Flexibility Makes a Difference

The iPad has become my go-to device for reading, note-taking, and brainstorming. It enhances my focus, while at home, the larger screens can be too distracting—like a magpie drawn to shiny objects. With the iPad, I find it easier to maintain discipline.

I’ve adopted a personal rule: whenever I need to concentrate on a task for one to three hours, I step out of my home office. Whether it’s for research, writing, or designing course materials, I prefer to work in a space that doesn’t require extensive screen real estate. Afterward, I return to my iMac’s capabilities for video creation, content editing, and assembling everything into a polished product.

Apple's seamless integration allows me to switch between locations, devices, and workflows effortlessly.

The Flow State

As I settled into my work with my iPad open on the left, my iPhone serving as a 5G hotspot behind my MacBook, and my tea ready for enjoyment, I quickly entered a state of flow. I owe thanks to Mihály Csíkszentmihályi for coining this term, and to Apple for providing the tools that facilitate it.

It wasn’t until about 45 minutes in that I noticed a man at the adjacent table, working on his laptop. Initially, I was unaware of his presence, but soon I became conscious of my surroundings. As any Finn would, I started to ponder what he thought of me. Was I behaving oddly? Was my attire appropriate?

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed him watching me, which made me feel a mix of curiosity and annoyance. Finally, I turned to him and smiled, and he returned the gesture.

“Do you mind if I ask what you’re working on?” he inquired.

I gave a brief explanation, and he continued, “I saw you typing on your laptop while your tablet seemed to be working independently. I didn’t see you touching it at all, and I’m curious how you managed that.”

Myth-Busting with Apple Devices

I felt a bit sympathetic for him as I launched into an impromptu tutorial on Apple’s Universal Control feature, which allows for seamless use of a single keyboard and trackpad across multiple devices.

“But you must have the latest models,” he remarked, a hint of envy in his tone. “Your laptop looks so slim and modern.”

I dispelled that myth, explaining that my MacBook was from 2019 and my iPad Pro was from 2020. While they were pricey at purchase, their longevity far surpasses that of many Windows laptops, providing a much better return on investment in the long run. With regular OS updates, these devices continue to perform effectively for years, enhancing productivity and maintaining my flow.

My demonstration at the café was well-received. “It’s magic!” he exclaimed, thanking me for the insights. “I think I’ll check these devices out at the store.”

As my tea grew cold, it was time to return home and publish my blog post, just like this one. I hope you found it enjoyable.