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Could an iPad Be the Solution to Your Crippling Phone Addiction?

7th-generation new iPad, 10.2-inch
> $330 $250, Buy now on Amazon

When Steve Jobs announced the new iPad ten years ago, decked in his trademark turtleneck and understated enthusiasm, he promised it would fill the wide experience gap between Apple's computers and its phone. He promised a marriage between the flexibility and power of a computer and the intimacy of a phone.

In the 10 years since, this chasm has has become more of a crack that only the likes of Alex Honnold might be able to grab onto while ascending to a new world record. Our computers have become smaller and easier to carry around. Our phones, however, are now so enormous that they've become hard to use, even as they've gotten more powerful. And, counterintuitively, the iPad endures as a perfect fit for this universe.

The iPad is an extremely good device on its own merit. Its super-responsive iPad OS offers a ton of features, like split screening apps, that make it a really great option for getting work done. It supports the Apple pencil! And its screen is just big and nice for watching videos when you need a break. But, from my experience, the reason the iPad endures—and the reason I recommend them to almost anyone I know who is renegotiating or thinking about renegotiating their relationship to technology, is as a phone or computer escape hatch.

While most of the solutions to tech overreach tend to be worse tech (deleting apps, the internet-free Light Phone, etc), the iPad makes a case that feature-rich tech can help too. Because it's the perfect nightly off-ramp from the hectic experience of your phone. It has all your music and podcasts, it has all they note taking and journaling apps, and it has all the apps you might use to save articles and books. But unlike a phone or computer, you don't have to worry that you're going to get interrupted or stressed or tempted by dispatches from Twitter, Instagram, or email.

Instead of looking at your phone, brimming with work stressors and FOMO triggers, right before bed, just pick up your iPad and burn through your Pocket queue. Crash on the couch with it instead of your phone on weekends when you don't have any obligations. It connects to Bluetooth headphones just as well as anything else. If someone actually needs you, you're a FaceTime away.

And wouldn't you know it, the best new iPad is on sale right now. The new 7th-generation iPad is currently about 24% off, down to $250 from its asking price of $330. It has dropped a little bit lower during big deal events like Cyber Week, but this is the lowest sale price we've seen at any other time. At full price, we think the iPad is worth it. At this sale, it's even better.

The Best Deal on the new iPad

7th-generation iPad, 10.2-inch (was $330, now 24% off)

$330.00, Amazon

BUY NOW

Originally Appeared on GQ