Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

dannyar

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Feb 2, 2007
653
402
....then really the 9.7 pro is gonna cost you 699 because you are going to need the pencil. This makes the difference between the air 2 and 9.7 pro even more and IMO not worth the upgrade either way. I cancelled my pre-order for the 9.7 when I was able to pick up an open box 64gb air 2 at best buy for only 380$.
 
I decided to pick up a Pencil, but that's not why I upgraded. I can't really draw (although I might use it as tool to help me improve those skills), but I do design websites and will definitely find uses for it in that department. Plus, I hear writing/taking notes with the the pencil is very natural.

Considering people are touting the pencil as one of the best stylus experiences ever, if you compare it to the competition, while not cheap, it seems like a pretty decent deal.

I'm glad I picked one up, and I'm glad the new 9.7 iPads are supporting it.
 
Hardly a fair comparison considering the Air 2 doesn't support the pencil. Not to mention it's not absolutely necessary to buy the pencil and the Pro has other features the Air 2 doesn't. There is no logic in your post.

Reading comprehension is fundamental. Read the title. It says if you upgraded because you wanted pencil support. Meaning those who are upgrading because they want pencil support are going to have to shell out extra 100 putting starting price at 699$. Also what other main features would entice an air 2 owner to upgrade? Enlighten me. And don't tell me 2 extra speakers and a slight upgrade in processor speed. Not worth the 300$ difference.
 
Reading comprehension is fundamental. Read the title. It says if you upgraded because you wanted pencil support. Meaning those who are upgrading because they want pencil support are going to have to shell out extra 100 putting starting price at 699$. Also what other main features would entice an air 2 owner to upgrade? Enlighten me. And don't tell me 2 extra speakers and a slight upgrade in processor speed. Not worth the 300$ difference.

Maybe because they just want one?
 
Reading comprehension is fundamental. Read the title. It says if you upgraded because you wanted pencil support. Meaning those who are upgrading because they want pencil support are going to have to shell out extra 100 putting starting price at 699$. Also what other main features would entice an air 2 owner to upgrade? Enlighten me. And don't tell me 2 extra speakers and a slight upgrade in processor speed. Not worth the 300$ difference.


I'd hardly call almost double the processing power a "slight upgrade" that's a pretty significant jump in my book. And considering the Air 2 is a really capable system as is, doubling that is a serious jump up.

But most importantly and I say this as someone who went from an Air 2 to a 12.9" Pro, the single most important factor in that purchasing decision wasn't the price, it was because I wanted one. That's the only thing that matters. If you want something and you can afford it the price is, well, meh. Doesn't matter.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mr.C and baypharm
Reading comprehension is fundamental. Read the title. It says if you upgraded because you wanted pencil support. Meaning those who are upgrading because they want pencil support are going to have to shell out extra 100 putting starting price at 699$. Also what other main features would entice an air 2 owner to upgrade? Enlighten me. And don't tell me 2 extra speakers and a slight upgrade in processor speed. Not worth the 300$ difference.

I read the title and I stand by what I said. There is a lot more to the new pro then what you said. I suggest you look at a comparison on Apple's site. I shouldn't have to tell you what they are. Like I said there is no logic in your post. Not to mention some of us actually want the 256GB storage capacity which you can't get on the Air 2.
 
....then really the 9.7 pro is gonna cost you 699 because you are going to need the pencil. This makes the difference between the air 2 and 9.7 pro even more and IMO not worth the upgrade either way. I cancelled my pre-order for the 9.7 when I was able to pick up an open box 64gb air 2 at best buy for only 380$.
While I understand your point, looking at your signature then I think you should understand this more than anyone. Sometimes its just nice to buy something new... even if you don't "need" it. Thats how I ended up with an iPad Pro in the first place. (Apple didn't upgrade the Air 2, I stumbled on to an amazing Pro deal and so I bought something I didn't need.)

The pencil was actually a big selling point to me because I imagined all the amazing things I would do, all the YouTube drawing vids I'd learn from and all the workflow advantages I'd experience. But in the end then, like many others, I used it for a few days and then put it in a drawer.

What actually turned out to change my workflow was the keyboard which I got much later. I assumed it would be a novelty just like the Pencil but it turned out that having a keyboard indiscreetly attached to the iPad at all times was very convenient.

The point of my personal history lesson is that I would never have found out what works for me if I didn't simply take the plunge and buy something I didn't need.

(That said, I've been trying to dump the whole package in favor of the 9.7" Pro. Despite its shortcomings, I do feel a smaller tablet would make the pencil more practical for my "casual user" needs.)
 
  • Like
Reactions: eyeseeyou
....then really the 9.7 pro is gonna cost you 699 because you are going to need the pencil. This makes the difference between the air 2 and 9.7 pro even more and IMO not worth the upgrade either way. I cancelled my pre-order for the 9.7 when I was able to pick up an open box 64gb air 2 at best buy for only 380$.


If you're upgrading for Pencil support you currently only have 2 choices..... It's up to you if you can live with the price. I don't understand the whine fest every time Apple releases a new product. If it's not for you, fine but why try to talk other folks out of their choices?
 
While I understand your point, looking at your signature then I think you should understand this more than anyone. Sometimes its just nice to buy something new... even if you don't "need" it. Thats how I ended up with an iPad Pro in the first place. (Apple didn't upgrade the Air 2, I stumbled on to an amazing Pro deal and so I bought something I didn't need.)

The pencil was actually a big selling point to me because I imagined all the amazing things I would do, all the YouTube drawing vids I'd learn from and all the workflow advantages I'd experience. But in the end then, like many others, I used it for a few days and then put it in a drawer.

What actually turned out to change my workflow was the keyboard which I got much later. I assumed it would be a novelty just like the Pencil but it turned out that having a keyboard indiscreetly attached to the iPad at all times was very convenient.

The point of my personal history lesson is that I would never have found out what works for me if I didn't simply take the plunge and buy something I didn't need.

(That said, I've been trying to dump the whole package in favor of the 9.7" Pro. Despite its shortcomings, I do feel a smaller tablet would make the pencil more practical for my "casual user" needs.)


I had a similar experience with my Pro and it actually properly surprised me.

When I had my Air 2 (and all of the previous iPads) they were very much consuming devices. I didn't do anything productive. I tried a few times but I always found the keyboards just a little cramped and no matter which stylus I bought, regardless of how expensive it was, they just didn't quite perform in a way that I found particularly useful. Mostly because they just weren't accurate enough.

But since getting my Pro, the Pencil and Smart Keyboard. I've become infinitely more productive than I had ever been before. I'm using it for all sorts of things and even using a Remote Desktop so that I can sit in the lounge with my family and work, instead of being in the office.

People can say what they like and it's different for everyone. Each individual's experience will vary wildly from the next. But for me the iPad Pro and it's accessories have truly transformed a not insignificant portion of my life for the better. It's worth every single penny and then some to me.
 
What actually turned out to change my workflow was the keyboard which I got much later. I assumed it would be a novelty just like the Pencil but it turned out that having a keyboard indiscreetly attached to the iPad at all times was very convenient.

My exact experience with the ipad air + the updates made in IOS9.

Still going back and forth on whether or not I should sell my air 2 + wacom tablet for a ipad pro + pencil or maybe even just go with a Surface
 
My exact experience with the ipad air + the updates made in IOS9.

Still going back and forth on whether or not I should sell my air 2 + wacom tablet for a ipad pro + pencil or maybe even just go with a Surface

I also have a Surface Pro 3, excellent computer but it mostly collects dust as I like the fact that whatever I do on my iPhone 6, iPad Mini, MacBook Air or iMac updates on all of them. Can't wait to get my new iPad Pro with pencil and type cover, guess the mini will be going in the same drawer as the Surface, the Air might also go in the drawer, just have to wait and find out how much real work I can accomplish on the Pro...
 
My exact experience with the ipad air + the updates made in IOS9.

Still going back and forth on whether or not I should sell my air 2 + wacom tablet for a ipad pro + pencil or maybe even just go with a Surface


I've had a Surface before, and it really lacks as a tablet, not that it is a great as a computer either, but it is more of a computer replacement than a tablet. (IMO at least) I wanted/needed pencil support and basically had purchased a surface for that reason. The IPP blows the surface away when it comes to pencil support and it is a true tablet. I still have and use my MBP daily. I currently have a IPP 12.9, and an iPad air 2 and I use them both regularly for different things. Had the iPP been released as a 12.9 and 9.7 at the same time, I would probably have purchased the 9.7 as that size is better for several things I do daily. I am considering getting the IPP 9.7 and giving my wife my air 2 and trading in her air. I find the iPP that good, that once you start using it and the pencil regularly you will begin to wonder how you ever managed without the pencil or with a crapy stylus.
 
Reading comprehension is fundamental. Read the title. It says if you upgraded because you wanted pencil support. Meaning those who are upgrading because they want pencil support are going to have to shell out extra 100 putting starting price at 699$. Also what other main features would entice an air 2 owner to upgrade? Enlighten me. And don't tell me 2 extra speakers and a slight upgrade in processor speed. Not worth the 300$ difference.

And your point is?
If you want pencil support you have to get a "pro" and price is irrelevant.
If you are happy with an air it is because you don't want pencil support.
And that is all quite aside all the other numerous differences between the two.
All rather straight forward really.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Capt T
I also have a Surface Pro 3, excellent computer but it mostly collects dust as I like the fact that whatever I do on my iPhone 6, iPad Mini, MacBook Air or iMac updates on all of them. Can't wait to get my new iPad Pro with pencil and type cover, guess the mini will be going in the same drawer as the Surface, the Air might also go in the drawer, just have to wait and find out how much real work I can accomplish on the Pro...

As far as files I edit on one device appearing on my other devices I still do most of my creative work in applications that are not available in IOS(Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.) but I figured if I'm going to have a digital drawing tool I might consider the surface and work off some form of cloud storage(dropbox).

Researching the resell price of an air 2 128gb and wacom intuos medium and seeing how that compares to what's out there to replace both.
 
Researching the resell price of an air 2 128gb and wacom intuos medium and seeing how that compares to what's out there to replace both.

This is a HUGE factor for me on whether or not to do the upgrade. On iOS, I have found speed differences mostly negligible in real world usage. I always upgrade to the new device because of some feature that I find valuable that was not available on the previous device.....plus I like new ;)

In this case, the Apple Pencil would be a large value to me for note taking at my sales meetings. I use a regular pen and pad notebook. When I go into a new meeting, I tuck the previous notes from previous meetings into my portfolio, bag, desk, or home office, and cannot count the times nots I need I have to search all over the place. This would keep things a lot more organized.

The thing that kills me is that damn protruding camera, and the fact that they are not releasing an iPad case, only cover and silicon back case separately charging over $100 for both.

Decisions decisions.
 
  • Like
Reactions: eyeseeyou
The thing that kills me is that damn protruding camera, and the fact that they are not releasing an iPad case, only cover and silicon back case separately charging over $100 for both.
Then buy a third party case, which does the same for a quarter or fifth of the price.
 
  • Like
Reactions: CE3
Never been a big fan of wrapping my expensive gear in cheap protection. I'm an apple (sucker) purist.
 
Never been a big fan of wrapping my expensive gear in cheap protection. I'm an apple (sucker) purist.

I was like you and then I got over myself. I actually like the feel of my cheapo $13 air 2 case better than my old Apple one. Third parties have come a long way in knocking off the apple case look and feel.
 
  • Like
Reactions: eyeseeyou
Since the physical specs, besides the protruding camera, are the same as the iPad Air 2 all iPad Air 2 accessories should fit the iPad Pro 9.7 right?
 
Since the physical specs, besides the protruding camera, are the same as the iPad Air 2 all iPad Air 2 accessories should fit the iPad Pro 9.7 right?

Yes, but as someone pointed out to me yesterday, none of the cases are going to have openings for the smart connector and additional speakers.

I was like you and then I got over myself. I actually like the feel of my cheapo $13 air 2 case better than my old Apple one. Third parties have come a long way in knocking off the apple case look and feel.

I agree. While I do love the apple leather case I got for my 6S Plus, I always get these cheap black Fintie cases for my iPads. They're cheap but the protection they provide is not. My iPads have taken many tumbles off my bed, and those cases have saved them every time. They're good quality too. My Air 2 case looks exactly like it did when I bought it over a year ago. I picked up another one for the iPad Pro last night for 4.99. lol. I'm pretty much fine with my iPads looking like boring, generic, black leather notebooks forever.
 
Last edited:
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Yes, but as someone pointed out to me yesterday, none of the cases are going to have openings for the smart connector and additional speakers.

You're right! I didn't think of that.

I thought I would be able to use my qode pro bluetooth keyboard setup with the 9.7 pro but at least 2 speakers and possibly the smart connector would be useless
 
Never been a big fan of wrapping my expensive gear in cheap protection. I'm an apple (sucker) purist.
My monoprice $10 (?) iPad 3 PU leather case from 3.5 years ago says hi.
My no-name chinese-shipped $5 (?) iPhone 4s silicone cases from 3.5 years ago say hi.

If I remove both from their cases, they look as good as new. Perfect.

I'm usually the kind of person that never gets scratches on anything and everything works for me as intended, but I've dropped both the iPad and the iPhone several times to my dismay, but the cases have done their job fantastically.

Apple makes great products but extremely overpriced accessories. So I see no point in paying premium money for something that has nothing to do with the ecosystem, which is the only reason I pay for overpriced apple hardware (except for my beast hackintosh).

But I understand your point on going for the "I'm 100% sure it'll work" perspective.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DougFNJ and CE3
Maybe because they just want one?

I have an air 2 and thought, what the hell!

I spend time in my car watching movies and tv during my lunch at work. I may decide to work in my car and have the iPad on the dash to watch, but instantly, I gane 64gb of space, my current was 64 (bought the 128).

40% less reflective will help a lot.

4 speakers, again, I'm sitting in my car and watching movies. the Bluetooth gets slightly off synced with movies, so it's annoying. I can hear the iPad 2 most times but why stop at "most"

Color matching the environment will be neat to try.

Also, it looks atleast 35% faster
 
  • Like
Reactions: eyeseeyou
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.