How to get the most out of your iPad Do you really need a new iPad? Recommendations for refreshing and reusing the current iPad that anyone can do

Is there a new iPad Air coming soon? There is also a topic called iPad. In fact, it's been less than four years since the first iPad came out. Certainly, the new models are attractive because they are high performance, thin, and light, but the problem is that you need a lot of money to replace them.

I think there are many current iPad users who want to continue using the model they have now.

Compared to the new model, the iPad at hand is inferior in many ways, but if you still feel that you haven't used it enough to replace it with a new model, why not refresh your current iPad and reuse it? Huh?

●Bring your existing iPad back to lifeThe iPad you are currently using was the latest model when you bought it. After the purchase, various latest services and apps were provided and used. And as services and apps have progressed to date, the burden placed on the iPad has increased. And now I feel that the current iPad is "not as comfortable as before". That's also a big reason why I want a new model.

Conversely, if you select and use services and apps that are suitable for the iPad you are currently using, the iPad you are currently using will still be useful enough.

The fastest way to restore comfort is to initialize the current iPad and refresh it. By initializing, there are many cases where an iPad that has been in a bad condition can be returned to the best condition.

・Tips and precautions for initializingTap "Settings" > "General" > "Reset" > "Erase All Content and Settings" to initialize. If you tap "Erase" on the "Erase iPad" screen, all data will be erased and restart will start. By the way, if you want to reset only the settings for normal use, select "General" and select "Reset" > "Reset all settings".

★Back up important data before formattingIt is a good idea to back up applications and personal data with iCloud first. First, go to Settings > iCloud > Enter your Apple ID and password, then select Sign in. If you want to combine the data in the iPad with the data in iCloud, select "Merge". If you want to set them individually, select "Do not combine". Then select "Storage & Backup" > "Backup Now" to save the backup.

・Setting communication Wi-Fi settings -Fi model iPad requires Wi-Fi settings. First, let's set up the Wi-Fi that can be connected.

Select "Wi-Fi" from "Settings". If Wi-Fi is “off”, switch it to “off” > “on”. Next, select the "network name (SSID)" of the wireless LAN router you want to connect to, enter the password (encryption key), and tap "Connect". Be careful not to mix uppercase and lowercase letters in your password.

・Confirm your Apple ID and change your password Next, sign in with your Apple ID. There is no problem if you sign in with the Apple ID you have been using. However, if you want to use it with a new Apple ID during the refresh, you can also get it by "Create a free Apple ID" from the initial settings. Please note that if you acquire a new account, you will not be able to continue using the previously used address book data or purchased apps.

・Update to the latest iOS After initializing the iPad and signing in with your Apple ID, update to the latest iOS. If there is a new update, it will be displayed in "Settings" > "General" > "About". If the current version is the latest iOS, the message "Your software is up to date" will be displayed. If there is an update, tapping the updater will start the download, so you can update it by tapping "Install".

●Use previous data even after refreshing One thing that worries me after refreshing is the reuse of previous address book data and paid apps. Basically, if you use the previous Apple ID, the data stored in iCloud will be restored, so you can continue to use the previous personal information and purchased apps.

On the other hand, if you want to use it differently than before, you can use a new Apple ID. Although it is necessary to prepare new address books and applications, it is a method that can be considered to refresh according to the purpose described later.

●The advantage of refreshing is a new way to use the iPad that suits your purposeOne way to refresh your iPad The goal is to get the most out of your current iPad by adapting it to your needs.

・Using it as a family home computer instead of a home computerIf it is a large screen iPad You can put it in your living room and use it as a tablet that your family can use instead of a computer for Internet access. For example, if you use it to store message memos with a whiteboard app or save photos taken with a smartphone, it can be used as a substitute for a home computer. In addition, you can use FaceTime video calls on your iPhone on the go or on your iPad at home with your parents/grandparents in the countryside (iOS7 or later).

・Use as a tablet for online shopping Many people now use online shopping. However, what worries me is the risk of leaking passwords. It is dangerous to reuse IDs and passwords for iPhones and other devices that you normally use.

So, if you put a new Apple ID on your iPad at home and use it for mail order, you can use it with confidence. If you have an iPad, you can use the mail order site comfortably because the screen is large and the display is easy to see, whether it is the Safari browser or the dedicated application. The iPad starts up faster than a computer and can be easily handled with touch operations, so it will be easier to use the Internet for purchasing daily commodities and food.

Currently, when it comes to online shopping, Amazon is the mainstream, and many people use it from browsers and apps. The Amazon app is convenient, but I would like you to pay attention to one point when using it. The Amazon app has a "1-Click setting" that allows you to make 1-Click purchases. It's a very convenient feature, but children can order it by mistake, so when using it on a tablet at home, it's better to turn off the 1-Click setting.

・Restrict functions to make it a child's educational tabletThe advantage of iOS is that there are many educational apps for children, and children are happy to use them. Therefore, there is also a method of utilizing it as an educational tablet for children. With the iPad, it is also convenient to be able to put restrictions on functions (parental control), such as the use of the Internet, apps, and usage time. Restrictions can be used to block access to certain functions or content. The setting method can be used by tapping "Settings" > "General" > "Restrictions" and setting a passcode in "Set Restrictions". You can also set restrictions on certain applications and functions, access to content, and prohibit privacy and account settings. For example, it is possible to download and install new apps, prohibit the use of SNS such as Twitter, and restrict the use of the camera.

・Using the large screen to create a bookstore at homeThe large screen of the iPad can be used for electronic comics, magazines, and books. If you have an iPad, you can use your favorite e-book services such as Amazon Kindle store, e-book Rakuten Kobo, eBookJapan, Kinokuniya bookstore BookWeb Plus, BookLive! Recently, in addition to comics and books, you can also purchase magazines, so if you turn your living room into an electronic bookstore, you won't have to clutter your living room with manga and magazines.

Apple's new models are certainly attractive. However, I don't think the iPad I'm using now is so unusable.

By rethinking and reusing the current iPad, life with an iPad will be more enjoyable without rushing to jump to a new iPad.