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iPad Pro First Impressions: Surprisingly Light, But Screen Size May Be Unnecessary for Most

The main argument why ipad pro is better than Surface or other Windows based tablets,
is simply the fact the mobile computing is best done using mobile OS.

Mobile OS is lightweight OS giving maximal possible efficiency with minimal energy use. It must be fast and focused as laser on the task. It is not intended to replace desktops. Windows, a desktop first OS, never managed to become truly mobile (as an owner of two expensive Sony Vaio notebooks, I can attest to that). Even OS X is not as efficient mobile OS as iOS. When I turn on my Macbook just for email checking, it does a lot of unnecessary things (but usual for OS X) and loses energy for that. While OS X is a better mobile OS, it can't be as advanced mobile OS as iOS.

iOS is a such very focused OS, lightweight, fast and efficient. It is not suitable for server, desktop operations and not designed that way. Instead, you have all your necessary tools to accomplish a task while on mobile. Writing, email, design sketch, light draw, rough image editing, music or idea composing, commumicating, annotating, reading. That is its major focuses and iOS is perfect for that.

Thats a major advantage of iOS over Windows.

Now, with iPad Pro, while remaining mobile, you receive 3 additional advantages. First, a large notebook-size screen. Thats' a plus for work. Second, the builtin new keyboard covers. While it may seem as older BT keyboard covers, it is not. It doesn't require own energy, its simple, fast and effective. Third, the Pencil. Again, its not the old rubber thing we used for iPads. Its a new device and works in tandem with Pro's screen sensors.

This gives the device new life at least in three dimensions.
First, mobile work - possibly, with IBM services deployment and specialized IBM software. It fully replaces then all office clients, mostly Windows PC. It will not replace desktops, but its good for 99% of office tasks. Keyboard is designed for that.

Second, graphic artists. iPad never was a preferred device for graphic artists because of lack of good stylus. It was not good enough to compare to Wacom. Now, it may exceed Wacoms in its capabilities. Graphic and photo artists will love its capacity to alter and demo images. Pencil is designed for them.

Lastly, music artists. They have enthused about iPad for long time, but speakers always lacked. Now, it has more processing power for apps like Garageband, DJ, VJ, and it has size enough to display piano keys for compfortable play. Stereo speakers with autoadjustment were designed for them.

So, inherently it is more focused and efficient devices for mobile computing than Windows. Thats why Pro with keyboard and pencil wipes out Surface with keyboard and stylus.

Some people miss file system on iOS. In fact, it is there. iCloud, Dropbox are perfect file systems operators. You want a file, put it in cloud, access and store locally. Done.
 
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I've been busy handwriting notes with my Surface Pro 3 at home. This helps me memorize definitions and facts I need to recall later. When it works well, the Surface Pro 3 does a good job at this task, and yet I don't trust it enough to handwrite my notes while listening to a lecture. The pace at which I'd have to write in lecture is too quick to rely on the Surface Pro 3. For example, a couple of hours ago I was writing notes in One Note and I had One Note on full screen. All of a sudden the stylus wasn't responding and when I tried to do anything I realized the whole system froze.

Mind you when I upgraded from Windows 8 to Windows 10 I did a fresh install, and I've made sure my system is fully updated. The fact is, when push comes to shove and I'm writing notes in the classroom I'm using a pad and paper because I want to help my memory, and I don't trust the Surface Pro 3 enough to do it. I realize now that, before the iPad Pro is even released, I'd fully trust using it in the classroom, and I seriously doubt my trust is misplaced.

I haven't been pleased with Apple's software releases i.e. IOS 8 and Yosemite but they were always far more reliable than is Windows 10 today. What's more, Apple is improving them with new releases that should improve overall performance of both OSes. The problem with Windows 10 is that it was *supposed* to be Microsoft's improvement. It's an improvement over Windows 8 for sure, but it's not up to the level of today's Apple software. Honestly, when folks say that Apple is playing catchup to Windows 10, I'm at a loss to understand the rationale. I suspect there are a bunch of folks who just haven't used it.

In terms of the computing space, it might appear that Apple is close to maxing out their profits and perhaps be in a state of decline in a couple of years. I don't think that's necessary. Apple has an in-house designed chip in the A9X that has extremely high performance while using very little energy, and costs very little for Apple to manufacture. This is advantage will only improve with future generations, albeit perhaps at a slower pace. If I were Tim Cook I would consider the iPad Pro to be a beta product and put a ton of resources into developing a new version that included an integrated keyboard/trackpad that could fold and be used as a tablet as well. Make sure the stylus is included and can be stored somewhere in the iPad, and while keeping the weight as close as possible to this iPad Pro release.

The fact is Apple dominates the phone and tablet face, but they sure don't dominate the PC market. And Apple could make this an affordable product while keeping pretty high margins since they develop pretty much everything in-house. I think Apple needs to target PC market share, particularly notebooks, but utilizing the resources they have to make a product no other company currently can. Apple, make a real hybrid, damn it! Stop trying to sell everybody three devices. Hell, people will still buy your phone anyway....
 
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z31fanatic said:
No it isn't. iCloud and Dropbox are not file system replacements.
That's not a good argument.
Click to expand...

They are close enough to what most people would need IMHO. In fact, concealing file structure greatly simplifies operations. You get very structured storage systems which are easy to access for all programs on the device and alterations of the file are also accessible for all programs. Final user doesn't have to worry about different versions and files, he always has the updated file. If he wants his own file storage structure, iCloud lets you create and store any files and folders and access them everywhere, so does Dropbox and probably OneDrive. Thats, I would argue, the user's file system.
 
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With all my back and forth with previous iPads and my need for a bigger screen, the iPad Pro might be just what I've always wanted in an iPad.

The handwriting element of the pencil and the iPad Pro are huge draws (no pun intended) especially if I do head back to university next Spring. Being able to mark up pdf lectures, take notes and work on math problems without switching to pen / paper, or stopping to look at my desktop computer is a big deal for me.

Plus better speakers, screen and the smart keyboard (not unlike the keyboard on the rMB) make this even more appealing.

I understand and respect the iPad Pro is not for everyone, but it is looking like the portable device that will serve me well as a productivity tool and not simply as a super-charged consumption device.

I am eager to use it.
 
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I currently take to my work MBA and mini 2. Indeed, mini is my only iPad (family members use older models).
However, depending on how things go, I am tempted to choose just one Pro for all my needs, which is VGA/HDMI output from the Pro (and I know iPads work well as presenter devices).
 
Screen size is one thing Apple got right with the iPad Pro along with four speaker configuration. 9.7" is useless for productivity. Even 12" is a tad small.
 
StoneJack said:
The main argument why ipad pro is better than Surface or other Windows based tablets,
is simply the fact the mobile computing is best done using mobile OS.
Click to expand...

There's no technically meaningful definition of "mobile OS".

StoneJack said:
Mobile OS is lightweight OS giving maximal possible efficiency with minimal energy use. It must be fast and focused as laser on the task. It is not intended to replace desktops. Windows, a desktop first OS, never managed to become truly mobile (as an owner of two expensive Sony Vaio notebooks, I can attest to that). Even OS X is not as efficient mobile OS as iOS. When I turn on my Macbook just for email checking, it does a lot of unnecessary things (but usual for OS X) and loses energy for that. While OS X is a better mobile OS, it can't be as advanced mobile OS as iOS.
Click to expand...

Eventually, people will demand the same background tasks of their iPad Pros as they do on OS X, and iOS will do similar "unnecessary things" as OS X does now, simply because there is no magic to iOS being more efficient any more than there is an objective means of calling OS X's background tasks "unnecessary".

StoneJack said:
iOS is a such very focused OS, lightweight, fast and efficient. It is not suitable for server, desktop operations and not designed that way.
Click to expand...

That assertion would work well for iOS on the iPhone, but the iPad Pro is neither focused, nor lightweight.

The only case you're making here is that, right now, the iPad Pro is more focused than the Surface, because Microsoft made the mistake of trying to make a one-size-fits-all operating system.
 
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chucker23n1 said:
There's no technically meaningful definition of "mobile OS".

Eventually, people will demand the same background tasks of their iPad Pros as they do on OS X, and iOS will do similar "unnecessary things" as OS X does now, simply because there is no magic to iOS being more efficient any more than there is an objective means of calling OS X's background tasks "unnecessary".

That assertion would work well for iOS on the iPhone, but the iPad Pro is neither focused, nor lightweight.

The only case you're making here is that, right now, the iPad Pro is more focused than the Surface, because Microsoft made the mistake of trying to make a one-size-fits-all operating system.
Click to expand...

Well, "mobile OS" can be rephrased as OS for mobile devices. Hope it clariifes. Windows and iPod software do belong to different classes of OS and are aimed at different computing devices.

Background tasks are quite a different story. Because the PC is more complex device than iPad, its OS has to do a lot of things which are not necessary for much tighter hardware structure of iPad. Therefore, iPad is much more energy efficient and doesn't have to perform many background tasks. Thats one of reasons for limited multitasking as well.

The question is do we need iPad to perform same amount of background tasks as a big, clunky PC. Answer is not. Within its very constrained hardware, iPad is much more focused on its tasks than a general generic PC. That makes iPads more focused in mobile computing (albeit at limited tasks) in general; keyboard cover (not requiring autonomous energy supply) and pencil not requiring batteries are extremely good example of that focus on mobility and that makes Pro even more focused. However, iPads already perform similar functions in the background and even more than average PCs but do it efficiently within its own limitations. So, the thing is that iPads doesn't perform similar functions to PC, they do it in different way (its in iOS preferences, btw), which is more efficient, I believe, because iPad can manage them much better.

Compared to an average 13 inch notebook, I would argue that Pro is lightweight for its display size.

The last words probably could be interpreted that way. MS's approach to windows everywhere is a catastophe because all devices are different. Its just like having one grade of fuel for all kinds of cars and bikes. But we all know the differences between diesel, jet fuel and premium gasoline.

Apple, on the other way, creates categories of OSes, each very focused on its tasks: iOS, WatchOS, TvOS, CarPlay. I expect iPad software also to differ significantly and become an OS on its own, because of the differences in computing methods between iPad and iPod, but all having same foundations which greatly simplifies programming for devices.

So its a different approach, which makes Apple software more focused and efficient. I think Apple' approach is better and will deliver better results in long run.
 
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Dmunjal said:
Can you have YouTube play in the background while your Facebook news feed is visible and you're replying to an email on an iPad? Didn't think so.
Click to expand...
Huh? Of course you can. Split screen email and Facebook and have YT in a PIP. Or if you just want the audio you can open it in Safari or YT app and background the app while the audio is still running.
 
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ErikGrim said:
Huh? Of course you can. Split screen email and Facebook and have YT in a PIP. Or if you just want the audio you can open it in Safari or YT app and background the app while the audio is still running.
Click to expand...
YouTube doesn't support PiP either in the app or in Safari. Yet. PiP only works with the native video player. No SlingBox or any other video app.

It is much better than iOS 8 but it's still not ubiquitous.

I suppose Apple had a choice. Put a touch interface on OSX or (painstakingly) add modern OS features to iOS. They've take the latter route. It's like reinventing the wheel. OSX does everything right now. IOS doesn't.
 
Xiroteus said:
How? Flipping, spinning a pencil etc takes fractions of a second.
Click to expand...
maybe a second iteration of Pencil or its firmware will have programmable buttons and functions including flipping; but all computer graphic artists working on mouse of course just choose eraser function. You can select different types of erasure, radius, strength and so on with software.
 
ErikGrim said:
Seeing as YouTube in Safari use the native video player (like all video has to), then yes it works with PIP.
Click to expand...
I must be doing something wrong. Just tried it and it doesn't work. IOS 9.1 on iPad Air 2.

I can get it to work with regular Videos.
 
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StoneJack said:
maybe a second iteration of Pencil or its firmware will have programmable buttons and functions including flipping; but all computer graphic artists working on mouse of course just choose eraser function. You can select different types of erasure, radius, strength and so on with software.
Click to expand...

I have only really used wacom with sketchbook etc... the eraser on the end of the pen was so much easier then having to clock buttons.
 
StoneJack said:
They are close enough to what most people would need IMHO. In fact, concealing file structure greatly simplifies operations. You get very structured storage systems which are easy to access for all programs on the device and alterations of the file are also accessible for all programs. Final user doesn't have to worry about different versions and files, he always has the updated file. If he wants his own file storage structure, iCloud lets you create and store any files and folders and access them everywhere, so does Dropbox and probably OneDrive. Thats, I would argue, the user's file system.
Click to expand...

Thing is you are adding workflows here. Vice a more streamlined say me seeing what I need on the device connected to my MBP, organizational stuff done locally, then to the cloud as needed. This to some just a -1 really.

You are also relying on the apps file structure. I have a note application that rates you can rip it out from my cold dead hands rating. But.....I am not fully in love with its file structure. I get basically 2 levels of nested structures I can call vaguely folder like. I need more nesting for my file wants tbh. It however is one of the few that goes not all people are right handed, and does a good job in taking care of us left handers. So I take the good and the bad here.

This a consistent thing with iOS apps. at some point in the fight over what the dev(s) think you need and what you think, they win. this in my case adds overhead as I workaround this on a more full featured computer. Ideally....I'd want drag and drop like I do with my MBP files to my NAS/cloud.

I have this to cloud back to my MBP to better organize to my wants then NAS or back cloud workflow with my iPad mini. For cost and what my iPad mini is....I can accept this. Pro moniker, an obvious entry into the tablet realm, and cost....I am just not as agreeable in this regard.


A fair caveat imo is apple making a "pro" version of iOS for this device. Not the vanilla iOS non pro would get, not mac OS light.

They could even bury the file structure for most users. Apple has done wonders here with Mac OS. The vast numbers of people who will never touch terminal nor need to attest to this. However it is there to be reached by those of us who do.
I live and die by /etc and such (as main cli apps I truly need use the *nix file structure in place)....others don't as not their needs. Apple hooked up all of us here in Mac OS.


Lets be honest, some users don't need to know the alt shortcut to see their library folder in go menu either. The plists and other vague files in there....a secret hidden world potentially.

In short....Apple when they put their mind to it can add a feature that if no desire to go there can make it disappear to normal use really. Same could be done here.


Others give this. Which is lost sales for apple potentially. I am not even a surface pro fanboy. It has issues. It will be the device I will sign up however when I use a company's IT training. They already offer classes preloaded in iPad, MBA, or surface(pro). I am sure by new year or soon after iPad pro will be on the list. Because of my company's tuition assistance money not even an issue here. I could get either the surface or iPad pro....for free. Or maybe 100-200 if it goes overs the allotted limited like SP does.


Surface pro wins here though. While I know SP is far from perfect, it meets needs I have. I will take an OS /tablet with issues because in this case, its the lesser of 2 evils. Flaky but flexible over "perfect" (not even going to argue that bait line) but can't do stuff I'd like it to do.

Saddening really as like I said....this could be a hidden feature buried so only those who want it could open up that icon or do the say go-->alt-->library in some way iOS style and play with that hidden area to thier hearts content if so inclined to.
 
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Xiroteus said:
How? Flipping, spinning a pencil etc takes fractions of a second.
Click to expand...
it's an unnecessary manoeuvre that breaks your flow, it certainly slowed me down, hence never using it. :) constantly spinning your pointing device isn't as fast as.. Not doing that. When there's on screen buttons and in the case of desktops hot keys to instantly make the brush an eraser and back again..
 
snowboarder said:
Run real Photoshop and I might be interested.
iOS - don't call it "pro"...
Click to expand...

You can absolutely run the Full Photoshop on the iPad via the Astropad app and your MacIntosh. In fact since the iPad Pro has pixel level accuracy it'll exceed the experience on the top level Cintiq models with better response and lower latency. Don't believe me…read what someone that frequently used Cintiq's and tested Apple Pencil at Apple before they left has to say.

http://www.cultofmac.com/388474/apple-pencil-versus-wacom-cintiq/

Astropad app:

http://astropad.com

If you're a purist, it looks like Adobe is suggesting they are tying their iPad apps to their full blown products in some way from the emails I've been getting from them.

P.S. I already use my iPad Air 2 as a color accurate dual display with my Mackbook Pro using the Duet app and it works flawlessly.

http://www.duetdisplay.com

NOTE: Both Astropad app and Duet app are made by former Apple employees. God I love the app developers. The iPad is a powerhouse because of them.
 
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mixel said:
it's an unnecessary manoeuvre that breaks your flow, it certainly slowed me down, hence never using it. :) constantly spinning your pointing device isn't as fast as.. Not doing that. When there's on screen buttons and in the case of desktops hot keys to instantly make the brush an eraser and back again..
Click to expand...

We must use it very differently. I found having to click something else was several times slower while a pen spin back and forth happens within a blink of an eye.
 
Xiroteus said:
We must use it very differently. I found having to click something else was several times slower while a pen spin back and forth happens within a blink of an eye.
Click to expand...
keyboard shortcut.
Like pressing on shift when drawing a cube will make a cube even if the line is not straight. I am not saying this is good for iPad, but for computer, yes, shortcuts really save time.
 
Detrius said:
I'm just disappointed they didn't update the iPad Air. I have a two-year-old model and was ready to upgrade.
Click to expand...

Like yourself I have the iPad Air and was expecting to update it this year to the iPad Air 3. When I heard the rumours mention the iPad Air 2 wouldn't be getting an update I was disappointed. But when I first heard the rumours of a larger iPad and then the rumours been confirmed with the announcement of the iPad Pro I am no longer disappointed.

The reason I say this is, since having the 6 Plus and personally having a better experience with the larger screen and because of this using and enjoying the 6 Plus more than what I was prior to the 6 Plus and still feeling the same 12 months later. I am expecting the same experience with the iPad Pro with its larger screen.

For me, the larger screen will be excellent for watching video on, larger view of webpages in Safari (in both portrait and landscape views). The multi tasking will be great on this too as it will allow pretty much two iPad Mini sized apps on the screen side by side. And lastly the improvement in sound quality due to the new speaker arrangement.

Admittedly, my uses won't tax the iPad Pro, but, personally, it's the larger screen been the most important feature for me with the iPad Pro.
 
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