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Some intriguing possibilities:

- iPad pro has responsive stylus support (at least with pressure sensitivity) and a tiny gap between the pixels and he surface of the screen.

I think that alone would be huge for graphic artists and designers. Actually I think it would be pretty big for various kinds of creative professionals. It would turn an iPad into a more expressive and precise tool.

- iPad pro gains the ability to run full OS X apps. This is a lot further afield. They'd essentially have to make UIKit (the iOS touch-optimized UI API) available on OS X. I'd wish they'd also be able to come up with some kind of UI bridge that would let existing OS X apps work half-decently with a touch interface with only minor changes (seems unlikely -- the key is it needs to be decent or there's no point and I don't know if there could really be a general way to do that.)



Could be with significant RAM upgrades.
 
I have no idea if the iPad Pro is a good is idea, that's why I like it. I used to be negative towards product without a clear need or functionalitity in mind, but these days I don't think you can come up with one so why bother. I mean, did Apple had selfiesticks, Uber, Snapchat or even Twitter in mind when they designed the iPhone?

A 13" iPad with dual connectors seems like the final gap between notebooks and tablets. If it comes with a keyboard and touchpad, I think it can be a pc replacement for a lot people. Remember, most people actually don't do a lot with their computers their phones can't, biggest constraint is probably screen size and lack of physical input tools, not software. iPad Pro might fix a lot of constraints.

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The best thing Apple could have done for "business" is having that new thin Macbook Air have a detachable touch screen that goes into "iPad Pro" mode when off the keyboard, but supports real applications when docked to a keyboard. But then Apple would have to eat crow and admit a hated competitor (Microsoft) had the right idea years ago.

All the iPad "pro" will be is an even larger screen some mom holds up to block your view while they record their child's events. Using a tablet as a camera is the dumbest consumer trend yet and Apple wholeheartedly is ensuring this trend will continue for at least another generation of iPad.
What's your problem?

People seem to have the need to take pictures with their iPads now and then, which makes sense because the iPad has a pretty decent camera. What's the big deal? Why should Apple stop this?

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Well, you are quite welcome :p

I didn't feel the need to write a lot about it, as I almost can't believe Apple will launch such a product.

- Apple's initial setup was the 10" (or 9.7") iPad only. Several companies came out with other sizes, both larger and smaller. Apple did jump on the smaller size because it proved a success with competitors. Larger sizes were not a succes, mainly because of weight, coming close to eg a MB Air 11" (at the time). Of course, it's quite possible Apple will try to launch a new segment, but it would have to be a lot more than an iPad + 2".
- There is hardly any hand held use for a prolonged time : too big and too heavy
- Its weight will be almost the same as that of the new Macbook without the universal use of a real computer. iOS is (imo) still primarily an OS for content consumption, not creation.
- Who is it for ? I don't see any target audience, except maybe a niche like a drawing artist ?
- OS-wise : to do more than a 9.7", you'd have to change the OS. OSX is in its current state completely inadequate for a touch device. Until now there's no proof of a hybrid OS in development that's the best of both worlds.
- Even if you change the OS : what's the target audience ? What content will you create on it unless you take a keyboard with you ? Typing on a flat surface is still a long shot from using a real keyboard. Or is it just about more content consumption ? So the audience can have a better look :rolleyes:

It seems like the evidence of the product is building, but as mentioned, I fail to see the market strategy. Even the iWatch makes more sense ;)
What's "a real computer" and what's not?

iOS may not optimal for content creation, but who actually creates content? For a lot of people iOS will be perfectly capable to handle their needs. You've seen these memes on the internet, mocking people with a MacBook calling it a $1500 Facebook machine. I think that's actually pretty true: lots of people use their pc's primarily as Facebook machines.

You seem to think its for a niche, I think the opposite, it's for the masses. A premium device, super light and thin, with ~10 hours of battery life, a retina screen for <$1k. It'll sell.
 
Wow, maybe I'm too new here, but what's up with the tension? I thought places like this are for people to come together, chat, learn from one another and not degrade someone for their opinion or lack of knowledge.

I mean this for a few comments here. Why the tension?

Pretty much this: you dared to insult this product, one others really want. This is MacRumors, negative opinions will be short down with fire.
 
I think it's weird that this iPad will be bigger than the smallest MacBook.
 
This rumor almost makes me want to hold back on buying the rMB. When I think about my daily usage, most of it could be done on an iPad. The problem is some of it just can't yet, and I'd need a keyboard as well.

Hopefully some of the rumored changes will also happen with the 9.7". Speakers on the top and bottom, USB-C, and stylus support.
 
I hope this means the iPad Pro will support some form of external storage. That would be a game-changer.
 
just hope it runs full OSX...give me a MS surface with built in cellular and OSX and i'm a happy camper
 
"Pro" Headset?

While there are one or two companies (can't remember which one(s) ) making headphones with a lightning connector, Apple may be preparing to launch a high end set of Beats cans for audiophiles to use with their iPad Pro. The additional lightning connector would support that possible theory. Would certainly support a much richer entertainment experience?
 
While there are one or two companies (can't remember which one(s) ) making headphones with a lightning connector, Apple may be preparing to launch a high end set of Beats cans for audiophiles to use with their iPad Pro. The additional lightning connector would support that possible theory. Would certainly support a much richer entertainment experience?

This is probably true, though I have no idea why they are not just doing a direct link Airplay one. Bluetooth may not have the bandwidth that some high end people might require but WiFi certainly does.

But there are tradeoffs either way I suppose.
 
When Apple introduced USB on its original iMacs, it went away with all other ports. No confusion, no worries. The firewire port was differently shaped so users weren't confused about it.

Thunderbolt made connectivity easier with displayport built in, and this mantra has now been carried over to USB-C.

I find the whole Lightning cable confusing at best. It's not faster than USB 2.0 although its name suggests otherwise, and it looks similar to USB-C. If both USB-C and lightning ports were used, that would confuse many people. No longer can you blindly connect cables to your device.

If they went for dual USB-C, great - we'll have a single cable solution to drive external displays, charge the device, and more. If they went with Dual lightning ports, well, I guess you're stuck with USB 2.0 speeds BUT at least it will be compatible with docks.

However, I doubt there are many docks that will accommodate this so called iPad Pro. If manufacturers have a chance to build docks for iPad Pro, they might as well start from scratch with USB-C, with hopes that Apple will eventually retire Lightning ports and cables for USB-C.
 
you heard it here first the iPad Pro will run Yosemite ... yes, that's my prediction prepare to be shocked.
 
you heard it here first the iPad Pro will run Yosemite ... yes, that's my prediction prepare to be shocked.

Prepare for much disappointment; Apple have spoken out publicly about how terrible a decision it would be to confuse mobile, touch OS' and Desktop OS'.

I prepare to eat the hat I've never owned, I'll have one made from rice paper, just for you.
 
I really dislike that one macbook supports USB C, others support Thunderbolt and the Ipad has lightning.

Stop the madness. ONE STANDARD and ONE CABLE FOR ALL.

Obligatory XKCD:

standards.png
 
I had been recently looking at the SP3 as well, but holding back to see when/if Apple produces an iPad Pro. To hold me over (and to more thoroughly test a hybrid device for my use cases and workflow) I picked up an Acer Aspire Switch 11... $449.

It has confirmed to me that the things that I want in an iPad Pro will be of great importance to me... larger screen, active digitizer, USB peripheral support, proper keyboard/touchpad.

Come on Apple... bring it!

Yeah, I'll now have to wait and see what Apple comes out with. My hand-me-down iPad 3 is really starting to lag quite a bit since iOS 8. I'm ready for something new!
 
It looks better and better. I can use it as the monitor for my Mac Mini, then when I leave home I can grab the iPad Pro and access my documents in iCloud. And I'll say it again--musicians are going to be all over this. The bigger size is just what we need for putting our music on a music stand; and now the extra connector lets us add more peripherals.
 
I'll believe it can connect to outside devices via some sort of port when it happens...
Meanwhile, I've been thinking about the size and weight of a device like this. The iPad Air 2 is so light and easy to hold. How much more would a device of this size weigh?
Don't get me wrong: the idea of 'pro' features (multi screen, a file system, ability to port storage, to name but a few) intrigues me.
But will Apple really put these kinds of features into an iPad, even a "pro" one? I'm skeptical.
 
I really dislike that one macbook supports USB C, others support Thunderbolt and the Ipad has lightning.

I really wish Apple would pick one and get all products over. I had thought when it came out with Thunderbolt that it would standardize on that, but then it came out with lightning. And now I potentially have to carry multiple cables.

Stop the madness. ONE STANDARD and ONE CABLE FOR ALL.

Okay sorry I screamed but this is just sill of Apple.

That's what they're trying to do with USB-C. Making all their connectors this one, single connector that does everything. The future. lol :D
 
Well, you are quite welcome :p

I didn't feel the need to write a lot about it, as I almost can't believe Apple will launch such a product.

- Apple's initial setup was the 10" (or 9.7") iPad only. Several companies came out with other sizes, both larger and smaller. Apple did jump on the smaller size because it proved a success with competitors. Larger sizes were not a succes, mainly because of weight, coming close to eg a MB Air 11" (at the time). Of course, it's quite possible Apple will try to launch a new segment, but it would have to be a lot more than an iPad + 2".
- There is hardly any hand held use for a prolonged time : too big and too heavy
- Its weight will be almost the same as that of the new Macbook without the universal use of a real computer. iOS is (imo) still primarily an OS for content consumption, not creation.
- Who is it for ? I don't see any target audience, except maybe a niche like a drawing artist ?
- OS-wise : to do more than a 9.7", you'd have to change the OS. OSX is in its current state completely inadequate for a touch device. Until now there's no proof of a hybrid OS in development that's the best of both worlds.
- Even if you change the OS : what's the target audience ? What content will you create on it unless you take a keyboard with you ? Typing on a flat surface is still a long shot from using a real keyboard. Or is it just about more content consumption ? So the audience can have a better look :rolleyes:

It seems like the evidence of the product is building, but as mentioned, I fail to see the market strategy. Even the iWatch makes more sense ;)

Your entire argument hinges on the fact that you don't see a need for it, thus don't see a target audience.

I would argue that this rumoured device may be useful to artists, in hospitals, in warehouses for supply chain & inventory purposes, and if split-screen is enabled, then also to a large number of business executives. i suspect that, like most devices, game designers will also find a way to take advantage of its features. Of course, if they change the features, all of this changes too.

If they are in fact building it, they will have done enough analysis to be comfortable in their anticipated profits. This suggests that there would be a fairly substantial market, beyond what you or I have considered.
 
I couldn't, for the life of me, figure out the reflection on the Apple logo. It looks like a series LEDs, a lighting strip of some sort?
 
With Apple moving towards USB-C on the new Mac, wouldn't it sound better to upgrade all other devices/tablets too ?

Why bother integrating one with USB-C, but keeping Thunderbolt around on other devices because there are legacy products out there, or may have that may need to be connected ?

Just do it "the Apple way", cause havoc for users needing to replace cables, dongles and all sorts of interesting stuff.

That's what their best at anyway. :apple:

I could see USB 3.0 on an iPad, only if Apple makes it useful by attaching/transferring files on and off storage, otherwise if its limited to to what Apple says it is, then USB-C will be the better way...
 
- Who is it for ? I don't see any target audience, except maybe a niche like a drawing artist ?
Maybe Apple has also seen the growth that is currently happening with the Surface Pro 3 by Microsoft (some Data here)
Selling at well above 1 million devices per quarter (which is an impressive 5% of the number of ipads sold...well impressive in a sense that it is a rather expensive product and that it is growing strongly) it may be an indicator that this sort of Product indeed does have a market.

Personaly I am waiting how Windows 10 will turn out to decide whether I will invest in a new Macbook (Pro) for work or a fully speced Surface Pro 4 when it's released...currently it seems that the direction that MS is steering in may be a better choice for my specific usage scenario (I am currently living in both worlds [Apple and MS] and apart from a few problems with keeping everything in sync that is a winning combo for me)

On the other hand, there is one thing that obviously helps MS in the Businessworld...and that is planable investments and early information (compared to apple) Just an example:
"We are pleased to share that the following Surface Pro 3 accessories are designed with our product roadmap in mind and will be compatible with the next generation of the "Pro" line of Surface:

  • Today's Surface Pro 3 Type Covers
  • Our "infrastructure" accessories such as our power adapter, Ethernet adapter, and more
  • The Surface Pro 3 Docking Station
"This commitment helps validate an investment in Surface Pro 3 and solidifies Microsoft's overall commitment to the continued growth of the Surface brand."
Source: Techradar


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The only thing new is the USB C, maybe it could become a standard for their devices.
Don't count on it, Apple would loose a LOT of money by giving up the proprietary plug on ios devices (Licensing deals like made for XY programs and direct sales of Cables and Adapters with insane margins) and Apple has not earned one of the worlds biggest checkbooks by making things cheaper for the customer.
 
So let me get this straight. If I buy a macbook I will be desperately plugging dongles into dongles just to use it as I do my current computer, but if I buy the ipad pro I will have a port I will never need
 
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