I've seen a lot of posts and threads recently about those who returned the 12.9 or switched out for a 9.7 so I wanted to bring some love back to the OG iPP. It's possible I'm still riding high on the honeymoon phase, but I'm riding it 'til the wheels fall off. The extra real estate makes consumption and productivity easier and enjoyable for me.
While I personally believe $350 for a silicone case, smart keyboard and Apple Pencil is absolutely preposterous, I'm very much happy to have the combo. I actually felt ok paying 99 for the pencil but 80 for a piece of silicone and 170 for a half of a case with a keyboard blew my mind. Lol (Leather would've been my choice) I've had 5 iPads (9.7s and minis) before this one and usually after a month or so I'd end up using them significantly less than my phone or computer. Productivity was more satisfying on my MacBook/pro and entertainment was more enjoyable on my Apple TV. Now, it's a pleasure to do both. The smart keyboard is easy to type on, yet light enough to flip around back if I don't need it for that moment...or simply detach it. Generally I'll open it up anyways and use the iPad in landscape on my lap or table. I bought the silicone back because it looks solid enough and matched the ASK functionally and aesthetically. The Apple Pencil is a wonderful piece of tech. I not only draw with it but typically use it as my navigation tool.
I originally eyed out the 12.9 for its drawing capabilities. However, seeing how expensive they can be I started contemplating if it could also become my main computing device. Fortunately, it has. 90% of my daily usage was as easy or more enjoyable on the pro. Ended up selling my MacBook and air 2 to offset a good helping of the price. I would suggest having an old laptop or desktop at home for those little tasks such as hardware restores or using full safari that supports flash sites (college work). As for portability I can definitely understand why some would choose the 9.7, but I personally don't find this device hard to carry around even with the back and ASK on. I carry my iPP with me EVERYWHERE. School, work, library, coffee shop..etc. It's certainly bigger, but I got used to it to the point the 9.7 looks like a mini now. Lol I think the pros are certainly the best iPads yet and I anxiously await to see what extra functionalities will come our way with iOS 10 and the next device iteration!
While I personally believe $350 for a silicone case, smart keyboard and Apple Pencil is absolutely preposterous, I'm very much happy to have the combo. I actually felt ok paying 99 for the pencil but 80 for a piece of silicone and 170 for a half of a case with a keyboard blew my mind. Lol (Leather would've been my choice) I've had 5 iPads (9.7s and minis) before this one and usually after a month or so I'd end up using them significantly less than my phone or computer. Productivity was more satisfying on my MacBook/pro and entertainment was more enjoyable on my Apple TV. Now, it's a pleasure to do both. The smart keyboard is easy to type on, yet light enough to flip around back if I don't need it for that moment...or simply detach it. Generally I'll open it up anyways and use the iPad in landscape on my lap or table. I bought the silicone back because it looks solid enough and matched the ASK functionally and aesthetically. The Apple Pencil is a wonderful piece of tech. I not only draw with it but typically use it as my navigation tool.
I originally eyed out the 12.9 for its drawing capabilities. However, seeing how expensive they can be I started contemplating if it could also become my main computing device. Fortunately, it has. 90% of my daily usage was as easy or more enjoyable on the pro. Ended up selling my MacBook and air 2 to offset a good helping of the price. I would suggest having an old laptop or desktop at home for those little tasks such as hardware restores or using full safari that supports flash sites (college work). As for portability I can definitely understand why some would choose the 9.7, but I personally don't find this device hard to carry around even with the back and ASK on. I carry my iPP with me EVERYWHERE. School, work, library, coffee shop..etc. It's certainly bigger, but I got used to it to the point the 9.7 looks like a mini now. Lol I think the pros are certainly the best iPads yet and I anxiously await to see what extra functionalities will come our way with iOS 10 and the next device iteration!
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