iPad

Richard has an old computer running Windows XP. He'd like to boost the memory and hard drive. Leo says that most PCs are upgradable with off-the-shelf components, even the most proprietary brands. Go to Crucial.com or Kingston.com and use their memory picker. Input the model and they'll indicate exactly what is needed. Just remember though, running XP is dangerous to use online. Microsoft doesn't support XP anymore with security patches, and so it's just a target for hackers and exploits. 

Dave wants to know if the new iPads are worth buying. Leo says that the standard new iPads are faster, using the same chip as the iPhone XS, and have a slightly better retina display. They also support the new Apple Pencil. But for a few hundred dollars more, you can get the iPad Pro, with a larger, bezeless screen. 

Mark uses a flip phone. It's just easy to use. But his friends are trying to get him to adopt a smartphone. He finds them complicated, though. Leo says smartphones are more computers that can make a call, not a phone that can get online. Leo says that since Mark likes the reliability of a flip phone, he should just keep it, and then get a tablet like an iPad to connect online. That's the simple solution.

Patty has new iPad and she hasn't been able to unlock it. There is a process that Apple uses called "IForgot" that will help you to recover and reactivate your iPad. Here's a tech note on how - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204306. This page will walk you through. If that doesn't work, then your next move is to go to a nearby Apple store or call Apple support. You'll also need to know your AppleID.

Clyde's wife has an iPad and it's switching between apps accidentally. Leo says iOS 12 has a new interface that enables users to swipe left or right and change apps. It's a new feature and she may be doing that by accident. It is possible that there may be a stuck button that's causing it. Leo recommends going to the nearest Apple Store and setting up an appointment with a Genius. She should describe the problem, and they'll show her what's going on. They may even have one-on-one training.

Charles' wife is bedridden and needs something to keep her occupied. Leo says the iPad is an ideal choice. It has a nice screen and decent speakers. She could stream video and even watch live tv. Then she can switch to playing a game. Leo says it's the ultimate entertainment device. Leo would recommend the 12.9" model.

Corrine is having issues with her Apple ID. Leo says that her iCloud account and her iTunes account can be different. Or she could have them be the same. She'll then need to have a password that goes with it. All of her app and website passwords can be kept in the Apple Keychain, but she'll have to be on the same account in order for it to work across her devices. She'll have to be sure to go into her iCloud and Keychain settings and make sure they're all turned on.

Marshall wants to know if he can downgrade to iOS 11. He doesn't like 12. Leo says he can, but he'll have to erase the entire iPad. It's also only possible to do this for a limited time, and that window may have passed. iMore has an article that shows to do it here.

Evan bought the new iPad Pro and it's now his main computing device. He can do about 75% of what he needs to do on it, and the rest, he can just do on his laptop. Leo says that's the problem with it. It's doubling the cost of computing just to have one. And some of the workarounds that are required for simple tasks can be exhausting. Evan also says that the cost of being an Apple fan is really becoming prohibitive. Apple is raising the prices on everything from the iPad to the iPhone to the Apple Watch.

How should he charge it? Leo says the Anker chargers are fine.

Dale is worried that his older iPad isn't safe to use anymore since he's stuck at iOS 11. Leo says not to worry. The iPad is secure no matter the age. It's sandboxed and as long as Apple continues security updates, which it will, it's more secure than a desktop.