Here in contains number 3442 of ways that I can over spend and overthink my relationship with technology. I am well aware of my shortfall as a human, my ability to appear moronic, and you should not take any advice from my blog posts or podcast appearances. I annoy myself far more than I annoy you, so please know this before reading on.

Since writing about the MacStories iPad Mini review, I’ve been thinking about a lot about my relationship to technology again. Those that have read anything from me over the last few years will already be aware of my tenuous relationship with my phone, but this time it is a little different. My frustration is finding a place where my working life does not push in to, and the idea of a third place raised by Federico in said iPad Mini review highlighted these frustrations and a possible solution.

My working life is essential to me, I design and create for a living, so in many ways it is perfect. To earn a living doing something you enjoy is everyone’s dream; however, I have an inability to switch off unless clear lines are drawn. So, as with every idea that plagues my brain, I went exploring options to find a sanctuary away from working life, in an attempt to disconnect.

I found that place in the first place I went looking. Mainly because I can’t afford to be messing around, but also because the iPad Mini is a great device. Granted, the current 7the generation version that I opted for is a waste of money for most people. However, if you accept the shortfalls of the device, and have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, you will have a much better experience.

I would get a better experience reading on an e-ink device. Arguably, I would have a better experience watching media on a larger device. Hell, I carry a ‘better’ device that is only slightly smaller, in an iPhone 16 Pro Max around in my pocket. With all this in mind, I still adore the iPad Mini for providing a third place. One that is away from the email apps and Adobe sweet that both my phone and MacBook contain.

Carving out this place has been hard going. I’ve needed ScreeTime blocks, signing out of iCloud, and a lot of will power to find this place. The trick is not treating it the same as all your other devices. You only get here by not doing things. By not installing all the usual apps, or copying things over and being clear on the place you require.

At the end of the day now, you will only ever find my iPad Mini lying around the home. My iPhone is in my office, my MacBook is asleep, and the only time they are used is if I really need to. The iPad Mini provides everything I need. If it doesn’t, the intentional barrier of having to go and get something else to achieve the goal provides just enough breathing room to decide whether I want to do it or not.

It has resulted in less blog posts being written, perhaps less things being ‘done’ but I am perfectly happy with that. I like this place.