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Tablets are one of the most versatile pieces of tech we own, but are you really getting the most out of yours? Sure, you might use it for browsing or streaming, but beyond that, it’s easy to overlook just how much potential these devices have.
1Turn It Into a Second Monitor
Ever wish you had a bit more screen space while working? Instead of investing in a pricey external monitor, why not use your tablet? With the right setup, your tablet can act as a second display, giving you that extra room to check emails, compare documents, or even spread out your creative work.
To make this work, apps likeDuet DisplayorSplashtop Wired XDisplaylet you extend or mirror your computer screen onto your tablet. Once installed, all you need to do is connect your tablet via USB or Wi-Fi, and voilà—you’ve got an instant dual-monitor setup. It’s perfect for boosting productivity without cluttering your desk with more hardware.
Not only is this setup handy for work, but it’s also a lifesaver when you’re on the go. Imagine working from a coffee shop or hotel room with dual screens—using your tablet as a second monitor gives you the flexibility to stay productive, even when you’re away from your main setup.
2Use It as a Digital Recipe Book
Cooking up a storm in the kitchen but struggling to keep track of recipes on your phone’s tiny screen? Your tablet is the perfect solution. Its larger display and portability make it ideal for keeping your favorite recipes handy while whipping up meals.
Recipe organizer appslike Paprika or Yummly let you store your recipes, create shopping lists, and even scale ingredients based on portion sizes. All you need to do is prop your tablet up on a stand or mount it on the fridge with a magnetic holder, and you’ve got yourself a dedicated digital recipe book.
This setup also works great for following video tutorials—imagine having a clear view of every cooking step on a screen big enough to see the details. And since your tablet is more durable and less likely to be used for other tasks while you cook, it’s less prone to distractions than your phone.
3Turn It Into a Smart Home Hub
If you’ve got a smart home setup, you canturn your tablet into a smart home hub. Instead of reaching for your phone or relying on individual remotes, you can use your tablet to manage everything from lights to security cameras with ease.
By downloading apps like Apple Home, Google Home, or SmartThings, you can link your tablet to your smart home ecosystem. Once set up, you’ll have a single dashboard to control your lights, thermostat, locks, and more—all from a larger, more convenient screen. You can even create automation routines, like having the lights dim and your music play when you settle in for the evening.
For the best experience, consider dedicating an older tablet to this task. Mount it on the wall or set it on a stand in a central spot, like the kitchen or living room, where it’s easy to access.
4Make It Your Go-To eReader
Sure, there are dedicated e-readers like the Kindle, but if you’ve already got a tablet, you’re one step away from an excellent reading experience. With apps like Kindle, Apple Books, or Libby, your tablet can access a virtually endless library of books, magazines, and even audiobooks—all in one place.
The beauty of using a tablet as your eReader is the versatility. You can switch between reading and listening with a single tap, adjust text sizes, and even change the screen brightness or color tone to reduce eye strain. Tablets also let you read in full color, perfect for graphic novels, illustrated books, or magazines where visuals play a big role.
To optimize your reading experience, consider enabling “night mode” for late-night sessions. You could also use apps that allow offline access, so you’re never without your favorite book, even when you’re off the grid. And, of course, a simple case or stand can turn your tablet into a hands-free reading companion, whether in bed, on the couch, or on the go.
5Use It as a Photo Frame
Rather than letting your tablet gather dust when it’s not in use, why not turn it into adigital photo frame? This is one of the easiest and most visually rewarding ways to repurpose your tablet, transforming it into a dynamic display of your favorite memories.
You can use Google Photos to turn your tablet into a slideshow of your favorite images. You can create albums, set transitions, and even add captions to give your photos more context. All you need to do is place your tablet on a stand or mount it somewhere prominent, like a bookshelf or desk, and you’ve got yourself a digital gallery.
What’s great about using a tablet is that you’re able to swap out photos anytime you like or even connect it to cloud services for live updates from family members or friends. So, instead of a static frame, you’ll have a constantly refreshing display that brings your best moments to life—without ever having to print a single photo.
6Turn It into a Digital Notebook
If you love taking notes, sketching ideas, or keeping a journal, your tablet can be a fantastic tool for going paperless. Withnote-taking appslike OneNote, GoodNotes, or Notability, you’re able to turn your tablet into a digital notebook that’s always at your fingertips.
Using a stylus, like the Apple Pencil or Samsung S Pen, you can jot down notes, annotate documents, or sketch out ideas just as you would with pen and paper—but with the added benefit of organizing everything digitally. You can create separate notebooks for different projects, sync your notes across devices, and even search through your handwriting if the app supports it.
This setup is perfect for students, professionals, or anyone who prefers the tactile experience of writing but wants the convenience of digital storage. Plus, the flexibility of a tablet means you can type, draw, or record voice notes all in one place, making it much more versatile than a traditional notebook. So, whether you’re brainstorming or just keeping a to-do list, your tablet can help you stay organized and creative without the clutter of paper.
Tablets are often seen as secondary devices, used mainly for entertainment or casual browsing, but they have the potential to do so much more. With a little creativity, you can unlock new ways to use your tablet that not only make your life simpler but also help you get more value from a device you already own.
