We all have probably heard the story of Moses, bringing down the 10 commandments on two stone tablets from Mount Sinai, but there are also commandments that apply to our iPad tablets. Here are the top 10.
1. Thou shalt keep thy iPad fully charged. Keeping a good charge on your iPad will ensure that it is ready to go when you are. Under normal conditions a fully charged iPad will work for up to 10 hours on one charge. Apple has recommendations that will maximize your battery performance.
2. Thou shalt keep thy iPad’s iOS fully updated. Keeping your iPad’s operating system (called iOS) updated will insure that it has the latest features and bug fixes. Updates are relatively easy to do. If you bought your iPad prior to iOS 5, you’ll definitely want to do the upgrade. We have full instructions here.
3. Thou shall keep thy iPad’s applications fully updated. As with the operating system, applications on the iPad need to be updated from time to time. To see what updates are available, just open the app store and click on the updates tab. Any available updates will show on the screen. There is an “update all” button on the top of the screen which will allow you to run multiple updates at one time.
4. Thou shall keep thy iPad’s screen clean. After using your iPad for a while you’ll often notice a build up of fingerprints on the screen. Using a soft microfiber cloth will clean these right up. Apple has full instructions here.
5. Thou shalt keep thy iPad protected. Using a case or smart cover will help keep your iPad protected from scratches and abrasions. They can also help protect the unit in the event you drop it. Here is a list of popular covers that are available.
6. Thou shalt use thy iPad with a strong wireless connection. The iPad needs a good wireless signal to perform properly. If you will be using your iPad 2 for AirPlay Mirroring you may want to use a 5ghz channel for optimum video transfer. Purchasing a low cost dual band router gives you the option of standard 2.5 ghz wireless or video optimized 5ghz..
7. Thou shalt use caution when using thy iPad on public networks. Using any wireless device on a public network can open up security concerns. MacMost has a helpful video that shows you how to make this type of browsing more secure.
8. Thou shalt purchase the necessary adapters to use the iPad efficiently. While your iPad can do many things wirelessly, there are times you may need an adapter for certain applications such as reading memory cards, hooking up to projectors, or making a connection via USB. Here is a list of popular adapters you can purchase.
9. Thou shalt close thy multitasking icons when you are done with your machine. After using your iPad for a while, you’ll end up with multiple multitasking windows open. It’s a good idea to close these once in a while to keep your machine running at top speed. Just double click the button on your iPad and a list of recently used apps will show up at the bottom of the screen. Just hold your finger down on one of them and a red x will appear at the top of the icons. Use this red x to close apps one by one.
10. Thou shalt have no other tablets except for Apple devices. While Apple would like you to believe this commandment, there are others tablets on the market that might fit your needs. Amazons’ new Kindle Fire is one of them. Here is a list of Kindle devices that might make a nice addition to your electronic devices.
Question: What additional commandments would be useful for iPad users?