{"id":1162,"date":"2010-10-28T09:34:19","date_gmt":"2010-10-28T08:34:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.mentor.com\/colinwalls\/?p=1162"},"modified":"2026-03-26T16:33:24","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T20:33:24","slug":"whats-my-ipad-for","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/embedded-software\/2010\/10\/28\/whats-my-ipad-for\/","title":{"rendered":"What’s my iPad for?"},"content":{"rendered":"

I have been the proud owner of an iPad for nearly six months now. As I wrote at the time<\/a>, I was not quite sure what I wanted one for. Later, I commented<\/a> upon how my use of the device was progressing and, more recently, about my feelings<\/a> for it. Now, with half a year’s experience behind me, I should be able to take a level headed look at the iPad’s place in my life and perhaps in society as a whole.<\/p>\n

Although the initial furore may have died down, there is certainly much interest in iPads out there. During my recent travels, on seeing me “playing” with mine, two people struck up conversations with me about it, as did a plumber visiting my house this week. I believe both my daughters would like one [but I do not think my Christmas budget stretches that far!] and my Other Half is hoping I will move on to a better model soon so that she can inherit mine. The more I use mine, the more surprised I am that there is very little serious competition in the market yet, as I am convinced that “tablet” format computers will become ubiquitous. I think that, over the last six months, I have used my iPad for something or other every single day …<\/p>\n

To recap which device I purchased: I got a 32G WiFi model. I regret not getting 64G, but that is not a disaster. I am glad I did not get a 3G model, as I have a MiFi device, which is infinitely more flexible [and a story for another day perhaps]. An iPad really comes into its own when it is connected and I love the instant access to online resources, but it is very useful standalone as well. Although I read that nearly 10% of iPad users have never downloaded any apps to their devices [which I found astounding], this ability to completely customize the functionality is a key value. Here is a summary of the apps that I use on a frequent, in many cases daily, basis:<\/p>\n

I use the built in email and web browser apps all the time, of course. I make very little use of the other built-ins, except the App Store and Settings, of course.<\/p>\n

On an everyday basis, I use:<\/p>\n