I honestly do not bring any 500+ device to the beach. And I rarely use the iPad outside of the comfort of my own home and sofa.

If I want to read outside, I use my Kindle. But, maybe that's just me.
Also, I find lot of troubles even reading or using my Samsung Galaxy SII phone outdoors. It is barely readable, even with max. brightness. Plus I don't usually call or use a smartphone while walking in the middle of the Texas sun ...

... If I need to use my phone I'm probably at home, in my office, or any other place, indoors.