There was a time when the iPad was one of my most used devices. And yet, despite the fact that I currently have two iPads, I've barely used either of them this year, and I'm not even the slightest tempted to upgrade when new models are announced.
There are five reasons for this. this is when my previous iPad use has been almost completely replaced by my MacBook Pro and a pair of virtual reality glasses…
Why I loved my iPad
Although some people use the iPad as a completely different beast from the MacBook – they use it much more for media consumption or gaming – for me it has always been primarily an alternative to a laptop.
I have always preferred a Mac, but back when my favorite computer was the 17-inch MacBook Pro, it was nice to have a lighter device in those days when I wanted to be able to work on a mobile device and didn't need a big screen.
It was still a battle between the iPad and the 11-inch MacBook Air back then, but the iPad had a few advantages at the time.
First, and most importantly, battery life. Whatever claims Apple made about the battery life of Intel Macs were always greatly exaggerated unless you kept the screen very dim. This was even more true when you used the MacBook intermittently throughout the day, when constant sleep-wake cycles further reduced the expected number of hours.
The iPad, in contrast, was unique at the time: a mobile gadget that actually delivers the promised 10-hour battery life in real-world use.
Secondly, the iPad's instant on/off speed compares favorably with the MacBook's slightly delayed response. This was especially helpful during National Novel Writing Month, which I've done for several years in a row. When we were trying to hit an ambitious word count goal every day, every short subway ride of just a few stops provided a writing opportunity that couldn't be missed.
Third, built-in mobile data. Since coffee shop Wi-Fi is one of the least reliable aspects of modern life, simply turning on the device and instantly accessing the network was both reassuring and time-saving.
The four main things that have changed
Firstly, I moved to central London. This meant that the amount of time I spent on the subway was significantly reduced – both because a typical trip involved fewer stops, and because cycling or walking became a much more practical way to get around. The value of this instant-on/off device, which had its own mobile data connection, was greatly reduced.
Second, the use of mobile hotspots became completely practical. This was not always reliable, and mobile operators often had contracts that limited how much tethered communications could be used. These days, however, I find it very reliable, and my contract includes unlimited tethering, so being online on a Mac is almost as convenient as being online on an iPad.
Third, the MacBook Pro is thinner and lighter than machines of the past. Right now there isn't much of a difference in thickness or weight between my 16″ MacBook Pro and my 12.9″ iPad Pro with the Magic Keyboard attached.
Fourth, with the move to Apple Silicon there is a gap between what is advertised and the MacBook's actual battery life dropped dramatically, while using an iPad with the Magic Keyboard significantly reduced the iPad's battery life. So for typical mobile device use, battery life is no longer a deciding factor, and MacBooks have also caught up with the iPad in terms of instant on/off.
For all these reasons, if I need to work on a mobile device today, it will be my MacBook Pro, not my iPad. Just yesterday I was writing a couple of blog posts during a train ride and I was using my MacBook.
Plus VR glasses have replaced my iPad mini
When the cute new generation iPad mini came out, I really tried to find an excuse to buy one, but to no avail. However, I later decided that it was the perfect device for watching a movie or TV show in bed. I don't do this often, but I bought a used one to test the idea, reasoning that I could sell it for about the same amount I paid for it.
I started to like it because of this when I tried the Viture One XR glasses. I immediately used this device to watch movies – I found that it is the equivalent of an 80-inch TV, and this device is more convenient than holding even an iPad mini.
As I watched the video, I quickly became immersed in it—and from my first impressions, I had the impression that this would be my favorite way to watch videos alone. (Though with an additional docking station and a second pair of glasses, two people can also watch a video or play a game together.)
That's because it's so convenient to just sit or lie down in any position and always have the video in front of your eyes. . Especially in bed, you can lie on your back or either side without having to hold onto the screen. On public transport, you will also avoid neck pain from having to look at a screen on your lap or on a tray in the back of your seat. The glasses are light enough, so there is no discomfort from wearing them.
I also experimented a bit with the iPad as a Kindle, but ultimately chose the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition. (with wireless charging) it's over for me.
What is an iPad?
In an attempt to convince us that the iPad could be a computer for many people (and I agree), Apple asked the question: What is a computer?
Best Comment by Michael Reyes
I have a Macbook Air M2 and a 2016 iPad Pro (9.7 inches). I recently rediscovered my iPad for one reason: it is SO much better at reading online versions of newspapers than a Macbook. I know the iPad is a very expensive newsreader, but it works for me!
View all comments
The question now facing me is: what is an iPad? Or more precisely, what is an iPad for? My MacBook Pro is my favorite mobile device for creativity, and the Viture One XR glasses are my favorite device for entertainment.
So, my iPad mini will be on sale. My 2018 12.9-inch iPad Pro is worth such a fraction of the purchase price that I can't bring myself to sell it, but the truth is that it sits in a drawer unused these days, so I really should.
At the moment it seems to me that the era of the iPad has come to an end. And you? Has anything changed in the way you use your iPad, or are you still using it the same way you always did? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.
Photo by Daniel Romero on Unsplash
