You might be wondering if you should buy that cool, new iPad released yesterday by Apple. Sure, it looks beautiful, and you really would love one, but you already have an iPhone or iPod Touch so, do you really NEED one?
Let’s look at the iPad features you already have with iPhone: Safari, Mail, Video, Photos, YouTube, iPod, iTunes, App Store, Maps, Notes, Calendar, Contacts, Home Screen, Spotlight Search. Wow, seems pretty complete already doesn’t it?!
But, let me help you “upgrade” your current device to be just as fancy as the iPad, and all for under $50!
* E-reader Capability:
one of the biggest new features of the iPad is the ability to read books on your device, called “iBook”. Well, “Classics” app (free right now, usually .99 cents) has been around for a while for iPhone/iPod Touch and gives you the same kind of look/feel as the $500 iPad but on your smaller screen. Great app, get it now while it’s on sale!
* Excel, Powerpoint, Word Document Viewing and Editing:
iWorks on the iPad looks great, but costs $9/each and are “coming soon”. “Documents to Go” ($14.99)
– is available in the iTunes app store now, and waiting for you to give it a try. (I personally haven’t used it, so you’re on your own to review it.)
* Large 9.7″ screen:
OK, that’s kind of tricky to fix, but check out this accessory from Amazon — for only $29 you can now view your iPod Touch/iPhone with so much magnification it will be IN YOUR FACE without limiting your multi-touch ability! (Great for Grandma and Grandpa too!)
So you see, for under $50, your “yesterday’s” device is new again! 
This post was written by markmcmahon on January 28, 2010
