iPad keyboard
I’ve finally had the chance to do some in-depth study of the new Apple iPad and have read a number of articles specifically related to it’s use by senior citizens. I hope you will find my observations helpful at least in deciding whether you want to try one out for yourself, or someone you care for.
First I want to dispel a myth that I have already been hearing among my senior friends; the iPad won’t do office functions. That is simply not true. Special iPad versions of Apple’s desktop word processing, spreadsheet and presentation programs are available from the Apple Apps Store for $9.99 each. These are passable and easy-to-use applications that are in use by many businesses as their primary productivity programs. If you, like some I have overheard, have snubbed the iPad because you thought you wouldn’t be able to do this kind of work, keep reading.
Basically, the iPad is an ultra-portable Internet device that can be used for e-mail, Web browsing, watching movies, reading books, and listening to music. The question is, can it really replace a laptop computer? Here is what I found out.
Typing. The iPad has no obvious keyboard. So, can you type on it? Yes. When you need to type something, a new e-mail message, for example, you just tap on the screen which reveals a large onscreen keyboard with keys that are about the same size as a laptop’s . If you turn the device 90 degrees, the keyboard rotates so that it is still in the right direction for use. It speeds up your typing by keeping track of what you type, and suggesting words, correcting spelling, and inserting punctuation automatically. If you want to use a regular keyboard for those times when you have lots of typing to do, the iPad will instantly recognize and make use of a wireless keyboard.
Web browsing. The iPad comes with the Safari web browser pre-installed. Safari is a lightening-quick, full-featured browser that makes your web browsing a breeze.
File Management. The iPad operating system does not have a traditional “file manager” like Windows Explorer. That’s good news and bad news. The good news is that users can create, recall, edit and transmit files without being concerned with the underlying file structure. On the other hand, if you do want to do more complex management on the iPad, third-party applications are available that will provide this function for just a few dollars. By the way, you can transfer files between your iPad and Windows or Mac PC wirelessly!
Accessibility features.
- White on black display
- Full-screen zoom magnification
- VoiceOver screen reader
- Mono audio
- Support for playback of closed-captioned content
iPad keyboard dock
Inputs and outputs. The iPad is not designed to directly support a lot of plug-in accessories. However, its files can be wirelessly transferred from and to a personal computer where they can be printed, if desired. Other “ports” are:
- Dock connector port. Two optional docks are available. The standard dock allows you to plug in your iPad for syncing or charging, and has an audio port for connecting to powered speakers. The iPad Dock also supports other iPad accessories, such as the iPad Dock Connector to VGA (television) Adapter and the iPad Camera Connection.
- Stereo headphone jack
- Built-in speaker
- Built-in microphone
Power. The iPad is powered by a rechargeable battery. The battery can be recharged from an electrical outlet or from the USB port of a computer. It will operate for 9-10 hours before requiring a charge and can be operated while charging.
Details from the horse’s mouth. For details about the iPad, including costs, visit the Apple website.
The iPad’s light weight (about 1.5 pounds), small size (about the size of a writing tablet), and portability make it a great device for both inside and outside the home for someone who primarily wants it for “recreational” purposes. The iPad is not a laptop replacement, not yet. Its lack of a robust file management system and its inability to utilize standard software programs clearly places it outside of the traditional mainstream of computers.
Will seniors be happy with it? I think it will depend on the “experience base” from which they approach it. Those who are accustomed to productively using traditional computers, especially laptops, are likely to immediately be frustrated by the things it won’t do. On the other hand, those who experience computing and wireless Internet communication for the first time with the iPad are likely to find it delightful. Oh, and then there are those who just like to have the latest gadgets, or who have someone who likes to buy them the latest gadgets. They will be the most delighted of all!
Aging and assisted living have traditionally been viewed with apprehension. To some extent this apprehension has begun to diminish as the use of assistive technology has made “aging in place” (at home) more of a reality in recent years. Nevertheless, increased life expectancy can be a blessing or curse, depending on how we view the potential for longevity that medical technology has started to provide us. The increasing of affordable therapeutic recreation using devices like the iPad can make “aging gracefully” more than just a pretty phrase as they give aging folks access to family and society like never before.
If you have experience with the iPad and would like to contribute to this brief information, please leave your comments below. Questions… likewise!
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