Apple iPad is available in many variations, but which one should we choose? Considering that the iPad is the product of excellence in the world of tablet production it would be easy to say: the best of those you can afford.
However, the evaluation is never so simple and banal, even less when its user is a Disabled User and therefore not a simple User but a D-User who will have to mediate between the technical IT needs and the limits due to his reduced residual capacities. We then resume the theorem already formulated by perfecting it in its definitive form, that is:
Having clarified this fundamental concept that aims to define the traits of the "Disabled DOC" in relation to the topic, I also think that they are preparatory to understanding what you will read the following articles:
Having said that, we gradually come to the point.
Sections index
"Logistics Amanüènse"
With this article I introduce a new concept: the «Logistica Amanüènse».
By combining the meaning of Logistics - which we simplify as an organizational and management capacity for movements - and Amanüènse - more generally those who have great skills in the hands for writing and ... - we obtain that ability to manage the hands that will define our potential in interfacing with the various models of iPad - specifically - but not only.
So each of you will be able to evaluate yourself and your Amanüènse Logistics also in relation to the previous theorem that, as it shows, not all disabled people are disabled in front of everything.
Which iPad and for whom
The image below is Apple's schematic of its iPad range. In my essay I will subvert this order by focusing on a more historical and affordable sequence.
The image shows the current range of iPads with their base prices.
So let's start the model-by-model evaluation:
I have not examined the various devices from a purely technical point of view, but I hope - even with the following - to have given you a reading of the topic truly from "Disabile DOC". But let us try to add some considerations.
Other details between present and near future
How to add “excellence” to a great product by intervening both on the hardware, but above all on the software, not necessarily only iPadOS.
The connector
With current iPads we have two different types of connectors if we limit ourselves to the physicality of the same. iPad and iPad mini have the Lightning connector, while iPad Air and iPad Pro have a USB-C type connector which will already be a Thunderbolt / USB 4 socket in the Pro.
The type of connection will interest us if we need to connect a Hub or a simple USB peripheral such as a Kensington ExpertMouse trackball to the iPad. The possibility is not lacking either with one type of connector or with the other; the USB-C connector, however, makes things much easier and will prevent us from wasting money on dedicated adapters that we will almost certainly not use any more tomorrow.
Siri + Face ID
I don't think I need to add much to what is written in relation to the iPad Pro and its Face ID. However, it was mandatory to emphasize the power of this combination in Accessibility!
Siri, an assistant who hasn't been taught everything
«Hey, Siri!», This is the title of the video that I invite you to watch before continuing to read; this is to understand how comforting it is to be able to interact with help that is always there and almost demonstrates a sort of empathic relationship.
Siri, as a voice assistant, is a great resource for everyone and therefore it is more so for those who are "Disabled DOC" in relation to the theorem proposed at the beginning of the article.
Too bad, however, that Siri, its creators, have not taught some things that are fundamental for us Disabled. How, but not only:
- Siri multi device (eh, maybe!) The possibility of "renaming" Siri according to the device we use is missing. It would be necessary to be able to give an alternative name to Siri to activate the assistant where needed. In my case with a Mac mini M1 , an iPhone X, an iPad and an iPad Pro it is impossible, for example, to be sure that Siri is activated on the iPhone X; his interaction is random, he replies from the device which - I presume - first intercepts the request for intervention. This is unacceptable to say the least!
- Navigating the "Finder" We talk about Finder when we talk about Mac but we also extend the concept to iPhone, iPad etc. At the moment it is not possible, for example, to navigate between the pages of the iPhone and iPad and this is just one example among many.
- Closing an AppSiri opens, launches an App but does not close it. Does anyone seem logical?
- "Contextual" understanding Siri is not the only voice assistant who does not "enter the context" to continue acting on the basis of commands without having to be invoked for every action. If someone has concrete evidence contrary to what I say, I will be very happy to prove me wrong!
- Missing words customized as commands This is not the article in which you can deepen the topic, but it would be useful to be able to assign "command names" to basic but repetitive actions, which would facilitate many Disabled people with phonetic problems as well as filling a large gap for all.
- Adjusting the degree of understanding of the user's voice We have always been told that Siri only responds to our voice, this is certainly good for security and privacy. Siri puts us into accepting us as its users as per Apple ID. These are the "singularities" that, if recognized, would make a system a great system! Being the user who makes this choice, it will not be Apple who "snaps" on security , but rather it will be Apple to recognize the needs of many D-Users too ...
- Availability in every Apple device (based on the target market) This is more a marketing question: it is absurd that there are, or have been, (I cannot verify everything) devices - see Apple TV for example - that work in the US with Siri while in Italy not.
- Implementation of the App Commands as Siri "executor" Especially since Commands will also arrive in macOS with version 12 called Monterey, it is time that all those functions relating to the extended concept of "Finder" that I have already written were implemented. several other reasons already mentioned.
- «Hey Siri, sweet dreams!», Via Apple ID Within the same Apple ID it should be possible to activate and deactivate Siri on a specific device other than the one in use. Obviously, always giving the command to Siri which will result in execution on another of our devices or computers. Although cumbersome, it could be a primordial solution to the definition of the device to be used. A useful command could also be: "Hey Siri, switch to [ device name] ».
- And ... The list is still long.
Although the discussion focuses on the iPad, the above is obviously intended for all Apple devices on which Siri has the function of voice assistant.
Siri should certainly be upgraded!
iPadOS 15 and macOS 12 “Universal Control”
In macOS 12 Monterey “Universal Control” will make all iPads much more usable, at least in stationary mode. For many people with disabilities, being able to use keyboard, mouse, trackball or… on all neighboring devices associated with the same Apple ID will be convenient, easy and productive.
“Universal Control” will be a great solution for D-Users! Much more than others designed exclusively for them.
It is only to be hoped that "Universal Control" will work on iPhones at least immediately because otherwise it will only have the name of universal ...
In conclusion
The entire range of iPad represents different products of excellence. Where I have been negative, I have not been negative for the product, but for its relationship with those "Disabled DOC" who are the subjects of the theorem.
Personally, however, I think the iPad range is made up of an excessive number of models. I would save on diversification and therefore on many costs that could be drastically cut down; as well as I would not push too much on the quality of non-Pro displays and ...
This could lead to an iPad - normal - with Face ID, an iPad mini always with Face ID, while what is now the iPad Air would be canceled from the range to be replaced with the iPad Pro 11 ″ (which could also be renamed Air in order not to create a vacuum in the current range) and in the end there would be - for wealthy enthusiasts or professionals - the real top-of-the-range “beast” which, today, is the iPad Pro 12.9 ″ with SoC M1.
Fewer models, fewer variants, including color variations, more savings in design, production and logistics for the benefit of “top-of-the-range accessibility”!
The image shows the 12.9 ″ iPad Pro placed on the Magic Keyboard.
Product summary
Prices, features and availability may vary, so don't miss the opportunity to make a good purchase!
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Primary products
iPad
iPad mini
iPad Air
iPad Pro 11 ″ Wi-Fi
iPad Pro 11 ″ Wi-Fi + Cellular
iPad Pro 12.9 ″ Wi-Fi
iPad Pro 12.9 ″ Wi-Fi + Cellular
#DAppleAcademy Apple iPad FEP Independent Life Product Project