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10.5-Inch iPad Pro Reviews: Impressive Screen and Hardware Update That Will Improve With iOS 11
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As with many on this forum, I feel somewhat conflicted about buying the new iPad Pro. It looks like a great device, and iOS11 will make it even better. However, the Verge got it right....if I am going to make this my main computer, then I probably should get 256GB storage.....not because I need that much, but because 64GB is just too small. Then, when I add the Apple keyboard and pencil, I am looking at $1,000. If this is my main device, I will probably upgrade every 3 years or so, which is typical for iOS devices. That's $333 per year.
On the other hand, I could purchase the base model MBP for $1299 (granted it only has 128 GB storage, but that would be fine for me). However, I would probably upgrade on a 5 year cycle because laptops are just not evolving as fast as mobile devices. The OS, technology, and applications for laptops are more mature then for mobile devices. Anyway, that's $260 per year.
So, the annual cost is roughly the same.....maybe a small premium to move to an iPad as a primary device. What I really need to decide is how I want to interface with my primary device. Touch First or Keyboard/Mouse. If the answer is that I will primarily use the Apple smart keyboard on the iPad for input, then I should probably just get the MBP and buy a device with an OS designed for keyboard/mouse. On the other hand, if I am one of those unique individuals that has a use pattern that frequently and seamlessly moves from touch to pencil to keyboard input methods, then the versatility of the iPad Pro makes more sense.
My problem is that I really don't know if I fit into this category of user. If I am going to just bang away on the Apple smart keyboard, then moving to the iPad seems pointless. I really won't know until I try out the new iPad pro with iOS 11. Unfortunately, testing it at the Apple store probably won't give me enough real world experience to know for sure....so, it's a leap of faith.
On the other hand, I could purchase the base model MBP for $1299 (granted it only has 128 GB storage, but that would be fine for me). However, I would probably upgrade on a 5 year cycle because laptops are just not evolving as fast as mobile devices. The OS, technology, and applications for laptops are more mature then for mobile devices. Anyway, that's $260 per year.
So, the annual cost is roughly the same.....maybe a small premium to move to an iPad as a primary device. What I really need to decide is how I want to interface with my primary device. Touch First or Keyboard/Mouse. If the answer is that I will primarily use the Apple smart keyboard on the iPad for input, then I should probably just get the MBP and buy a device with an OS designed for keyboard/mouse. On the other hand, if I am one of those unique individuals that has a use pattern that frequently and seamlessly moves from touch to pencil to keyboard input methods, then the versatility of the iPad Pro makes more sense.
My problem is that I really don't know if I fit into this category of user. If I am going to just bang away on the Apple smart keyboard, then moving to the iPad seems pointless. I really won't know until I try out the new iPad pro with iOS 11. Unfortunately, testing it at the Apple store probably won't give me enough real world experience to know for sure....so, it's a leap of faith.
Incorrect. 8.5" is the right size (a mini with the new reduced bezels).
Apple has two (current) product lines with iPads and laptops. They need to put some label on the higher-end line to differentiate it. With job titles, you have 'senior' or 'chief' as the high-end label, as in 'senior' vice president or 'chief' executive officer. Do you suggest, they should follow the example of their OS naming and sell 'High' iPads or 'High' MacBooks?
I don't recall Apple ever one time mentioning desktop and iPad in the same sentence or even paragraph. Laptop I have heard many many times.
Yeah, having 18 month release cycles mean they want you to buy a new iPad every year. (12.9" iPad to 12.9" iPad, 20 months, 9.7" Pro to 10.5" Pro, 15 months).
iOS is built for touch input and macOS is built for mouse and keyboard input. The two will remain this way for the foreseeable future. Apple will add desktop-like features to iOS over time and make the iPad a viable computer replacement for many (not all) people. Myself included. The SurfacePro is a laptop first and foremost, and a bad tablet. It is trying to be okay at two things in one device, while Apple strives to be great at two things in two different devices.
Just curious, when they should they hit physical stores? Wanting to trade in my Air 2 to offset a bit of the price.
Tomorrow most likely, but I wouldn't be surprised if a few stores jump the gun and get them out today.
Same here. I gifted my 128GB Air 2 to my grandparents this weekend, and they couldn't believe I'd be replacing such a capable machine. They had an old, cracked iPad 4th gen 16GB so it's a significant upgrade for them, and quite timely too since they won't get iOS 11. The iPad Air 2 is still a heck of a device, but I told myself last year I wouldn't upgrade yet because of the 2GB of RAM (wanted the longevity and equal footing for developers making pro-level apps for both device sizes) and the fact that my Air 2 was still a good device. The main driver for upgrading is the Apple Pencil since I do creative stuff (web design and photography at work and painting as a hobby) so I'd like to get better at making digital paintings and illustrations. I also picked up a Smart Keyboard to see if it's possible for me to make some legit sites in Coda for iPad, which I've owned for years but only use for quick fixes. I'm really glad I waited since the new 10.5" display is nearly the size of a sheet of paper, which will make it even better for drawing without having to get the monster size.
Hmm.
My tablet from 2014 still has a better screen (OLED, 2560x1600 and 359ppi), although 60Hz.
Having used 144 and 240Hz monitors, refresh rate is very important for things like scrolling and stuff. I'm very excited to see this iPad's new display with the faster refresh rate.
Anyway, my point is that refresh rate is important, but I also think OLED would've been nice. Improvements to refresh rate are a nice step forward though, so the absence of OLED may be forgivable. Hopefully it will prompt more companies into doing it.
Any word on the contrast ratio? Is it improved?
My tablet from 2014 still has a better screen (OLED, 2560x1600 and 359ppi), although 60Hz.
Having used 144 and 240Hz monitors, refresh rate is very important for things like scrolling and stuff. I'm very excited to see this iPad's new display with the faster refresh rate.
Anyway, my point is that refresh rate is important, but I also think OLED would've been nice. Improvements to refresh rate are a nice step forward though, so the absence of OLED may be forgivable. Hopefully it will prompt more companies into doing it.
Any word on the contrast ratio? Is it improved?
Sounds great, this device sure sounds like a great update for you. I'm also going to pick up the smart keyboard, and I found a smart case (for the back) on Amazon (for some reason no longer sold on Apple's site) for the back. My 128GB Air 2 will go to my GF, who has never owned an iPad. I'm sure she'll love it, as your grandparents love the one you gave them! Our son has my old iPad 4 (16gb) but is more than happy with it and doesn't seem to mind not getting iOS 11.
I've got a 10.5" on pre-order for in store pick up at Best Buy tomorrow. I currently have an Air 2 that I'm giving to my mom. I think this new iPad will be a nice little upgrade. I didn't do the iOS 10 public beta last year, but I think I'll do it for iOS 11 this year. Maybe wait for public beta 2.
I always criticised the idea of iPad Pro being a laptop replacement,but that was due to iOS limitations and lack of file management on top of them.
With iOS 11, iPad Pro actually has the potential of replacing laptops for many (not all).
Files app is a game changer.
I'm very excited and will buy one after iOS 11 is available.
And this is someone who believed iPad is over and tablets are finished.
With iOS 11, iPad Pro actually has the potential of replacing laptops for many (not all).
Files app is a game changer.
I'm very excited and will buy one after iOS 11 is available.
And this is someone who believed iPad is over and tablets are finished.
Is it just me, or are these reviewers getting worse at their job?
I watched a few reviews and literally learned nothing beyond the advertised features and overused buzzwords. "The bezels are smaller". "There are four speakers". "Its buttery smooth". Or the always useless... "The newest iPad is Apples best iPad yet".
Where's the feature critique? The comparison shots? The intelligent analysis? The real world use? The mention of whats missing (3D Touch. Taptic engine. New TouchID. Audio quality)
Obviously this is an amazing iPad (Apples best one yet!). But these reviewers seem to forget that not everyone gets products for free so its hard to determine any sense of "value" when a reviewer is just regurgitating stuff from the keynote.
I watched a few reviews and literally learned nothing beyond the advertised features and overused buzzwords. "The bezels are smaller". "There are four speakers". "Its buttery smooth". Or the always useless... "The newest iPad is Apples best iPad yet".
Where's the feature critique? The comparison shots? The intelligent analysis? The real world use? The mention of whats missing (3D Touch. Taptic engine. New TouchID. Audio quality)
Obviously this is an amazing iPad (Apples best one yet!). But these reviewers seem to forget that not everyone gets products for free so its hard to determine any sense of "value" when a reviewer is just regurgitating stuff from the keynote.
Heading toward Mac somewhat in terms of speed and functionality as well imo.
I got $190 for my iPad Air2 at BuyBackWorld. You have to type in the promo code 'WWDC2017'.
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What about a senior executive on an airplane marking-up his/her company's strategic plan? Is that a professional use of a computing device?
See how I did that?....Applied the same snarky and superior attitude toward what constitutes "professional" computing needs.
That's very weird they didn't include 3D touch. Why are product features now so fragmented and inconsistent across the lineup? This is a feature introduced on the iPhone 6S, I would have expected this to be included, especially in a new flagship device, especially in a device that so much focuses on functionality. I'm looking into buying the new iPad Pro with a Pencil, which I probably will, and lack of the 3D touch won't make it a no-buy for me, but it is also a first downturn for me.
