If the iPad is your "third device" - don't buy the Pro.

[riptidewahoo]

If the iPad is going to be your primary computing device (or you don't have a laptop), the iPad Pro makes a lot more sense and you COULD justify some of the added expense and features.

If you're like me and you already have a capable laptop and phone, then there's the 2018 iPad (it's an iPad!) and you can do pretty much everything an iPad can do for $329 (or lower, $299 at Micro Center today). It kinda sucks that this model doesn't get any of the marketing hype when it's really one of the best value products in the entire Apple line.

The iPad Pro is finally differentiating itself enough that unless you are using it for iPad things that make you money, there's not much reason to get one. It's kind of like the $4999 iMac Pro in this sense.

EDIT: I understand many people here will get the Pro as their third device for whatever reason. This is just a suggestion for folks who want an iPad and may not use it all that much (and in light of the price hikes).

 

[spiderman0616]

So, I have a capable laptop and phone. Am I doing it wrong? Because I just ordered an 11" iPad Pro, Gen 2 Pencil, and Keyboard Folio. Why? Because my iPhone is an amazing device but too small for doing stuff for my job and my Macbook Air is perfectly capable of everything I need it to do for my job, but doesn't run iOS, which I much prefer to macOS these days. Key words there: "I much prefer". As in I personally.

Also--your thesis that the $329 base model iPad is basically the same thing as an iPad Pro but at a reduced price--that argument is going to have more and more trouble holding water the more the iPad Pro evolves and if yesterday wasn't evidence of that, I don't know what is. People who claim that tend to leave out the huge list of advantages the Pro models have over the base models, because including those features doesn't fit their argument.

I'm not saying you can't have an opinion on what device or group of devices YOU prefer to use. I'm just saying that telling others what THEY should use or not use is a waste of time. Everyone's use case is different. Everyone has a different set of tools they need to get the job done. If that happens to be a phone, laptop, AND iPad, what do you care?

 

[sonicrobby]

I understand what you are trying to say, but I would suggest rewording it. People dont like to be told what to do/what not to do, when one is not informed of their lifestyles and workflows. Im in the position where my mini is a tertiary device in terms of usage, but im still opting to evaluate and buy the new pro's even for the sake of it ending up as a coaster. I didnt need to get the iPhone X as my SE worked just great! But I wanted to try it out so I bought it.

 

[iFan83]

I wish the iPad Pro could replace my MBP for work but it’s just so impractical to use vs the MBP for work. For the iPad to become a pro machine iOS needs a lot of work. I would love for the iPad Pro to replace my MBP as I find iPads are a tank for reliability, and MBP always seems to develop screen issues after warranty from opening and closing the lid.

 

[giggles]

Counterpoint: ipads can last many years, often thrice an iphone, so maybe you can rationalize buying a really good ipad as a yearly cost.

 

[willentrekin]

I think it's really all about workflow and what you're using devices for. I have an iPad Air 2 and a Mac mini. I use both just about every day. I also have a MBP 13 that doesn't see as much use.

I use the mini mainly to create book covers in Photoshop and create and upload ebooks using Vellum and Safari. It's decent specs and for those two functions, it works. But I don't have a lot of need beyond those two uses. I'm not editing videos or anything.

But I don't really think of any device as primary or tertiary or whatever. They all have their purposes.

 

[riptidewahoo]

Counterpoint: ipads can last many years, often thrice an iphone, so maybe you can rationalize buying a really good ipad as a yearly cost.

That's an interesting point. I'm sure the Pro will have stronger performance in 3 years than the current "regular" iPad, but I'd place a bet that the future "regular" iPad in 3 years will outperform the current Pro at that time. You could buy both the current/future regular iPads and still come in below the cost of the current Pro, assuming the pricing structure stays similar...

 

[STevil 39]

If the iPad is going to be your primary computing device (or you don't have a laptop), the iPad Pro makes a lot more sense and you COULD justify some of the added expense and features.

If you're like me and you already have a capable laptop and phone, then there's the 2018 iPad (it's an iPad!) and you can do pretty much everything an iPad can do for $329 (or lower, $299 at Micro Center today). It kinda sucks that this model doesn't get any of the marketing hype when it's really one of the best value products in the entire Apple line.

The iPad Pro is finally differentiating itself enough that unless you are using it for iPad things that make you money, there's not much reason to get one. It's kind of like the $4999 iMac Pro in this sense.

I think you nailed it – the iPad Pro has been differentiated and targets very specific user types with a high value offer.

What I'm really waiting for is the basic iPad update to incorporate face recognition – it may take one or two years but it's inevitable. Smart of Apple to delay the iPad update thought (in part because they just upgraded it), but also because it motivates the "super-excited" to spend more on an iPad Pro for the new edge to edge screen.

 

[Starship67]

Too late already did.

But thanks for the heads up /s

 

[cornerexit]

So, I have a capable laptop and phone. Am I doing it wrong? Because I just ordered an 11" iPad Pro, Gen 2 Pencil, and Keyboard Folio. Why? Because my iPhone is an amazing device but too small for doing stuff for my job and my Macbook Air is perfectly capable of everything I need it to do for my job, but doesn't run iOS, which I much prefer to macOS these days. Key words there: "I much prefer". As in I personally.

Also--your thesis that the $329 base model iPad is basically the same thing as an iPad Pro but at a reduced price--that argument is going to have more and more trouble holding water the more the iPad Pro evolves and if yesterday wasn't evidence of that, I don't know what is. People who claim that tend to leave out the huge list of advantages the Pro models have over the base models, because including those features doesn't fit their argument.

I'm not saying you can't have an opinion on what device or group of devices YOU prefer to use. I'm just saying that telling others what THEY should use or not use is a waste of time. Everyone's use case is different. Everyone has a different set of tools they need to get the job done. If that happens to be a phone, laptop, AND iPad, what do you care?

Same but sub your laptop for my Mac Mini. I don't like spending any amount of serious time on the iPhone, it's too small, no matter the size of it so I prefer a small form factor phone. This barking about these new iPad prices are mostly from people who bought the new expensive iPhones. The iPhone is a device I only use until I can get to my work laptop, personal desktop, or my iPad. And personal use, I use the iPad WAY more than my phone. The phone is a mobile device and I don't ingest heaps of media on it. It's just a tool for in between.

A $329 iPad isn't an IPP and doesn't have a 13" screen.

 

[applesith]

Great, another thread telling people what they should buy based on your own preferences. I have a MacBook and an iPhone I use all the time and I'm upgrading my 9.7 iPad Pro to a 11" iPad Pro. Why? Because I use my devices for different things and want the best of each.

 

[riptidewahoo]

Great, another thread telling people what they should buy based on your own preferences. I have a MacBook and an iPhone I use all the time and I'm upgrading my 9.7 iPad Pro to a 11" iPad Pro. Why? Because I use my devices for different things and want the best of each.

Why do you need "the best" - because someone said it was? What are you going to do with the 11" iPad Pro you aren't doing with the 9.7"? Would you pay $2000 for an iPad if it was "the best"?

 

[STevil 39]

So, I have a capable laptop and phone. Am I doing it wrong? Because I just ordered an 11" iPad Pro, Gen 2 Pencil, and Keyboard Folio. Why? Because my iPhone is an amazing device but too small for doing stuff for my job and my Macbook Air is perfectly capable of everything I need it to do for my job, but doesn't run iOS, which I much prefer to macOS these days. Key words there: "I much prefer". As in I personally.

Also--your thesis that the $329 base model iPad is basically the same thing as an iPad Pro but at a reduced price--that argument is going to have more and more trouble holding water the more the iPad Pro evolves and if yesterday wasn't evidence of that, I don't know what is. People who claim that tend to leave out the huge list of advantages the Pro models have over the base models, because including those features doesn't fit their argument.

I'm not saying you can't have an opinion on what device or group of devices YOU prefer to use. I'm just saying that telling others what THEY should use or not use is a waste of time. Everyone's use case is different. Everyone has a different set of tools they need to get the job done. If that happens to be a phone, laptop, AND iPad, what do you care?

There is no such thing as doing it wrong! If it makes you happy and you have the money then it's a great choice!! For spiderman 0616 it isn't. Value is subjective.

I'm kind of half way between you guys, like spiderman I can't justify the iPad Pro because I don't need it enough to spend the money (though it's so awesome I may cave later). Unlike spiderman the basic iPad isn't on my list because it is SO FAR behind the new iPad Pro's in terms of what I want.

Value for me is waiting for the base iPad's to get face recognition, and edge to edge screens in a year or two (just like the iPhone XR brought face recognition to the iPhone lineup a little over a year after the original X).

 

[applesith]

Why do you need "the best" - because someone said it was? What are you going to do with the 11" iPad Pro you aren't doing with the 9.7"? Would you pay $2000 for an iPad if it was "the best"?

Best is relative/subjective. I do not buy top spec all the time. I like full screens with small bezels and enjoy my iPhone X mostly for that reason. I have been looking forward to an iPad with that screen for a long time.

What am I going to do with the 11" that I do not do with the 9.7" now? Probably not much other than seeing more/bigger content on the same footprint device. I'm paying just under $1K for my new iPad, as if it was any of your business. Nothing close to $2K.

I feel like your threads, and those like it, are for the OP's to externally justify their decision to not buy some new release and project it on to others. Other than that, why would you tell someone what they should or should not buy.

 

[cornerexit]

I feel like your threads, and those like it, are for the OP's to externally justify their decision to not buy some new release and project it on to others. Other than that, why would you tell someone what they should or should not buy.

I agree with this. It basically reads "It's too much for ME" or "I can't afford it" or "I just bought a $1000+ new phone and can't do both." Some of us put way more stock in the phone, and some of us put more stock in the pad. I use my pad way more than my phone and can justify the price increase for a new edge to edge pad. The new phones not so much. Live and let live. Hell I want a new edge to edge phone but want a smaller form factor than what is offered, they don't have it, I can afford it, but won't buy until I get what I want or get what is available for cheap. Just vote with your wallet and let people enjoy their stuff. new IPP is smaller form factor, lighter, so I'm in. The phones are larger and heavier so I'm out on those.

 

[applesith]

I agree with this. It basically reads "It's too much for ME" or "I can't afford it" or "I just bought a $1000+ new phone and can't do both." Some of us put way more stock in the phone, and some of us put more stock in the pad. I use my pad way more than my phone and can justify the price increase for a new edge to edge pad. The new phones not so much. Live and let live. Hell I want a new edge to edge phone but want a smaller form factor than what is offered, they don't have it, I can afford it, but won't buy until I get what I want or get what is available for cheap. Just vote with your wallet and let people enjoy their stuff. new IPP is smaller form factor, lighter, so I'm in. The phones are larger and heavier so I'm out on those.

Yup, exactly. I have some friends who will drop a grand on a pair of shoes, or hundreds of dollar at dinner but then want the cheapest iPhone and do not want to pay for apps. Everyone has different preferences and priorities for how to spend their money. It's absurd for people to project their preferences on others to do the same.

 

[gorkt]

I agree that the 2018 Ipad is a spectacular value. I bought a new Pro anyway.

 

[dogegg]

Great, another thread telling people what they should buy based on your own preferences. I have a MacBook and an iPhone I use all the time and I'm upgrading my 9.7 iPad Pro to a 11" iPad Pro. Why? Because I use my devices for different things and want the best of each.

Exactly this. Except I'm upgrading from iPad Air 2 so pretty significant improvement.

 

[Newtons Apple]

If the iPad is going to be your primary computing device (or you don't have a laptop), the iPad Pro makes a lot more sense and you COULD justify some of the added expense and features.

If you're like me and you already have a capable laptop and phone, then there's the 2018 iPad (it's an iPad!) and you can do pretty much everything an iPad can do for $329 (or lower, $299 at Micro Center today). It kinda sucks that this model doesn't get any of the marketing hype when it's really one of the best value products in the entire Apple line.

The iPad Pro is finally differentiating itself enough that unless you are using it for iPad things that make you money, there's not much reason to get one. It's kind of like the $4999 iMac Pro in this sense.

I think each person needs to make their own choices here. I have two desktops, a laptop and two iPad Pro10.5 and I still ordered the 11". One of the iPad Pro units will be donated to family, maybe both.

Everyone has to look at what they got and make their own choice.

 

[iHeartsteve]

this will be my third device and I'm elated about having a new iPad finally. There's pros and cons for using each device differently and the iPad is especially great for traveling or browsing the web at home on the couch. We don't 'need' a third device but will certainly welcome a new gadget that will make our life experiences better.

 

[spiderman0616]

I buy the Pro over the standard iPad because of the following features and can't settle for less now that I've experienced them:

1. Quad speakers that sound amazing and adjust to positioning
2. Laminated screen that looks/feels much nicer than non-laminated and doesn't have that hollow thump when you tap it
3. ProMotion refresh rates--there is a perceivable difference and it's shocking when you first see it
4. Way faster processor, more RAM, hence more future proof
5. Smart Connector allows for other options besides Bluetooth keyboards that always fall asleep and need to be charged

NEW to this list as of yesterday:

6. Compatibility with 2nd Gen Apple Pencil for better grip and more UI options (I'm a heavy Pencil user)
7. Edge to edge screen interface like what I've gotten used to on my X/XS Max phones.
8. New design which sounds and looks like it has a much more premium feeling to it based on videos I've seen
9. Inductive charging and storage for Pencil
10. Redesigned keyboard case that I can't WAIT to get my hands on.

There are more things I'm sure I'm not thinking of, but people leave these differences off the list all the time because it fits their arguments better about pricing and features being identical to the base model.

But this is all beside the point. I've been doing things with my iPads since the beginning that just aren't possible on a Mac. The iPad Pro just makes that even more the case, and it's the computer I've always dreamed of having.

 

[DiamonDecoden]

I would say buy the pro if you like to draw. This is my 3rd or 4th? gadget but I love the pro for drawing / sketching. The laminated screen will make it feel like drawing on paper esp when you add a matte screen protector.

 

[spiderman0616]

I agree that the 2018 Ipad is a spectacular value. I bought a new Pro anyway.

It totally is!! I would recommend the 2018 iPad to anyone who isn't a power iPad user! I even have a gen 1 Pencil I can't figure out what to do with that I would sell them at a deep discount! But, that doesn't negate anyone else's need/want of the Pro models.
[doublepost=1541002117][/doublepost]

I would say buy the pro if you like to draw. This is my 3rd or 4th? gadget but I love the pro for drawing / sketching. The laminated screen will make it feel like drawing on paper esp when you add a matte screen protector.

Non-laminated screens are deal breakers for me at this point.

 

[riptidewahoo]

The point of this thread was just to help people who aren't heavy iPad users but are still considering the Pro because "it's the new thing." It's VERY expensive in this context and people sometimes need encouraging to really sit back and consider the value proposition.

There seems to be more pricing complaints than usual with this product and I think we are collectively having trouble saying NO to Apple when it's definitely the right move for a lot of people.

 

[spiderman0616]

The point of this thread was just to help people who aren't heavy iPad users but are still considering the Pro because "it's the new thing." It's VERY expensive in this context and people sometimes need encouraging to really sit back and consider the value proposition.

There seems to be more pricing complaints than usual with this product and I think we are collectively having trouble saying NO to Apple when it's definitely the right move for a lot of people.

People can think for themselves without this thread. Nobody has a gun to anybody's head forcing them to buy an iPad.