Why an iPad is more than just an expensive toy
A computer, smartphone, and a tablet? That feels like overkill. You already have everything you need on your phone and laptop. An iPad just feels like a bigger screen for the same stuff. Expensive toys that you can't really do anything with that you're not already doing.
But this is where most people make a mistake .
An iPad isn't just a larger smartphone or a smaller laptop. It's the device that fills in those annoying gaps you encounter every day. Follow recipes while cooking without constantly having to tap your phone screen. Video chat with your parents where they can actually see you. Work through Excel files on the couch without that heavy laptop on your lap. The latest models even make multitasking easier than on your computer. These aren't minor inconveniences—they're everyday annoyances that an iPad eliminates.
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The perfect screen size for every situation
A tablet perfectly fills the gap between your smartphone and laptop. While your phone screen is too small for comfortable reading and your laptop too bulky for the couch, an iPad offers the ideal compromise. With screen sizes ranging from 8.3 inches for the mini to 12.9 inches for the Pro models, there's a suitable size for every user.
This size makes the device particularly suitable for activities where your smartphone falls short. Think of reading newspapers and magazines, looking at construction plans, or working through spreadsheets. The difference with a laptop? You hold the device like a book, navigate directly with your fingers, and don't have to search for a mousepad or table.
Kitchen assistant who can take a beating
An iPad truly proves its worth in the kitchen. The screen is large enough to follow recipes without constantly having to zoom, and the touchscreen responds even to slightly damp fingers – handy while cooking. Place the device on a stand on the countertop and you have a perfect cookbook that never closes.
Modern models are also splashproof (IP rating), meaning they can withstand kitchen accidents. Using apps like Kitchen Stories or Allerhande, you can sync your shopping list directly to your phone. This way, you always have what you need at hand in the supermarket.
Video calling without hassle
For video calls, a tablet is superior to both a phone and a laptop. You don't have to hold the device like you do with a phone, leaving your hands free. At the same time, the camera can be positioned at eye level without the complicated setups often required with a laptop.
The latest models feature Center Stage technology: the camera automatically follows you as you move. Ideal for conversations with children who won't sit still or if you move around the room during a call. With up to 12 megapixels of image quality and stereo speakers, it's as if the person you're talking to is in the same room.
Entertainment for the whole family
A tablet transforms any room into an entertainment center. Educational apps and games specifically designed for the larger screen are available for children. Parental controls are easily managed via Screen Time, which allows you to set time limits for each app.
Streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ offer offline download options, perfect for long car rides or flights. Their battery life is remarkably efficient: modern iPads easily get 10 hours of video playback on a single charge. That's two to three movies in a row without needing a charger.
Workhorse for productivity
With Split View and Slide Over, you can work with multiple apps simultaneously. Research in Safari while taking notes in Notes, or compare two documents side by side. These multitasking capabilities make an iPad more than just a consumer device.
For students and professionals, apps like GoodNotes and Notability are valuable. Combined with an Apple Pencil, you can digitize handwritten notes, making them searchable. You can annotate PDFs instantly, and draw diagrams freehand. They replace stacks of paper without sacrificing the natural feel of writing.
Specifications that matter
When choosing a model, some specifications are crucial:
- Storage capacity: 64 GB is sufficient for basic use, 256 GB or more for media files
- WiFi or cellular: with a SIM card you are not dependent on WiFi networks
- Screen size: 8.3 inches for mobility, 11 inches as an all-rounder, 12.9 inches for professional work
- Processing power: M1 or M2 chips for heavy tasks, A-series chips for everyday use
Sustainability and lifespan
A high-quality tablet will last for years. Software updates typically last five to six years, keeping the device secure and up-to-date. The aluminum chassis is robust, and the screen is scratch-resistant. With a protective case and screen protector, the device will survive most drops.
Refurbished models offer excellent value. These professionally refurbished devices function like new at a fraction of the original price. This is a smart choice for families with children or those looking to try out a tablet.
Practical applications in daily life
The true added value of a tablet reveals itself in everyday situations. As a digital photo frame in the living room, a second screen for your laptop while working from home, or as a board computer in the car with navigation and entertainment for the kids in the back.
The device is particularly valuable for seniors. The intuitive touchscreen is more accessible than a computer mouse, fonts can be enlarged without loss of quality, and apps for memory training or medication reminders support daily routines. The long battery life means less hassle with chargers.
A tablet isn't a luxury item; it's a practical tool that makes life easier. Whether you're following recipes, video calling family, watching TV shows, or working professionally, the device adapts to your needs. The investment pays for itself in ease of use, time savings, and the numerous annoyances it eliminates.
The practical value of an iPad
An iPad turns out to be not an expensive toy but a practical addition to your household. The device solves the daily frustrations that make your phone too small and your laptop too bulky. From following recipes to video calling, from entertainment to productive work—it fills exactly those gaps you're currently working around.
Explore the different models and find the perfect size for your needs. You'll recoup your investment in convenience and eliminate irritations for good.
