Apple’s iPad as a Home Control device

Apple's iPad, has achieved great acclaim. People love it, it’s easy to use and with the multitude of apps on offer, it can do virtually anything. As home automation technology becomes more available to the common man, is the iPad really the only control device you’ll need?

The iPad has many great features, not least the enormous and constantly growing library of apps. This sleek, cool device can be made to do virtually anything, and that, in the world of home automation may be it’s down fall. I am constantly being asked what I think of the iPad in the context of Home Automation or if I can control someones home with only an iPad. My answer is always the same, the iPad is great but first lets think about what you want to use it for. You may wish to subscribe to a paper and read it on the train every day, you might want to browse the Internet, play games, listen to music, watch movies and more. The iPad can do all of this and control you home, a truly fantastic device I think you’ll agree.

What happens then if you take you iPad on the train and someone left at home wants to watch TV? What if you have a Movie playing at full volume whilst you are browsing the Internet and the phone rings? What happens when the battery goes flat? All of this must be considered before choosing the iPad as a home control device. The simple answer is to have multiple iPads that are solely used as home control devices. That’s great but you've invested your money into a device that can do a great many things, then use it to a fraction of it’s capabilities.

My personal opinion is that the iPad should be used in conjunction with traditional home controllers. By all means choose the less feature rich, cheaper alternatives to the pricey touch screens. But remember that when you need to press mute quickly, switch the lights on early in the morning or use your door entry system simplicity is the key. It doesn't get any more simple or reliable than a wired, solid push button. You've got all the great features of the iPad, now back them up with sensible, reliable and easy to use controllers.