I’m looking for some viewpoints on what I can only describe as device overload. At work, I’m forced into the Microsoft ecosystem, so I have to keep a Windows machine for that. My iPhone 15 Pro Max is still a sufficient handheld. My primary non-work computer is a MacBook Air M2. Things go downhill after that. I have an iPad Pro that is strong enough to power some of my work apps (MS Office and websites) and anything I need for home, but it is heavy and clunky, so I keep an iPad mini set up just for personal consumption – books, media, etc. While it is light and compact it is not ideal for reading in bed, so I’ve got a Kindle Paperwhite for bedtime reading. But the Kindle is slow, so I added a kobo as a test. The kobo is a far better user experience, but creates a new ecosystem. On the one hand, I can justify each device, but on the other hand, I’d like to pare down the number of devices. Has anyone else conquered this quandary?
I agree with you about Kobo being a much better experience than Kindle. When I got my Kobo, I kept my Kindle as I couldn’t be bothered with all the rigmarole to de-drm the Kindle books and copy them to the Kobo. After 18 months, I think I have used the Kindle twice, to reread books that are Kindle exclusive - I’ve put the Kindle away and if I need to access Kindle books, I’ll do it via my iPad. If an ereader is for pleasure, be brave and get rid of one ecosystem. The only other surplus is two iPads where you could manage with one. When one or other is up for replacement, have a careful think about whether there is a single model that could realistically replace both: if not, then accept your multi-device lifestyle. There is a purpose to it all.
Thanks, Chris. Good feedback. I may kick my Kindle Paperwhite to the curb and try using the app on my iPad mini. While none of my devices are at the end of their useful lives yet, I’ll certainly consider replacing the iPad mini and the iPad Pro with a single device when the time comes.
I’ve never conquered it.
MacBook Air G4 - Personal
MacBook Air G3 - Work
Mac Mini M1 - Personal Home Server
iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPad Pro 11” M1 - Minimal use now
Apple Watch Series 9 - Day Watch
Apple Watch Series 6 - Night Watch
Kindle Oasis - With page turn buttons - distraction free reading
Remarkable 2 - notepad - distraction free writing
Add in AirPods, AirPods Pro, and Anker Soundcore Q20s
I didn’t pay for the Work MBA