10.5-Inch iPad Pro Reviews: Impressive Screen and Hardware Update That Will Improve With iOS 11

[Abazigal]

If it's being called -- and marketed -- as a computer, then why is it OK to have a touch screen when a laptop (or iMac, for that matter) isn't?

Not trying to agitate anyone, just truly wondering.

(Yes, I know one it's a tablet... but so is a SurfacePro)

Use case.

The MacBook has an attached keyboard and trackpad, which is the primary mode of interaction. The UI is assumed to be optimised for keyboard and pointer input and a touchscreen is considered superfluous here.

Conversely, the iPad is simply a giant touchscreen. Yes, there is a keyboard and stylus accessory, but the touchscreen remains the sole mode of interaction for most users.

It's all about how Apple envisions you using their products.

 

[maceric]

Incorrect. 7.9" is the right size.

I disagree. I prefer the 12 inch iPad Pro. It's like a laptop but slimmer and more mobile. I use it to watch Netflix in bed, to show clients presentations, so may things, it's terrific. I hope they don't get ride of the various sizes. It reminds me of Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Captain Picard's desk always had various pads on his desk. We are in the future.

 

[Billrey]

Apple are a bunch of pretentious idiots... so us developers can now develop on your "full-fledged computer"? Hmmm, I don't see the X-Code app icon.
BTW, I ordered the new iPad as a nice consumption device, not a replacement for my laptop.

Just because you can't get work done on it, doesn't mean that applies to everyone. It could also be turned on it's head: Say you were an illustrator, you might say: "A Mac is not a full fledged computer! I can't even draw on it with a stylus! It doesn't have 120 hz! It can't even take proper photos! Useless!" All depends on your point of view. But saying it isn't a full computer because it doesn't have X app or X feature is ridiculous. People also used to say the Mac wasn't a 'real computer'.

 

[thefredelement]

I have a first generation 12.9 I treat like a palette. The hardware and software are great, I've got iOS 11 on it and it's been fantastic so far, that being said, we need way better software and I don't mean iOS.

Devs need to start treating the iPad like a separate deployment target as it compares to other iOS devices. I know people like ease and uniformity better but IMO, more often than not, an iPad app is treated as a bigger screen iOS counterpart to an iPhone app, as an iOS dev myself I can attest to not wanting to work on another different platform but these devices really need it.

They need their own interface language that's separate from a phone and one that makes sense for a tablet. I think iOS 11 is starting to make this shift with system level software (the dock, finder style files app, mission control like multi tasking) though it'll be left to us devs to take advantage of it.

The new hardware is more impressive than the old hardware, that old hardware that IMO is still under used.

The tablet platform can really exemplify the all inclusive app environment that have made apps successful on a phone (as compared to say mobile version websites) but often times feels too clunky or just two phone screens combined .

 

[ck2875]

Does the Smart Keyboard work on your lap or is it too floppy?

I think the iPad would lay better on your lap when it's floppy as opposed to hard

 

[maceric]

Use case.

The MacBook has an attached keyboard and trackpad, which is the primary mode of interaction. The UI is assumed to be optimised for keyboard and pointer input and a touchscreen is considered superfluous here.

Conversely, the iPad is simply a giant touchscreen. Yes, there is a keyboard and stylus accessory, but the touchscreen remains the sole mode of interaction for most users.

It's all about how Apple envisions you using their products.

I've tried MS Surface, and they Windows 10 interface is not touch-friendly. For example, the window controls in the upper-right (minimize, maximize, close) are so small that my finger covers almost all 3 of the icons. Apple's got a great approach here with iOS 11 now being a device-sensitive OS

 

[RogerWilco]

I bought the 10.5 to replace my aging iPad3 and its failing battery. The old iPad fetched $77, so the price increase was softened a bit. Should arrive tomorrow.

 

[Billrey]

Apple are a bunch of pretentious idiots... so us developers can now develop on your "full-fledged computer"? Hmmm, I don't see the X-Code app icon.
BTW, I ordered the new iPad as a nice consumption device, not a replacement for my laptop.

BTW, did you know that when the original Mac launched in 1984, you couldn't write apps on it? Was it then not a 'real computer'? It seems your definition of 'real computer' is simply exactly what fits you and your specific work.

 

[69Mustang]

That's a very strange question. Nobody says it's not OK to have a laptop with a touch screen. But the problem is, as with Windows laptops with touch, almost all apps are not optimised for multi-touch. This makes using such computers as multi-touch devices frustrating and a poor experience.

Apple's strategy and message is more clear, and makes more sense: If you wan a traditional PC-type computer, get a Mac. if you want a super portable, touch-enabled device with amazing battery, where you can also hook up a keyboard and a pencil, get an iPad Pro.

It's not that one couldn't in theory have a laptop with a touchscreen, it's just that these haven't been very good as touch-enabled tablets.

Apple and Microsoft have the same idea: a convergence device. Microsoft built laptops that could act as tablets - laptop first, tablet second. Apple built a tablet that can act as a laptop - tablet first, laptop second. Apple did it the right way imo, because there's no issue with incorporating touch. If they add mouse support... sweet Jeebus - game over. But they won't (the cynic in me). Cuz Apple.

 

[nt5672]

Its too bad they could not bring these innovations to the MacBook Pro, which IIRC today has more sales than the iPad.

 

[maceric]

Use case.

The MacBook has an attached keyboard and trackpad, which is the primary mode of interaction. The UI is assumed to be optimised for keyboard and pointer input and a touchscreen is considered superfluous here.

Conversely, the iPad is simply a giant touchscreen. Yes, there is a keyboard and stylus accessory, but the touchscreen remains the sole mode of interaction for most users.

It's all about how Apple envisions you using their products.

I've tried MS Surface, and they Windows 10 interface is not touch-friendly. For example, the window controls in the upper-right (minimize, maximize, close) are so small that my finger covers almost all 3 of the icons. Apple's got a great approach here with iOS 11 now being a device-sensitive OS
[doublepost=1497273969][/doublepost]

Use case.

The MacBook has an attached keyboard and trackpad, which is the primary mode of interaction. The UI is assumed to be optimised for keyboard and pointer input and a touchscreen is considered superfluous here.

Conversely, the iPad is simply a giant touchscreen. Yes, there is a keyboard and stylus accessory, but the touchscreen remains the sole mode of interaction for most users.

It's all about how Apple envisions you using their products.

I've tried MS Surface, and they Windows 10 interface is not touch-friendly. For example, the window controls in the upper-right (minimize, maximize, close) are so small that my finger covers almost all 3 of the icons. Apple's got a great approach here with iOS 11 now being a device-sensitive OS

 

[nt5672]

BTW, did you know that when the original Mac launched in 1984, you couldn't write apps on it? Was it then not a 'real computer'? It seems your definition of 'real computer' is simply exactly what fits you and your specific work.

Actually this is false. The development system was Think C and you sure could develop apps on it.

 

[WatchFromAfar]

Apple's strategy and message is more clear, and makes more sense: If you wan a traditional PC-type computer, get a Mac.

The problem is traditional PC-type computers increasing have touch screens these days.

 

[GoodWheaties]

Its too bad they could not bring these innovations to the MacBook Pro, which IIRC today has more sales than the iPad.

I believe iPad sells about 2x more units than Macs actually. Revenue is similar IIRC.

 

[2268473]

If it's being called -- and marketed -- as a computer, then why is it OK to have a touch screen when a laptop (or iMac, for that matter) isn't?

Not trying to agitate anyone, just truly wondering.

(Yes, I know one it's a tablet... but so is a SurfacePro)

Two different operating systems: imagine using an iPad with a mouse and using macOS with your fingers, it would be a horrible experience. Some companies have attempted to fuse mobile and desktop operating systems together but the experience doesn't appear to be most joyful.

 

[erinsarah]

Seems like Apple is really pushing for iPad to become a desktop replacement....

It would be nice to see Apple and others to stop saying iPad is a great desktop replacement and just leave it as it own category.

Indeed. It's like saying a motorcycle is a replacement for a car. Last I checked I couldn't strap a 4x8 sheet of plywood to the top of my motorcycle.

 

[rpat701]

It may be time to upgrade my iPad Air from 2013. I'm really tempted by this.

 

[jonnysods]

Still sad they didn't update the look of 11 like they did with 7.

 

[jermainedvauz]

I have a first generation 12.9 I treat like a palette. The hardware and software are great, I've got iOS 11 on it and it's been fantastic so far, that being said, we need way better software and I don't mean iOS.

Devs need to start treating the iPad like a separate deployment target as it compares to other iOS devices. I know people like ease and uniformity better but IMO, more often than not, an iPad app is treated as a bigger screen iOS counterpart to an iPhone app, as an iOS dev myself I can attest to not wanting to work on another different platform but these devices really need it.

They need their own interface language that's separate from a phone and one that makes sense for a tablet. I think iOS 11 is starting to make this shift with system level software (the dock, finder style files app, mission control like multi tasking) though it'll be left to us devs to take advantage of it.

The new hardware is more impressive than the old hardware, that old hardware that IMO is still under used.

The tablet platform can really exemplify the all inclusive app environment that have made apps successful on a phone (as compared to say mobile version websites) but often times feels too clunky or just two phone screens combined .

Bravo. Spot on! I 100% agree. I too have a 12.9 inch first-gen and am beginning to use this more for lifestyle use than my Mac.... but there's so much opportunity for the iPad's software than just making it a larger version of iOS. iOS 11 is the only peek of a promising future with this in mind.

 

[NinjaHERO]

Does the Smart Keyboard work on your lap or is it too floppy?

Works fine on your lap. I tried out a friends keyboard before I ordered my own. It's more solid than you'd assume. I also ordered the Logitech version Apple sells. Gonna try both and see which I prefer.

 

[Labeno]

BTW, did you know that when the original Mac launched in 1984, you couldn't write apps on it? Was it then not a 'real computer'? It seems your definition of 'real computer' is simply exactly what fits you and your specific work.

That is a good point of view. Same for the first year of the iPhone.

 

[HoosBruce]

Apple are a bunch of pretentious idiots... so us developers can now develop on your "full-fledged computer"? Hmmm, I don't see the X-Code app icon.
BTW, I ordered the new iPad as a nice consumption device, not a replacement for my laptop.

Where did Apple say this? TechCrunch used that quote, not Apple.

 

[gnipgnop]

The only scenario that I can see where the 12.9" size would be dropped is if they went larger. The only barrier to that is the overall weight + ability to get screen supply. 12.9" isn't too big. 9.7" was just too small.

 

[Sandstorm]

Very much I like and use constantly my iPad Air 2 - as a recreational device (Netflix, Plex, web/reading, primitive games). And I'm currently trying to deiced which one of the new Pros to get (10.5 or 12.9in). I'm also debating storage - 512GB would finally allow me to store my ENTIRE photo/video library, but it's just so damn expensive...
Anyway - even with the massive iOS 11 improvements, no way in hell iPad will replace my 2 real computers - my MBP and my Windows 10 PC desktop - as main work computers (and in case of the PC - also a computer for REAL games).

 

[Tobias Funke]

The prices of these are ridiculous. Heading toward Mac territory.

There not because the mac prices are going the same way!

UP.