Alex White

Becoming an iPad guy

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:40:56 -0400

I was watching Byte Review’s recent video on getting the most out of your iPad, which got me to dig out my 2020 iPad Pro 12.9”. It’s been awhile since I’ve used this device, and honestly I never did much more with it than turning it into a second monitor for my MacBook.

The first thing I did was get used to the “new” multi-tasking features. The way iPad OS does multi-tasking is honestly pretty good. You can have multiple windows, split views, full screen views and even a slide-out, access anywhere window (great for Music, Reminders or Gemini). The added touch ability makes moving around and resizing windows easy.

I started using Apple’s Freeform application for work. I occasionally have to do design and UX research in my role (I wear MANY hats haha), and Freeform is perfect for sketching and idea mapping. The fact that I can simply open the app on my work MacBook to share with colleagues on a call is even better.

In addition to Freeform, I’ve been leveraging Apple Notes and Reminders more. Both are incredibly powerful, and Apple Notes is excellent on the iPad with pencil support.

An app I wish I could try is Pixelmator Pro, I’d love to try editing the RAW files from my Sony directly on the iPad. Unfortunately my pre-M chip iPad isn’t compatible with a number of apps, Pixelmator included.

Back when I bought this iPad, my goal was to replace my laptop. I picked up the iPad and a Mac Mini thinking I could SSH in and do dev work. It was naive, and failed spectacularly. While it was technically possible, and I did try it a few times (port forwarding a remove dev environment and all), but it was so dang clunky back then.

These days, I don’t code much. My computer usage revolves more around emails, writing, photo editing, reading and light content consumption. In other words, I’ve become the target audience for the iPad. This has enabled me to replace my personal computer I typically carry to work with the iPad. Thanks to sidecar I can use my work computer’s mouse/keyboard to check personal emails and sites on my iPad without physically switching devices. It’s perfect, and takes up a lot less desk space than my personal laptop.

There are downsides though, primarily around the age of my device. Since iOS 26, my iPad Pro is SLOW. It locks up and animations lag. OS support is ending after iOS 27 (I think), and a number of apps are already incompatible.

To make matters worse, Apple has ensured I can’t reuse any of my accessories with the new iPads. Both my Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil are incompatible with any M-series iPad.

This leaves me in a pickle. I have a trip to China upcoming, and I want to minimize the electronics I take. Ideally, it would be an iPad, my iPhone and my Sony camera. To that end, I’m thinking about pulling the trigger on a iPad Air. I know the screen and speakers will be a downgrade, but the performance gain would be well worth it.

Happy Father's Day!

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 20:00:00 -0400

Hope all the dad’s out there had a great Father’s Day today! I’ve spent my Father’s Day weekend doing the most dad things I could think of: teaching my kid to fish, wrenching on some bikes, taking the kid to an airshow and fixing stuff around one of the rentals. Unfortunately no grilling or beers this weekend, but hey, gotta leave something for next year!

Canadian Forces Snowbirds (these guys were freaking awesome)

My kid standing infront of a tank while holding a Megatron Transformer is sure to be the talk of the daycare tomorrow!

2026 London Ohio strawberry bicycle tour

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 20:00:00 -0400

The London Ohio Strawberry Tour has been on my radar for years. Yesterday I finally got a chance to participate! I opted for the 44 mile route as I’m not nearly as in-shape as previous years. It was a really nice, mostly flat ride. The first stop was well stocked with everything from home-made Belgian waffles (a staple of all Friend’s of Madison County events) and chocolate covered strawberries! Stop 2 was a simple water stop, but I had some fun conversations with other riders as we filled up our bottles.

Remember kids, don’t waffle while biking!

This year’s ride was special as the money was used to help finish the Ohio to Erie trail gap in London, Ohio. Presently the trail ends in the south of London, forcing riders to traverse the streets to rejoin the trail on the other side of town. From what one of the volunteer’s was telling me, the contract has been secured to finish the trail and (if all goes well), it should be done in about 1.5 years!

Mmmm, chocolate covered strawberries.

The Ohio to Erie trail is one of the most impressive things Ohio has to offer (in my opinion). It’s a 326 mile trail, 245 of which is dedicated, paved bike path. It connects Ohio’s 3 major cities, Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland. There’s also branch trails leading to places like Yellow Springs. The trail is dotted with beautiful small towns, free campsites and guest houses.

While there’s a lot of terrible things about my country, the Ohio to Erie trail and events put on by volunteer organizations to maintain and expand the trail are truly incredible and give me hope.

A well stocked rest stop manned by volunteers.

Ride on!

Photo journal day 9

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 20:00:00 -0400

I took a much needed day off yesterday and spent time outside. The day started with processing photos and posting the photos for day 8. After I drove out to one of my favorite small towns and grabbed a sandwich that a small deli. Sandwich in hand, I drove to a metro park to eat and go hiking. I followed that up with swimming and eventually cycling, my version of a triathlon haha.

I’m not super product of this batch of photos, but hey some of them are alright.

I love the exposed roots, there was a log I sat on (out of frame) and took in the view for quite awhile.

This was very cool to see in person, the tree splits into two halves.

A creek running through the trees.

Slightly slower shutter speed.

I’m the bridge troll!

The best type of playground.

According to the historical sign, this railroad bridge was lifted at one point to accommodate steam engines. It’s still in use today by trains transporting grain from one side of the city to another.

Photo journal - day 8

Sun, 31 May 2026 20:00:00 -0400

Spider warning!

Had some time with the wife away from the kids this weekend that allowed us to go hiking!

Don’t fall off little guy!

I think my ISO was cranked up, unforutnately a lot of the photos turned out grainy.

This guy was so freaking fast!

This was one of my wife’s shots, I think she might slowly be getting into photography!

I used to be deathly terrified of bees…now I’m shoving a camera lens up their backside!

And their frontside.

I really love this shot, just wish it wasn’t so noisy.