12.9-Inch iPad Pro in Short Supply Ahead of Rumored March Update

[Swisspo]

I feel the same way.

The hardware is already there... it's iOS that's behind. And I believe that's what's holding back the iPad from what Apple hopes to be a legitimate replacement. We are waiting for what Apple will build upon with Split-View, that was with iOS 9 and iOS 10 didn't do much in regards to adding features to the iPad.

So, fingers crossed with iOS 11... at least that's what I'm waiting for.

I couldn't agree more.. iOS needs to evolve further in order to make such a capable device feel like a "Pro" device.

 

[lockerc18]

If you're using the iPad3, I think you'd be quite surprised by how far the iPad has come. I'm currently using an iPad Air 2 with a BrydeAir keyboard as my main portable, and it's quite a capable machine. It can easily handle my mobile workflow (note taking, e-mails, editing Microsoft Office documents, annotating PDFs, using web-based programs, etc.), so I only really need to turn to my Macs to use legacy software and file storage/management. The limitations of the iPad, in my opinion, are now more of a product of iOS than hardware.

I've owned at one point or another, the iPad 2, iPad mini, and iPad4, which makes me believe that the turning point for the iPad from a consumption to a productivity device really was the A8X processor. I'm looking forward to purchasing the next generation of the iPad for Apple Pencil support.

Oh, I agree. I've used an Air, and was very impressed. But I use my rMBP as my go-to system, and have never had a problem with it. I use the iPad for media reading and such, not for Word or other input kinds of things. But I find my iPad3 more and more crippled, and that drives me nuts. So, I guess I'm at the point of making the jump. We'll see what the new iPads look like.

 

[6836838]

Soldered ram takes up less space and allows for a thinner and lighter device.

As for USB C vs MagSafe, this is where you have to step back and look at how each technology affects the end product in its entirety. With MagSafe, you need a dedicated proprietary port which is there whether you are charging your laptop or not, and which cannot be used for any other purpose. With USB C, I can use it for charging, and when the laptop isn't charging, that same port can be used to connect to a monitor, or to a USB C peripheral, or anything requiring such a port.

So yes, if we fixate solely and narrowly on convenience and safety, MagSafe is still undeniably better than USB C, but when we consider what we gain in exchange (more versatility), it's not such a bad deal after all.

You really think Apple couldn't have allowed for upgradable RAM in that form factor? You sound very subserviant to Apple in my eyes and it's people like you Apple adore. As for proprietary ports, what's your view on lightning? Do you not think there would have been space for an additional MagSafe port (a slimmer version perhaps)?

I'm glad you are content with Apple's decisions,but personally, I will always question and challenge. Especially when business comes before good engineering and customer first thinking.

 

[Abazigal]

You really think Apple couldn't have allowed for upgradable RAM in that form factor?

"Couldn't" isn't the appropriate word here.

I believe that Apple is still very much interested in making great products, and to them, a thinner, lighter, and consequently more portable laptop is a better laptop.

And now that all the low-hanging fruit has already been exhausted, Apple must now work even harder than before to find places where they can shave off precious millimetres and grams from.

Every design choice comes with its share of compromises. That Apple didn't hesitate to strip away features such as MagSafe, the Apple backlight, even the startup chime, goes to show that there are no sacred cows here at Apple.

The safest thing that could have been done was to continue using those aforementioned features. It's always harder to take away features than to include them, all the more when those features are key differentiating aspects of your ecosystem.

You think Apple didn't think long and hard before deciding to axe those features? Apple may not be perfect, but they are not run by idiots. Let's give them some credit here.

You sound very subserviant to Apple in my eyes and it's people like you Apple adore. As for proprietary ports, what's your view on lightning? Do you not think there would have been space for an additional MagSafe port (a slimmer version perhaps)?

Or maybe I just happen to interpret Apple's latest actions a little differently from what seems to be the popular ongoing narrative here (which is that Apple has lost the plot ever since Steve died and is in margin-maximising mode, to the detriment of its consumer base).

What about lighting?

If you are referring to the ongoing debate about whether iOS devices should sport USB C ports or stick with lightning, my stance (for now) is that I am indifferent either way. The benefits of USB C on a mobile device are already replicated by lightning anyways, and I get none of the benefits of a laptop, so I don't see the rush.

As for MagSafe, sure, Apple could probably find a way to include one, but then again, at what cost? Space for an additional USB C port? Again, why bother with MagSafe if the whole point of USB C is that it can be used for everything?

I'm glad you are content with Apple's decisions,but personally, I will always question and challenge. Especially when business comes before good engineering and customer first thinking.

I do too. I just feel the spectrum swings too much to the other end here, where people are all too quick to criticise Apple without bothering to think and ask themselves just why Apple might have chosen to do something the way they did.

You don't think this place is becoming too much of an echo chamber of "Apple is doomed" narratives?

 

[KPOM]

Please explain how USB-c is more versatile than a MagSafe adapter with respect to charging, convenience and safety.

Please explain how surface mount RAM is more versatile than removable RAM.

I didn't say anything about the RAM. The TB3 ports can handle video, data, and 87W charging at the same time. Griffin sells a charging cable similar to MagSafe. I have stated many times on this board that I am surprised Apple didn't release something similar.