Original Apple Pencil vs. Apple Pencil 2

[bensisko]

Apple should have discontinued the old pencil and just had one new one. Too confusing to have two pencils.

How would you expect the new Pencil works with older iPad models? There is no inductive charging on the older iPad Pros (or the 2018 iPad for that matter...).

It's not really confusing at all. The NEW Pencil works with the NEW iPad. The OLD Apple Pencil works with the four Pros and the 2018 iPad that were released prior to November 2018.
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Questions I have:
- how is battery life compared to gen 1
- how long does it take for low power mode to kick in?
- is low power mode activated by lack of pencil movement or lack of screen contact? Same question for deactivation.
- how long does it take for a fully charged pencil to completely drain in low power mode?
- is charging as fast as gen 1 fast charging?
- will turning off Bluetooth on the iPad turn off the pencil as it does on gen 1?
- how do I keep an extra pencil charged and ready to go?

• Battery Life appears to be on-par with the Gen 1. So far, the longest time I spent drawing continuously is about 3 hours.
• Not sure about low power mode
• Charging seems to be on-par with Gen 1 (it seems faster, but that might just be perception)
• Yes, Apple Pencil is unavailable if Bluetooth is turned off.
• I'm not sure if you would need an extra pencil given the convenance and speed of charging, but you could charge a pencil, unattach it, charge/pair the second pencil.

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Boggles my mind people find it so easy to drop $1200 on a tablet. Tbh I've only ever seen 1 iPad in the wild, our waste disposal company uses an older model for payments. At the hospital, DA office and news rooms here all surfaces.

You're in the minority.
I travel quite a bit and I do (finally) see Surfaces "in the wild" but iPads FAR outnumber Surfaces.

 

[Shadar]

I love Apple products and have been using them since I was at college in '89 but I'm in a real bind! It's getting to the point where they are just pricing me out the market. I make a reasonably good salary, I don't have any kids so have no outgoings to consider from that respect and would say I have a pretty good disposable income compared to those with children.

I have spent a small fortune over the years on Apple products and probably owned a good 90% of the stuff they have brought out but I have concluded that I can no longer sustain at the current price levels. I understand that prices go up over the years but in the last few years, it's no longer about inflation just significant price increases by Apple themselves.

The MacBook Pro 15" for example, which is always my main machine, now costs £2700 (512GB is non negotiable, 256GB just doesn't cut it in this day and age)...we're knocking on the £3K mark and that's a huge amount of cash.

Sigh....I have to agree with many others that I think Apple is now getting greedy and I really do believe that it's going to come back and bite them hard in the next few years.

If Apple profitability is ever in jeopardy, they'll make adjustments in pricing and design. One thing about Apple under Cook -- profits won't fall, even if units sold do. They are completing the transition to a luxury brand. As individuals, we either stay for the ride, and pay more, or we go to Windoze, which can't seem to be able to get an update out lately without major problems.

For me, it's just a tool. I happen to like the look and feel of Apple products and the interoperability between devices. I write for a hobby, and I alternate between iPhone, iPad and several Macs depending where I'm at and what I have with me when an idea strikes. Using Ulysses (which uses Apple's built-in synching), it all just works without my ever having to worry about where my file is or how it's sync'd. It just is.

So I'll pay whatever to keep that environment.

 

[ZipZap]

The new design is just as stupid as the old. You cannot charge the new pencil by any means other than attaching it to the iPad. Therefore, you cannot have a snap on case. Oy.

 

[PlayUltimate]

I am surprised: this is bad, even for Apple. It seems no one in the company is thinking about function....

What about the new iPad, USB-C and the necessity to carry two cables, one for iPhone and one for iPad. Now, two pencils are needed if people are collaborating between two machines.....

Agree. And I think the move to USBC was a wise one. Again, like when the original iMac came out, there will be growing pains. The change in design to the Pencil 2 was a wise one. The incompatibility issue has been discussed elsewhere. But the lack of compatible technology between the 2017 v 2018 iPads is the problem. For example, how would one pair a Pencil 1 to the new iPad? How could you charge a Pencil2 on a 2017 iPad Pro?

 

[centauro1210]

Alongside the new 11 and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models, Apple introduced a second-generation Apple Pencil, which is designed to work exclusively with its latest tablets.

In our latest YouTube video, we took a look at the new Apple Pencil 2 and compared it to the original Apple Pencil to highlight all of the improvements that Apple made with the second iteration of its iPad stylus.

Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.​

Design wise, the Apple Pencil 2 is sleeker and smaller than the original Apple Pencil because of the elimination of the Lightning connector at the top of the device.

The original Apple Pencil's Lightning connector was always a questionable design choice. It was meant to plug into the bottom of the iPad Pro, but it stuck straight out and was inconvenient at best and dangerous at worst, as an ill-timed drop could cause damage when charging.

Apple's new Apple Pencil does away with the Lightning connector all together because the device is now able to charge via a magnetic connection to the new iPad Pro models. The Apple Pencil 2 snaps right onto the new iPad Pro, which allows for pairing, charging, and storage when it's not in use.

With no Lightning connector, the new Apple Pencil is lighter and easier to hold for longer periods of time, and it has a cleaner look with no metal cap at the top.

While the first Apple Pencil was round and prone to rolling off of flat surfaces, the new Apple Pencil has a flat side for connecting to the iPad, and that flat bit also prevents it from rolling as much.

In addition to these design and function changes, the Apple Pencil 2 introduces support for gestures. With a double tap, the Apple Pencil 2 can switch between tools in apps that support the feature, which is super useful because it allows for quick changes between a pencil and an eraser.

Apple is, unfortunately, charging $30 more for its newest Apple Pencil. The second-generation device costs $130, whereas the original was priced at $100. For users who have a new iPad Pro model, the Apple Pencil 2 is the only available choice as the original Apple Pencil does not work with the new tablets.

Likewise, the second-generation Apple Pencil is compatible only with the new iPad Pro models, so you can't get one and take advantage of the new features without also having a 2018 iPad Pro.

What do you think of Apple's new second-generation Apple Pencil? Is it worth the premium over the original? Let us know in the comments.

Article Link: Original Apple Pencil vs. Apple Pencil 2

[doublepost=1542472581][/doublepost]The double tap function on the Apple Pencil is no only available in the flat side is all around the surface of the pencil and is like 1” inch long

I tried this with the notes application

 

[MattMJB0188]

If you're going to reply to my post, you might want to quote the part you are actually REPLYING-TO:

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...s-apple-pencil-2.2155384/page-3#post-26814536

And just because you declare something to be a self-validating "fact", doesn't make it so.

It don't matter anyway. The apple pencil is an overpriced magnet. And I was stating a fact.

 

[gibi]

Apple is making it harder and harder to keep using their hardware. Apple 1 pencil isn't compatible with new systems and the new pencil doesn't work with older iPad Pro's. Still a great product, but just getting harder to justify it.

Yes, they should have made the new iPad Pro compatible with the Pencil 1, although the recharge would have been a nightmare....

 

[larmende]

Biggest atrocity is Apple Pencil 1st gen. being incompatible with 2018 iPad Pros.

Apple Pencil one pairs and charges with the lightning port that the new Pro iPads don’t have. I guess if they introduce non- wireless charging going forward there will be the same problem again, but I can’t see it happening that soon.

 

[tromboneaholic]

I am surprised: this is bad, even for Apple. It seems no one in the company is thinking about function....

What about the new iPad, USB-C and the necessity to carry two cables, one for iPhone and one for iPad. Now, two pencils are needed if people are collaborating between two machines.....

That seems like a stretch. This imagined collaboration scenario of yours would be awkward with constantly pairing and unpairing a single Pencil.
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One $130.00 Apple Pencil 2 = 1,248 Ticonderoga wood and graphite #2 pencils($10.00/96 count). 1,248 pencils would last 24 years if you use one pencil per week. No charging required.

Yes, but then you have all the reams and reams of paper that need to be organized, indexed and archived - sometimes due to regulations for years.

With handwriting recognition of note taking apps on iPad, notes are easily searchable and can be shared with others instantly. Years of client notes don't wind up stuffed in filing cabinets and document storage boxes taking up valuable office space.

To some people, time is money. The time they save not having to scan written documents and run OCR software in one week more than makes up for the cost of the Pencil and an iPad.

 

[Justanotherfanboy]

$130 stylus? For a nearly $1000 sketch pad!

Hope those who buy this are able to use it for pro-work.

Well...
a standard iPad with pencil is $350 total vs. $1130 total for the Pro so yeah, don’t worry. I think the non-professional users will be ok & don’t really need to drop the extra $800.

 

[Baymowe335]

One $130.00 Apple Pencil 2 = 1,248 Ticonderoga wood and graphite #2 pencils($10.00/96 count). 1,248 pencils would last 24 years if you use one pencil per week. No charging required.
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Apple needs to pay off their $5 billion Apple Park construction. That new campus is very important to Apple's future. It allows them to run in bigger circles than in the past.

Yeah, since writing notes on a piece of paper is the same as storing them electronically.

And a pencil can't write in any color except gray.
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There isn't a need for one. Simple fact

You have no knowledge on how many people use an Apple Pencil.

If they came out with a second version, the first one did well enough.

 

[sofila]

The original Apple Pencil's Lightning connector was always a questionable design choice. It was meant to plug into the bottom of the iPad Pro, but it stuck straight out and was inconvenient at best and dangerous at worst, as an ill-timed drop could cause damage when charging.

I remember Apple's shills on MacRumors justifying this awful design choice, just for the sake of doing it. It put all of their posts under another new light. Just a matter of reliability

 

[ThunderSkunk]

Nice. Looks like the stylus they should have made in the first place.

As much as I’d like a new iPad Pro and a pencil, the combination that costs as much as a Microsoft surface but only runs mobile apps, makes less and less sense the more I look at it.

 

[bensisko]

I remember Apple's shills on MacRumors justifying this awful design choice, just for the sake of doing it. It put all of their posts under another new light. Just a matter of reliability

Don’t agree with my opinion = Apple Shills

Nice.

 

[sofila]

Don’t agree with my opinion = Apple Shills

Nice.

These are your words. Not mine.

 

[9081094]

Thank God the lightning charge has gone. Can anyone else think of a worse piece of industrial design, not just from Apple, but ever?!

Well the charging of the Magic Mouse and the ports on at the back of the iMac aren’t examples of elegance either. Remember the hockey puck mouse? Or the Mighty Mouse with the clitoris

 

[jagolden]

The P2 is "lighter and easier to use"?
How weak is the testers fingers? The P1 is certainly not heavy in any way. God forbid they ever had to use a real pen or actual airbrush.

Who wants the pencil stuck on the side of their IPP sucking out a charge from what appear to be already strained battery power in the new IPPs? I much rather prefer charging it separately while using my IPP and not worrying about it popping off the side and draining power. I don’t imagine the magnetic "stickiness" is that strong. Going to be a lot of dropped and lost P2s out there.

Think it’s more poor design from Apple. They’ve so lost sight of their vision and are drinking way too much of their own Koolaid.

 

[alecgold]

I think you missed my point. I said I have probably owned 90% of stuff that Apple has launched, not that I would continue to buy 90% of Apple products. The point is they are pricing me out the market generally. £2700 for a laptop!

Interesting to note the prices you mention, having looked through my email receipts for Apple products I have bought over the last few years, there has been a substantial increase. The receipt for the MacBook Pro I bought in late 2014 shows a grand total of £1999 so that's a price increase of £175 per year on average at the current price.

MacBook Pro
In just 4 years there has been a 35% increase in the MacBook Pro.

iPhone
The iPhone 6 I purchased at launch (again Sept 2014) was £649, I upgraded to an X which was £1149. Admittedly it has more storage but in just 4 years it's a 43% increase!

Apple Pencil
Referring to the main article, the Apple Pencil I purchased on 26th November 2015 was £79. A 34% increase in 3 years based on the latest price at £119

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That is possibly the worst assumption any business could make no matter what their size/market value. History tells us otherwise.

The truth is, I honestly believe people don't want to jump ship, I know I certainly don't....god help me if I ever have to use Windows or Android but I feel that Apple is backing many people into a corner where they are leaving a large number of users with little alternative.

Apple can’t help the British voted for brexit and the pound took a dive.
Didn’t the import cost & tax also increase?
Hold on to your dreams, it’s going to get much more expensive, after Brexit.

Now if you would make a fair comparison, you would compare the same devices in US$.
The most basic model prices have increased, but not nearly as much as you’re suggesting.

MacBook Pro 15”
2006 $1999
2008 $1999
2013 $2199
2015 $1999
2017 $2199
Source: Everymac.com

The old Apple Pencil was a marvel of engineering and production. So tiny, a folded “motherboard”, several pressure sensors, acceleration sensors, so neatly made.
The new one is an even larger feat of engineering and production. Such a small object yet inductive charging, touch surface for the “handle-part”, it is slightly shorter, weights a tiny bit less, snaps magnetically into place, still has a replaceable tip (when are they going to bring the red, yellow, blue and black tips for felt, marker, brush and (graphite) pencil feeling?!)
I think €130 is a steal.

 

[npmacuser5]

The iPad Pro needs the abilities of the Mac for the asking price. I find a daily occurrence with the iPad Apps that cannot be accomplished and have to return to the MacBook to finish the task. Annoying! I regulate the iPad to media consumption, social media, or unique iPad only Apps, then put it away.

The iPad Pro hardware more then attractive. Until Apple can actually make the iPad fully functional, my choice will be the least expensive iPad model and a laptop. If I need to choose one, laptop the Only solution.

 

[Ubele]

Here's the thing with Apple products, at least for me: The cost is justified by the relatively long useful life. For instance, I will likely be using my late 2013 Mac Pro for another 3-4 years because of its still good performance. My iPad Pro (9.7") and Pencil v.1 are still working fine and there is no good reason to replace them. When the Pencil's battery won't hold a charge any more is probably when I might be interested in a replacement. (I'm not thrilled that the battery is not replaceable.) Same with my iPhone 6s plus: the performance remains quite good. Its condition is like new because I treat it like the expensive thing it is. I'm on my second battery, and I only plan to replace the phone when I have worn out a third battery. Apple makes all of this possible because of the long time period they allow before declaring a product obsolete. I know of no other tech company that supports products for as long as Apple does. I have other complaints about Apple, but this is one of their strong points and why they keep me as a customer. I may not be the customer that Apple wants, but I believe I am like many, many Apple customers.

I agree. Although I’m tempted by several products in Apple’s 2018 lineup, two things prevent me from buying them: 1) the high prices and 2) the fact that my older Apple products still work fine for my needs. My main computer is a 2015 13” MBP. In retrospect, I wish I’d gotten more storage than 256 GB, but OWC has upgrades available. My backup computer is a 2012 i7 Mac mini, to which I added a 2.12 TB Fusion drive and 16 GB of RAM. Aside from not being able to drive my 4K monitor at full resolution (I use my MBP for that), it’s fast enough for what I do as a semipro/enthusiast: writing, photo editing, maintaining my wife’s business website, and desktop publishing. My iPhone 6S Plus still works as well as it did the day I bought it. I just got a new $29 battery replacement from Apple. While the screens on the new iPhones are beautiful, and I always welcome a better camera, there are no features compelling enough to make me want to spend what a new iPhone costs. I’m perfectly happy with my 2017 9.7” iPad. I would love to get a new iPad Pro and Pencil, but I don’t need them, and I have a history of buying cool but expensive tech products that I don’t use enough to justify having purchased them. Now I ask myself, “What would a new product allow me to do that I can’t do with what I have?”

 

[GudieveNing]

Who would've thought a day would come where we would be comparing "pencils"!

Yeh, I wonder what lead to it...

 

[mi7chy]

How would you expect the new Pencil works with older iPad models? There is no inductive charging on the older iPad Pros (or the 2018 iPad for that matter...).

Ever seen AirPods inductively charging via the case? Apple can sell a case to inductively charge the pencil 2nd gen for use with all iPad Pro gens. Not as profitable as forcing customers to buy new accessories.

 

[bobtem]

Charging the Pencil with a case on the new iPad?

I haven’t seen any cases for the new iPad either from Apple or third party, but how would charging the Pencil work anyway with some sort of case on the tablet?

 

[Chrjy]

Apple can’t help the British voted for brexit and the pound took a dive.
Didn’t the import cost & tax also increase?
Hold on to your dreams, it’s going to get much more expensive, after Brexit.

Now if you would make a fair comparison, you would compare the same devices in US$.
The most basic model prices have increased, but not nearly as much as you’re suggesting.

MacBook Pro 15”
2006 $1999
2008 $1999
2013 $2199
2015 $1999
2017 $2199
Source: Everymac.com

The old Apple Pencil was a marvel of engineering and production. So tiny, a folded “motherboard”, several pressure sensors, acceleration sensors, so neatly made.
The new one is an even larger feat of engineering and production. Such a small object yet inductive charging, touch surface for the “handle-part”, it is slightly shorter, weights a tiny bit less, snaps magnetically into place, still has a replaceable tip (when are they going to bring the red, yellow, blue and black tips for felt, marker, brush and (graphite) pencil feeling?!)
I think €130 is a steal.

I didn't vote for Brexit....unfortunately for me!

Interesting to see the US comparison though. What a superb move it was to vote 'OUT'! As it happens the government is in a shambles over here at the moment because of Brexit and trying to sort out a deal.
Nothing can compare to public stupidity!

UPDATE: Having said that I have just checked the US website and it states $2799 for a 15" 512GB but I'm presuming that doesn't include tax. So based on your prices for 2017 it's gone up $600 in 1 year?

 

[Mac 128]

Have you considered the possibility that inductive charging might not work with older iPads?

Of course. A simple charging mat would easily solve that problem, just like the charging case for the AirPods. And if for some reason the pairing process is different for the new Pencil, a radio could be built into that pad, just like the AirPod case. And like the AirPod case, it could be a case, a sleeve, or a cup rather than a pad. And even if Apple charged $49 for it, it would still be cheaper than a new iPad.