We recently showed you a few ways you can make the most out of your old iPad in an effort to speed it up, but what if it's just too slow for most of your needs? If you're planning to (or have already) upgrade to a new iPad, or if the frustration is just too much to deal with, you can always simply pare down its use to something very specific.

We've taken a look at some cool uses for your iPad after upgrading in the past, including transforming it into a remote control, a digital frame, or a tool to use in your kitchen as a limitless recipe book. We have a few more items that you can add to the list - including turning it into an eBook reader, a business portfolio, or even as a nightstand alarm clock.

eBook Reader

Install the e-book reader app of your choice, load it up with your favourite books, and you've got yourself an e-reader. It's likely you were already using your iPad as an e-reader anyway, so you already know which app you prefer to use. Now that your iPad is older and probably much slower, using it as an e-reader is a great way to get life out of the old dog yet.

If you weren't already using your iPad as an e-reader, be sure to check out our beginners guide to setting up an eBook library on your iPad. Here you can find out more about the two of the most popular ebook apps available for the iPad - the Kindle app and the iPad's native iBooks.

Not only can you purchase bestsellers and classics on these popular apps, there are several sites where you can find lots of free eBooks,

Business Portfolio

A logical use for an old iPad among photographers and designers is to use it as a portable portfolio or digital photo frame. You can even use the native Photos app and organize your images into albums, or you can opt for a downloaded app (like Viewbook Portfolio) that gives you a few more flashy features.

If you've got a second tablet, you'll likely not use this option, after all, why carry two tablets around with you? That said, you could always stick your second iPad in your office on your desk, displaying a slideshow of your photos using the native Photos app.

Entertainment Console

After you've wiped your iPad, you can choose to install a select number of apps that bring you the latest in TV and movies. Install apps like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer or any other apps that work in your area and you can watch your favourite shows anywhere you have access to an Internet connection. You can also install apps like Pandora or Spotify to use your old iPad as a way to stream music.

If you're interested in taking your movies and music with you on the go, where you might not necessarily have access to a decent internet connection, you can always transfer movies to your iPad and watch them anywhere you want. This will also give you the opportunity to mount your iPad in your car for real on-the-go viewing, or even download offline maps to use on the go.

Night Stand Alarm Clock

The App Store is packed with fun and creative alarm clock apps. You can find the app that suits your needs - whether you want to see the weather at a glance, latest updates from your favourite social networks (Twitter, Facebook or even Reddit) alongside the time, and of course, use the iPad to make sure you get up on time.

A few free alarm clock apps worth taking a look at include Nightstand for iPad and Alarm Clock HD, both of which give you access to social media streams on your nightstand. There's a few more options to choose from in our list of free iPad alarm clocks, and more are released all the time. Getting a dock is a great way to really supercharge this idea, and will probably let you play music on better speakers to boot.

Computer Tool

With the use of a few free and paid apps, you can turn your iPad into a trackpad for your computer, a second monitor, or even an external drawing board. We took a look at a few of these apps a couple of years ago, and there's a few more worth adding to the list. One of the most cost-effective ways to you use your iPad as a tool in the office is to use it o extend the display of your computer, so check out these three paid apps worth considering for using your iPad as a second monitor.

Another considering if you're looking to use your iPad as a trackpad is WiFi Touchpad HD.

At the end of the day, it's all about finding the specific apps that cater to your precise needs. Can you think of any creative uses for an iPad that's on its last leg? Let us know in the comments.

Image Credits: Jan Hammershaug, Blake Patterson, Steve Paine