TechTablets7 mistakes everyone makes with iPadiPads are brilliant, but there are some traps for the unwaryWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechTablets7 mistakes everyone makes with iPadiPads are brilliant, but there are some traps for the unwaryWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
iPads are brilliant, but there are some traps for the unwary
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Apple)
(Image credit: Apple)
What’s got two thumbs and really loves iPads? The answer is me. But in my decade-plus of owning every generation ofiPad, from the original to the very latestApple iPad Air 2022, I’ve learnt some lessons the hard way.
Some of those lessons are about buying the right iPad without regretting your choice later; others are about using it, getting the most of it and appreciating what accessories can do.
As such, here are some of the iPad mistakes I’ve made that you might want to avoid if you too are currently browsing thebest iPad dealson the market.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
1. Buying one that’s too small
That’s small as in storage. The entry level iPad has 64GB of storage, and unless you intend to use cloud storage and offload unused apps you’ll fill it up surprisingly quickly – and even more so if it’s going to be a shared device or you’re going to take lots of photos. More about that in a moment.
(Image credit: Apple)
(Image credit: Apple)
2. Assuming kids’ apps are kid-friendly
Apple’s App Store and parental controls are very good, but if you’re letting your kids install games it’s important to be aware that ad-funded games are often very inappropriate: I’ve seen games aimed specifically at young children whose ad breaks include video of very age-inappropriate zombies and other horrors. There are also lots of dark patterns where games make it very difficult to escape ads without taking you to the App Store or Safari, and many scammy apps promising things like free Fortnite V-Bucks.
(Image credit: Apple)
(Image credit: Apple)
3. Buying one that’s too good
Maybe this one’s just me, but my previous iPad was aniPad Profor no other reason than I wanted one and I have poor impulse control. And that’s okay, but it wasn’t exactly smart: for all the joys of an iPad Pro, and there are many, it was absolutely overkill for the things I actually use my iPad for. Today my daily driver is an iPad Air. Even that’s probably overpowered.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
4. Using it as a camera when you’ve got an iPhone
Yes, the camera is better than it was. But taking photos still feels like you’re doing it with a dinner plate and is quite hilariously uncomfortable. The quality of the footage is also not at the same level as today’sbest iPhones.
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(Image credit: Apple)
(Image credit: Apple)
5. Thinking the Apple Pencil is just for artists
TheApple Pencilis brilliant for more than just drawing: tons of apps can turn your handwriting into searchable, editable text, and that means iPads are also brilliant notepads for things like meetings, lectures or just idly planning world domination.
(Image credit: Apple)
(Image credit: Apple)
6. Expecting free iCloud storage to be enough
When Apple launched iCloud in 2011, it gave you 5GB for free. And in 2022, Apple gives you 5GB for free (unless you’re a student). That was pretty rubbish when iPads started with 16GB of storage, and it’s absolutely hopeless now that they start at 64GB. Additional iCloud storage isn’t expensive, but it just feels like Apple is penny pinching here.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
7. Thinking it’s a MacBook alternative
Don’t get me wrong. The iPad is a brilliant mobile device, and I often take mine places where I used to take myMacBook Pro. But that doesn’t mean it’s a laptop replacement. While there are some superb high-end apps the multitasking is still pretty horrible and iPadOS feels exactly like what it is: a phone OS with a bigger canvas. HopefullyWWDC 2022will see that change, but for now there are still significant disadvantages to an iPad for some kinds of tasks.
Today’s best Apple iPad (2020) deals$329View$429ViewNo price informationCheck AmazonWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Apple iPad (2020) deals$329View$429ViewNo price informationCheck AmazonWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Apple iPad (2020) deals
$329View$429ViewNo price informationCheck Amazon
$329View
$329View
$329View
$329
$329
$429View
$429View
$429View
$429
$429
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price information
No price information
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
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