Why I Tell Everyone I Know to Get an iPad
The past couple of months, I’ve been spending more time with my iPad than ever. (This says a lot given how much time I spent on it before). Between graphic design, social media management, and the sheer amount of video production I’ve been doing for the church, my iPad Pro and I have been through a lot together lately. And it’s kept up with me every step of the way, which has got me reflecting a lot about why I love this device so much and why I wish more people I know would give it a try.
Friends come to me all the time asking my advice on which computer they should buy for school, home, or work. I always answer with a series of questions in order to make a good suggestion. Lately, I’ve started by asking the question, “Would you consider an iPad?” Usually the response is, “I hadn’t really thought of that,” and then we move on. But I always ask because I believe that for a lot of people, the iPad really is the best solution for their computing needs.
I’ve found that to be true in my case. Sure, I use a lot of Macs and even a few Windows desktops in my work, but I spend the vast majority of my computing time—and almost all of my creative energy—on my iPad Pro, and that’s coming from a techie. If the iPad can be enough computer for me and my fairly complicated needs, it’s more than enough for most people… so long as they’re willing to give it a chance.
This is my love letter to the iPad: a list of reasons I love it so much and why I think you should consider giving it a try.
Simply Powerful
When most people think of the iPad, they still think of it the way it was originally conceived all the way back in 2010. Then, it was thought of as pretty much a blown-up iPhone. It did a lot of the same things your phone did, just on a bigger screen. It was considered great for web browsing, email, watching videos, and playing games, but not for much else. You certainly wouldn’t try to do the same things on it that you do on your laptop or desktop computer. It was a cool, fun device, but not all that practical for most people most of the time.
But let’s think about this for a second: What are the tasks most people use their computers for most of the time? It’s the things I listed above: web browsing, email, videos, and the like. For these tasks, there is no better computer than the iPad. It’s so intuitive that even someone who’s never used a computer before can pick it up and figure it out almost instantly. You can use it anywhere you like, including your couch. And it can handle the basic computing needs of everyday people quickly and smoothly with no issues whatsoever.
Hands down, the iPad is the best device to meet your basic computing needs. But that’s not all.
Because the iPad has also come a long way in ten years. Not only does it look a lot different than it did back then, but it’s become even more equipped to handle more tasks over time. As I said before, I use my iPad to edit videos for my church. If you happened to see one of our services when we were online-only, it was edited on my iPad, as were the graphics promoting it. I can manage files on my iPad, collaborate with others, and even edit websites on this thing.
Through a combination of software improvements and huge leaps in Apple’s skill at creating computer chips, the iPad has grown from a casual browsing device to a versatile powerhouse. In terms of computer performance, the iPad even rivals some of Apple’s own laptops. It’s simply powerful, and more than enough computer for the average user.
An iPad for Everyone
When we talk about the iPad, we’re not referring to just one device, but rather to an entire line of computers that can be configured to fit each person’s needs. It started as one tablet ten years go. But over time, it’s grown to become both more accessible to everyday users and more powerful for pros who need to push the limits. Here’s what the iPad lineup looks like right now:
At the low end, you have the iPad. This is the seventh version of the original that started it all. The screen has gotten ever-so-slightly bigger over time (10.2“ instead of 9.7”), but it’s still just as easy to hold in your hands. At $329 (and often on sale at $250), this thing is a steal. It doesn’t have all the latest cutting-edge technology, but it runs apps like email, Photos, Word, and FaceTime smoothly and streams video like a breeze. This iPad will meet most people’s needs without costing them a ton of money and frustration. I use several of these iPads at work for basic tasks, and I can’t recommend them enough.
One step up from the regular iPad is the iPad Air. This model is a little bit bigger with its 10.5” screen, but what really sets it apart is its adoption of newer technologies like a laminated screen and the A12 Bionic chip. If those specs don’t mean anything to you, then you probably don’t need to look at the iPad Air. But if you’re wanting an iPad that can handle a little more than the basics, the iPad Air is worth considering at $500.
If you’re looking for something smaller, there’s the iPad Mini. It’s got all the same technology as the Air, but in a 7.9” screen and with a cheaper price tag at $400. I personally love the size of the Mini because it’s so easy to take anywhere, and you can even type on it comfortably like a phone. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a computer that’s compact but can still pack a punch.
And for those who want to use the iPad for really intensive tasks like photo and video editing, Apple offers the high-end iPad Pro. It comes in two sizes, 11” and 13”, and it has all the latest technology: the cutting-edge processor, facial recognition for unlocking the device, a USB-C port, support for all the newest accessories, and more. Those features come at a price, with the iPad Pro starting at $800. But for those who need the raw power, the cost is well worth it. I use my 11” iPad Pro every day, and it is a beast. Not only is it the most beautiful computer I’ve ever owned; it’s the most well-fitted to meet my computing needs. If you’re a creative type like me, this device is worth a look.
Apple’s website includes a handy iPad comparison page if you’re not sure which model is right for you. And of course, you could always ask your friendly neighborhood tech guy!
Every iPad comes with some basics: the latest version of the iPadOS operating system with years of security and feature updates to come, biometric unlocking (either through your fingerprint or facial scan, depending on the model), all-day battery life, front and back cameras, a microphone, and side speakers. The screen resolutions vary, but they’re all HD and pleasing to the eyes. And they’re all touchscreens with support for multiple finger gestures for easy navigation.
Each of these comes with a variety of storage size options. If you have a large photo library or know you’ll want to download a lot of games or movies, you can pay a little more to get extra storage. But if you don’t think you’ll need all that space, you can save some money and go for the basic storage option. It’s completely up to you and your needs.
Also, each iPad comes in a cellular version, so that if you don’t have Wifi at home or plan to use your device when you’re on the go, you can tie the iPad to your cellular plan and use mobile data just like on your phone. Of course, the cellular option does come with additional costs. But if you want your computer to be truly mobile, that’s an option you have.
I challenge you to find any other line of computers with such a clear array options and such a wide range of price points. There truly is an iPad for everyone, each of them beautifully designed, easy to use, and perfectly suited for the task at hand.
One Computer, Many Modes
My experience working on the iPad so intensely over the past couple of months has really made me think about the concept of the iPad as a modular computer. At its core, the iPad is and always will be a touchscreen tablet. That’s the device’s identity. But one of the most amazing features of the iPad is that, through accessories, you can turn it into any kind of computer you want. These are just a few of the different modes I use my iPad in:
The Magic Keyboard case is the best way to turn an iPad Pro into a laptop, but there are a variety of keyboard case options with and without trackpads.
The most basic, of course, is tablet mode for reading books, catching up on social media, and watching videos. If I want to use the device more like a notebook, I can pick up my Apple Pencil stylus and just start writing, drawing, or marking up documents and photos for editing. This mode is natural and fun, and it’s supported right out of the box.
Then there’s laptop mode, which is the one I use the most. I carry my iPad in a Magic Keyboard case, which allows me to unfold it like a laptop for typing and control it with the trackpad. Of course, I can always reach up and touch the screen if I want to. And I can yank the iPad out of its case at any time to switch to tablet mode. But when it comes to writing and editing, nothing beats my iPad in laptop mode.
The UltraFine 4K monitor combined with Apple’s Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad make for a great desktop iPad setup.
When I’m in my office at work, I plug my iPad into an external display and use it in desktop mode. The device can connect to keyboards and mice over Bluetooth or wired connection, which means you can use your favorite computer accessories with it. Having my iPad on a bigger screen is great when I’m editing videos and want to see every detail.
And whenever I want to video chat with family or need to jump on a Zoom call, I use stand mode, which elevates the screen to eye level when I’m sitting. This makes video calls much more natural. And when I’m editing a video at home, I can put my iPad in the stand and use a Bluetooth trackpad to edit, which relieves the neck strain that can come from looking down at a laptop.
I love my AboveTek stand for video calls and editing video at home.
Every iPad is fully capable of being used in any of these modes. Apple sells Pencils and keyboard cases for every model, or you can bring your own favorite accessories and connect them with ease. If you like to play games on your iPad, you can use most any Bluetooth controller, including Xbox and PlayStation controllers. If you like listening to music loud, the iPad will play to your favorite wireless speakers. Or you can use the iPad to project your favorite videos onto your AirPlay TV.
There are a million different configurations that the iPad can be used in, and it’s all up to you to decide which are your favorite. Laptops and desktops are great, but they don’t offer the flexibility and mobility that the iPad does. No other computer can fit into so many different contexts and use cases, and that makes the iPad the ultimate modular computer.
The Power of the Ecosystem
If you use an iPhone or a Mac, you already know how enjoyable Apple’s software is to use. No operating system is perfect, but I believe iPadOS is the perfect balance of power and usability. You can customize it and make it your own, but you can also trust that when you need it, it will just work.
One of the things I love most about my iPad is the way it plays so well with my other devices. It syncs messages and photos to and from my phone so I know that no matter which one I’m using, I’ll always have all of my data. If I need to transfer a file to my Mac at work, I can use AirDrop to send it quickly and wirelessly. And if I need to adjust the lights or temperature when I’m working at home, all of my HomeKit devices are just a couple of taps away.
There are a million different little reasons why the Apple ecosystem is so convenient and nice. I don’t have the space to list them all here. But I’ll say this: If you have a iPhone and are looking for a computer, give the iPad a try for a couple of days. (Return policies are very generous if it doesn’t work out!) You’ll be amazed at all the small, seamless ways that using both in conjunction can make your life easier.
The Best Computer for Most People
All of that being said, I understand that the iPad still isn’t the perfect device for everyone. Some people are really comfortable with more traditional computer systems. Some require software that still hasn’t made its way to the iPad yet (though those gaps are few and far between, and shrinking every day). Others just can’t fathom the idea of a tablet as their main computer. I get it.
My wife is one of those people. When she and I got together, she had a Samsung phone and an HP laptop. Before long, she sold the laptop and switched to iPhone, so I was sure that I was on track to making her an iPad fan like me. I gave her my iPad Mini to use for watching videos and some basic word processing at her job, but every time, she either used her phone to get the work done or borrowed my old MacBook Pro. Finally, I resigned myself to the fact that she wasn’t an iPad person, and we bought her a MacBook Air when they did the latest refresh. Now there’s a Mac in my house. 😬
However, I still believe that there a lot of people for whom the iPad would be the perfect computer if they’d just give it a shot. I shudder to think about the number of sub-par Windows laptops sold at Best Buy and Walmart to unsuspecting consumers every single day. They’re cheap, they’re slow, and they won’t last long. For the same price, these people could be investing in a tablet that will fulfill all their computing needs, last longer, and offer them a better experience overall.
Even if you purchase a keyboard case to turn the device into a laptop, the iPad is still priced competitively with these low-budget computers that cannot offer the same power or smooth performance. Believe me when I say I’ve tried a lot of computers, and I’d take an entry-level iPad over just about any laptop out there that costs less than $1,000.
The iPad is a powerful, intuitive computer that’s constantly evolving and evoking delight in those who use it. It’s available at a wide range of configurations and price points, and it can be turned into any kind of computer you want it to be. Whether you’re checking social media on your couch, writing the latest research paper at the library, crunching numbers at the office, or embarking on your next big creative endeavor at the coffee shop, there’s an iPad that’s perfectly suited for you.
There’s no computer on the planet that packs so much simplicity, power, and versatility into such beautiful and portable package. That’s why I love the iPad. That’s why I tell everyone I know to at least consider getting an iPad, and that’s why I hope you’ll think about giving the device a try, too.
Did you enjoy my write-up on why I think the iPad is for everyone? Thanks so much for reading it! I’d love to hear your thoughts, whether they be about my article or your own experience with the iPad. And if you have any questions about what the device can do or which model might be right for you, I’d be happy to answer you in the comments below or on social media.
Thanks again for reading this article! I had a lot of fun putting it together, and I hope you liked reading it, too. See you next week for something different!