Five years ago today, Apple unveiled iPad, a device that would change the way many people thought about computing, me included.
Until that day, tablets were defined by Microsoft and its partners. They were large, thick, heavy, under-powered, and clunky—worse, they were not user-friendly. The end result was that they weren’t accepted by the mainstream consumer and were relegated to niche markets.
With the development of iOS, Apple took a fresh new approach to mobile computing—make a mobile-optimized operating system. What really made the iPad work was the acceptance of the development community. Apps showed people the power of this new platform and the things that could be done. iPad was quickly accepted by the mass market, and adopted by a variety of market segments.
iPad has been instrumental in helping people with autism, and many other diseases. Children flock to iPad, touching the screen and navigating apps like they are pros. Older users find iPad an easy to use device that they can easily focus on, whether that’s reading news, cooking or keeping in touch with family.
Apple hit on something huge with iPad. It invented a device and operating system that appealed to people of all ages and skill levels and kept it affordable.
I’ve had every iPad that Apple has ever released and I love them. Currently, I’m using the iPad Air 2 and the latest iPad mini. I’m also using a MacBook Pro and an iPhone 6.
I’m a big believer in only using devices that fit into my lifestyle. My workflow is very simple and if one device comes in, another has to leave. That was my thought when iPad mini first came out—I didn’t think it would work for me.
I was wrong.
What happened was very gradual, but I ended up with two iPads, an iPhone and a Mac in my workflow. They all have a specific purpose, and while all interchangeable, I’m comfortable reaching for a specific device when I’m doing different tasks.
My Mac is the main work machine and I use it to record music when I pick up the guitar. The iPhone is the communications device for Messages and phone calls. It also acts as my computer when I’m away from the office—it’s incredible the things you can get done on it when you need to.
My iPad Air 2 is my computing device at the end of the day. I put my computer down and relax while I’m reading articles to post the next day. I do light writing and take notes that I save to the cloud, so they’re available on my Mac the next morning.
The iPad mini is for when I go to a coffee shop, use at the gate of an airport, or similar situation—when I need to quickly catch up or leisurely read. Everything has its place.
iPad has changed the way I work and I’m better for it. I have a device for any situation and I’m more efficient for using them all.
Happy Birthday, iPad. And thanks.
The iPad is an interesting device because it’s very easy to forget “how” to use it, and then once you remember, you realize it’s crazy that you weren’t using it more already. Case in point — I usually have my iPad Retina (3rd-gen, I wanna get a new Air one of these days) in a case and propped up on my desk next to my Mac/monitor so I can watch easily videos or listen to stuff or whatever while I’m working. But that means I don’t really use my iPad as a handheld device while I’m working.
However, the other day my computer was installing updates, so I actually took the iPad out of its case, leaned back in my chair, and used it to check email, look up stuff on the web, etc. Wow! I had a blast. Something about holding a nice big touchscreen in your hand is so satisfying.
It kinda makes me think I need TWO iPads 😉 At the very least, I need to remind myself to grab my iPad more often and not just settle into my usual routine of sitting in front of my Mac all day.
Kind of in the same boat with a 15″ MBP (plus monitor) for serious work and an iPad Air 2 for browsing, news, books, notes, etc.. Not to mention an iPhone, of course.
I had an iPad mini as well, but sold it when I upgraded my iPhone from a 5 to a 6 Plus last year.
The Plus screen can handle most of the light reading chores for which I once used the mini, plus I no longer need to carry, charge and otherwise manage an extra device.
On the flip side, I’m really thinking about adding the new 12″ MacBook to my stable, and I could see that taking over quite a bit of the iPad’s note taking and browsing duties.
In which case the iPad would probably become my dedicated “Kindle” book reader…
For sure. My Air 2 compliments my iPhone and desktop Mac. Sometimes I just prefer sitting in a comfy chair and feeling the up-close tactile engagement of swiping through stuff on my iPad. And, as a photographer, nothing beats looking at photos with the Air’s gorgeous screen.
With you, Jim. I went to the Apple Store 5 years ago today, late in the afternoon figuring I’d be safe from making an expensive purchase. Nope, they were still in stock. (And the store was PACKED.) Once I touched it with my hands, I was powerless and the sale was made. I’m now on my second, a 4th gen. For me, my needs are simple and I’m now looking at reluctantly replacing a 7 year old iMac. I hardly use it anymore, but the iPad isnt ready to fully take it’s place yet. But it’s always near at hand.
We held off buying one until a freelance project required one for testing, and bought an iPad 2 almost before the 3 was released. It’s now too convenient a fixture to do without, which is something neither of us anticipated.
You’ve made a convincing case about the utility of iPad Air2 + Mac. But your case for iPad Mini is unconvincing. Why can’t Air2 be used for catchup reading? It’s not much bigger than Mini? For super efficient catchup reading, the iPhone6 is just fine. I read the entire Jobs bio on it. I gave away my Mini because it was too contrived to try and use it.
As someone who doesn’t speak English natively, I have always wondered what’s up with omitting “the” from Apple products.
“iPad” just looks wrong to me, I always think it should be “the iPad”.
That said, while my iPad comes last behind the iPhone and the iMac, I certainly wouldn’t want to miss it.
For me, the Mini fits as a book better. I did read on the iPad 3, but it was heavy. The Air would work, but for me the Mini works better as a consumption device (FB, Twitter, Flipboard, books, etc). The 6 could work, but it’s a bit small for long works (I use it a lot for shorter stuff)
I would think about a 6+, but I carry my phone in my pocket and I think a Plus would end up too big.
It’s a proper noun, and “the” simply isn’t required. As you’re not “The Robert” and a car isn’t “The Mustang”, an iPad doesn’t need to be “The iPad”.
Further, requiring “the” in the name would lead to awkward sentences like, “Put your The iPad down next to my The iPad.” (grin)