Size of Apple's New 'High End' iPad Pro Model Said to be Between 10 and 10.5-Inches

[Paul Dawkins]

Because all pro customers work in advertising, graphics or why? A writer for example with a focus on text input is only a pro when he has a dedicated graphics card in the computer?
A pro can be anybody who makes a living using the computer as a tool, in my opinion. There is no set definition, you only repeat what works for you and make that a generalisation.

You seem to be confused. First of all you have to make distinction between regular people and people who excel in a certain area of expertise. Those people can be looked upon as professionals.

Now a professional can make use of any tool, but some tools are better than others and some tools enable professionals to do the work much faster and efficiently.

In a case of writer I don't think a computer is a requirement and since his area of expertise has nothing to do with performance of the computers available to buy today it's a bad example to use.

"Pro" label implies that device has better performance and makes use of technologies that ordinary users have no use of. For example a professional chainsaw has a more powerful engine and a longer chain as well as longer operational time amongst other things.

Old Mac Pro is a good example of what Pro computer is. Multiple storage bays, multiple CPUs, Multiple GPUs, more RAM slots, hardware raid, etc. -> that ensures higher performance. No-one would care too much that it's a bit bigger.
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I use car analogies but they don't fit here. A professional artist who chooses to use an iPad Pro for his or her work who says they are using "pro" equipment(iPad Pro) is to be challenged they don't have the right definition of pro?

I couldn't care less about iPads. I'm talking about laptops.

 

[I7guy]

You seem to be confused. First of all you have to make distinction between regular people and people who excel in a certain area of expertise. Those people can be looked upon as professionals.

Now a professional can make use of any tool, but some tools are better than others and some tools enable professionals to do the work much faster and efficiently.

In a case of writer I don't think a computer is a requirement and since his area of expertise has nothing to do with performance of the computers available to buy today it's a bad example to use.

"Pro" label implies that device has better performance and makes use of technologies that ordinary users have no use of. For example a professional chainsaw has a more powerful engine and a longer chain as well as longer operational time amongst other things.

Old Mac Pro is a good example of what Pro computer is. Multiple storage bays, multiple CPUs, Multiple GPUs, more RAM slots, hardware raid, etc. -> that ensures higher performance. No-one would care too much that it's a bit bigger.
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I couldn't care less about iPads. I'm talking about laptops.

This thread isn't about laptops it's about iPads but be that as it may, the definition of "pro" is the same slippery slope as the definition of "driving too fast"

 

[Dave245]

Here's the bottom line:
1. Apple is terrified to add mouse support to iOS for fear it will negatively affect Macbook sales.
2. Apple is terrified to add touch screen support to the Macbook for fear that it will negatively affect iPad sales.

I don't think that's true, Apple have in the past shown that they are willing to cannibalise their own products. Also adding mouse support would be terrible to the iPad. Apple have said a number of times that a touch screen Mac would be a terrible idea, I agree with them. There is an interview with Craig not long after the MacBook Pro 2016 announcement where he was asked that very question, he stated that they even had working models years ago, but the user experience wasn't a good one.

 

[Paul Dawkins]

This thread isn't about laptops it's about iPads but be that as it may, the definition of "pro" is the same slippery slope as the definition of "driving too fast"

Actually no, but there is always a special snowflake that tries to confuse everyone.

 

[ericwn]

You seem to be confused. First of all you have to make distinction between regular people and people who excel in a certain area of expertise. Those people can be looked upon as professionals.

Now a professional can make use of any tool, but some tools are better than others and some tools enable professionals to do the work much faster and efficiently.

In a case of writer I don't think a computer is a requirement and since his area of expertise has nothing to do with performance of the computers available to buy today it's a bad example to use.

"Pro" label implies that device has better performance and makes use of technologies that ordinary users have no use of. For example a professional chainsaw has a more powerful engine and a longer chain as well as longer operational time amongst other things.

Old Mac Pro is a good example of what Pro computer is. Multiple storage bays, multiple CPUs, Multiple GPUs, more RAM slots, hardware raid, etc. -> that ensures higher performance. No-one would care too much that it's a bit bigger.
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I couldn't care less about iPads. I'm talking about laptops.

Wow, what a load of stuff. A professional is somebody who has a PROFESSION , hence the word, in our case using a computer / computing device.
But apart from people who need power hardware Apple also sells to people who like pretty, well functioning, reliable equipment, and folks who like luxury. All these customers make the buying group of the devices.
Sure, you can continue to define professional by what you see in the next best hardware shop printed on a chainsaw, and of course that is in many products still a marketing term, to make the user feel special or more powerful.

 

[Cloudkicker]

Nope..sorry Apple. Can't see buying another ipad til OLED.

Samsung Galaxy Tab? Amazing what Apple users put up w/; like a $3000 for a minimum spec 15" TouchBar MacBook Pro & still front facing camera @ 720p.

I'm still digging my 2014 Tab S, personally.
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What serious improvement would OLED bring? I'd rather have a better use-case for this device..

If you're happy w/ your RCA 32" LCD TV 720p bought at "door crasher" prices, have at it & enjoy. Me, I'd want a LG or Samsung OLED TV for more money.

 

[Raist3001]

Here's the bottom line:
1. Apple is terrified to add mouse support to iOS for fear it will negatively affect Macbook sales.
2. Apple is terrified to add touch screen support to the Macbook for fear that it will negatively affect iPad sales.

I totally disagree. You are talking about 2 very different operating systems meant for different things. Simply adding mouse support to iOS would not in any way negatively affect Macbook sales since an iPad would still only run iOS. Adding touch support to a Mac makes more sense but would not negatively impact iPad sales since a MBP,or iMac would not be ultra portable. The iPad pro has the ability to better copy text since a long press on the space bar turns the curser into a mouse pointer where you are able to place the curser in very specific areas. iPhone does the same thing with force touch.

With Handoff, all work can be accomplished on a Mac and handed off to the iPad. So I agree with your statement that Apple expects you to purchase both. And that is not a bad thing. I can get about 99 percent of my work done using just my iPad pro and my Apple pencil. With iCloud, documents are always available to me at a moments notice.

The fact that Android tablet makers have made it possible to use an Android tablet as the next "Netbook," with a keyboard and mouse, and that Windows laptop makers have made it possible to use a laptop as a tablet, will likely cause Apple to rethink their marketing philosophy.

Highly doubt this. If Apple was interested in a hybrid, Apple would have already made this possible.

Their current narrative is that it's crazy to use a touchscreen on a laptop and it's crazy to use a mouse on a tablet. All the people insisting that mouse support on a tablet is unnecessary, or a touch screen on a laptop makes no sense, have never used either, and spend too much time drinking the Koolaid.

Again, I disagree. If you want such functionality like a mouse, and tactile keyboard, purchase a Macbook Pro. If you are not willing to learn how to use the apple ecosystem, then of course some tasks may seem daunting or not productive.

 

[lordofthereef]

I have had one iPad in my life, the mini. Personally can't see myself buying another, especially at the price points, without more of a "desktop OS" feel. Perhaps I am in the minority. Perhaps it will never go this direction. I just find I don't need a "bigger iPhone" to do anything. If I need something bigger, its a laptop/desktop. Possible I am far from the target audience, too.

If and when my current macbook dies (which may be many years lol), I have an eye on the surface. Seems like the perfect marriage of form and function for my needs/wants.

 

[jonnyb098]

I have had one iPad in my life, the mini. Personally can't see myself buying another, especially at the price points, without more of a "desktop OS" feel. Perhaps I am in the minority. Perhaps it will never go this direction. I just find I don't need a "bigger iPhone" to do anything. If I need something bigger, its a laptop/desktop. Possible I am far from the target audience, too.

If and when my current macbook dies (which may be many years lol), I have an eye on the surface. Seems like the perfect marriage of form and function for my needs/wants.

And thats perfectly fine, but yes you are in the minority. The public at large is not asking for this hybrid frankenstein piece of garbage OS that a few people on here what (hybrid mac OS and iOS). iPads can currently have two apps open and a video playing all at once. Not sure what else the average user would need. As soon as you start complicating iOS to make it like Mac OS and start adding a mouse and all this other garbage, just buy a damn macbook then. Hell,most people don't even need a tablet they use their phones for everything.

I'll agree that some of the apps need work on iPad but thats all. Changing the core of the simplicity of iOS would do more harm than good in the long run.

 

[AZREOSpecialist]

This only shows that Apple (a la Tim Cook) has no clue what it's doing. The oversight of and vision for Apple products has been moved from the CEO to individual product teams who aren't looking at the big picture. Tim Cook is a bean counter, he always was, and is a piss poor choice for the CEO of a company that needs a visionary at the top. Unfortunately, Apple will have to lose its position as market leader before any changes will be made. Let's hope it isn't too little too late, because unlike with Sculley, there is no Steve Jobs to return and save the company this time.

 

[Dave245]

This only shows that Apple (a la Tim Cook) has no clue what it's doing. The oversight of and vision for Apple products has been moved from the CEO to individual product teams who aren't looking at the big picture. Tim Cook is a bean counter, he always was, and is a piss poor choice for the CEO of a company that needs a visionary at the top. Unfortunately, Apple will have to lose its position as market leader before any changes will be made. Let's hope it isn't too little too late, because unlike with Sculley, there is no Steve Jobs to return and save the company this time.

Please

 

[spook]

Wow, what a load of stuff. A professional is somebody who has a PROFESSION , hence the word, in our case using a computer / computing device.
But apart from people who need power hardware Apple also sells to people who like pretty, well functioning, reliable equipment, and folks who like luxury. All these customers make the buying group of the devices.
Sure, you can continue to define professional by what you see in the next best hardware shop printed on a chainsaw, and of course that is in many products still a marketing term, to make the user feel special or more powerful.

He is making a classic mistake or defining whether someone is a professional just on the tools they use.

With most work it is the results of work that defines them not the tool they used to achieve the result.

 

[Raist3001]

This only shows that Apple (a la Tim Cook) has no clue what it's doing. The oversight of and vision for Apple products has been moved from the CEO to individual product teams who aren't looking at the big picture. Tim Cook is a bean counter, he always was, and is a piss poor choice for the CEO of a company that needs a visionary at the top. Unfortunately, Apple will have to lose its position as market leader before any changes will be made. Let's hope it isn't too little too late, because unlike with Sculley, there is no Steve Jobs to return and save the company this time.

I agree Apple needs a visionary at the top and that is not Tim Cook. However, I do not see doom and gloom for Apple yet. For Apple to lose it's position as a market leader, they would truly have to release multiple blunders before customers in my opinion would begin to flee.

What I see coming from Apple today is some confusion to their vision. Their product line up is a bit confusing and becoming long in the tooth. You can't please everyone, and Steve knew this. Steve Jobs knew that you had to start with the customer experience and work backwards to the technology. This is why we got the superior (at that time) iPhone and iPad. This is why in my opinion iOS today still remains the superior OS. I see apple losing some of this vision as of late and just churning numbers.

 

[MacBH928]

Surely doing some research is not too difficult?
Or do you require your decisions to be spoon fed to you?
Read about the devices, try them out, work out which is the best for your needs.
Adding different sizes gives you more choice. Not a bad thing.

Actually it is a bad thing...

When jobs got back at Apple in 1997 there was so many computer choices he said that even he got confused. One of the first things he did was end production of all of them and applied a simple product matrix:

Desktop---Laptop
Consumer
|
|
Pro


If you search Google there is a video recording of him saying that.

 

[HarryDevlin]

Noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has released a new research report underlining his expectations for the future of Apple's iPad line-up, with slightly revised predictions for a new "high-end" middle-size tablet to be released later this year.

According to Kuo, Apple is planning to introduce three iPads in 2017: a 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2 and a "low-cost" 9.7-inch iPad, along with a new bezel-free, mid-size model in the range of between 10 and 10.5 inches.

Last August, Kuo's expectation for Apple's mid-size model was a more definite 10.5 inches. His latest revised prediction of 10-10.5 inches suggests Apple is still testing multiple tablets and has yet to settle on a final size. Interestingly, Japanese site Mac Otakara released two separate reports last year stating that the tablet will be 10.1 inches and 10.9 inches, so while the former size falls into the lower end of Kuo's revised range, the exact dimensions remain unclear.

Market-wise, Kuo believes "the worst has passed" for Apple's iPad as he predicts a narrower year-on-year shipment decline in 2017. The analyst puts this down to an improved product mix, decreasing exposure to the iPad mini, and an improved cost structure due to an increasing number of suppliers of touch-module lamination and display panels, with Samsung being "the biggest winner" in joining previous monopoly-holder Silicon Works to supply the latter.

Mac Otakara and Barclays Research have both predicted an early 2017 launch for the new iPads, perhaps in March or April. However, if a radical bezel-free redesign is planned, it is unlikely that Apple will upstage the 2017 iPhone 8 that's expected in September with an edge-to-edge iPad launching earlier in the year.

Article Link: Size of Apple's New 'High End' iPad Pro Model Said to be Between 10 and 10.5-Inches

Running productivity apps on a tablet, such as office applications, is a very compelling use. Android makes it easy. Apple makes it intentionally difficult by not allowing mouse support. Plug a mouse into the USB port of an Android tablet, or connect a Bluetooth mouse, and the cursor appears and you're good to go with spreadsheets, presentations, and text documents.

When traveling on vacation, a tablet allows you to leave the laptop at home and travel light. You generally don't need to do work that requires a high-powered laptop, but occasionally you want to use an app where keyboard and mouse support is very nice to have.

Another great app for a tablet when traveling outside the U.S. are the GPS apps with stored maps. In Europe, I used CoPilot with an Android tablet. Unfortunately, Apple forgot to include a GPS chip on the Wi-Fi only iPads so you can't use those apps on the iPad unless you have the model with a cellular modem (nearly every name-brand Android tablet includes GPS capability, whether or not if it has a cellular modem). There are other apps besides mapping apps that also need a GPS chip. You can add an external Bluetooth GPS to a Wi-Fi iPad, but that's one more item to carry and keep charged.

When I'm traveling for business, I don't want to be carrying a load of dongles around, I'd prefer a laptop that still has industry standard interface ports.

Obviously, as an engineering professional, I am not part of Apple's target market--none of the applications I use have OS-X versions, so to use a Mac I'd have to install Windows. And on the consumer side, I value features that Apple says I can't have. That's okay, to each his own. But when people start trying to explain why you'd never want to use a mouse with a tablet, or have a touch-screen on a laptop, it's quite amusing. Obviously they've never used either!

 

[ericwn]

Actually it is a bad thing...

When jobs got back at Apple in 1997 there was so many computer choices he said that even he got confused. One of the first things he did was end production of all of them and applied a simple product matrix:

Desktop---Laptop
Consumer
|
|
Pro


If you search Google there is a video recording of him saying that.

You are right, he simplified the product lineup initially. After that, when the first successful products were on their way, he however moved away from the 2 by 2 matrix and introduced more models, like the Mac mini and the MacBook Air (two different sizes). The PowerBooks got additional models to fill every niche (12 and 17" joined the 15"). All in Steve's time. He also introduced the iPod nano, shuffle and mini alongside the first iPod (classic).

It's also worth remembering that even in Powerbook titanium times there were different configurations (good, better, best or something like that) available.

 

[lordofthereef]

And thats perfectly fine, but yes you are in the minority. The public at large is not asking for this hybrid frankenstein piece of garbage OS that a few people on here what (hybrid mac OS and iOS). iPads can currently have two apps open and a video playing all at once. Not sure what else the average user would need. As soon as you start complicating iOS to make it like Mac OS and start adding a mouse and all this other garbage, just buy a damn macbook then. Hell,most people don't even need a tablet they use their phones for everything.

I'll agree that some of the apps need work on iPad but thats all. Changing the core of the simplicity of iOS would do more harm than good in the long run.

Idk about garbage. I feel like Microsoft nailed it (windows 8 was terrible and 10 isnwhat 8 should have been).

Can't say what the public is asking for. But the drop in sales is telling of something. Perhaps just saturation? Again, couldn't say.

To each their own I guess.

 

[spook]

Idk about garbage. I feel like Microsoft nailed it (windows 8 was terrible and 10 isnwhat 8 should have been).

Can't say what the public is asking for. But the drop in sales is telling of something. Perhaps just saturation? Again, couldn't say.

To each their own I guess.

Wierd cause I think windows 10 is garbage.
So much so that I have moved to Linux

 

[Cheffy Dave]

IPad sales will continue to decline, and decline rapidly. It is really a poor form factor with a crippled OS. Also way overpriced. The rapidly decreasing sales data are actually very clear as the article points out. 20% year over year declines.

Apple is committing suicide.

PULEEZE!
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I've got windows 10 today. I remember the likes of windows 3.1, 95, 98 and somewhat XP ( I didn't use that a great deal ) that I was rebooting even on an application install.

I was very surprised when I didn't have to reboot after the GPU driver installation on W10.

I loved Windows 2000,(actually Windows NT with printer/scanner etc support)

 

[Raist3001]

IPad sales will continue to decline, and decline rapidly. It is really a poor form factor with a crippled OS. Also way overpriced. The rapidly decreasing sales data are actually very clear as the article points out. 20% year over year declines.

Apple is committing suicide.

iOS is not crippled. You mean it just does not perform in the way you want it to. That's completely different. The declining iPad sales is not due to anything other than apple offering great products that do not need to be updated on a yearly basis. I own an iPad Pro. I can not see myself upgrading any time soon unless apple releases a new feature I just can not live without. PC sales continue to decline but your not singing suicide tunes to the PC market.

 

[jonnyb098]

Idk about garbage. I feel like Microsoft nailed it (windows 8 was terrible and 10 isnwhat 8 should have been).

Can't say what the public is asking for. But the drop in sales is telling of something. Perhaps just saturation? Again, couldn't say.

To each their own I guess.

I think part of it is that the public isnt really demanding much of iPads at all. Something like 70 percent of the iPads out there are NOT the newest models and as of last year about 30 percent of them were iPad 2 from 5 years ago. Because they are mostly consumption devices. So what Apple did was try to remedy some of that with iPad pro for business and creative professionals. (sort of)

What I really think is going on is the majority of people are simply happier on their phones and when they need a larger screen for something they go to their iPad or laptop for browsing the web. When I'm at work I do all my creative work and editing on a 27" 5K iMac. But at home I'm on my iPad Pro probably 80 percent of the time for everything else and 20 percent on my phone. And now with Apple TV I can even do more media on my TV with movies, rentals and Apple Music. So......I think its just more about diversification than creating ANY ONE perfect way of doing things.

 

[MirekEl]

The article makes it sound like it is the size of the device, but isn't it a size of the display placed to a device of the same size as the Air 2?

 

[HarryDevlin]

I think part of it is that the public isnt really demanding much of iPads at all. Something like 70 percent of the iPads out there are NOT the newest models and as of last year about 30 percent of them were iPad 2 from 5 years ago. Because they are mostly consumption devices. So what Apple did was try to remedy some of that with iPad pro for business and creative professionals. (sort of)

What I really think is going on is the majority of people are simply happier on their phones and when they need a larger screen for something they go to their iPad or laptop for browsing the web. When I'm at work I do all my creative work and editing on a 27" 5K iMac. But at home I'm on my iPad Pro probably 80 percent of the time for everything else and 20 percent on my phone. And now with Apple TV I can even do more media on my TV with movies, rentals and Apple Music. So......I think its just more about diversification than creating ANY ONE perfect way of doing things.

I really like an Android tablet for traveling. In the car, I stick it into a tablet holder and all my music and mapping is readily available. When outside the country, I buy the maps for the area I'm visiting and don't have to use high-priced data on a tiny phone screen. If I have to do e-mail, or create a document, I connect the Bluetooth keyboard and mouse and I essentially have netbook. If I want to connect to a larger screen I use Miracast on a Roku.

But as with iPads, you don't need to keep buying new Android tablets, there's just not much upside, especially considering that you can stick a $65 200GB MicroSD card into the tablet for more storage.

I suppose that the walled-garden of iOS has its attraction, but I find it frustrating that much of the useful stuff I use an Android tablet for is not possible on my iPad Air 2. And all because Apple is worried that if they make the iPad too capable then consumers will not buy a Macbook too.

 

[sracer]

I suppose that the walled-garden of iOS has its attraction, but I find it frustrating that much of the useful stuff I use an Android tablet for is not possible on my iPad Air 2. And all because Apple is worried that if they make the iPad too capable then consumers will not buy a Macbook too.

I'm sincerely curious as to what you do on Android tablets that is not possible on the Air 2? Have a stack of Android tablets and iPads, and except for some limitations of the hardware (eg. lack of SD card slot) I can use them virtually interchangeably. If you're concerned about igniting an Android vs iOS flamewar, please PM me. thanks!

 

[MarsViolet]

AZREOSpecialist said: ↑

This only shows that Apple (a la Tim Cook) has no clue what it's doing. The oversight of and vision for Apple products has been moved from the CEO to individual product teams who aren't looking at the big picture. Tim Cook is a bean counter, he always was, and is a piss poor choice for the CEO of a company that needs a visionary at the top. Unfortunately, Apple will have to lose its position as market leader before any changes will be made. Let's hope it isn't too little too late, because unlike with Sculley, there is no Steve Jobs to return and save the company this time.

Please

Don't brush this off. I was around the last time it happened. It was brutal.
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I'm sincerely curious as to what you do on Android tablets that is not possible on the Air 2? Have a stack of Android tablets and iPads, and except for some limitations of the hardware (eg. lack of SD card slot) I can use them virtually interchangeably. If you're concerned about igniting an Android vs iOS flamewar, please PM me. thanks!

Gee, mount the thing on the desktop, copy files via drag and drop, add fonts, add apps from any source. Basically use it like a real computer.