Review Roundup: 9.7" iPad Pro is a 'Powerful' Laptop Replacement for Casual Users

[MacRumors]

Apple last week announced the new 9.7-inch iPad Pro, which marketing chief Phil Schiller described as the "ultimate upgrade" for both existing iPad and Windows PC users. Nearly one week later, a number of in-depth reviews have surfaced that offer a closer look at the new tablet beyond last week's first impressions and hands-on articles.

Apple's new 9.7" iPad Pro, right, next to the 12.9" version (Image: Ars Technica)​

The general consensus among early reviews is that the smaller iPad Pro has powerful hardware, but like its 12.9-inch sibling, opinions were mixed about whether the tablet can truly replace your laptop. From $599, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro is certainly a more affordable Mac or PC alternative over the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which starts at $799.

Andrew Cunningham for Ars Technica:

When I reviewed the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, I said that I was having trouble envisioning the type of user who would choose it over a “real” computer like a MacBook Air or Pro. I still feel the same way today. The full-size Pro is large enough and expensive enough that you could buy any number of high-end Macs or Windows PCs for the same price, and you wouldn’t have to put up with the potentially frustrating limitations of iOS. […]

The equation is a little different for the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, which is both smaller and cheaper. […] At $599 (plus the cost of accessories), this tablet is competing more against midrange Windows PCs, and it’s substantially cheaper than any MacBook that Apple offers. For many active but less-demanding users, the strength of the hardware and the relative simplicity of the software could be enough to recommend it, though for the time being there are things that regular old Windows PCs are just better at than iOS is (including running legacy apps and connecting to just about anything that needs a standard USB port). It really depends on how you work and what you need to do. […]

If you've already got an iPad and are looking for a newer one, the math is a little simpler. If you have an iPad 2, the third- or fourth-generation Retina iPads, or the original iPad Air and you find yourself using your iPad more often than whatever other computer you have in your house, the iPad Pro is a no-brainer upgrade.

Lance Ulanoff for Mashable:

The best flagship iPad you can buy is now the 9.7-inch iPad Pro. […]

It’s kind of mind-blowing how much power there is in this lightweight tablet.

Benchmark numbers are just as good as the ones I saw on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, despite the fact that the 9.7-inch iPad Pro has half as much RAM (2GB versus 4 GB on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro). […]

Did Apple just raise the price of the best iPad? Yes, it did. Is it worth it? When you consider the components and storage in the $599, 9.7-inch iPad Pro, absolutely.

David Phelan for The Independent:

The new Pro also has a keyboard to go with it, attached by the Smart Connector buttons on the tablet's edge. […]

And it turns the iPad Pro into an extremely effective laptop alternative, complete with touchscreen, unlike Apple's own laptops. In fact, the touchscreen works so well with the iPad Pro and keyboard, it's hard to think Apple isn't considering making a MacBook with touch-sensitive display. We’ll see. […]

But the real reason this is the best iPad yet built is because it combines a stunning display, stonking audio and relentless processing power into a tablet that’s supremely portable.

Rene Ritchie for iMore:

This can still be your everyday iPad, and better so than ever, but it can also be your ultra-mobile productivity machine, with little in the way of compromises. Sure, you lose some display and keyboard real estate, but you gain portability and an excellent camera system.

For people who've had a 9.7-inch iPad for a while but haven't seen a need to upgrade, and for those with aging Windows system looking for a modern alternative, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro will be compelling.

The new 9.7-inch iPad Pro has been available to order since March 24, with shipments beginning on March 31.

Article Link: Review Roundup: 9.7" iPad Pro is a 'Powerful' Laptop Replacement for Casual Users

 

[v0lume4]

"For casual users."

You would never hear Tim Cook say that.

 

[Bentron]

Sounds great! Happy to hear the lack of RAM isn't too much of an issue by the sounds of it. Roll on Thursday!

 

[Abazigal]

In a nutshell, it's a laptop replacement if you can do laptop stuff on it, and it's not if you can't.

And I am perfectly fine with that. If anything, I am glad that the iPad doesn't try too hard to replicate laptop functionality, but instead continue to shine in its own way.

 

[Zaft]

at this point apple products always get good reviews. If you dont your not invited to any apple events lol.

 

[lowendlinux]

My wife want's one bad so it'll be her birthday present but I'll admit that I don't get it.

 

[pwhitehead]

The only reason why I wouldn't purchase this iPad is because you can't load full applications onto it.. You have to connect it to a workstation mac, which isn't good. I should be able to load a full version of Photoshop CC, Lightroom CC and use them on the go instead of being forced to use the mobile versions.

 

[d0minick]

Got it for the pencil. but stoked for the good reviews.

 

[5105973]

I'm still waiting for the ranting about the 2 GB RAM.

 

[bushido]

i am sure lots of 5+ year old PC users will all of the sudden decide to buy a 600+ Tablet

 

[_Refurbished_]

Disclaimer: I love my iPad far more than any laptop I've ever owned. I would choose an iPad over a laptop if given the choice. That's not what I'm trying to debate.

--------------------------------------

So last night my GF was trying to watch a video from her online class. The video controls could not be accessed. Half the screen was shown with no way to view the entire video. She had to get on my desktop operating system to view the content.

These instances would prevent me from using an iPad as a laptop replacement. While the iPad is great at performing specific tasks, it's not a daily driver for students or people in the workforce.

Luckily, there's this thing called time. As time goes on, more and more things are designed for mobile. We're not at the point where you can fully replace a desktop based operating system, with a mobile one.

This will slowly change. There won't be a specific date for this change. A new iPad released by Apple won't fix the major issues plagued by iPads, because the issues revolve around compatibility and the content provider's willingness to make compatible content.

The real question is: is it good enough? Are you willing to ditch your 3 pound gorilla for the future of computing, even if the future hasn't fully arrived yet.

 

[MBadagliacco]

Yes, for the 95% of users out there outside the "tech head" community... I echo this sentiment. Most people only need, MS Office and a browser. The additional uses the iPad brings is a bonus in a beautiful package. However, I would love to see them add wireless mouse support for those of us who like using the mouse instead of reaching across the bluetooth keyboard. Once that is incorporated, it will truly replace MANY PC's.

 

[acidsoul]

My iPad 2 is due for an update and I'll probably buy one, but these reviews are a little bit too positive to make me wonder if they're reviews or ads.

 

[oneMadRssn]

Review Roundup: 9.7" iPad Pro is a 'Powerful' Laptop Replacement for Casual Users

Why would you say that in the title when literally not one of the reviews you linked to or quoted said that?

The closest was Mashable which only had this to say on the topic: "Apple’s larger goal with the 9.7-inch iPad Pro is for consumers to use it as a laptop replacement." They are not saying it is a laptop replacement, they are saying Apple wants consumers to use it as a laptop replacement.

Every other review did not mention that trope.

 

[macduke]

9.7" iPad Pro is a 'Powerful' Laptop Replacement for Casual Users

Hmmm, an iPad "Pro" for "casual" users. Fantastic. So when are we going to get the real iPad Pro, Apple?

 

[yaxomoxay]

Hmmm, an iPad "Pro" for "casual" users. Fantastic. So when are we going to get the real iPad Pro, Apple?

WWDC will have the iPad Casual, designed for pro users.

 

[imwoblin]

And after adding a pencil and keyboard / cover, costs just as much as a MacBook Air.

 

[pickaxe]

Hmmm, an iPad "Pro" for "casual" users. Fantastic. So when are we going to get the real iPad Pro, Apple?

Never. iOS is fundamentally flawed as an operating system for actual pros.

 

[thekeyring]

The 9.7" iPad Pro looks like a great product. I've owned an iPad before so the 9.7" Pro does appeal to me. However, I need to use Adobe products like Premier Pro, After Effects, Flash and Apple apps like Final Cut Pro on the go - meaning I got a laptop. Between a MacBook Pro and an iPhone 6S Plus, there isn't really a moment in my life that the iPad could fit in to.

 

[sofila]

I wonder if we will ever see another non-pro tablet update in 9,7" size

 

[mdridwan47]

I'm just not feeling it. I mean it's really just an iPad Air 3 with $100 more and half the storage. No thanks apple.

 

[b0nd18t]

A lot of people like the changes and I get that. I can't get on board though. To me, all they did was raise the price on the latest iteration iPad. I ended up buying a used iPad Air 2 for $350 after the announcement.

The whole thing about it being a laptop replacement is a joke though.. right?

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

iPad Pro 7.9"???

 

[Muscle Master]

I would consider it if I had access to the file system like an android tablet does... But I Don't so MBP it is

 

[BruceEBonus]

Is it not impossible to cater for casual professionals now? you can still be professional if you're wearing a TShirt and jeans surely? No wonder Apple is moving away from their IMac line when people have to buy a suit and tie to use it.