Apple’s iPad which came out in April of 2010, and just released in version 2 offers an interesting alternative to a standard computer. Meant as a device for consuming media (meaning TV, movies, music, photos, ebooks, and the like) as well as a way to browse the Internet and check  your email,  it’s a bit less than a computer but more than a smart phone.

 

The iPad weighs less than a pound and a half. It has built in Wi-fi, which means if you have a home network or are near a public network called a hotspot, you can get online wirelessly. There are several built-in applications (called apps) including a map program, video and music players, a photo organizer, calendar and contact programs, among others. You can also download additional apps including a free eReader program called iBooks, some free games, and some paid apps that run you anywhere from about ninety-nine cents to about ten dollars.

 

You type into iPad using an onscreen keyboard, though you can also buy a physical keyboard dock that makes text entry easier. There are several accessibility settings you can use to help if you have vision or hearing problems.

 

It’s best to have a computer as well as your iPad so you can sync music and photos from one to the other, but it’s not absolutely necessary. What’s so great about iPad is it’s pretty easy and fun to  use, it’s small enough to carry around but large enough to view content easily, and it just happens to have a great built-in sound system.

 

Check out my book, iPad for Seniors for Dummies for more information on this nifty device.. The 2nd edition covering iPad 2 and the 4.3 operating system comes out in Spring of 2011.