iPads seem to follow each other at a killer pace, with the result that you quickly lose track of the facts. But what do you do with an 'old' iPad? We have listed a number of ideas for you!
Actually, it is of course too ridiculous for words that we are talking about an 'old' iPad, while the first model only appeared on the market in 2010. However, the fact that each new generation of iPads provides a significant acceleration and improvement of the device, and knowing that we have now reached the fourth generation, makes it clear that an iPad 1 is not really that impressive anymore!
We would not call the first iPad worthless, but the fact is that this first generation can no longer keep up with its big brothers. Many games no longer run on the first iPad and even the latest versions of iOS can no longer be installed on the first generation of Apple's tablet. Yet that is no reason to put the tablet in the old trash, there are still plenty of alternatives to give the device a second life.
To sell
The first idea seems somewhat obvious, but the reason we mention selling the iPad anyway is that many people think that the first iPad is worth nothing anymore. That is not so bad, for a first generation iPad in good condition (for example 16 GB Wi-Fi) you can easily get more than 150 euros on the marketplace.
If the marketplace isn't quite your thing, you can simply sell the tablet to Apple via the recycling program at //macworld.link.idg.nl/recy. For the aforementioned model in good condition, Apple is still giving 107 euros at the time of writing. Not a fat pot, but if the alternative is to leave the tablet unused on the shelf, that's a fine amount. Do you think it's a sin? Then consider giving your iPad away to someone who would really benefit from it, but would never (be able to) buy one themselves.
You can sell your old iPad even to Apple.
Don't forget: empty it!
If you decide to actually sell or give away your iPad, don't forget to completely empty the tablet first. You do this by pressing Settings / General / Reset. In the menu that appears, press Clear all content and settings. Not only will all content now be erased (so make sure you have a backup), but the iPad will also be reset to factory settings, albeit with the most recent firmware you installed.
E-reader
Your old iPad may not be fast enough to play flashy games, but it's still a great e-reader. Using your iPad purely to read books is therefore not a bad idea at all.
Throw away all other apps, and literally fill your iPad with e-books. You don't necessarily have to do that with the iBooks app, there are also very good alternative apps for the iPad, such as Kindle (Amazon's app), Boekenbol (Bol.com's app) and much more. You'll find yourself using that 'old' iPad lying next to you on your bedside table full of books as an e-reader even more than you did when it was new and hip.
The iPad still works well as an e-reader.
Remote control
Those universal remotes that you can buy for just over a hundred euros are beautiful and handy, but you are staring at a tiny screen. If you could use the iPad as a universal remote, that would be much more pleasant.
Fortunately, that is possible. Apart from the fact that many manufacturers of televisions, sound systems, etc. have apps for the iPad that allow you to control the respective equipment (if supported), there is also one universal app that can control almost anything: iRule.
You can download iRule for free from the App Store (the app also supports the older versions of iOS) and then choose from a world of modules. Your Apple TV, your Windows Media Center, your NAS, you name it; you can control them all with your iPad. Admittedly, it is a somewhat expensive remote control, but immediately the hippest, and you already had that iPad at home.
The most advanced (and expensive) remote you've ever owned.
Virtual Magic Trackpad
We are very excited about this possibility ourselves. You can easily turn your iPad into a multitouch trackpad, or actually a virtual Magic Trackpad. All you need to do is download an app called RC Trackpad HD. This unfortunately costs 5.49 euros, but it will give you a lot of pleasure.
The iPad connects to your computer over the wireless network, after which you can use the tablet's multi-touch touchscreen to control your Mac or PC with gestures. You can link actions to different gestures yourself, so that you can create a very fast and efficient working method for yourself. Cheaper alternatives are also available but don't offer as many options as this app.
Turn your iPad into a trackpad, a very efficient feature.
Music player
Even if you 'only' have an iPad with 16 GB storage memory, it will still fit about 3500 MP3s, or about 350 music albums. That makes even the oldest iPad an ideal music player. The speakers of the tablet of course leave something to be desired, but you can still buy excellent docks for fairly little money that actually turn your iPad into a qualitatively impressive jukebox. And since you no longer use your old iPad, it can remain in the docking station permanently. Tip: don't wait too long with that, because Apple's new Lightning connector will soon become dominant as a connection for docking stations.
Even a 16 GB iPad can store 350 albums. The ideal music player.
Photo frame and alarm clock
Using your iPad as a photo frame and/or alarm clock really does feel a bit like grocery shopping in a Ferrari, but remember: anything is better than letting your expensive and once beloved tablet gather dust in a closet.
When you press the Home button when the iPad is on standby, you'll see a small icon with a flower next to the slider that unlocks the iPad. If you press this icon, a slideshow of the photos on your iPad will automatically start (you can adjust its operation within Institutions).
In addition, you can install beautiful alarm clock apps, such as Nightstand HD 2 (free), which will create the most beautiful clock radio you will ever own.
It is an expensive alarm clock, but it is beautiful and effective.
Jailbreaking
We're not big fans of jailbreaking, especially since it can be quite a hassle when a new version of iOS is released. However, given the fact that Apple no longer supports the first generation of iPads and therefore it will never be possible to install a new version of iOS on it, jailbreaking your iPad is an interesting option.
You can then install all kinds of apps on it that you could not or were not allowed to install before. It suddenly turns your iPad into a completely different kind of tablet. A fun experience that is definitely worth it. Information about how to jailbreak can be found at www.jailbreaking.nl.
The iPad 1 is no longer supported by Apple and that makes jailbreaking interesting.
Technical highlights
The tips we have mentioned in this article are tips that you can apply yourself at home, in order to breathe new life into your 'old' iPad. However, if you are very handy and you like something spectacular, you can of course go much further.
Build your iPad into your fridge, for example, so that it functions as a live cookbook with an internet connection. We have also seen examples of iPads built into the wall of a toilet, in the dashboard of a car, in a guitar or keyboard and so on.
Your iPad may not be high-tech anymore, but by incorporating it into everyday objects you can make it something special.
Do you want it a little less useful but a lot hipper? Then consider converting your iPad into an old iMac, turning it into a pinball machine or a real slot machine. You can't think of it that crazy or there is an example of it online. It may not all be equally useful, but it certainly gives you a lot of fun (and prestige) with the iPad that you didn't give a look at until recently.
You can keep it simple, but you can also go all out and launch a great conversion project with your iPad in the lead.
This article is from the most recent edition of iPhone Magazine. You can order the full paper magazine on this website for 8.95 euros!
