My Experience with the 9th Gen iPad: Why It Became My Everyday Essential
In late 2021, I set out to buy the 9th Generation iPad, the basic model with 64GB of storage. My journey started at the bustling Rundle Mall Apple Store in Adelaide. Despite my hopes, the shelves were bare. The staff checked their system—no luck until February 2022. JB Hi-Fi, just down the mall, was also out of stock.
The pandemic had thrown global supply chains into chaos, and Australia’s allocation for the base model was clearly depleted. Eventually, I managed to pick one up during an airline transit, along with an Apple Smart Keyboard. This wasn’t a planned purchase, but rather a solution to a problem that had crept up on me during the pandemic.
Not a Review—A Real-World Perspective
Let me clarify: this isn’t a technical review. There are plenty of those on YouTube and tech blogs. Instead, I want to share why I chose this iPad and how it fits into my daily life. If you’re weighing up whether you need a tablet—or even if you hadn’t considered one—my experience might resonate.
The Redundancy Question: Do You Really Need an iPad?
I already owned a MacBook Pro and an iPhone. So why add another Apple device? For a long time, I hesitated, questioning whether it would be redundant. But the pandemic changed everything. Video conferencing became a daily reality, with meetings stretching for hours and spanning internal teams, external partners, and even industry conferences.
Suddenly, juggling work on a single device felt clumsy. Switching between apps on my laptop was inefficient, and my phone’s screen was just too small for presentations packed with data. What I needed was a second screen—something portable, with a decent display, but not as bulky (or expensive) as another laptop.
Privacy and Productivity in the Age of Remote Work
Another unexpected benefit of the iPad was privacy. During video calls, sharing my laptop screen always carried the risk of exposing personal photos or documents. We’ve all witnessed colleagues accidentally reveal something private. With the iPad, I could keep work and personal content separate, reducing the risk of embarrassing mishaps.
Navigating Workplace Restrictions
Workplaces are increasingly restricting access to external sites, especially social media and anything deemed a security risk. Automated systems sometimes block even harmless sites. It’s frustrating when you just need to check a reference or access a resource. The iPad, connected to my own network, became my workaround. I could access what I needed, when I needed it, without running afoul of company policies.
The Rise of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)
The BYOD movement, which began as a cost-saving measure, has become standard practice. Employees now routinely connect their own devices to company Wi-Fi, accessing everything from messaging apps to social media. The irony is that while companies try to block distractions on work PCs, staff can simply use their own devices. The iPad fits perfectly into this new landscape, offering flexibility without compromising security.
Beyond Work: Everyday Benefits
The 9th Gen iPad quickly became my go-to device for more than just work. Here’s why:
- Portability: On casual cycle rides to the café, I no longer had to lug my heavy MacBook. The iPad is light, and its battery lasts all day—Apple claims up to 10 hours, and in my experience, that’s not far off.
- Travel Convenience: It’s much easier to pull out of a carry-on bag and use on flights or in tight spaces.
- Photo Editing: The leap from my old 2014 iPad Air to the 9th Gen was astonishing. The True Tone Retina display is vibrant and accurate, making photo and video editing a pleasure. I found myself editing photos on the go—at the park, in a café, or even mid-flight—without needing a keyboard or mouse. For everyday editing, I no longer needed to fire up my MacBook Pro.
The Value Proposition
At AUD 499, the 9th Gen iPad struck me as excellent value, especially compared to other Apple products: the entry-level iPhone SE is AUD 679, the Apple Watch is AUD 599, and the iPad Mini is AUD 749. Apple clearly positioned the base iPad for budget-conscious buyers who still want solid functionality.
After buying the iPad, I found myself taking more street photos with my iPhone and editing them on the iPad. The workflow was seamless, and the results were impressive.
The Apple Smart Keyboard: Worth the Investment?
I didn’t use a keyboard with my first iPad, but this time, I decided to try the Apple Smart Keyboard. It attaches as a folio, folding neatly with the iPad. The combination turned the iPad into a more versatile, almost laptop-like device. The only downside? At AUD 269, the keyboard costs more than half the price of the iPad itself. While it’s a significant investment, it adds real functionality, especially for typing longer emails or documents.
Storage and Connectivity: 64GB and Wi-Fi Only Is Enough
You might wonder whether 64GB is enough, or if you should opt for the cellular version. In my experience, 64GB is plenty, especially with iCloud for offloading files and photos. Even with a host of apps installed, I’ve never felt cramped for space. As for connectivity, Wi-Fi is everywhere—hotels, airports, cafés—and you can always tether to your phone if needed. The cellular version adds AUD 200 to the price, but for most people, it’s unnecessary.
Unexpected Joys and Final Thoughts
What surprised me most was how the iPad fit into my life in ways I hadn’t anticipated. It became my preferred device for reading, browsing, and even sketching. The tactile experience of using it—whether for editing photos or jotting down notes—felt natural and satisfying.
The pandemic forced many of us to rethink how we work and stay connected. For me, the 9th Gen iPad filled a gap I didn’t know I had. It’s not just a “nice-to-have” gadget; it’s become an essential part of my daily routine, balancing work, creativity, and downtime.
If you’re on the fence about getting an iPad, consider your own needs. For video conferencing, photo editing, or simply having a lightweight, portable device for everyday tasks, the 9th Gen iPad offers tremendous value. And with the right accessories, it can transform from a simple tablet into a versatile productivity tool.
In a world where we’re all juggling more devices and demands than ever, sometimes the simplest solution is the best one. For me, that solution was the 9th Gen iPad—and I have no regrets.