How an iPad From 2020 Has Made a Difference in My Everyday Life
I’ve been using my 11-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation) for over three years now, and it’s proven to be an indispensable tool in my daily life.
I used it at university for research and note-taking; I’ve used it for content creation and most of my computing needs. This device has truly made a difference in my everyday life.
While the model itself is around 4 years old, I actually purchased it in 2021 and have been using it as my main computing device ever since.
Unfortunately, the iPad won’t receive the latest AI features, but it continues to perform flawlessly for everything I require it to do.
My usage hasn’t changed dramatically in the past year, but I thought it would be a good idea to share how much of a difference this trustworthy device has made in my everyday life since purchasing it.
So without any further ado, here are the ways in which my 11-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation) has made a difference in my everyday life…
University Life
I initially purchased this iPad to use while studying at university, and I think it’s fair to say that it served its purpose extremely well.
The iPad became my primary device for taking handwritten notes during lectures. I used apps like GoodNotes and Notability, which proved to be excellent for taking notes as well as research.
Speaking about research, the iPad turned out to be a fantastic tool for research. With the help of my Apple Pencil, I was able to annotate academic literature and books.
My iPad also became my library, as I used it to store eBooks that I needed for my degree. This was a game changer, as it meant that I could annotate books without marking physical books with my pen. I didn’t have a need to take books or any form of lecture material into lectures either, as I stored everything on my iPad.
The iPad was an exceptional secondary device, which I used alongside my laptop and desktop computer. If anybody who is a student and is considering an iPad for their studies, I highly recommend it!
My Side Hustle
The iPad Pro has made a huge difference to my side hustle, as it has allowed me to write blog posts and edit videos when traveling to and from work by train.
As a hybrid worker, I tend to visit the office two to three times per week. It takes me around an hour each way to get to the office by train. That leaves me with 2 hours per day to work on content, and if we multiply that by two or three days per week, that’s a lot of content creation time.
The 11-inch iPad Pro is ideal for working on the train and in cafés, as it’s small and fits perfectly on tray tables without making too much compromise on screen real estate.
With the help of the Ulysses app, the iPad has been my primary device for writing blog posts for a very long time. I find writing blog posts on the iPad comfortable and productive, especially when working from a new place, as I can put my AirPods in and just work.
I’m no expert when it comes to video editing, but I’ve been enjoying iMovie and LumaFusion and have edited several videos with them.
My Everyday Life
After graduating from university, my iPad Pro became my primary device for most of my computing needs. I used it as my main device for browsing the internet, online shopping, watching YouTube videos and more.
The iPad Pro tends to be the main device I read books and blog posts on. While I use it as my main device for reading, I do believe that an 11-inch iPad is a bit big to use as a reader. It’s one of the reasons I’m considering an iPad mini as my next iPad.
When I’m working at my desk, I like having my iPad underneath my monitors. It makes a perfect additional monitor when I’m working from my MacBook Air. It also makes a perfect device for watching videos and tutorials while I work on my main monitors.
I also use my iPad as my main notebook. I like using Apple Notes for taking handwritten notes and NotePlan for everything else.
Talking about notes, one of the best investments that I’ve made for the iPad was the PaperLike screen protector. Not only has it helped me enjoy writing, but it has also helped me become paperless which has helped me become more organised.
What’s next?
The iPad Pro has made a big difference in my everyday life, from being a tool for research and university work to helping me create content and become paperless.
However, in the time I had it, there was one thing that was slowly starting to become frustrating: the battery life. While the battery life isn’t that bad, it does drain faster than it used to.
This doesn’t really have a big effect on how I use the iPad, but I have started carrying an extra charger with me just in case I need it. However, considering the age of the iPad, I think that the battery life is still pretty reasonable.
Furthermore, as this doesn’t even have an M1 chip inside or the capability to run AI, it’s definitely due for an upgrade.
In terms of usability, the iPad still does everything I require it to and while it would be nice to have the new AI features, I can undoubtedly live without them.
I am seriously considering the new iPad mini, but I am still undecided whether it’s the device I want to get and use as my primary device for the next couple of years.
Final Thoughts
The 11-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation) has been a staple in my everyday tech arsenal. It has made a huge difference at university and in my everyday life. It is also the device that I effectively built my side hustle on. That’s why this iPad will always have a special place in my heart.
There are many reviews and guides about tech products, but I think it’s important to remember that these products are genuinely making a difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s a smartwatch, an iPad, or any other tech gadget, there are people out there that are genuinely finding them useful.
With that in mind, I think it’s time for an upgrade, but I’m taking my time with it as I want this to be a device that will last me for at least three years and that will continue to make a difference in my everyday life.
What are your thoughts on this?