May 7, 2024 3 min read

The iPad Lineup

We're about to get new iPads. Well, other people are about to get new iPads. I haven't bought an iPad since 2017, when I purchased the first 10.5-inch iPad Pro. I want to want to buy a new iPad. After 7 years, the battery life of my current iPad is so poor that it requires frequent charges, even when I haven't used it. It's so bad that I no longer travel with my iPad because I don't want to bring an additional charger for short trips.

But I can't seem to get excited about the iPad. I'm utterly confused about the product lineup and can't determine which iPad best fits my needs. This makes me question whether I even need an iPad.

It's not that I don't see value in the iPad. I see use cases where the iPad may be the best device. The scorekeeper on my son's baseball team purchased a new iPad to track games because the screen size makes it a better and easier experience. I use an iPhone when using GameChanger for one simple reason. I own an iPhone; an upgraded iPad costs at least $330 as I write this.

Personally, I love taking videos of my son's at-bats during games and when working in the batting cage. As an engineer, I know that data and video are important tools and are a tremendous way to see what is happening, make adjustments, and get better. I take videos with my iPhone, but it's not the best device for discussing the video you took. The screen is too small. Having a large screen and better cameras would be incredibly beneficial.

But, again, I already have my iPhone. The cameras between both devices are similar, and while the larger screen would be an improvement over the iPhone, it requires a significant investment. I compare the different iPad models and am unsure which would make the most sense for this use case. I also question, since the iPad is so similar to the iPhone or Mac, that the investment should be made to buy a high-speed camera and use the laptop I already own for discussions. Purchasing a high-speed camera would give me something I currently do not own, and the results could be significant. Significant improvements for a significant investment.

The paragraphs above are a couple of examples based on my own personal experience. I still feel there is a position for the iPad to sit between the iPhone and the iPad. I don't want to use my laptop to read in bed. However, I have started to lean towards using the iPhone and physical books in bed instead of the iPad. I hope 2024 brings more clarity to how the iPad can distinguish itself with more ways it is worth the significant investment,

This makes me question whether I even need an iPad.

I quote a statement I made above because, in truth, I probably don't need an iPad. The iPad was supposed to start the transition away from personal computers (PCs) and laptops, but laptops have continued to improve in portability, power, and battery life. iPads have their place, but they must find a place that warrants the significant cost.