20 alternative uses for the iPad
Alex Iszatt, freelance writer for Creative Jar reveals her 20 alternative uses for Apple's iPad while the sun shines.
The summer is here; kind of... it is definitely trying. For many, the first part of the year was spent patiently waiting for Apple to bring its beloved iPad to the UK’s shores. Now everyone and their pets have one, the realisation has dawned that the device is not easy to use in the sun, thanks to glare. So to make sure you don’t waste your money or your time, we have put together our top 20 ideas for alternative iPad uses in the sunshine.*
1. Frisbee; the iPad is ergonomically designed to fly through the air longer and faster than your normal, boring circular Frisbee. Get a few friends together and play Ultimate Frisbee.
2. Solarium; make sure you get the perfect glowing tan that will be the envy of everyone, even Jordan! Just place the iPad under your chin and double the power of those healthy vitamin D giving rays.
3. Paddle; when your feet get tired on the pedalo just take out your iPad and start to paddle to shore. Can also be used for dinghy’s but you would need to stick a few together if you want to paddle back on the yacht!
4. Thermometer and timer; when condensation appears on the iPad screen, you know it’s time to reapply the sunscreen.
5. Spade; dig a hole, dig a make shift swimming pool or dig for china.
6. Sandcastles; Stick 5 together and make your own bucket, get a perfectly symmetrical sandcastle and be the envy of all other beach goers.
7. Umbrella; raise the iPad above your head when those pesky impromptu rain showers threaten to ruin your day.
8. Miniature picnic table; you may not get many around it, but the miniature table is perfect for hosting a tea party for your Chihuahua and all his friends! Don’t forget the mini sun hat though; dogs get burnt too!
9. Rounders bat; reminisce about your school days with a game of rounders. Of course, a soft ball is needed, or it’ll be likely that not all your chums will get a turn.
10. Sun visor; a fiddly make but well worth it! You will need an Alice band – preferably a wide one. Get a piece of extra strong Velcro and attach it to the head band and the other side to the iPad – then stick on - tada sun visor! For those who want to be the next Lady Gaga, attach the Velcro at a jaunty angle.
11. Fan; simply move your iPad back and forward across any body part that is too hot. Why not live the life of luxury and get a scantily clad model to fan you as you sip mojitos looking out to the crystal clear ocean...Mmmm dreamy.
12. Wakeboard; everyone loves watersports. Find a friend with a fast boat (not pedalo as suggestion 3) then get said friend to pull you along on your iPad, rock out some tricks and watch as passersby stare at shock and enthrallment.
13. Napkin bib; you are at the seaside and you want to eat lobster and rib’s but the restaurant doesn’t have any bibs left. Do not worry – just rest your iPad under your chin, and slide down a little in your chair and you will be catching those spills in no time.
14. Table tennis; attach a net across and begin the smallest game of table tennis.
15. Flip flops; the beach is well renowned for suddenly turning white hot! Be on your guard and prepared with some string and a couple of iPad’s.
16. Tray; making sure you get everyone’s orders can be a pain. You only have two hands for goodness sake; “you want a what? Ice lolly, cola and some chips! I can’t carry all that” well, now you can, use your iPad to make everyone happy!
17. Shark attack: turn your device diagonally and strap to your back (using some of the string not used on your flip flops) and you will get an instant shark fin. Get your friend to hum the Jaw’s theme tune while you swim close to the beach, and you will automatically get the beach to yourself.
18. Card games; by purchasing 52 you can play a whole range of card games, including snap... or.... snap... hours of fun!!
19. BBQ tool; need that burger flipping? No problem... The iPad is large enough to get near the heat while keeping your fingers burn free.
20. Eye Spy; perfect for car journeys, or beach fun. Why not get your buddies to count how many iPads they can see?
*disclaimer; Apple has not approved these uses; if you choose to try any of the above you may void your warranty!
No matter how you choose to use your iPad make sure you get outside and make the most of the sunshine! It will be winter before you know it.