Why own an ipad

Android and Windows tablets can do similar things to an iPad, but the feel of using the device is why I chose an iPad. Android has struggled to get its tablet interface feeling as smooth and usable and many Android apps — from big names like Spotify to various magazines and lots of smaller third-party tools — are similar to phone apps blown up to fit the size of a tablet. Plus, a lot of apps come out on iOS before reaching other platforms, which can be frustrating if you have to wait for a new game to launch for your Android product.

The app interface isn't comparable and I end up spending most of my time in a browser, which just seems silly for the price. When it comes to longevity, I find that iPads last a relatively long time. Now, Android tablets might not get future updates since Google stopped manufacturing their own Android tablets.

In addition to the actual product, I find that there are far more iPad-focused accessories like fold-out keyboard cases , than there are for any given Android tablet. Android and Windows tablets do have their advantages, of course. Previously, he was the editor-in-chief of Lifehacker and How-To Geek. IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

The iPad has no such problem. The last time I checked there were over , apps designed for the iPad. Obviously, not all of them are great—or even good. And with those apps you can read books, create works of music and art, launch a journal or blog, organize your life, entertain and inform your kids and grandkids, capture and edit movies and pictures, make and receive free video calls, enjoy your favorite music and movies, spend an unhealthy amount of time with Twitter and Facebook, fling birds at pigs, and cast your eyes over these very words.

Because everyone else is doing it. Some people are perfectly content purposely confining their computing to the Mac or PC in the back bedroom.

Real people, real events, real life are more important to them than their virtual counterparts. So, there are a few ways to interact with the iPad. The first and most obvious one is to use the on-screen keyboard for typing. A stylus is clearly the best tool for this purpose. All in all, even though at first I was skeptical of its capabilities, the stylus gets a big thumbs-up.

Why get an iPad, if you have an iPhone , which is basically an iPad, but smaller, or why get an iPad if you already own a MacBook?

Really, very few people truly need an iPad. Needing something makes it a necessity. The iPad is hardly a necessity, unless your job strictly demands using one, in which case your employer should provide one. For example, when combined with a keyboard, writers can easily do all their research and writing on an iPad. The iPad can be a real treat on the road.

Sidecar is a wonderful tool for extending your MacBook screen real estate.