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It's an observation, not an insult. An observation that is pointed and perhaps slightly hyperbolic, but not without reason.

Every iPad to date is a severely compromised "solution" that does nothing as well as every device it purports to replace. I'm not so naïve as to expect a corporation to leave money on the table due to some principled stance, but the iPad has always struck me as Apple's most egregious F-U to consumers, especially since the later A-series up through the current M-series: literally all the power of fully-fledged notebook but completely arbitrarily hampered.

To be clear: I am not a hater. I am a fan of Apple's hardware. I've given them thousands of my personal dollars for Macs and iPhones (going back to the 4), while also directing thousands more their way through my jobs. I've (usually willingly, occasionally begrudgingly) accepted the limitations they impose on their mobile devices in return for a (generally) smooth user experience, better security/privacy, and having actual customer service. I have owned Windows and Android devices for when factors demanded it (cost, unacceptable limitations, superior solution for a given need, etc.) I have/do own(ed) those concurrently.

But I simply cannot view the iPad in it's current form as a reasonable compromise. That they see extended use lives still doesn't change the fact that they were most likely an unnecessary purchase to begin with, justified with mental gymnastics like most disposable electronics—which now Apple has turned its notebooks into sadly, despite having one of the most truly exceptional advancements in processor architecture/platforms in recent history.
I haven't used a laptop in about 15 years and that's fine with me. I don't need more than that. I expect my 512GB M4 iPad to serve me well for years. If your use case is more in need of the flexibility of a laptop then go for it.

IMHO your post came of as condescending. Loosen up. :)
 
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I just wish they'd make one that connected reliably to HomePods (hard-wired, even): I'm always getting the 'Cannot connect to HomePod' warning. The only solution is to remove the HomePods (stereo pair) from the Home app, reset both of them and go through the whole setup process again. Then the fates only know how long it'll be before I have to do it again... sometimes months, sometimes days. Thing is, it's the 3rd-gen 4K that needs the most attention: my other two 2nd-gens are much more reliable...
 
What do you think their priorities should be and why?

Edit: The logo orientation really makes no difference because if you use it without a keyboard, you are likely to be using it in portrait orientation. If you use it with a keyboard, the keyboard option has the logo in landscape orientation. There, problem solved.
Apologies - been away...

I started putting a list together but it made me sound like a whinging fleabag. Instead, read MacStories on this topic. Pretty solid article.

Perhaps one thing sums it up for me. Why produce a powerful handheld computer that costs a 4-figure sum and up when it can't do pro apps without limitations? Logic Pro, Final Cut, Photoshop - I'm thinking of you...

On a desktop, I don't mind adding an external disk for a couple of hundred that stores all my samples, virtual instruments, video, in-progress photo/video shoots etc. But same on an iPad? Doesn't make sense. I can't walk around with dangly disk drives on the end of a cable. And the cost of 2TB integrated storage on the Apple silicon? Makes using iPad for pro apps unjustifiable.

And don't get me start on Files and multi-tasking.
 
Apologies - been away...

I started putting a list together but it made me sound like a whinging fleabag. Instead, read MacStories on this topic. Pretty solid article.

Perhaps one thing sums it up for me. Why produce a powerful handheld computer that costs a 4-figure sum and up when it can't do pro apps without limitations? Logic Pro, Final Cut, Photoshop - I'm thinking of you...

On a desktop, I don't mind adding an external disk for a couple of hundred that stores all my samples, virtual instruments, video, in-progress photo/video shoots etc. But same on an iPad? Doesn't make sense. I can't walk around with dangly disk drives on the end of a cable. And the cost of 2TB integrated storage on the Apple silicon? Makes using iPad for pro apps unjustifiable.

And don't get me start on Files and multi-tasking.
I see this remark (complaint?) often around here. And I agree with you...to a point. But you're talking about only one segment of the market. I'm not the kind of user who needs to use the apps you listed above. I play games (puzzle, simulation) and play movies. And I want a solid, well made device. I just bought an 11" iPad Pro M4 with 512GB of storage. It fits the bill perfectly. The OLED screen is great for movies. I don't mind paying top dollar for it. It will last me for years.
 
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