Why a Folding iPad Could Revolutionise Your Device Experience

Discover why a folding iPad could revolutionise your device experience by combining the power of an iPad with the convenience of a phone.

A folding iPad could be a game-changer

Apple’s current lineup is quite diverse. You have the Pro iPhones, which are incredibly powerful. The iPad Pro is a fantastic device, but many don’t use it as a computer. The iPad Mini is popular among aeroplane pilots, and the iPad Air is heavier than the iPad Pro. Apple also struggles with the non-standard-sized iPhone, which can make it difficult for users to find the right device for their needs. There are just too many options. A folding iPad could potentially simplify this lineup by offering a versatile device that combines the features of a tablet and a phone.

Apple’s diverse lineup

Imagine having an iPad Mini that doubles as a phone, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 or the Google Pixel Fold. Apple has already shown interest in folding devices, with rumours about a folding iPad that resembles a MacBook and a clamshell-style iPhone. Both ideas sound exciting, but the concept of an iPad as a folding phone seems more practical. However, it’s important to consider that a folding iPad could potentially be more expensive than current models due to the added technology and functionality.

A folding iPad could be a reality

Optimal thinness is achieved Apple has mastered making devices thin. The iPad Pro is thinner than most phones and all other Apple computers. It’s only 5.1 mm thick. If you fold it in half, it’s just a bit thicker than the iPhone 15 Pro Max. This would make the iPad more portable without compromising on functionality. For instance, when folded, the device could still allow for basic phone functions such as making calls and sending messages, while also providing a larger screen for more complex tasks when unfolded.

The iPad Pro is incredibly thin

Imagine having a device that offers the multitasking capabilities of an iPad but can be folded into a phone-sized gadget. You could be reading an article on the larger screen and seamlessly transition to a phone call without having to switch devices. It would be perfect for those who need to carry fewer devices while still having access to powerful tools.

A folding iPad phone could be the ultimate device

iPadOS 18 features iPadOS 18 brings new handwriting features that are worth noting. With an Apple Pencil, you can write notes that Smart Script will automatically tidy up. This could be particularly useful for students taking lecture notes or professionals jotting down ideas in a meeting. You can even erase parts of your handwritten note, and the text will adjust itself to fill the space. This solves a common problem with stylus writing on phones: adding text is easy, but erasing it often looks messy.

iPadOS 18 brings new handwriting features

A practical solution for users Apple might prefer selling you both a phone and a tablet. But an iPad that folds in half could be more than just appealing. Many people already have a phone and a computer, so the excitement around an iPad diminishes. However, an iPad that folds in half could be a practical addition for users looking for a multipurpose device. It could cater to those who need a powerful tablet for work or creativity and a phone for daily use, all on one device.

A folding iPad could be a practical solution

A folding iPad could make the device more relevant and exciting. It combines the power of an iPad with the convenience of a phone, providing a seamless experience for users.

Sound Blaster GS3 Review

The Creative Sound Blaster GS3 is a budget-friendly mini soundbar designed to fit under your monitor. This form factor saves on space, and in the case of the GS3, delivers a solid audio experience. The GS3 is the entry point to the Sound Blaster soundbar systems, with the Katana models being the more full-featured options in the range.

The Sound Blaster GS3 is a compact soundbar

From a design perspective, the Creative Sound Blaster GS3 has a familiar, compact footprint in an almost-all-black design – the Creative badge in the lower left being the only silver accent. All buttons, interface, and output are found neatly on the right-hand side, with power and audio input in the rear of the unit. Along the bottom is an RGB bar that is controlled through a dedicated button, which allows scrolling between lighting modes. Connection status and type are available at a glance by way of LEDs hidden behind the speaker grill but easily visible.

The Sound Blaster GS3 has a compact design

As a budget, under-display soundbar, the Sound Blaster GS3 manages to deliver a decent listening experience across games, music, and Zoom calls. The dual racetrack speakers with rear port offer an adequate soundstage that leans more to the mids and highs. The low end is there, though its presence has me wanting just a touch more ‘punch’. The default sound profile I would rank as generally good, and certainly acceptable for the hardware it is working with.

The Sound Blaster GS3 delivers a decent listening experience

I was deliberate in my wording before to say that the default sound profile was good. There is a secondary profile called SuperWide, which is meant to deliver an immersive, wide sound stage. It certainly does change the staging into a wider, more open effect. I can best describe the resulting sound profile as having a flattening effect… the mids and highs become even more dominant, and the lows become completely anemic in this profile. Gaming may be the best use for this mode as it does have an effect of delivering spatial awareness, and footsteps tend to convey more clearly. For music or media consumption, I’d stick to the default profile. It’s a neat concept, though, and would perhaps be better supported with punchier hardware.

The SuperWide mode has a flattening effect on the sound

What I like about Creative Sound Blaster GS3 soundbar:

• Good aesthetics and small footprint
• Impressive sound delivery for size and hardware
• Decent onboard controls

What needs to be improved:

• Static issue when connected through docking station
• SuperWide mode doesn’t deliver a great audio experience in all situations
• More onboard EQ profiles would be welcome

The Sound Blaster GS3 is a great entry-level option

For under $50, the Creative Sound Blaster GS3 is a great entry-level option that delivers a solid sound experience, and in a really compact package. The racetrack drivers are effective in creating a soundstage that is bigger than what you’d expect for the size, and while flawed, the SuperWide mode can give you the edge in games. Multiple connection types and the option to do audio pass-through to headphones gives this soundbar great versatility. All in, the GS3 is worth a look and won’t empty your wallet.

The Sound Blaster GS3 is a great value for its price

Acer Swift Go 14 Review

The Acer Swift Go 14 is an excellent ultraportable laptop that nails the fundamentals – performance, display quality, keyboard, battery life – while adding compelling features like OLED and Thunderbolt 4.

The Acer Swift Go 14 is an excellent ultraportable laptop

Display The Swift Go 14’s highlight is its gorgeous 14-inch 2.8K OLED display. The screen is incredibly sharp and immersive with a 2880x1800 resolution, 90Hz refresh rate, and 16:10 aspect ratio. It covers 100% of the sRGB colour gamut and 99% of the wider DCI-P3 gamut, making it suitable for colour-critical work.

The Swift Go 14’s OLED display is stunning

Performance Powered by Intel’s latest Core Ultra 7 155H processor, the Swift Go 14 delivers excellent performance for its class. The 16-core/22-thread CPU boosts up to 4.8 GHz and is built on the efficient Intel 4 process. It is paired with 16GB of fast LPDDR5X RAM and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD.

The Swift Go 14’s performance is excellent

Battery Acer rates the 65 Wh battery for up to 11.5 hours of use. In my testing with mixed productivity workloads and the screen set to 200 nits, I averaged around 9 hours on a charge.

The Swift Go 14’s battery life is impressive

OS and Software The Swift Go 14 comes with Windows 11 Home out of the box.

The Swift Go 14 runs Windows 11 Home

Price and Alternative Options The model I was sent is the SFG14-72-709U. The only place I can find with this exact listing is Currys, with the laptop priced at £1,099.

The Swift Go 14 is priced at £1,099

Conclusion Overall, the Swift Go 14 is easy to recommend for anyone seeking a premium Windows ultraportable. The combination of portability, performance, and display quality is tough to beat at this price point.

The Swift Go 14 is a great ultraportable laptop