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The point is that upgrades can be made, and some will bring large performance impreovemrnts, so the hardware is there. Apple is choosing not to update. They can wait till AMD brings out new GPUs, though they will still not rival the 1070 or 1080, that they will choose for the iMac.
What currently is the best gpu in a iMAC?
 
Is it just me who feels the 12.9 iPad Pro is almost being forgotten about? Yes it's still advertised as part of the collective "iPad Pro" product line, but it's missing big features that the 9.7 got a couple months after the 12.9 originally came out.

Also in the accessory department you get much more colours for the 9.7 than the 12.9.

It seems to me that both the 12.9 and 9.7 should have come out at the same time with the same features and accessories.

On top of all this, the budget iPad (without a version number) released this week and the rumoured 10.5 iPad, are really making the iPad product line confusing.

I don't think the larger iPad Pro has been forgotten. The current level of sales simply don't merit an annual fresh rate for the iPad, nor does technology improve that fast anyways. My guess is that we will see the iPad move towards a 1.5 to 2 year refresh cycle, so expect the larger iPad Pro to be updated towards the end of the year.
 
I don't think the larger iPad Pro has been forgotten. The current level of sales simply don't merit an annual fresh rate for the iPad, nor does technology improve that fast anyways. My guess is that we will see the iPad move towards a 1.5 to 2 year refresh cycle, so expect the larger iPad Pro to be updated towards the end of the year.
Im guessing they will both be refreshed this Spring and then will move to a 2 year refresh cycle. I just do not think it makes since for Apple to hold off till fall. If they do a Spring event they can take summer sales and back to school market. If they just crammed it into a fall iPhone event it would not get the attetnion it deserves. I think Apple needs a distinct iPad event to show how important it is to them, with all their ads about it replacing laptops.
 
Im guessing they will both be refreshed this Spring and then will move to a 2 year refresh cycle. I just do not think it makes since for Apple to hold off till fall. If they do a Spring event they can take summer sales and back to school market. If they just crammed it into a fall iPhone event it would not get the attetnion it deserves. I think Apple needs a distinct iPad event to show how important it is to them, with all their ads about it replacing laptops.

It just feels a little odd to me to have a silent iPad refresh online, only to hold another iPad event a month later. Why not just wait and announce all of them at the same time?
 
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It just feels a little odd to me to have a silent iPad refresh online, only to hold another iPad event a month later. Why not just wait and announce all of them at the same time?
A podcast I listen too reffered to the silent updates on the Store as "taking out the trash". They wanted to get that out of the way so they could focus on the iPad Pros alone. Or esle Apple's event would have had iPad Pros, iPad, iPhone (red), new watch bands, and the new app they announced.
 
A podcast I listen too reffered to the silent updates on the Store as "taking out the trash". They wanted to get that out of the way so they could focus on the iPad Pros alone. Or esle Apple's event would have had iPad Pros, iPad, iPhone (red), new watch bands, and the new app they announced.

I suppose you have a point there. The iPad doesn't support Apple Pencil or Smart Keyboard, so bringing them up during the keynote would have simply muddled apple's messaging with regards to tablet productivity.

That said, is there even enough content to fill out a one hour keynote on the iPad Pro? I suppose Apple could also announce new Macs at the same time, but if we are just seeing minor spec upgrades, I don't see how that would need more than five minutes. And a new app seems like something Apple would have wanted to demo live as well.
 
I suppose you have a point there. The iPad doesn't support Apple Pencil or Smart Keyboard, so bringing them up during the keynote would have simply muddled apple's messaging with regards to tablet productivity.

That said, is there even enough content to fill out a one hour keynote on the iPad Pro? I suppose Apple could also announce new Macs at the same time, but if we are just seeing minor spec upgrades, I don't see how that would need more than five minutes. And a new app seems like something Apple would have wanted to demo live as well.
Apple could easily do a hour on new iPads. There's about 15 minutes anyway of updates on other things at Apple, then they announce it that's like 5 minutes there or more if they do a little video introducing it. Then they'll spend at least 10 minutes on the new display, another 10 on new processor, maybe a camera, speakers whatever else is new that will take about 15 minutes then a developer or 2 with a new app taking advantage of the new power. Then they end it with a summary of the iPads lineup possibly refreshing the Mini and sliding it in as a budget option alongside "iPad". Point is Apple easily could do a hour on iPads only Heck they could even tease something in iOS 11 if it's relevant enough to the iPads
 
What is Apple honestly supposed to do with Macs rn, put Kaby Lake chips inside for a less than 3% performance increase. No Apple Is waiting for a reason to update the macs and rn there is 0 reason or new tech that is worth Apples time of refreshing the iMac lineup, now the MacBook does need KabyLake, as do the MacBook Pro, and the Mac Pro is long overdue for a update and I feel one is coming soon with intels newly released Xeon chips

Don't buy into the nonsense headlines. The recently released Kaby Lake ones are not the correct type. The correct type was available in a Broadwell variant last year. A Haswell variant was available the year before that. They could wait for skylake xeons, but they're still a ways off. E3 doesn't count. It's limited to 4 cores. The current mac pro goes up to 12, and while they could decide to scale back, they would most likely kill it before going back to 4.
 
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Don't buy into the nonsense headlines. The recently released Kaby Lake ones are not the correct type. The correct type was available in a Broadwell variant last year. A Haswell variant was available the year before that. They could wait for skylake xeons, but they're still a ways off. E3 doesn't count. It's limited to 4 cores. The current mac pro goes up to 12, and while they could decide to scale back, they would most likely kill it before going back to 4.
Wait so the new e5 versions 6 aren't compatible ?
 
So, I'm kinda confused. I'm not really sure what your definition of pro is either.

So let's compare. My definition of Pro is any work that can generate an income - whether it be directly or via your employer.

So for comparison, my workday is fairly simple and I'll describe it. I won't use product names - just types.

When I first log in, I open an email client and a messenger app. This has to be enterprise enabled of course. I then open a note taking application where I keep all my draft project data. I then open a shared document store where all my draft designs are stored.

I open a drafting package and open a drawing that I have been working on. I need some data so open a word processor and a spreadsheet (multi-tabbed).

I now spend a bit of time updating a drawing with new information from multiple sources, directly from email, opening an attachment from email, info from group chat. I then have a number of video conferences set up related to the projects I'm working on. These involve a headset, video camera and involve sharing documents via virtual whiteboards. I would also update the document in realtime on the whiteboard.

This goes on throughout the day with extensive switching between apps, updates, saving, meetings and so on.

So could I do this on an iPad Pro? Definitely not. Could I do this on a Windows laptop. Just about but not ideal. I can use a Laptop but ideally, I need a large screen - at least 20". I actually use two screens connected to a laptop but that's just me.

So in my opinion - can you use an iPad Pro for professional work? Depends on the work. If it's a single app and the task involves drawing with a Pencil... then perhaps. Anything else is just delusional. The main restrictions are screen estate, ability to multitask, copy/paste data/stencils and use of a mouse (yes, for technical drafting - you need a big screen and a mouse - fingers / pencils won't do).

For the average office user - would an iPad Pro do? My biggest issue would be multitasking and screen size. Sitting in front of a big screen is so much nicer than prodding at a small screen.
 
Well worth the premium for not having to contend with windows.
I dont see why Windows gets all this hate from Mac/iOS users. The new Windows 10 is great. My XPS 13 costs more than a MacBook Pro and I love it just as much
 
So in my opinion - can you use an iPad Pro for professional work? Depends on the work. If it's a single app and the task involves drawing with a Pencil... then perhaps. Anything else is just delusional. The main restrictions are screen estate, ability to multitask, copy/paste data/stencils and use of a mouse (yes, for technical drafting - you need a big screen and a mouse - fingers / pencils won't do).

This is an interesting, discussion as you and I have some commonality. I went to architecture school in the 90s and worked on build documents for a skyscraper on an early version of Autocad. Probably 90-93, or so. My exact date memory is clunky that far back. I enjoy these discussions.

I remember working on Autocad on probably small monitor. Probably a 15: 4:3 CRT. A far cry from where a "small" monitor is now a 27", and like you said, probably working in a multiple monitor setup. I was laughing the other night working on AutoCad on my iPad Pro thinking: this is nuts. almost 30 years ago I needed a beefy computer to run AutoCad; now I'm using it on my tablet. As I said before, Autodesk has a lot of improvements they need to make to AutoCad 360 before I'd consider it a "production" piece of software. The least of it is it can't create blocks and set layer color, etc. But, it's still a neat little software package. For architects, I think apps like Concepts, Trace, Procreate and the like are powerful assistants to getting work done. I was thinking if I were in architecture school again, I'd be all over this.

I don't think dong real work on an iPad is delusional at all. It's obviously situational. If you're a person who feels more comfortable in a multi monitor setup, the iPad or a laptop isn't for you. You raise good points about video conferences and working while accepting inputs on these meetings. I've never tried running something like Webex while working on my iPad. I might have to try that sometime just to see how that works.

Also, I don't really like the words "multitasking". As humans we are pretty much incapable of doing two things at once, at least things that involve output. I can listen to music and exercise at the same time because one task is an active task (working out), and the other is passive. Some people can exercise and work from a treadmill. But true multitasking: editing a Word document while editing an Excel document, you can't to. By that I mean, actively typing in Word while also modifying the Excel cells. We can't do that. What we consider "multitasking" truly isn't. I can take data from an email and copy it into Excel, but that's still one task a time. At some point and active app becomes a background app and the background app becomes an active app. The iPad has some limitations on this. Its not as easy to get data from one app to another as it is on a desktop. The process feels like there's some lag in the system.

You and I work differently though. That's ok. That's what makes human different. I prefer a single screen workflow. I don't use multiple monitors at work. I like the single-app focus on the iPad. Some of this is being a minimalist by nature. The only things on my desk right now are: a drink bottle; the MacBook Pro I'm typing this on; my iPad Pro; a pencil holder; chargers for the Mac and iPad; and a MacBook Pro I'm gong to set up for a friend to give away. I used to have two 27" monitors hooked up to two computers. I've simplified. Those monitors are under the desk.

You can make the argument I'd be more productive in a multi-monitor setup. You might be right, even. But I try to make it so I don't need multiple monitors. If I'm working with a business line for a day, I don't want to feel lost because I don't have two monitors.

There are limits to even me going full macOS at work. We use Skype for Business for IM and something in our system just isn't compatible with the Mac versions. My boss and coworkers IM me all the time. I can't run Visio natively. By "do my day" job standards, a Mac is pretty much useless.

Where I find the iPad to excel is its flexibility. It may not do all tasks I need it to, but it allows me do to a lot of tasks very well. I've outlined them before but I like just bringing a tablet to a meeting for notes, presentations and markups. If I want to hide in a breakout room and just write on a document, I'll bring the iPad me almost every time.
 
Well, do note the significance of the word "said", here, especially how it applies for the past 3-4 years.
Okay lemme rephrase Tim Cook on multiple occasions has reaffirmed how important Mac is to Apple and that it will not be abandoned. I mean honestly you can't possibly think that because maybe the new MacBook Pro had some inconvenient changes with USB C only that Apple is slowly killing the Mac lineup, I find it hard to even imagine Apple without a Mac lineup. In fact looking at its sales and the continued growth and revenue Macs are generating it wouldn't even make business sense to kill the Macs, let alone off a philosophy that iPad is laptop replacement. For most it can easily be but for the 35% the Macs will be there for you.
 



Apple today shared three new videos that are part of its ongoing iPad Pro advertising campaign, which features tweets from actual Twitter users complaining about problems that Apple suggests can be fixed with an iPad Pro. "Real problems... answered" is the campaign's tagline.

All of the videos are 15 seconds in length, the ideal size for sharing on social media, where the spots have been featured.

The first video features a tweet that says "My laptop weighs five million tons..." which is used as the basis to highlight the iPad Pro's weight (about than a pound) and its ability to run apps like Excel and PowerPoint.


In the second video, a Twitter user complains about needing to get out of her dorm room, which is answered with "Well, get out of there! You know your iPad Pro can hold your textbooks and notes so you can study just about anywhere."


The third video features a tweet complaining about a dead laptop battery during a flight, which is used to point out the all day battery life of the iPad Pro.


Apple's been running its Twitter-based iPad Pro advertising campaign since mid-February. It uses real tweets from real people, but actors are used in the videos to hold up signs and do the voiceovers. Videos so far have focused on features like the Apple Pencil, its range of note taking capabilities, its slim size and portability, its range of software, and more.

Article Link: Apple Continues Twitter-Based iPad Pro Ad Campaign With Three New Videos

The idea that laptops can be replaced by tablets, especially in the classroom environment is one of interest. There are some definite advantages, such as holding textbooks (as mentioned in the second video), along with the easy and portability. The problem with this is that digital books do not allow for the same level of customization and use, allowing pages to easily be flipped between two sections. The idea that the battery life of a ipad pro will last all day is great, but many laptops also have that capability.

Tablets and laptops will continue to have their use cases, but one will not replace the other.
 
I've been looking forward to this type of thing for years.

Dockable phones/tablets can be useful, especially if you have a dock at work and home.

It's certainly nice to see tech companies like Samsung and Microsoft actually trying to do some new things.
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I can't think of any forgivable reason why the biggest and richest tech company in the world cannot be bothered to update the Mac Mini from 4th to 7th generation chips.

Meanwhile, companies that are a very tiny fraction of the size are able to come up with, produce, and keep updating niche products like the Razer Blade Pro.


What people don't get is that Apple's policy for updating "current" products has ALWAYS been 1-2x/year.
Updating products at least once a year is a simple courtesy.

Shills such as gobikerider justify Apple's policies as though Apple can't afford to update Macs anymore. Mac Pro server? No love since 2012. Yikes.

Is battery life important? Then update Broadwell/Skylake to Kabylake. Performance boost may be small but battery life will improve drastically, as would improved displays.

Steve Jobs killed clones because they were marketing against Apple instead of in favor of MacOS, thus cannibalizing sales. These current ads attack Apple's higher margin laptop line in favor of iPads, thus cannibalizing Apple's sales. 20 years later, same mistake, no lesson learned. Somebody in PR needs to get a nastygram.
 
This is an interesting, discussion as you and I have some commonality. I went to architecture school in the 90s and worked on build documents for a skyscraper on an early version of Autocad. Probably 90-93, or so. My exact date memory is clunky that far back. I enjoy these discussions.
...
I don't think dong real work on an iPad is delusional at all. It's obviously situational.

So let's compare. My definition of Pro is any work that can generate an income - whether it be directly or via your employer.
...
For the average office user - would an iPad Pro do? My biggest issue would be multitasking and screen size. Sitting in front of a big screen is so much nicer than prodding at a small screen.

You both have good points. Other than "niche" work, almost all professional-i.e. paid-work possible on a tablet is just that much easier, faster, and more efficient on a Mac.

My work involves a lot of spreadsheets and I find that a full-sized mechanical keyboard, keypad, and multiple screens (for size, not pixel count) are invaluable. I use an iPad to offload non-essential or non-vital work, but there is no way that the iPad in its current form can come close to doing any of the professional for-pay work I do. Many people I know in various fields likewise use tablets to supplement work but cannot replace work done on a PC with a tablet.

In honor of the college basketball tournaments, here is a basketball analogy. Apple is taking is trying to replace a 6'8 all-American senior power forward with a 5'6 freshman point guard with the reasoning that the point guard is more agile and has better endurance. The tactic "CAN" work offensively but leaves the team short-handed on defense and rebounding.
 
What people don't get is that Apple's policy for updating "current" products has ALWAYS been 1-2x/year.
Updating products at least once a year is a simple courtesy.

Shills such as gobikerider justify Apple's policies as though Apple can't afford to update Macs anymore. Mac Pro server? No love since 2012. Yikes.

Is battery life important? Then update Broadwell/Skylake to Kabylake. Performance boost may be small but battery life will improve drastically, as would improved displays.

Steve Jobs killed clones because they were marketing against Apple instead of in favor of MacOS, thus cannibalizing sales. These current ads attack Apple's higher margin laptop line in favor of iPads, thus cannibalizing Apple's sales. 20 years later, same mistake, no lesson learned. Somebody in PR needs to get a nastygram.
Mac Pro Server has little if any reason to be updated? The people that use them don't seem to be clamoring for a new version as I would hope a $3000 computer would have a 5+year lifespan.
 
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