Five years ago today, Apple unveiled iPad, a device that would change the way many people thought about computing, me included.

Until that day, tablets were defined by Microsoft and its partners. They were large, thick, heavy, under-powered, and clunky—worse, they were not user-friendly. The end result was that they weren’t accepted by the mainstream consumer and were relegated to niche markets.

With the development of iOS, Apple took a fresh new approach to mobile computing—make a mobile-optimized operating system. What really made the iPad work was the acceptance of the development community. Apps showed people the power of this new platform and the things that could be done. iPad was quickly accepted by the mass market, and adopted by a variety of market segments.

iPad has been instrumental in helping people with autism, and many other diseases. Children flock to iPad, touching the screen and navigating apps like they are pros. Older users find iPad an easy to use device that they can easily focus on, whether that’s reading news, cooking or keeping in touch with family.

Apple hit on something huge with iPad. It invented a device and operating system that appealed to people of all ages and skill levels and kept it affordable.

I’ve had every iPad that Apple has ever released and I love them. Currently, I’m using the iPad Air 2 and the latest iPad mini. I’m also using a MacBook Pro and an iPhone 6.

I’m a big believer in only using devices that fit into my lifestyle. My workflow is very simple and if one device comes in, another has to leave. That was my thought when iPad mini first came out—I didn’t think it would work for me.

I was wrong.

What happened was very gradual, but I ended up with two iPads, an iPhone and a Mac in my workflow. They all have a specific purpose, and while all interchangeable, I’m comfortable reaching for a specific device when I’m doing different tasks.

My Mac is the main work machine and I use it to record music when I pick up the guitar. The iPhone is the communications device for Messages and phone calls. It also acts as my computer when I’m away from the office—it’s incredible the things you can get done on it when you need to.

My iPad Air 2 is my computing device at the end of the day. I put my computer down and relax while I’m reading articles to post the next day. I do light writing and take notes that I save to the cloud, so they’re available on my Mac the next morning.

The iPad mini is for when I go to a coffee shop, use at the gate of an airport, or similar situation—when I need to quickly catch up or leisurely read. Everything has its place.

iPad has changed the way I work and I’m better for it. I have a device for any situation and I’m more efficient for using them all.

Happy Birthday, iPad. And thanks.