iPad Pro vs Ipad

[Porterhouse]

I'm going to upgrade from my iPad 5th generation, but I just haven't decided with what model. I want to use the Pencil, and if the Smart keyboard is as good as I think it is, I'd like to get one of those as well. But obviously, there's a significant price gap between the two. I'm also an avid reader, and about 90% or more of my library is on my iPad. It's with me most of the time, especially at home. I also teach both in person and online, so I'm sure I can find a use for it professionally as well, though my MacBook Pro is there for the heavy lifting.

All that said, I thought I'd ask other Apple fans and connoisseurs what the main difference is between regular iPad and iPad Pro. Before, I thought the iPad Pro was designed for artists so the pencil could be used. But with 6th generation, regular iPad got Pencil capabilities, and I'm curious as to the reason for the distinction.

So what's the difference aside from speed, screen size and the updates that were mentioned at the launch? Are there any? I appreciate any advice you can give me!

 

[ChristianGGG]

You can compare the specs on the Apple website. . . they are huge. This doesn‘t mean you need them.

 

[LibbyLA]

You mention teaching but you didn’t mention what you teach. I teach a statistical programming course with software that runs only on Windows, but I use my iPads for keeping tabs on Moodle.

I have the iPP 9.7 and the iPP 10.5. I’ll probably pick up an iPP 11 Wednesday (to go with my Surface Go, I like tech toys).

There are some people who don’t like the ASK, but I love it in both sizes that I have. The iPP with ASK is a great little package for checking email, monitoring discussion forums, etc. I like that the ASK connects to the iPad instead of being a separate piece and that it doesn’t have to be charged. The battery life is excellent and the footprint is smaller than the Go (which has a kickstand and a larger keyboard because of the track pad) so I find myself using the iPad for most things other than my actual class materials.

Even though the 10.5” iPP isn’t THAT much larger than the iPP 9.7, it sort of is. It’s hard to describe. I expect the iPP 11 to be similar in that respect.

There is a HUGE difference in price. If you’re not sure, you may be very happy with the regular 9.7 and maybe an external keyboard. If you have an Apple store near you, visit and play with both of your possible choices. There may be something about one of the two that is a clear, “Yes, this is the one,” or something that is a clear, “No, this is not the one.”

The regular one is certainly a lot more budget-friendly than a Pro. OTOH, the Pro may have features (like the ASK) that may mean you will use it a lot more. Only you can decide that. One that you will use a lot is a better buy than one you won’t. The larger screen size is very nice when you are typing or web surfing, the smaller size is a little easier to hold.

I have the pencil, don’t use it all that much but one of these days, maybe I’ll try some artistic stuff with it. I think the pencil with the new iPPs will be a lot more useful for me, simply because it will be stuck to the iPP and available (and charged). I won’t have to dig it out of the storage pocket on the sleeve and make sure it’s charged.

 

[Porterhouse]

As I said, my iPad use is heavy; for that reason alone, I may invest in the Pro. (I'm guessing this is similar to the XS vs XR debate. For phones, I went with the XR, but I use my ipad more than my phone.)

I primarily teach speech communication at the moment. Nothing too technical. But am I to understand that the smart keyboard only works with the Pro? I've used a variety of bluetooth keyboard and keyboard folios over the years, most of which are in a closet gathering dust. However, I played with the ASK at the Apple Store and found it to be much better.

 

[LibbyLA]

As I said, my iPad use is heavy; for that reason alone, I may invest in the Pro. (I'm guessing this is similar to the XS vs XR debate. For phones, I went with the XR, but I use my ipad more than my phone.)

I primarily teach speech communication at the moment. Nothing too technical. But am I to understand that the smart keyboard only works with the Pro? I've used a variety of bluetooth keyboard and keyboard folios over the years, most of which are in a closet gathering dust. However, I played with the ASK at the Apple Store and found it to be much better.

Yes, the ASK works only with the particular iPad it is designed for, so there is one specifically for each size iPad Pro, and there are different ones for the older 12.9 and the new one. They connect through special connectors on the iPad so they don’t work with any model other than the one they are designed for.

I have used Bluetooth keyboards but I don’t like having to charge them. They’re better than no keyboard at all (for me). Some people prefer them but I’m not one of them.

The ASK is just plain convenient, even when I have to unsnap the iPad and reconnect occasionally. The keyboard is attached to the iPad, not just in a folio, there’s no on/off, no pairing, no charging. I like the feel of the keys, I can type very quickly. I like that there are no cracks and crannies for stuff to get into. The key travel is fine for me. I barely have to move my hands. I can work for hours on an ASK.

Both my iPPs have a silicone back cover and the ASK. Compact package, just unfold the ASK and I’m ready to go. The new folio will be a somewhat different experience but I expect it to be just as convenient.

There is obviously a significant bump in price to move to the iPP. I know from personal experience that the 11” is within my “sweet spot” sizewise. The 12.9” is just too big. You’ll have more screen real estate with an iPP than with the iPad that’s 9.7”, which makes using it for web surfing or work more pleasant, although if you hold it (rather than putting it on a table or your lap), the smaller one may be better. Most of the time I’m not holding mine. That may change with the folio case because it will be easy to take the iPP out of the folio.

 

[Porterhouse]

Thank you for your detailed response. I have a strange feeling I'm going to go with the iPP. It's probably going to be the 11", though; I've always liked the size of my 9.7" because it is so portable. At home, I have an iPad pillow I keep it on. Dorky, but convenient, especially when I'm laying around reading.

My other issue with the non-Apple keyboards was having to take the case on and off when I was doing other things (like reading.) If this just snaps on and off, then it's a major improvement.

 

[LibbyLA]

Thank you for your detailed response. I have a strange feeling I'm going to go with the iPP. It's probably going to be the 11", though; I've always liked the size of my 9.7" because it is so portable. At home, I have an iPad pillow I keep it on. Dorky, but convenient, especially when I'm laying around reading.

My other issue with the non-Apple keyboards was having to take the case on and off when I was doing other things (like reading.) If this just snaps on and off, then it's a major improvement.

With the older models, the keyboard does just snap on and off from the edge. The folio is held to the back with magnets so it will come off, just not from the edge.

I actually like the older model method because I have silicone back covers. When I take the keyboard off, the silicone cover is still protecting the back. I’m a klutz, so that’s a good thing. I’ll probably use a skin to protect the back from scratches when the iPP is not in the folio but I really don’t like not having edge protection.

The 11” isn’t THAT much bigger than your 9.7”. It’s a lot more screen space but not that much more volume. I have had enough portable devices in my lifetime to know that the 12.9” is just too big for me. I was using my Surface Go (10” screen but more bezels, so about the same size as the iPads) as a tablet yesterday and it was almost too big. I’ve had a Surface Pro (12” screen) and Surface 3 (10.6” screen) and both of those were just a little too big.

I think if you get the Pro, you will find yourself using it a bunch.

 

[lugolo]

Thank you for your detailed response. I have a strange feeling I'm going to go with the iPP. It's probably going to be the 11", though; I've always liked the size of my 9.7" because it is so portable. At home, I have an iPad pillow I keep it on. Dorky, but convenient, especially when I'm laying around reading.

My other issue with the non-Apple keyboards was having to take the case on and off when I was doing other things (like reading.) If this just snaps on and off, then it's a major improvement.

If you can afford it, go with the PRO. No doubt. No regreats

 

[Makayla]

My rule of thumb when not sure which one to choose is:

If you use your iPad for work, as in, it helps in making your living, error on the side of power overkill.

If you use your iPad for consumption, error on the side of lower price.


If I were you I'd go with ipp.

 

[Porterhouse]

I've decided to go with the IPP. Thank you!

However, it looks as though it may be a few weeks. I went into the app to preorder, and it won't ship until around Thanksgiving. It's not giving an option for in-store pickup, so I guess they've sold out. I'll try dropping by the Apple Store on the way home Wednesday, but I don't know that I'll get as lucky as I did with the AW4 launch. It appears that 11" IPP LTE 64mg is in demand!

 

[rui no onna]

I've decided to go with the IPP. Thank you!

However, it looks as though it may be a few weeks. I went into the app to preorder, and it won't ship until around Thanksgiving. It's not giving an option for in-store pickup, so I guess they've sold out. I'll try dropping by the Apple Store on the way home Wednesday, but I don't know that I'll get as lucky as I did with the AW4 launch. It appears that 11" IPP LTE 64mg is in demand!

Recently, I find that Apple seems to prioritize in-store stock over online so they're pretty plentiful on release day (or release weekend bar the most expensive configs). Even then, online pre-orders tend to arrive ~1 week earlier than estimated.

Anyway, good luck! Hope you get what you want.

 

[Lobwedgephil]

I've decided to go with the IPP. Thank you!

However, it looks as though it may be a few weeks. I went into the app to preorder, and it won't ship until around Thanksgiving. It's not giving an option for in-store pickup, so I guess they've sold out. I'll try dropping by the Apple Store on the way home Wednesday, but I don't know that I'll get as lucky as I did with the AW4 launch. It appears that 11" IPP LTE 64mg is in demand!

Good choice, enjoy! Hopefully you get lucky and find one in store early, I bet you can.