Got an iPad Pro (9.7) after a couple of years away from iOS

[Night Spring]

But also, as "Night Spring" mentions above, the interesting thing is that a touchscreen is more efficient with an on-screen keyboard!

To be clear, if I were frequently typing long blocks of text, I'd probably get the keyboard cover. But most of what I do is type a few sentences at a time, think, edit, type a few more sentences, etc.

What works for one person doesn't necessarily work for another. I do suspect that young people growing up with touch interfaces would tend to move away from using a separate physical keyboard. But I can also understand that most people who grew up using physical keyboard prefer that.

 

[scotttnz]

What I find interesting about this trackpad/mouse/touchscreen argument is that apple in the not so distant past have openly criticised the need to reach for the touchscreen while using a keyboard. Usually referencing the Surface Pro in comparison to MacBooks. Now that they sell a keyboard for their iPad Pros it's the future of computing.

I don't care, I'm buying an iPad Pro today, but I do wish I could use a mouse with it for certain applications. (I'll probably get a Citrix X1 mouse for Remote Desktop work.)

 

[clubtech]

What I find interesting about this trackpad/mouse/touchscreen argument is that apple in the not so distant past have openly criticised the need to reach for the touchscreen while using a keyboard. Usually referencing the Surface Pro in comparison to MacBooks. Now that they sell a keyboard for their iPad Pros it's the future of computing.

I don't care, I'm buying an iPad Pro today, but I do wish I could use a mouse with it for certain applications. (I'll probably get a Citrix X1 mouse for Remote Desktop work.)

This.
I've been using the iPad pro 12.9 and 9.7 for about a year now. Got the 12.9'' when it came out and the 9.7'' when it came out this year.
I can truly say that the biggest issue of the iPad pro is the lack of mouse / trackpad support for the sole reason that reaching out to the screen so frequently when trying to be productive for more than a few minutes of work is not only not productive but also pretty physically tasking on the hand. Lifting your hand to reach and touch the screen every few seconds on a 12.9'' display is extremely tasking on the shoulders and the hand itself (and this is coming from a person who works 60 minutes at the gym, daily).
This is more manageable on the 9.7'' version but still not as convenient as using a mouse or trackpad.
I even tried to use the Pencil instead of my finger to touch the screen (thus the distance is shorter) and it is still pretty tasking on the body (though far better).
Until they add mouse / trackpad support, i just don't see how this is replacing a computer or meant to be a serious productivity device any time soon.
Other than that, it's a great device offering some huge potential.

To counter this i decided to check Google' Chromebook Pixel and just finished a month using it, loaded the beta with Android apps on it and i have to say that google has something going for them here, even while in beta.
This thing supports touch, mouse, trackpad, external monitor(s), great browser, a real file system and now mobile apps as well. It can do anything that the iPad Pro can only better and much less tasking on the body. Whatever Chrome is not able to do, Android apps are there to complete the task.
With the addition of android apps, you can now RDP to windows servers, FTP to servers and do anything that android apps can. Yes, it is still a bit buggy but runs great for the most part.
It boots up in 4 seconds from complete power off state, has insane battery life and it's not Windows (thank god). I have been taking my Chromebook with me to the office instead of my Mac for the last two weeks and there was nothing i was not able to do.

I'm sure that it's only a matter of time until true convertibles with proper specs running ChromeOS will be out (i.e. with a detachable keyboard and a touch screen) and those are going to be a true laptop/computer replacements (all in one device). I'm starting to think this is the true mobile / desktop hybrid many people will feel comfortable with.

Sorry for my English, it's not my native language.

 

[Night Spring]

Lifting your hand to reach and touch the screen every few seconds

Just curious, but what tasks are you doing that requires you to touch the screen every few seconds? It seems to me that if you are touching the screen that frequently, maybe you could just use the on screen keyboard. Personally, with iOS 9 keyboard shortcuts, I find I can go for many minutes without having to touch the screen when typing up a document.

 

[Osty]

Just curious, but what tasks are you doing that requires you to touch the screen every few seconds? It seems to me that if you are touching the screen that frequently, maybe you could just use the on screen keyboard. Personally, with iOS 9 keyboard shortcuts, I find I can go for many minutes without having to touch the screen when typing up a document.

I'm old enough to remember computing in non-graphical environments where keyboards ruled. When I dock my iPad to a keyboard the shortcuts available to iOS are good enough that I rarely need to touch the screen even when editing and writing a large document.

As for the physical effort on the shoulder I find that push-ups are a pretty good remedy for improving anterior deltoid strength and endurance.

 

[clubtech]

I'm old enough to remember computing in non-graphical environments where keyboards ruled. When I dock my iPad to a keyboard the shortcuts available to iOS are good enough that I rarely need to touch the screen even when editing and writing a large document.

As for the physical effort on the shoulder I find that push-ups are a pretty good remedy for improving anterior deltoid strength and endurance.

Agreed, but you have to remember that Apple tries to market the iPad as a computer replacement or the "new" computer.
While it may work well for artists and people who only need to write documents hence very little touching the screen, this will not work for most regular users who combine regular user work.
I believe that most people use their computers for writing documents, checking and responding to emails (which does require constant screen interactions), working with web pages (billing control panels, work portals etc), working with sheets and numbers. All these requires constant reaching out to the screen, especially when you work with web applications for work or for private use...
Sure, if you are an artist who uses the device for art then great, but this is not mass market.
While it may work for 30 minutes, i don't see anyone using this for a few hours or a full days work and still feeling comfortable.
Also, the fact you can't plug the iPad pro into a larger screen for a full day's office work will not make it the all in one device Apple is selling it to be.
As many others stated in this forum, it is an Pro iPad, not a full computer.

While it's an amazing device that certainly impresses, after using it since the day it was released, at the current form this will not be a computer replacement / mode hybrid i was hoping this could be. At least not for me.

Maybe the next version

 

[M. Gustave]

What I find interesting about this trackpad/mouse/touchscreen argument is that apple in the not so distant past have openly criticised the need to reach for the touchscreen while using a keyboard.

As you note, that was for Macs, and they've stuck with that philosophy. A touchscreen laptop form factor just doesn't work well.

The keyboard cover for the iPad Pro is optional. It should be obvious that if you try to configure your iPad exactly like a laptop, it will suffer as a touchscreen. This isn't the fault of Apple or the iPad, it's the fault of the user, who doesn't understand what device he wants, or why.

For myself, if I have enough typing to do that I bother connecting to an external keyboard, I'm typing - not reaching up and touching the screen all the time. Ultimately the flexibility of these machines is second to none.

 

[bxsonic]

I picked up an Apple Pencil at BestBuy today. For comparison, I am used to the Surface Pen. I really like the tracking (lag is low) and tilt capability. I also like the tactile feel it has on the screen. Not sure if that is because it is different from what I am used to - or if I really do prefer it to the Surface's feel.

I kind of like the Surface because it is much quieter though. If I am in a room with other people, they might get annoyed with the tap-tap noise. Especially if I am tempted to take notes at Church with the Pencil!

On the other hand, what a fiasco when it comes to charging. I have a dongle that I will probably lose to charge via Lightning (and I only have one cable at the moment, thanks to the high price of these and I only have an iPad). If I plug it into the side of my iPad, it looks hilarious. Weird design choice.

Like holding it in my hands more than the cold Surface Pen - the plastic material is much nicer than the aluminum that Microsoft chose, and reminds me of some of my fond iMacs and MacBooks from days past.

Also I have no convenient way to carry it with my iPad if I am not taking it in a case. I have nowhere to put it, and there's no way to even clip it to my shirt pocket. Awkward.

Anyway, thought I'd add that to my remarks regarding the iPad Pro.

If you're looking for a convenient way to store the pencil, do give the surface pen loop a try. Been working really well for me. I attached it directly to the back of the iPad

 

[scotttnz]

As you note, that was for Macs, and they've stuck with that philosophy. A touchscreen laptop form factor just doesn't work well.

The keyboard cover for the iPad Pro is optional. It should be obvious that if you try to configure your iPad exactly like a laptop, it will suffer as a touchscreen. This isn't the fault of Apple or the iPad, it's the fault of the user, who doesn't understand what device he wants, or why.

For myself, if I have enough typing to do that I bother connecting to an external keyboard, I'm typing - not reaching up and touching the screen all the time. Ultimately the flexibility of these machines is second to none.

Don't get me wrong, I hear you. Really the only thing I want a mouse for is Remote Desktop. (That is, accessing an OS and apps not designed for touch.) And the only reason for that is that I have a couple of Windows only apps I use for work that if I could access from the iPad I could leave my work laptop at home when I travel. (Because I'm going to take my iPad regardless) It is an application issue, not an iOS/iPad issue. If those apps were rewritten for iOS with a touch optimised GUI, then I would have no use for a mouse. Unfortunately that is unlikely to happen any time soon.

I bought a 12.9" Pro half an hour ago. I hope to migrate as much of my computing outside of my job to it over time. I didn't buy a keyboard for it.....yet.

 

[Osty]

Maybe the next version

Yeah we might get an external optional trackpad. Probably the iPhone 7
[doublepost=1470638636][/doublepost]

For myself, if I have enough typing to do that I bother connecting to an external keyboard, I'm typing - not reaching up and touching the screen all the time. Ultimately the flexibility of these machines is second to none.

I agree. The iPad plus accessories can let you build the workstation you want in many different configurations. standing desk, table/desk surface, lounging about, even classic laptop mode. I really don't think ergonomics is an arguement against an iPad-based workflow.

Nothing wrong with buying the device that best suits your lifestyle.

 

[jonnyb098]

Actually the main negative for me if the awful camera bump. It is ridiculous on a tablet as you are supposed to be able to hold it any way you like but I find myself avoiding the camera area. I usually wouldn't use a case but I have been forced to as I always think about damaging the camera lens when I put it down.

RAM is also a problem but it looks like Apple will fix this in the next iteration. They should be fixing iOS as well, since it is no longer efficient with RAM like it used to be.

The camera bump that you NEVER SEE while using it? Seriously who cares? Its an awesome camera when you need it, especially for video.

 

[Appleaker]

The camera bump that you NEVER SEE while using it? Seriously who cares? Its an awesome camera when you need it, especially for video.

It doesn't matter if you can't see, you can certainly feel it and are aware of it. I don't think it should be on a tablet that you can hold in any orientation.
I'm not one of those people who say taking photos on an iPad is stupid and nobody should do it - I think it's great and I love the features. But, personally, I wouldn't mind a worse camera instead of the 12mp and a bump. And this is coming from a person who waited years to get a camera resolution bump (8mp) before purchasing an iPad.

 

[Night Spring]

It doesn't matter if you can't see, you can certainly feel it and are aware of it.

Do you actually have a 9.7 iPP and have used it for a significant length of time? Otherwise, you are just conjecturing that you would be aware of the camera bump.

 

[jonnyb098]

It doesn't matter if you can't see, you can certainly feel it and are aware of it. I don't think it should be on a tablet that you can hold in any orientation.
I'm not one of those people who say taking photos on an iPad is stupid and nobody should do it - I think it's great and I love the features. But, personally, I wouldn't mind a worse camera instead of the 12mp and a bump. And this is coming from a person who waited years to get a camera resolution bump (8mp) before purchasing an iPad.

Agreed but the 8MP camera in the Air 2 wasn't as good as the iPhone 6. It was basically the iphone 5 camera. Now the Pro has the FULL camera of an iPhone 6S with amazing low light, flash and live photos (yes they're awesome in certain situations). So ill take the bump.....no biggie to me.

 

[Chew Toy McCoy]

From what I’ve read the iPad fails as a laptop replacement and the Surface fails as a tablet replacement. It’s a race to the center sweet spot from opposite directions.

 

[Appleaker]

Do you actually have a 9.7 iPP and have used it for a significant length of time? Otherwise, you are just conjecturing that you would be aware of the camera bump.

Yes I have one and have had it since it's release so I have experience holding it (although now I have a case on most of the time). It is thicker than the on the 6/6S and is noticeable but it depends on the way you hold it. It may just be me, but I am constantly aware of it when I don't have a case on because I am worried about damaging it somehow (although that's unlikely). Maybe it's something I can get used to over time.

 

[SDColorado]

Do you actually have a 9.7 iPP and have used it for a significant length of time? Otherwise, you are just conjecturing that you would be aware of the camera bump.

I haven't had mine outside of a case from the moment I opened the box and placed it in one, so therefore no perceptible bump

 

[amnichols10]

This is a little off topic but to those (like OP) who bought the 32GB size, what made you go for that instead of the 128GB. This is assuming that price wasn't a factor.

 

[rowspaxe]

You are biased toward legacy input methods, and that's ok; but it's not some kind of universal truth. To my kids, both under 9, a touchscreen is simply how you interact with computers.

Legacy input methods? Lol. Pointing devices aren't going away because they are vital to interacting with complex softwary. Anyone pining away for a touch version of aftereffects or photoshop or Maya or Logic.
Its likely we'll be using that legacy mouse(trackpad) and keyboard for the forseeable future.
[doublepost=1470696239][/doublepost]

The thing is, when I first got the 12.9 iPad Pro, I thought I'd use it with a keyboard. But I've found that in actual use, using the on screen keyboard is, for me, the most convenient and comfortable way to use the iPP. There's no bulky keyboard cover to make the iPad heavier (even the Smart Keyboard adds weight to the iPad), and there's no break in flow because all interaction is on one level -- the screen.

Thats fine, but what percent of consumers are going to be productive with a screen keyboard? Not many, i suspect.

 

[Night Spring]

I haven't had mine outside of a case from the moment I opened the box and placed it in one, so therefore no perceptible bump

Don't have a 9.7 Pro, but I do have iPhones with the bump, and they don't bother me either because I too always put cases on my phones. I suppose it could bug people who use their devices naked.

Thats fine, but what percent of consumers are going to be productive with a screen keyboard? Not many, i suspect.

Not everyone needs to speed type to be productive.

 

[kodos]

This is a little off topic but to those (like OP) who bought the 32GB size, what made you go for that instead of the 128GB. This is assuming that price wasn't a factor.

For me, price was a factor, I am not a huge media consumption fiend. Most of my music for instance is off of Spotify, and I do not watch downloaded movies that often on my iPad. I use Netflix/Hulu for short stints of time. eBooks (and my Bible software) don't take up a lot of space with downloads.

All of the documents I work on are in the cloud. I don't do photo or video editing on the iPad (I "suffer" with my Surface Book for that when I don't have access to my HexaCore i7 desktop). I have like 4 or 5 "go-to" apps on the iPad, and that's about it.

Hope that is helpful

 

[amnichols10]

For me, price was a factor, I am not a huge media consumption fiend. Most of my music for instance is off of Spotify, and I do not watch downloaded movies that often on my iPad. I use Netflix/Hulu for short stints of time. eBooks (and my Bible software) don't take up a lot of space with downloads.

All of the documents I work on are in the cloud. I don't do photo or video editing on the iPad (I "suffer" with my Surface Book for that when I don't have access to my HexaCore i7 desktop). I have like 4 or 5 "go-to" apps on the iPad, and that's about it.

Hope that is helpful

Understood. Thanks for the reply. I'm in kinda the same boat.