I upgraded to a 512gb 13” iPad Pro (M5) from a 256gb 12.9” iPad Pro (3rd Gen - 2018) and obviously, the palpable differences between the two devices are plentiful. The M5’s screen brightness, sharpness, and overall clarity immediately blew me away despite the fact that I am one of those people who typically doesn’t notice such differences. There is nothing subtle about the M5’s amazing screen when compared side-by-side with my trusty ol’ 2018 iPad Pro. The latter’s screen appeared dull and muted when compared to the explosion of color and sharpness of the M5.
Additionally, the performance of my old device had begun to lag considerably as it showed its age. I’m a lawyer who uses the Notability and TrialPad apps quite heavily and both became extremely unreliable on my 2018 iPad Pro. Older notes often disappeared temporarily or took forever to load and that spells doom for a litigator who doesn’t have time to wait and who relies on critical notes and articles during depositions and trials. This problem convinced me to finally move on from my go-to device for the last seven years and make the move to the M5.
I have had no such issues on the M5; indeed, my notes are loaded and ready for use at a moment’s notice. Everything fires up instantly and my usual work-related apps are running extremely quickly and efficiently. Nothing lags and everything works amazingly well. Safari, Mail, and Messages all are noticeably more responsive, reliable, and quick.
I also upgraded my original Magic Keyboard to the next gen keyboard and my Apple Pencil to the Apple Pencil Pro. I worked my old Magic Keyboard to death and it still worked well to the very end. I love the sturdiness of the new keyboard and the glass touchpad. It feels great and is much sturdier than the first gen version. I also am thrilled that the new Magic Keyboard doesn’t partially obstruct the top row of keys like the old one did when the iPad Pro was angled to full extension. The addition of function keys and a lighted keyboard are fantastic upgrades and the keys seem sturdier and more solid than the ones on the previous version. The Apple Pencil Pro offers more functions but it is otherwise the same as the original, which worked great for me. I’m hopeful that the occasional stuttering when writing or drawing straight lines to separate notes that I experienced with the older version doesn’t re-emerge with the Apple Pencil Pro.
Overall, I couldn’t be happier with the upgrades and I’m looking forward to another 5+ year run with this incredible new tech.
