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iPad Pro Somebody talk a bit of sense into me, please. Instant buyer's remorse...
- Thread starter swedefish
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Ah but quoting system diagnostics on free memory is the same as quoting a spec sheet if all it is is a number on a page. Like you said, how devices actually perform is the real question, and I know I've had increasing frustrations with the interface locking up or having some other issue when actually needing the device to do something.
Anyway, I'm not trying to be contrary, just stating that not every complaint is just a complainer looking for something to complain about. And I'm certainly not someone just lusting for the next shiny thing. Honestly my 4S on iOS5/6 was the apex of Apple in my mind. Of course there was still a bunch of complaining back then, but it actually was primarily the 'new shiny thing' crowd saying how boring the OS was and how they wanted a bunch of new features and frills. I'll take reliable and straightforward, even if it is boring! And thats my rant
To balance myself with some positivity, I got the iPad Pro largely for its drawing capabilities, and I have no remorse in how it has performed in that regard!
Drawing on the Pro is an awesome experience I've found but it's also a big negative point for me. But that's only because the wife, who has always proclaimed she would never use anything bigger than her iPad mini keeps pinching my bloody iPad Pro to draw with, bloody wimmin
The mentioning of the free memory was really more to illustrate that in many circumstances it's not actually what's responsible for occasional interface hiccups. I'm definitely with you on the reliable but boring front, system stability and performance are the single (er, dual) most important factors to me.
That's partly why I switched to Apple many, many moons ago, to get away from Windows which I always seemed to be fixing or running security, virus and spyware checks. Not just on my systems, but other people's too and I just grew very weary of the whole process. Switching to macOS was like turning on a light bulb, I suddenly realised what I'd been missing (and mocking) all of those years. Dependability. My workflow changed for the better overnight, it was an amazing experience which I still remember to this day.
But the memory thing is down to the fact that people complain about such things and instantly assume that their devices RAM is to blame because they've read on some forum that it "only" has 2GB. Whereas (in many cases) if they could actually see how much of that RAM isn't being used at the point of the issue they experience, they would know it's not the RAM that's limiting the system.
I always think how the system performs overall is the most important factor regardless of device type, manufacturer, operating system or specs. But blaming an issue on something that's easy to blame but not necessarily responsible leads to other people getting false impressions of the systems when they read these things. Which is why there's so much misinformation and debate on the specs in the first place.
Of course some issues can be caused by a lack of RAM, but in the real world sometimes it really is just because it happens. By which I mean that problems can also be caused by the operating system itself. It takes no more than a single line of code to cause occasional issues and they are a bugger to track down and fix, which as we all know is why there's so many OS updates in the first place, aside from the obvious adding of new features and such. Or goodness knows how many other factors. The RAM isn't the be all and end all of a system, it's composed of many hardware and software systems, any one of which can cause a problem.
I'm all for a good rant or debate on an actual issue, I've partaken in many and will continue to do so (sorry people, I'll probably be here for a while yet
) but needless complaining is a bugbear of mine, can't help it, just one of those things.Of course I don't necessarily help myself in those matters. As anyone who's read my ramblings over the years will know I have severe nerve damage and take a lot of very heavy medication. I mention that only to cover my rear end on why some of my posts end up being long, boring, rambling, waffling affairs (such as this very post
) morphine and a mix of other pills make a chappie chatty Now, where's my damn coffee
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I'm trying to take this approach. Instead of replacing my aged 2011 MBP, I gave it a new ssd and ram and it now works perfectly fine for my purposes. Likewise, I'm rocking an iPhone 6 and I don't feel a need to replace it yet, possibly because I an amateur photographer so I don't rely on my iPhone for photography. While I enjoyed updating more or less yearly, which I did up until 2011 with my macs (mac user since 2001) and up until 2013 with my phones, I now have utilitarian true and tested devices that do the job for me without imposing any strain on my finances. Plus, I'm now quite emotionally attached to my devices. I will be devastated the day when my MBP finally bites the dust.
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I always have my accessibility shortcut set to invert colours. I find it works well for novels, but for marking up academic literature, normal colours is the way to go for me.
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I guess I won't find out for myself until my next iPad. I maintain that the true tone technology really changed how I experience the display. The main reason I went with black (other than pure habit) is that I don't like the look of the white bezel with the Smart Keyboard.
Kudos to you sir (or madam?) there's enough waste in the world as it is so it's always good to hear someone taking a waste not want not approach.
I'm somewhat the same myself these days, through choice, I decided that there was no need for my endless stream of updating systems nigh on every year. I'm still using my 2012 27" iMac. It's been kitted with 32GB of RAM and has had a thunderbolt SSD for a while, which I've just upgraded to 512GB (I only use that for the system and apps, files and so on are on different drives.) The changes have kept it running really nicely. To be perfectly honest it runs pretty much everything I ask of it without a grumble. Only the occasional teeny hiccup when I'm doing a particularly complex 3D model. I'm in no hurry to get rid of it, despite being tempted by newer systems. I think I'll possibly only change away from it if I go ahead with an idea I have for an app, which would be my first iOS/macOS crossover and would incorporate the Touch Bar on the new MacBook. But time will tell, I'm busy enough as it is at the moment.
I only upgraded from my 6+ a few months ago to the 7+ because I liked the cameras but mostly because I needed a device with 3D Touch and Taptic feedback for my app development. If it weren't for needing some of the newer technologies to incorporate into my apps I'd be perfectly happy to still have the 6+, it was a great phone.
I've genuinely not missed the upgrade rat race at all, until there's a hugely compelling reason to change, the devices I have will serve me well. And it's also given me the opportunity to put some of that extra cash I save to good use, I donate to a few very worthy charities every month now instead of chasing the next new shiny all of the time. Seemed like a better use of my money, well I think so at least
As others have said, it is highly subjective.
I'm a fan of the black bezels. (I have a 12.9 iPad Pro w/black bezels) When watching films on the iPad, the affects of letterboxing and pillarboxing are reduced by having black bezels. When working on and viewing images, I find that black bezels help my eyes focus on the images and see the more subtle details and colors. White bezels seem too "bright" and compete with what is on the screen.
With white bezels, there is a very fine/thin black border between the bezel and the screen that is noticeable with non-black backgrounds. I found that to be distracting. When working on documents, the stark, solid border of the black bezel (and absence of the white bezel/thin black border) frames it better.
Also, the white of the bezel almost never matches the white on the screen so that has a way of distorting how colors on the screen are perceived.
But then again, I'm just an ordinary guy with ordinary vision.
...Of course I don't necessarily help myself in those matters. As anyone who's read my ramblings over the years will know I have severe nerve damage and take a lot of very heavy medication. I mention that only to cover my rear end on why some of my posts end up being long, boring, rambling, waffling affairs (such as this very post
Now, where's my damn coffee
I know this is super off topic, but I wanted to say I totally get where you're coming from. A taxi did a nasty number on my ankle a year ago and so managing a long term discomfort has become the reality for me too. It's one of those things that also tends to diminish tolerance for other frustrations, so I'll humbly say that probably is at play when I get grumbly about things myself. Also agreed on the coffee
I know this is super off topic, but I wanted to say I totally get where you're coming from. A taxi did a nasty number on my ankle a year ago and so managing a long term discomfort has become the reality for me too. It's one of those things that also tends to diminish tolerance for other frustrations, so I'll humbly say that probably is at play when I get grumbly about things myself. Also agreed on the coffee
Aye it can be a real bugger, totally screwed my life up but we all have our cross to bear I suppose. I'll bet it's been a less than pleasant experience for you after that incident.
Besides if I hadn't had my accident I wouldn't be in the situation where nobody will give me a job because I'm not always able to leave the house so I'd either need a seriously flexible job or the ability to work from home. I've even had some places tell me they just plain wouldn't allow the kind of medication I take on-site. So I'd never have taught myself to code and become an iOS developer because I'd nothing else to do and I'll be damned if I'm going to be idle, I've always worked, can't sit about doing nothing it'd drive me up the wall.
While that's a huge waste of time financially (probably something to do with me being self taught and probably making crap apps that very, very, very few people are interested in.) It is something that I've found I love doing. I like it when I get the occasional email from someone telling me how much they've liked my apps. Clearly deluded people
but still, it's nice and it certainly keeps me occupied and the old grey matter ticking over. So I'll never make money but at least I've not become a wastrel just because I'm a bit of a cripple You will all think I am insane now, but I changed my mind. Let me explain.
I bought the iPP with the intention to basically upgrade my PDF annotation experience and maybe do a bit of light emails on the keyboard. For this purpose 32GB seemed fine. However, as evidenced by my first impressions post in this thread, I am so impressed with this hardware. I already liked iOS so that was never an issue, but I just love the screen of this device and I can see myself making this my main machine for days when I do not need to do serious typing or online research, i.e. for processing all the literature I compile and outlining my ideas (which is actually the most important step in my work). The idea of not lugging around my big MBP is so liberating, and I am especially elated because the iPP fits my camera bag just perfectly and I love to go out with just that bag. So... if I am going do get onboard the iPP train, I will do it properly.
Space grey 32GB cellular + wifi is going back in exchange for – yes, I am insane – a silver 128GB cellular + wifi model. Plus I am getting a colourful case for a change. I tend to go with the somber and professional look but this time I want to outfit my device for me in a way that feels inviting to use rather than generic. Might post some photos once I have it all together.
Thanks again to everyone who offered advice in this thread. I am a bit embarrassed for this public display of waffling, but I feel really good about this purchase now.
I bought the iPP with the intention to basically upgrade my PDF annotation experience and maybe do a bit of light emails on the keyboard. For this purpose 32GB seemed fine. However, as evidenced by my first impressions post in this thread, I am so impressed with this hardware. I already liked iOS so that was never an issue, but I just love the screen of this device and I can see myself making this my main machine for days when I do not need to do serious typing or online research, i.e. for processing all the literature I compile and outlining my ideas (which is actually the most important step in my work). The idea of not lugging around my big MBP is so liberating, and I am especially elated because the iPP fits my camera bag just perfectly and I love to go out with just that bag. So... if I am going do get onboard the iPP train, I will do it properly.
Space grey 32GB cellular + wifi is going back in exchange for – yes, I am insane – a silver 128GB cellular + wifi model. Plus I am getting a colourful case for a change. I tend to go with the somber and professional look but this time I want to outfit my device for me in a way that feels inviting to use rather than generic. Might post some photos once I have it all together.
Thanks again to everyone who offered advice in this thread. I am a bit embarrassed for this public display of waffling, but I feel really good about this purchase now.
No, no, no. Never worry over waffling. Dear god if I didn't waffle my posts would consist of yes, no, maybe and oh good god. Which admittedly might well please some people
The main thing is you now know for sure (hopefully
) what you want and you'll be happy with it and at the end of the day that's the best we can ever hope for.Yep - I totally think you're insane... 32 GB??????
Personally, I couldn't stand 32 GB even having multiple devices!!!!
... having said that, both my iPad Mini 2 and my iPhone 7+ are 32 GB... But the rest of my devices are 128!
I've not really thought much about the colour of bevels re: reading/watching/drawing on the iPad.
Pretty much every apple device I have is silver/black...so I bought the white/gold iPad Pro just for something diferrent.
Blingin' it is...inside it's black case
Pretty much every apple device I have is silver/black...so I bought the white/gold iPad Pro just for something diferrent.
Blingin' it is...inside it's black case
Yep - I totally think you're insane... 32 GB??????
Personally, I couldn't stand 32 GB even having multiple devices!!!!
... having said that, both my iPad Mini 2 and my iPhone 7+ are 32 GB... But the rest of my devices are 128!
Aside from photos, which I manage in Lightroom and store on Dropbox, I do not really use a lot of storage-heavy media. Apple music streaming for my music and Netflix or the very rare iTunes rental if I want to watch a movie. 128 is probably overkill for my current use pattern, but I do want to future-proof myself in case that changes. Plus, if I ever need to sell it, I figure 128 is the way to go. I would have bought 64GB had it been available.
Same here. I have a white iPad Pro (12.9) and love it. But really, to each their own.
Since 2007 my iPhones have been black and my iPads have been white. This year I bought a black IPP 12.9. I love the black. Keep the black and enjoy. It's much better for video viewing.
This is what I do when I take notes on Notability, it just looks a lot more sleek as well!
Update:
Like with most of my Apple purchases, this one did not go as smoothly as I would have wanted. As I already mentioned, I adored the screen on the Space Grey iPP I bought so much that I decided to exchange it for a Silver 128 GB model because I wanted more storage than the base 32 GB I originally opted for as I predicted that I would end up using this device for most of my daily work. While the Silver model I received in exchange had flawless build quality and I hence wanted to love it, I did not. Its screen was a bit unevenly lit and far from the perfect screen that I loved on the first iPP I received. So my second unit also went back. The third unit, from which I am writing this, has a perfect screen and I have decided to keep it. However, the build quality leaves a bit to be desired: the sim try is quite loose and protrudes a little more than half a millimetre, enough for it to be quite visible and also a tactile distraction when running one's finger along the side of the sim slot. Although I want a perfect unit, I reason that I should focus on what matters, i.e. the screen and actually using the device.
I also ordered a Smart Case. Loved the quality of it, however, I found it to be too bulky and heavy, thus I returned it and decided to stick with only the Smart Keyboard. Had I kept the Smart Case, the loose sim tray obviously wouldn't be an issue. On the whole I am very happy with the iPP, I just hate that I am such a perfectionist with my hardware and that my experiences with Apple tell me to stick with a device that I am happy enough with as replacements may be worse... I do not want to end up in an evil cycle of returns. The iPP plus the Smart Keyboard feel like a really portable package and it is such a relief to think that I can head out for the day and leave my laptop behind and still be productive.
I am interested in getting the Apple Pencil as well, but I am not sure if I will wait for the rumoured March iPad event in case they update it. As for potential updates to the iPad hardware, other than cutting weight or improving battery time, I do not see how this hardware can be significantly improved upon at this point. Apple's design team has really perfected the tablet with the iPP imo.
Like with most of my Apple purchases, this one did not go as smoothly as I would have wanted. As I already mentioned, I adored the screen on the Space Grey iPP I bought so much that I decided to exchange it for a Silver 128 GB model because I wanted more storage than the base 32 GB I originally opted for as I predicted that I would end up using this device for most of my daily work. While the Silver model I received in exchange had flawless build quality and I hence wanted to love it, I did not. Its screen was a bit unevenly lit and far from the perfect screen that I loved on the first iPP I received. So my second unit also went back. The third unit, from which I am writing this, has a perfect screen and I have decided to keep it. However, the build quality leaves a bit to be desired: the sim try is quite loose and protrudes a little more than half a millimetre, enough for it to be quite visible and also a tactile distraction when running one's finger along the side of the sim slot. Although I want a perfect unit, I reason that I should focus on what matters, i.e. the screen and actually using the device.
I also ordered a Smart Case. Loved the quality of it, however, I found it to be too bulky and heavy, thus I returned it and decided to stick with only the Smart Keyboard. Had I kept the Smart Case, the loose sim tray obviously wouldn't be an issue. On the whole I am very happy with the iPP, I just hate that I am such a perfectionist with my hardware and that my experiences with Apple tell me to stick with a device that I am happy enough with as replacements may be worse... I do not want to end up in an evil cycle of returns. The iPP plus the Smart Keyboard feel like a really portable package and it is such a relief to think that I can head out for the day and leave my laptop behind and still be productive.
I am interested in getting the Apple Pencil as well, but I am not sure if I will wait for the rumoured March iPad event in case they update it. As for potential updates to the iPad hardware, other than cutting weight or improving battery time, I do not see how this hardware can be significantly improved upon at this point. Apple's design team has really perfected the tablet with the iPP imo.
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I really only meant to use the iPP as a glorified PDF reader and I figured LTE and Dropbox would sort me out. However, I quickly decided to upgrade. I disagree that anyone buying 32GB needs their head examined. It's plenty enough for certain use patterns. That said, Apple really should make 64 the entry capacity.
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With all due respect, not everyone's storage needs will match yours. I have used an iPad Mini 2 with 32GB since 2013 with no problem for the purpose of annotating PDFs, and I could do the same on an iPad Pro; however, I decided that I want to use the Pro for more than just managing my PDFs.
So Swedefish, is your plan to replace your MBP 15" with the IPP? I have been struggling with the idea of replacing my iPad and MacBook Air with a 9.7 IPP but I just haven't been able to talk myself into it. I originally purchased an iPad Air2 to replace the MacBook Air but found that I relied too much on the USB ports. But now with the great changes to iCloud I feel that I can better manage the change. Still on the fence. This past summer I traded in the iPad Air2 in for an iPad mini4 as I found I enjoyed the form factor better for my iBooks and magazines. These decisions are always so tough.
By the way, I prefer the white bezel on account I don't like the finger prints that the black bezel models are more prevalent to display.
I've got an ipad air 2 with 16gb and I've never once ran out of room. I have about 25gb worth of photos on icloud and I don't play games or listen to music on it. I've got about 2 screens worth of apps. I've had about 1.5gb free for many many months now.
No, the iPP won't replace my laptop, but it will be my daily beater. For most of my work, the iPP is fine and I love how light it is so for mobile work it will be my go-to machine. Other tasks it simply cannot handle due to software I need not being available on iOS. A few years ago I found that I'm more productive with an iPad for some tasks due to the very focused interface of iOS apps. Yes, limited multi-tasking can actually promote productivity in some cases!
You misunderstand me, I never said that it wasn't possible to subsist on 32gb or less...merely that you're thinking small in how you will use the new iPad.
Go ahead, anyone and get the 32gb model. Then report back in 8-12 months and tell us if you chose wisely.
Only a very small segment of users fit getting a 32gb model now in (soon to be) 2017.