pad passion
by Patricia Hom
You know how a hot shower revitalizes your being to help you face the day? Well, that’s almost the way I feel about what my iPad does for me!
In 2010, when the iPad was announced, my reaction was “no way” -- it's just a big iPhone, and I have an iPhone so I don’t need an iPad. Was I ever wrong! The next month, there I was, a proud owner of the newest Apple gadget, and ever since then, I have been on the iPad bandwagon. My current iPad is my third.
I’d like to share some of the reasons why my iPad has become such an integral part of my life. Since I’m a bullet kind of gal, please indulge me on a list approach:
Incentive
When I’m faced with loads of laundry or a sink full of dishes without the motivation to tackle these chores, my iPad comes to the rescue. With a little self-talk, laundry and dishes get done because I promise myself that when I complete my chores, I have earned the right to sit down and enjoy a game or two on my iPad. It works!
Lowering blood pressure
As things are getting to a boiling point and I’m feeling stressed, I’ll sit on the couch to look at my email, work on a puzzle, or use one of the artistic apps on my iPad. In an instant, my mind is off the stressors and onto something enjoyable.
Learning/discovering/enjoying
Through apps such as YouTube, Nextdoor, Netflix, Safari, and News, the internet has become a window unto the world, enabling me to learn about anything, anywhere, anytime. Bargain bingeing!
I have customized the News feeds according to my interests, and I can access up-to-the-minute articles and notifications whether local or out of the area.
YouTube videos are fun, educational and bountiful. If I don’t know how to do something, I can always search YouTube for instructions, and there’s a wealth of information waiting to be discovered.
And Netflix can provide hours of movie watching for a monthly fee equivalent to the price of just one evening at the theatre.
Connections
Keeping up with grandchildren, distant friends and relatives, Ashby Village and other organizations, isn’t a problem with an iPad. Not only are connections easy to make and maintain, but I can share events, photos, and articles while keeping relevant. With Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, Twitter, etc., my granddaughters know what is going on with Nana, and I have a periodic glimpse into their busy lives.
Final thoughts
As you can see, the iPad serves many functions for me. In addition, I appreciate that it is more portable than a laptop or desktop, and it is not as vulnerable to malware and hacking.
So while the hot shower analogy might seem a stretch, personally, my iPad always feels comfortable & familiar, but with an element of surprise. What will I discover next? What can I learn more about? What can I share with people who have these interests? Who has done what in the news (oh my!).
And with my passion always comes the vexing question, “How long should I spend time with my iPad on the couch?” Such a dilemma!
Let us assist you
Ashby Village Technology volunteers are available to help you with your iPad. To request assistance, contact the office at volunteer@ashbyvillage.orgor (510) 204-9200.
Ask the author
If you have questions, email me at phom@berkeley.edu.