If the iPad was invented back in 1935, it would look something like this. Appearing in the issue of Everyday Science and Mechanics, this machine is a microfilm reader. I doubt anyone is that old to remember what it really is.
Its attached to a large pole and photographed pages would be enlarged on a glass screen and buttons would navigate the machine allowing for focusing and flipping the pages. In 1935, this was the "it" thing to have.
Of course, that's in an alternate universe. Thankfully, iPads and tablets aren't that huge nowadays. Good enough to fit in our napsacks!