The iPad: Should a Parent Even Bother?

The release of the iPad and all the hype surrounding it baffles me just a little bit. I think it's because I'm a father of 4 young children and to me, it looks like a device that has the potential to be destroyed by one accidental couch hop. Let's say I'm using my iPad, set it down on the couch and go grab a drink. That 15 second window is more than enough time for:

1. Toddler to grab it and smash it on something nearby.
2. 3 year old to jump from some object onto the couch (iPad would be a casualty).
3. 8 year old to come home from school, hurl backpack with books onto couch (and iPad).
4. General kid's stomping could cause any number of heavy objects to propel themselves from a bookshelf or entertainment system onto the unsuspecting iPad.

Either of these events are extremely likely to happen in my home and have caused the demise of a standard laptop, etch a sketch, and even a magna doodle. I'm assuming the iPad isn't 1/2 as resilient as an etch a sketch either. You can drop one out of a moving car and that thing will still work.

About The iPad

I know what you're thinking but no, it's not a revolutionary electronic menstrual flow elimination device (though that would be awesome), it's a 9.7 inch touch screen (think old etch a sketch) that weighs in at 1.5 pounds (1 wet diaper) and is only 1/2 an inch thick (4 graham crackers stacked).

If you are an Apple fan, you probably already know plenty about the iPhone, iPod, and various iTunes and apps. If you have older kids, you probably own one or both of the above and a handful of apps to go with them. I won't get into the technical aspects because really, do you care what type of chip set it has? Probably not. It's wireless, should find your network just fine, and has an SD card slot for uploading and downloading your pictures, movies, and games.

iPad Issues

The first thing you'll notice about the iPad is it's very thin (remember the graham crackers), and very light. For young business people, this means, it's portable and handy. For parents, this means you will have to treat it like your most prized possession or risk its imminent destruction and no, that warranty from Best Buy for an extra $100 does not cover children and animals. I've tried with other products.

The thin size of the iPad means it will probably go with you a lot of places. If you are a woman, you might fit it into a large purse. If you are a man, you're stuck with some type of effeminate carry case with a strap unless you happen to carry a briefcase (does anyone anymore?).

For parents of older kids, this is great. Have a road trip coming up? Load your iPad with some fun games and a few movies and your 10 year olds and up are good to go as long as they don't fight over who gets to hold it. It will fit into a portable DVD over the seat thingy so use that if possible and try to enforce the "Don't touch" rule (good luck).

For parents of kids under 8 or so, it will be "NO!!!". They WILL mess with it and you don't want them accidentally purchasing weird apps that simulate breast physics or are fart machines.

If you have a house that obeys rules and runs smoothly where kids know what's off limits (please call me) the iPad will work out great for you if you have a need for it.

I Want One

I know my article may sound anti-iPad but that's not my intention at all. I think the iPad is an awesome piece of technology and even though I really can't think of a single use I'd have for it, I still want one. It would probably join the other random junk in my drawer eventually (palm pilot anyone?) but I'd play with it for months probably.

Do I see it as some kind of replacement for an iPod or iPhone? No way. You can stuff those in your pocket and everything is wonderful. The iPad just isn't as portable in my opinion and has "Steal Me" written all over it if left in a car, locker room, or anywhere not attached to me by my girly bag.

Things To Consider

If you like Ebooks, the iPad looks like it has some amazing potential. Ever try reading an Ebook at your PC or on a phone? It's terrible. You can buy a Kindle but all it does is read Ebooks. Not very versatile at all. The iPad is the Ebook reader's dream come true.

Can you keep it safe? This is the big question for a parent. If you have an infant, you have about a year's worth of safety for anything higher than your waist. No problem there. If you have a toddler, they WILL get it eventually. It doesn't matter if you put it 10 feet in the air suspended by a chain. You'll take a shower and come out to see some strange pile of toys, a broken broom, and your toddler ordering 100 $20 apps. Older kids will want to play with it but they will ask. If you share nicely, it could go smoothly. If you try to keep it from them, they'll get resentful. Best to just share time.

Use protection. You've already got the kids so forget that. Buy a iPad holder, screen protector, SD card slot covers (extras), and anything else you can get to keep your iPad safe. A soft, padded girly bag is not as secure as a cool stainless steel reinforced case but you'll lose some portability and might look silly with a heavy metal case with a tiny iPad inside. Find a happy medium. A padded bag with some plastic inserts might work well.

Some pictures show that the iPad works with the Apple wireless keyboard. If you buy both of those, you should kick yourself in the face. That's called a netbook and is $200 cheaper. Sorry to break the news to you.

Well, even though I don't plan on buying one in April, many of you will and I congratulate you. I will get one this year but even now, I'm scared. That's $500 that could very well end up being just another broken "thing" in my drawer.