iPad as a Production vs Consumption Device

A few years ago, I bought a first generation iPad Pro 9.7 and Apple Pencil primarily as a work device. I was drawing a lot more as part of my work, both as a way to help myself make sense of things and to communicate ideas to others more effectively.

The iPad has been amazing for this. I find myself using it more and more as my primary work device — a few times out of necessity, but often by choice.

I also use it as passive consumption device as well — reading articles, watching movies, etc. One thing I’ve noticed is that using my iPad to create — whether it’s sketching, writing, or annotating something I’m reading — uses far more battery (I’d guess 3-4 times as much) than using it to consume.

Even though it’s a minor inconvenience (the iPad has excellent battery life either way), I find this delightful. When I’ve been sketching or writing for a few hours, and I see that I’ve used up 40 percent of my battery life, I get a little endorphin jolt — a tiny reward for making, not just consuming.

One reply to “iPad as a Production vs Consumption Device”

  1. Ha! I will try to remember this when batteries run low next time. Not sure I’ll get the jolt you speak of but maybe I will feel better about the situation. Thanks!

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