My Perfect Sunday Device

Fifteen years into the iPad era, I’ve been mulling over my perfect device that feels almost like an iPad but isn’t. It’s not everyone‘s cup of tea, and probably will never be for the mass market, but for those quiet Sunday afternoons, it’s my dream device.

Right now, my devices fight for my attention. My iPhone distracts me at every turn (Slack notifications, advert pushes etc), my iPad is often out of battery after a session of photo editing or Netflix, and my watch is designed to constantly nag me to breathe, stand, move, wash hands. What I need is a device designed for focus, not friction.

A Physical Keyboard

I’m currently hammering out these thoughts on a flimsy fabric keyboard attached to my iPad. What I want is a tactile, detachable keyboard, one that sits comfortably on my lap in any lounging position. Ideally, it’s a full keyboard not limited by screen width and sturdy enough to double as a support. Logitech seems to come closer to this ideal Apple.

Black and White, Please

I’m drawn to the idea of an e-ink screen. Not because I’m a purist, but because a black-and-white display creates just enough friction. It forces me to slow down, to resist the lure of instant YouTube escapes or the chaos of multiple open tabs. Sometimes I need video, but often I just want to absorb captions and ideas. Black and white might be the right balance between simplicity and intention.

Pocketable

I lean toward something like the iPad mini or Kindle in size, compact enough to fit into a bag and subtle enough to blend in at a coffee shop. It shouldn’t feel like hauling around a bulky device, but rather a tool that is comfortably with me everywhere.

Made for Notes and Concepts

I want to be able to capture ideas with the precision of pen on paper with a matte, paper-like screen with a stylus. I’ve tried using a Paperlike screen protector on my iPad, and while it’s a start, I‘d prefer a display with a bit more texture and friction like a piece of uncoated GF Smith paper. And, of course, the battery should last all day so I can jump into note-taking at a moments notice. Right now, note-taking on an iPad feels like a gimmick compared to what a dedicated device might offer.

I’ve poked around at products like the Remarkable Pro (and yes, I’ve seen their endless ads) and the Daylight computer. At $700, Daylight is intriguing, but I’m not entirely convinced I want to bet on a company that might vanish as quickly taking any software updates with them.

For now, I’m making do with some hacks: using my iPad in greyscale, turning on Do Not Disturb, and relying on a matte, textured screen protector. These tweaks help me be more intentional with my usage a small step toward that elusive perfect Sunday device.