good job making a good battery even better).

iPad The Perfect Companion

Overall, the iPad is a powerful and convenient device that can be used for a wide range of needs. Whether you are looking for a device for entertainment, productivity, or education, the iPad may be a good choice for you.  Without question, it's the best choice for me, so I highly recommend it and use the iPad Air 5th Generation!

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