When the iPad one (1st generation) was unveiled on January 27, 2010, Steve Jobs was not only announcing a new iProduct; he was introducing a revolutionary new product that would drastically change the technology world.
Even though the original iPad was met with scepticism, and some critics saying it was nothing more than a big iPhone, were quickly proven wrong when Apple sold 300,000 iPads in the first week. 90 days later, Apple had sold 1 million tablets. Today, 75% of all tablets sold in the US are iPads.
Presently, we are up to the fourth generation iPad, and it has evolved quite nicely since 2010. This includes a cool new retina display, more processing power and a better camera. Those of us with the iPad 3 can’t wait to get our hands on number 4; and those of us who still have number 1, 2 sitting somewhere on a shelf or inside a drawer probably didn’t know we could repurpose the tablet and once again make it useful. Here are some great ideas that include making a bit of cash or making you feel all warm and fuzzy.
#1
Use it in your car for music, Video and even GPS
The cost of a good GPS can set you back around $200 or more. With the GPS idea you would still need to have the 3G model and more than likely be tethered to a 3G or 4G phone for real-time mapping; but if you’re willing to the extra mile, your old iPad will work wonderfully as a GPS. But, if you have kids your old iPad can be used for video on long trips or for music. Just leave everything in the car (out of sight obviously) for easier access. There are also plenty of iPad mounts for sale and you can even have it permanently installed.
#2
Sell it on Amazon or back to Apple
The iPad 1st generation (16GB) is worth around $250 – you can try selling it online, with sites like Amazon, eBay, Craigslist etc. Apple also buys back your old iDevices, however at considerably less cost. Just make sure to back everything up on your computer and wipe it clean by ‘restoring’ without the back-up.
#3
Give it to charity or donate it to a school
This will result in a warm and fuzzy feeling; plus you know your iPad will be given a good home and put back to use. One organization that specializes in charitable computers is ‘Computer with Causes’; they provide devices to the less fortunate, whether within the US or under developed countries. If this is something that interests you, it’s worth checking out.
#4
Use it in your kitchen
Do you love to cook? Watch cooking videos or look up recipes nice and fast by having your iPad mounted and protected in the kitchen. For just about $30.00 you can get some cool accessories, like sleeves that are dishwasher friendly for your iPad. You can also get a cool Belkin mount for around $50; watch movies, TV, or listen to music while you cook or clean.
#5
Digitize your media center
Use your iPad to help streamline your home media center. You can do this a few cool ways, and with the right apps and cables you can easily position the iPad among your home cinema equipment. You can then use it as a control pad to stream music and video, to your living room. You can even get one of the many infrared adaptors that are available to turn your iPad into a universal remote.
Rhett Dail
Rhett is the founder and Editor in Chief of GeekMagazine. He became facinated with technology and gadgets after joining the Washington DC IBM PC users group back in the early 1980's. Since then, he has been building and running many popular online services and news sites. Over the years he has become more passionate about technology, gadgets, and the future of technology. He loves keeping up with lastest trends with gadgets and technology. Technology is moving at a great pace and as it does, Rhett will make sure that you know about it.
