Your iPad can do so much more

Macworld

Why your iPad is failing to meet its potential

After a lengthy quiet period Apple has announced a raft of new iPads, and demand is sure to be hot among the company’s loyal fans. Boasting insanely fast processors and all-new screen tech and sizes, the 2024 iPads are sumptuously designed and specced.

Combining the work and entertainment capabilities of a laptop with the portability and convenience of a smartphone, the iPad has the potential to be the most versatile Apple device of all. Which makes it all the more disappointing that so many iPads end up as sofa computers with a very limited brief.

If you feel that you’re not getting the most out of your high-end tablet, or you’ve been holding off on upgrading because it doesn’t seem worth it for something you use to check your emails while watching Netflix, we’re here to tell you that the iPad can be far more. The key to harnessing its capabilities is to select the right accessories.

How to choose a great iPad accessory

What you need to consider is how much an accessory can expand your iPad’s scope as a convenient computing tool, and whether that upgrade is worth the cost. We should be examining value for money and return on investment.

The iPad, for example, has one obvious weakness as a work tool, and that is its lack of a hardware keyboard; onscreen keyboards are versatile but they aren’t suitable for fast, accurate typing. Similarly, its vulnerability to drop and scratch damage makes it less useful for use on the go. And no matter how nice the screen is, it’s not much fun watching a two-hour movie on an iPad that you have to hold.

Accessories that cost a fraction of the price of the iPad can solve all of these problems. It’s just a question of finding the right accessories. Luckily, we’re here to help you choose.

Introducing ESR’s accessories for the new iPad range

If you’re looking for accessories that will upgrade your tablet from sofa gadget to powerful all-round computing tool, you’d be wise to check out ESR, a popular and well-established brand which has just unveiled its accessories for the new iPad range. Here’s what we’ve picked out:

Shift Magnetic Case: However you want to use your iPad, this clever and award-winning case/stand is here to help. It offers an astonishing nine different angles, six for viewing and a further three for working and writing, and it’s easy to switch between the various modes thanks to the innovative magnetic design. It even works in both portrait and landscape orientations. Available from Amazon.

Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case 360: If you want to get work done on your iPad, this is a great choice. The backlit keyboard–with a choice of seven colours and three brightness levels so you can adapt to any working conditions–also features a trackpad with support for Multi-Touch gestures. The cantilever stand is versatile and helps you position the iPad at your viewing angle of choice. Available for just $119.99 from Amazon.

Premium screen protectors: What sort of protection are you looking for? One option is ESR’s Paper-Feel Magnetic Screen Protector: it makes using your iPad feel like working on a physical page. The company’s Armorite Screen Protector, meanwhile, is the toughest tempered-glass option out there, exceeding military-grade protection.

Digital Pencil Pro: A premium iPad stylus that delivers smooth, precise input. It supports charging via both USB-C and wireless connection. Available for just $28.99 from Amazon.

You can save money, too!

Macworld readers can save money on their ESR purchases. Simply use the code 559HVZJZ for a 10% discount. This code will be live until June 30 2024.

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