Apple Shares New Videos Highlighting What You Can Do With an iPad Pro

[aevan]

I resemble that remark. I expect Apple to deliver a product that just works. And I admit I enjoy being grumpy.

A product that "just works" does not really exist when it comes to complex devices - it's more of a marketing term explaining how some things are designed well. Apple did deliver a product that is designed well - other than a few iOS constraints (that we all hope will be addressed), iPad Pro is really, really well designed, easy to use and powerful for certain workflows (and of course, not for every workflow). So, if you prefer that term, yeah, you could say "it just works".

Sure, not all people like it and sure there are workflows where you just can't use it. But guess what, there are workflows and requirements where a full laptop is not enough.... there are workflows where a single desktop is not enough.... so what? Do you go around laptop forums saying that you payed 3000 dollars for a laptop and now you don't even have an 12 core CPU like you could on a desktop?

iPad Pro is a great product for certain tasks, and Apple made an ad showing an iPad doing some of these tasks intended for people who need a device for these tasks. Why are so many of you triggered by this?

This is why most people here are "grumpy" (I would use words like "bitter", "envious", etc but ok). And if you enjoy it, well, that certainly makes things easier for you, then

 

[apolloa]

As I understand iOS 13 will be bringing significant changes, and in particular for the iPad. So isn’t this a total waste of time? And they should instead focus on and promote the new iOS 13 iPad exclusive features once it’s out?
Even more so if those features are work related..

But this is Cooks Apple.....

 

[Abazigal]

Sounds like a rather minimalist interpretation of the terms "integrated" and "Pro"
Apart from creating a document as an individual teacher, I'd say a real Pro, on class-level, would also need viable, uniform ways for sharing, reviewing documents, tests, for managing versions and revisions etc.
So how does Apple make that interaction with your key peer group viable?
With its pricepoint, would there be any incentive for any school to invest in iPad based education, in administrative functions to facilitate networked education, device management ?
What would be Apple's competitive advantage over cheaper and more proliferated Chrome-based solutions ?
Now I don't know any school (yet) that has the incentive to implement a full Apple-classroom solution to offer true network based education in an iPad compliant way (contrary to Google Classroom, that offers the better, more affordable environment...) but I don't know the world. So what's you angle on that ?

I am not sure what you are trying to get at.

My school has students purchasing their laptops as part of its 1-to-1 computing initiative. We have our own windows computers, but I have been using an iPad since 2012 to augment my workflows. Even the Apple TVs installed in my classrooms are paid for out of my own pocket.

My experiences so far have been in using the ipad as a computer alternative to complement my iMac. I have no experience deploying iPads in a school setting. I can offer my thoughts on how iPads can be used in a way that chrome books cant’ though, but that would be purely theoretical.

 

[Warren Buffduck]

A product that "just works" does not really exist when it comes to complex devices - it's more of a marketing term explaining how some things are designed well. Apple did deliver a product that is designed well - other than a few iOS constraints (that we all hope will be addressed), iPad Pro is really, really well designed, easy to use and powerful for certain workflows (and of course, not for every workflow). So, if you prefer that term, yeah, you could say "it just works".

Sure, not all people like it and sure there are workflows where you just can't use it. But guess what, there are workflows and requirements where a full laptop is not enough.... there are workflows where a single desktop is not enough.... so what? Do you go around laptop forums saying that you payed 3000 dollars for a laptop and now you don't even have an 12 core CPU like you could on a desktop?

iPad Pro is a great product for certain tasks, and Apple made an ad showing an iPad doing some of these tasks intended for people who need a device for these tasks. Why are so many of you triggered by this?

This is why most people here are "grumpy" (I would use words like "bitter", "envious", etc but ok). And if you enjoy it, well, that certainly makes things easier for you, then

For what you pay, you get a well-designed device (in terms of electronics, not mechanically...) with a great cpu, but a phone-OS, jacked up for Pro-use.
These video's demonstrate it must appeal to the masses, which by definition aren't all Pro's (apart from the fact that they may feel flattered)
This is typical Apple today, where marketing goes before substance.
That's what seems to annoy more and more people.

 

[aevan]

As an iPad Pro 2018 owner, I have to completely... agree with you.

I love the thing, but it's not kidding anyone with the name "Pro" in the title. Yes yes, there will be a TINY minority of people out there that can earn their living with artistry or whatever the heck else - with their iPad. The majority of us? Great for Candy Crush, Words with Friends, watching movies, doing Facebook, and surfing the world wide intertubes.

If I need to do anything computer-y, I go to my iMac.

Because let's be honest, even copying and pasting text is a REAL PAIN on ANY iOS device.

1. Pro is just a name, not an 'expectations generator'. A PS4 can also be "Pro".
2. You can't assume what "the majority" of people use the iPad Pro for.
3. Yes, you can use most of these things on a regular iPad. But you know what - you can do most of the computer-y things on a $300 laptop too, and I don't see anyone making fun of $3000 Surface Books and stuff like that. Some devices are more premium because some people like nice things.
4. Don't try to present your needs/usage case as 'default'. Perhaps the iPad Pro is just not for you - and if you bought it for Candy Crush and Words with Friends that's great, but it doesn't mean everyone did. I know people who work in the stock market business that love iPads, I know doctors who use iPads daily, I know people who manage their finances on iPads - and yes, I know a lot of creative professionals who just love using the Pencil and love iPad Pros. Not every device is for everyone, but the fact that you haven't found more use from yours other than Facebook and intertubes, doesn't mean that applies to everyone else, too.

 

[Abazigal]

On a side note, this excerpt from Macstories is absolutely hilarious.

https://www.macstories.net/stories/thinking-different-keys-to-adopting-an-ipad-first-workflow/

Compare the iPad Pro's hardware to Apple's modern Mac lineup and the difference is striking. The iPad has Face ID, while Macs are stuck with Touch ID; the iPad has a Liquid Retina display with ProMotion, and Macs are still Retina only; the iPad Pro benchmarks comparably to the most powerful portable Macs; iPads can include LTE, while Macs cannot; and where Mac keyboards are vulnerable to specs of dust, the iPad's Smart Keyboard Folio can endure any crumbs you throw at it – plus, with the iPad you can choose the keyboard that's best for you. To top off all these advantages, the iPad Pro is also more affordable than most Macs.

There is no doubt Apple is committed to positioning the ipad as the general-purpose computing alternative for the masses.

 

[aevan]

For what you pay, you get a well-designed device (in terms of electronics, not mechanically...) with a great cpu, but a phone-OS, jacked up for Pro-use.
These video's demonstrate it must appeal to the masses, which by definition aren't all Pro's (apart from the fact that they may feel flattered)
This is typical Apple today, where marketing goes before substance.

No one is a "Pro" and everyone is a "Pro", because it depends how you define a "Pro". This forum is filled with people who equalize their workflow with being "Pro". This is why the MacBook Pro forum was full of people claiming "Pros need 32Gb RAM" like that is a thing.

Yes, these videos demonstrate appeal to the masses, in a similar way Microsoft makes ads for Windows that appeal to the masses. Because large companies want mass appeal. That doesn't mean it appeals ONLY to the masses, as more and more people are using iPad Pros for very complex and creative things. Perhaps you're not one of these people and that's fine - because there are many other computers out there to buy. I still don't understand why people are bothered with this (unless - you know - some of them actually want a shiny new iPad Pro but can't justify the purchase)

I disagree about marketing going before substance in "the typical Apple today". You just don't like their products.

Also, not sure what you mean by "mechanically" designed, but the iPad Pro is designed great in every way hardware-wise. It's one of the best hardware Apple ever made. Oh, oh, wait - you're talking about the MRF bending hysteria? Yeah, that's only a thing on this forum and several YouTube channels, I do not agree.

That's what seems to annoy more and more people.

No, that's what seems to annoy more and more grumpy MRF posters who can't deal with the fact that it's fine to have a different type of device and that it's ok that this device is not intended for everyone.
[doublepost=1547898923][/doublepost]

On a side note, this excerpt from Macstories is absolutely hilarious.

https://www.macstories.net/stories/thinking-different-keys-to-adopting-an-ipad-first-workflow/

No, it just doesn't fit your workflow and needs.

 

[Warren Buffduck]

I am not sure what you are trying to get at.
My school has students purchasing their laptops as part of its 1-to-1 computing initiative. We have our own windows computers, but I have been using an iPad since 2012 to augment my workflows. Even the Apple TVs installed in my classrooms are paid for out of my own pocket.
My experiences so far have been in using the ipad as a computer alternative to complement my iMac. I have no experience deploying iPads in a school setting. I can offer my thoughts on how iPads can be used in a way that chrome books cant’ though, but that would be purely theoretical.

While I do appreciate your personal investment (as a way to facilitate your own environment) it also doubles as a demonstration of Apple's failing marketing in education. The Pro moniker here rather refers to your personal extra efforts as a teacher overcoming its hurdles than Apple facilitating you on a professional workflow level - like they pretend
In fact they sold you an isolated solution that is almost as expensive as a computer, while offering some/most of its merits via a touch interface...

 

[Quu]

I use mine as a right angle in carpentry.

 

[Warren Buffduck]

No one is a "Pro" and everyone is a "Pro", because it depends how you define a "Pro". This forum is filled with people who equalize their workflow with being "Pro". This is why the MacBook Pro forum was full of people claiming "Pros need 32Gb RAM" like that is a thing.
Yes, these videos demonstrate appeal to the masses, in a similar way Microsoft makes ads for Windows that appeal to the masses. Because large companies want mass appeal. That doesn't mean it appeals ONLY to the masses, as more and more people are using iPad Pros for very complex and creative things. Perhaps you're not one of these people and that's fine - because there are many other computers out there to buy. I still don't understand why people are bothered with this (unless - you know - some of them actually want a shiny new iPad Pro but can't justify the purchase)
I disagree about marketing going before substance in "the typical Apple today". You just don't like their products.
Also, not sure what you mean by "mechanically" designed, but the iPad Pro is designed great in every way hardware-wise. It's one of the best hardware Apple ever made. Oh, oh, wait - you're talking about the MRF bending hysteria? Yeah, that's only a thing on this forum and several YouTube channels, I do not agree.
No, that's what seems to annoy more and more grumpy MRF posters who can't deal with the fact that it's fine to have a different type of device and that it's ok that this device is not intended for everyone.
[doublepost=1547898923][/doublepost]
No, it just doesn't fit your workflow and needs.

Calling everyone a "Pro", like your justification of it, is just outright ridiculous.
It is the same as calling every potential car customer a racing driver. Undoubtedly, some will feel that way and feel flattered (which is a key element of Apple marketing) but they simply aren't and that's where a lot of confusion and problems start.
I don't understand what my own specific situation has to do with this all, but I can afford 1000's of iPad Pro but (if that's what you're interested in) but won't be buying a single one, how sturdy it may be in your slightly uncommon interpretation of terminology.

I do like their products - but not those being abandoned or orphaned in favor of overhyped fluff.

 

[partsofspeech]

Apple, please stop trying to re-educate the Pro users! We know very well what iPad Pro is capable of - way better than your AD agent does. In contrast, you should listen to what the pro users want and make improvement accordingly! Treat pro users well and they will serve happily to promote your product.

Apple was once very good in doing that. What has made you stop?

Oh, wait ...
sigh ~~~

 

[Abazigal]

While I do appreciate your personal investment (as a way to facilitate your own environment) it also doubles as a demonstration of Apple's failing marketing in education. The Pro moniker here rather refers to your personal extra efforts as a teacher overcoming Apple's hurdles than Apple facilitating you on a professional workflow level.
In fact they sold you an isolated solution that is almost as expensive as a computer, and offer some/most of its merits via a touch interface...

But the discussion was never about Apple in the education sector.

Yes, the iPad isn't perfect, and I don't / can't do 100% of my work on it. Let's be honest - even if I had a laptop, I would still default to my iMac for tasks like working on spreadsheets which benefit from a much larger display, even if I could theoretically perform the same task on a laptop.

Were there hurdles? Sure. But I put in the effort to find solutions to them, and that has helped in improving my familiarity with the iPad. For example, I use dropbox + documents to get my files on my iPad, and this is pretty much how I work on my iMac as well (with my work files residing in the cloud).

Likewise, using cloud storage means I come to rely on thumb drives and hard disks less, and over these 6 years, not once have I wished that I could copy a file to or from external storage. If I want to get a 1gb powerpoint presentation on my iPad, I airdrop it from my Mac. This change in the way I work has made my files more accessible as well, since it also means I can view them on my iPhone as well.

And I am not sure what you mean by isolated solution, when the cloud has made accessing files easier than ever. And you are right. The iPad Pro isn't cheap, but I maintain that it will more than pay for itself in the form of greater productivity and fewer problems for me.

 

[partsofspeech]

Absolutely agree that the infrastructure/cloud/software side on iPad is lacking, but see it's something Apple could fix, that's what I mean that I wish Apple would have the vision and focus on the whole education ecosystem. As it stands right now they just make the iPad as a boutique item for consumption plus a bit of education software, but nowhere as comprehensive as it could be.

I wish for the same. Unfortunately, kids' education will not be in bonus seekers' radar.

 

[Warren Buffduck]

But the discussion was never about Apple in the education sector.
Yes, the iPad isn't perfect, and I don't / can't do 100% of my work on it. Let's be honest - even if I had a laptop, I would still default to my iMac for tasks like working on spreadsheets which benefit from a much larger display, even if I could theoretically perform the same task on a laptop.
Were there hurdles? Sure. But I put in the effort to find solutions to them, and that has helped in improving my familiarity with the iPad. For example, I use dropbox + documents to get my files on my iPad, and this is pretty much how I work on my iMac as well (with my work files residing in the cloud).
Likewise, using cloud storage means I come to rely on thumb drives and hard disks less, and over these 6 years, not once have I wished that I could copy a file to or from external storage. If I want to get a 1gb powerpoint presentation on my iPad, I airdrop it from my Mac. This change in the way I work has made my files more accessible as well, since it also means I can view them on my iPhone as well.
And I am not sure what you mean by isolated solution, when the cloud has made accessing files easier than ever. And you are right. The iPad Pro isn't cheap, but I maintain that it will more than pay for itself in the form of greater productivity and fewer problems for me.

I agree with this.
But (part of) the discussion is whether iPad Pro deserves the Pro label and its pricepoint.
Now while I respect your work as a Pro in education, particularly what you do with the device, that could also have done with a normal iPad. So I don't think your use case supports either its Pro label or pricepoint. You and your classroom would certainly be better off with a cheaper, Chromebook-challenging iPad.
Pencil + paper might even remain faster/less complicated in the regular daily interaction with your classroom

 

[WatchFromAfar]

iPad Pro is a great product for certain tasks, and Apple made an ad showing an iPad doing some of these tasks intended for people who need a device for these tasks. Why are so many of you triggered by this?

This is why most people here are "grumpy" (I would use words like "bitter", "envious", etc but ok). And if you enjoy it, well, that certainly makes things easier for you, then

You are either missing the point or just ignoring it. Apple can't come out and say "the most powerfull device ever" then go "iPad Pro is a great product for certain tasks," (but not all of them)

 

[Manzanito]

I think the iPad pro would have been a great solution for photography hadn’t apple killed Aperture.

Start a session on your iPad pro, start editing and when you get to your computer everything is synced (culling, tagging, adjustments...)

And no, photos is no replacement for Aperture. Nor will I trust apple ever again on this side.

 

[Warren Buffduck]

iPad Pro is a great product for certain tasks, and Apple made an ad showing an iPad doing some of these tasks intended for people who need a device for these tasks. Why are so many of you triggered by this?

Similarly, one could rationalize selling a Ferrari as a hammer (for people who feel challenged to prove it may double as a hammer, in certain use cases)
It may come as a surprise, but Ferrari customers won't specifically applaud that, however.

 

[Abazigal]

I agree with this.
But (part of) the discussion is whether iPad Pro deserves the Pro label and its pricepoint.
Now while I respect your work as a Pro in education, particularly what you do with the device, that could also have done with a normal iPad. So I don't think your use case supports either its Pro label or pricepoint. You and your classroom would certainly be better off with a cheaper, Chromebook-challenging iPad.
Pencil + paper might even remain faster/less complicated in the regular daily interaction with your classroom

I would say that for a device that I will be using for multiple hours a day, every day, I am most certainly not going to stinge on specs. Everything is just nicer. Spec out an iPad to 128gb and add 4g and it doesn't really cost all that much less than a 256gb iPad Pro anyways. For something I expect to use for the next 3 years, the savings just doesn't feel all that significant.

And I continue to be amused by people who suggest that I might have been better off with a Chromebook. I walk around the classroom with my iPad, which is mirrored to my class projector via an Apple TV. I most certainly am not going to do that with a Chromebook. How do you suggest I annotate on pdfs, or scan documents? And let me just say that I will pick keynote for iPad over powerpoint any time of the day.

Also, the funny thing is that our school has no visualisers (due to our principal wanting to "force" teachers to make use of the interactive whiteboards), so plain pencil and paper wouldn't have been feasible anyways.

Likewise, I use my iPad for entertainment as well. I just finished playing Grimvalor, and it looks awesome on the iPad.

I just can't think of a more versatile device for both work and leisure.

 

[chatin]

Taking a picture is not the same as scanning. The videos flow on the desperate side not taking the time to paint the whole iPad picture.

 

[sirozha]

My grandma's $50 Android phone she bought at Walgreens has a user accessible file system and a $800+ "Pro" device doesn't?

I'm sure your grandma is all over that file system.

 

[Warren Buffduck]

I'm sure your grandma is all over that file system.

Most will favor 64bit with encapsulated CRC by now...

 

[BruceEBonus]

See? It’s not JUST an oversized iPad it’s well .. yes. It is. BUT ... you can dick about microfractionally faster on it. And the advertising is really snazzy and pretty convincing, yeah? And well ... just nobody mention it’s just a shoe-in to mask the fact it’s well ... ok we ... got lazier. It IS an oversized and overpriced iPad. However professionals use it too. And oh alright then ... it’s a fair cop, guv’nor!

 

[Warren Buffduck]

I would say that for a device that I will be using for multiple hours a day, every day, I am most certainly not going to stinge on specs. Everything is just nicer. Spec out an iPad to 128gb and add 4g and it doesn't really cost all that much less than a 256gb iPad Pro anyways. For something I expect to use for the next 3 years, the savings just doesn't feel all that significant.
And I continue to be amused by people who suggest that I might have been better off with a Chromebook. I walk around the classroom with my iPad, which is mirrored to my class projector via an Apple TV. I most certainly am not going to do that with a Chromebook. How do you suggest I annotate on pdfs, or scan documents? And let me just say that I will pick keynote for iPad over powerpoint any time of the day.
Also, the funny thing is that our school has no visualisers (due to our principal wanting to "force" teachers to make use of the interactive whiteboards), so plain pencil and paper wouldn't have been feasible anyways.
Likewise, I use my iPad for entertainment as well. I just finished playing Grimvalor, and it looks awesome on the iPad.
I just can't think of a more versatile device for both work and leisure.

Indeed the Chromebook is more targeted to school-scale integration and standardization in workflow, affordability, networking. So your story (also) supports the notion of an astute but isolationist Apple-adopter in a non-Apple world

 

[Joniz]

Oh, come on, Apple! Where’s the video where you can strap it onto your forearm and use it to fight off sword-wielding ninjas?

That’s definitely a Pro application. Try doing that with the budget iPad. You just look ridiculous.

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

Have you guys used iOS? I am able to save work on my Mac and see it, modify it, and move it on my iPad.
I’ve both programmed and up kept a server on my iPad. But I’m sure that ain’t “work”

Your argument went completely flat when you said you "work" on your Mac.