Does Anyone Really Need an iPad Part II: Want vs. Need

After the flurry of responses to my post last week, I realized I probably overstated the title of the piece a bit. In all honesty, I must apologize because I hadn’t actually thought of how much the iPad might help those with special needs and many of the comments proved to be real eye openers. Having said that, I still hold that most of us do not in fact need an iPad, rather we want one, but due to marketing and other factors, have been led to believe that we can’t live without one. So for most of us, it really comes down to the difference between what we want and what we need.

A ways back when I first started writing for Care2, I posted up the contents of a card that I keep on my desk that speaks to the idea of limiting my consumption of products. I have no idea where it originally came from so I apologize for not being able to give credit where credit is do, so if you are reading this and you are the one that originally put the list together, I thank you and hope you’re OK with me sharing it. My hope is that it will help you as much as it has helped me in making smarter purchasing choices.

1. Is this purchase something I want or something that I need?
2. Do I already own something that will serve the same purpose?
3. Can I borrow one instead of buying new?
4. Can I make something that will serve the same purpose?
5. Can I buy a used one?
5. Would someone be willing to split the cost and share this with me?
6. Can I buy or commission one made locally?
7. Can I buy one that was made with environmentally responsible materials?
8. Can I buy one that serves more than one purpose?
9. Can I get something human powered instead of gas or electric?
10. Can I compost or recycle it when I’m done with it?
11. What is the impact on the environment of the full life cycle of it?
12. Does the manufacturing or disposal of this item damage the environment?

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Michele W.

8:09AM PDT on Sep 7, 2011

I don't want or need the i-pad. But I do need to copy out your list above, and refer to it when contemplating purchases in the future.
Thank you

send a green star

kenneth m.

9:57PM PST on Dec 18, 2010

Not again, I have an iPad and guess what, I bought it from some one with a job. Working at the apple store. A job earning a living, selling apple items and they go home and they can pay rent to evil landlords and buy food from corporations that own stores and buy gas from the most evil of them all oil co.
Wow I guess you liberals would rather the worker was out of work and getting welfare right?

Dace K.

11:36PM PST on Dec 15, 2010

there are a lot of pluses maybe a lot of minuses by getting this iPad. but i like those questions stated at the end because everyone should answer to them before buying anything!

Bon L.

4:46AM PST on Dec 15, 2010

Thanks for the info.

Bianca s.

11:27PM PST on Dec 14, 2010

don't have an ipad, ipod, or iphone, nor do i ever plan on owning anything by apple;)

Patricia H.

1:23PM PDT on May 26, 2010

No, but it will be cool when they make the IPAD into a laptop. Then I want it when my computer dies.

Allison B.

12:51PM PDT on May 11, 2010

I loved this article. I was always against the iPad (what's the point?) But when I saw one in person I slowly started to become converted...but then I decided to take this thought a little further. I already have an iPhone, and iPod, and an apple laptop. Did I really need an iPad? Absolutely not!

I just found this blog that goes along a similar theme, "10 things you should never buy" http://blog.greensherpa.com/index.php/tips-and-tricks/10-things-you-should-never-buy/

Danielle W.

7:59PM PDT on May 9, 2010

I don't have or want the iPad, but I do have the iPhone...and well...its just something I can't live without. I will never be one of those people who say "oh I hate cell phones"......I think that is rediculous.

Kay O.

4:56PM PDT on May 2, 2010

Use computers at the public libraries and at
universities when they're on seasonal recess.