iPads - what are they good for

[krissel]

Typing from my 1st gen iPad.  I haven't even updated the OS from the original, believe it or not.

This was purchased for my Mom and she used it mainly for some simple games to keep her fingers flexible and her mind working.

Now it's main use is for reading articles online while I walk on the treadmill.  Very convenient, though I did have to stop the treadmill to type.  

I agree that you would be better off with a newer one if the latest app updates are important and you want a camera feature. Still there is a lot of use left in this pad. But I wouldn't pay a whole lot for this model.

[Frances144]

Btw, I utterly loathed and despised may Kindle.  It was a badly designed piece of junk that needed so many expensive add-ones to make it viewable.

[jcarter]

My youngest grandson got an iPad-full size one), for Christmas and he takes it everywhere with him. He is allowed to use it in school, 6th grade.
And he has so many apps on it that its bulging.
I think its a great learning tool, he teaches other kids how to use it, and is actively trying to persuade me to get one.

He never uses his Kindle, not even sure where it is.

He loves the maps and I think they discuss that in class too, know that the teachers encourage iPads in his school.
The schools are wireless too.

Jane

[Sasha]

We have 2 iPads now, a 2 and a mini. I sorta thought they were toys until I bought Pages and Numbers. Totally professional apps. And my doctor is jealous, since she's stuck lugging a Dell laptop from consult room to office.

[jcarter]

Our doctor bought an iPad last spring, he loves it. Last appointment I had with him, we played with the iPad more than my badly sprained ankle.

[Frances144]

Brilliant!

[RHPConsult]

Kimmer:

Different strokes for . . .

My stable of Mac products is now serving a quite specialized function as my life and activities are more restricted by the exigencies of age.

I got my 1stGen iPad on about Week 1, enjoying it immensely until my arthritic fingers couldn't manipulate the KB I bought from Kensington, initially to accomplish typing at reasonable speed.

Because I am now with Lil during much of her waking hours while she reads and watches TV (her computing, so important to her for so many years is now increasingly difficult for her), my getting/answering MAIL, Googling the 'net, etc are now increasingly important to me. The iPad, while VERY portable, just wasn't enough "computer" which is what led me to an MB-Air that, thus far, is THE solution. Absolutely Perfect, which turned out to be such a surprise.

Full-size KB, dazzling display/wonderfully large FaceTime/speedy internet connection/fast printing when I need it/etc./etc./etc. all are "there" @ just over 2 lbs. No HD is simply a non-issue, since networking with my trusty iMac is so fast and easy.

The iPad has become a large, easy to read, TV remote with the help of this nifty app . . .

L5 Remote here

.

My 4s iPhone is invaluable (as a phone) primarily because it's "Blue-toothed" to my hearing instruments via a streamer manufactured by the hearing aid company, AND as a wonderful camera that has "retired" all previous cameras. No need for any other bells-or-whistles for us these days.

Not that "one-size fits all" by any means, but the MB-Air is far more important to us these days than an iPad ever could achieve.