Talk me off the iPad Pro?

[AppleGoat]

To be frank, I’ve never been into iPads. I’ve always been more of a Mac person. As far as iOS devices go, only the iPhone has struck my fancy — because it can fit in my pocket. However, back in the fall, when the iPad Pro was introduced, my interest in the iPad was, for once, piqued. Not to suggest I ran out and bought one. In fact, not until yesterday did I first try it. To make a long story short, I have been craving one ever since I left the Apple store.


I am an artist. I aspire to make further inroads into the digital design world. In college I studied fine art and still draw a ton, mainly on paper. Never have I used a digital device where the drawing experience was so natural. I feel I have the confidence to create a masterpiece anytime I pick up the Apple Pencil. To this point, my digital drawing experience has been restricted to my 15” rMBP and Wacom Intuous tablet — the “hobbyist” version not the professional black one with all the bells and whistles.


Do you guys think I am better off just upgrading my Intuous tablet to the professional grade one? You know, the one that supports pen tilt. Or do you think it sounds like, for me at least, the 12.9" iPad Pro is well worth it? Has anyone found the 9.7” iPad Pro canvas too limiting? That is another consideration, as it bridges the price gap between the Intuous Pro and 12.9” iPad.


I am just not sure if I will be able to draw just as well with an Intuous Pro and rMBP as I would with the iPad Pro?

Bear in mind, I only want the iPad Pro for the drawing functionality.


Any advice greatly appreciated!


Thanks,
Dan

 

[Marshall73]

**** it, buy one, try it out in your workflow, if it works then keep it otherwise return it.

 

[Channan]

**** it, buy one, try it out in your workflow, if it works then keep it otherwise return it.

Remind me never to ask you to talk me out of something.

 

[stevemiller]

I've always been into drawing/painting as a hobby. I got an intuos to try to do more digital art. I use it, but never really embraced it. Never totally got over the hand eye disconnect.

I got the 9.7 pro almost primarily for its drawing capabilities and it's a world of difference for me. I'm sure the 12.9 is the best workspace, but for me as a hobbyist and for max portability I'm super happy with the 9.7.

There is some sort of app that even lets it function sort of like a cintique for use with a desktop, but I don't know if the latency would be very good. The procreate drawing app is very good, and it exports psds that you can finish in Photoshop.

Long story short if I had to choose between intuos and iPad for casual drawing I'd easily pick the iPad.

 

[matt_on_a_mtn]

Dan,

Hold off until you find a good deal - then go for it. Stellar deals pop up here and there, and they're worth waiting for. I saved around $300 on my 128GB, which in turn covered accessories with extra left over.

Speaking from experience with mine, it's brilliant for drawing with, and I highly recommend it.

 

[FairyCatInPink]

To be frank, I’ve never been into iPads. I’ve always been more of a Mac person. As far as iOS devices go, only the iPhone has struck my fancy — because it can fit in my pocket. However, back in the fall, when the iPad Pro was introduced, my interest in the iPad was, for once, piqued. Not to suggest I ran out and bought one. In fact, not until yesterday did I first try it. To make a long story short, I have been craving one ever since I left the Apple store.


I am an artist. I aspire to make further inroads into the digital design world. In college I studied fine art and still draw a ton, mainly on paper. Never have I used a digital device where the drawing experience was so natural. I feel I have the confidence to create a masterpiece anytime I pick up the Apple Pencil. To this point, my digital drawing experience has been restricted to my 15” rMBP and Wacom Intuous tablet — the “hobbyist” version not the professional black one with all the bells and whistles.


Do you guys think I am better off just upgrading my Intuous tablet to the professional grade one? You know, the one that supports pen tilt. Or do you think it sounds like, for me at least, the 12.9" iPad Pro is well worth it? Has anyone found the 9.7” iPad Pro canvas too limiting? That is another consideration, as it bridges the price gap between the Intuous Pro and 12.9” iPad.


I am just not sure if I will be able to draw just as well with an Intuous Pro and rMBP as I would with the iPad Pro?

Bear in mind, I only want the iPad Pro for the drawing functionality.


Any advice greatly appreciated!


Thanks,
Dan

I bought iPad Pro 12.9" with Apple Pencil in last Dec when it first time came out. I hesitated until very last moment just before midnight which they started accepting reservation.
My main purpose of getting iPad Pro was drawing with Apple Pencil. At that time I thought 12.9" was bit too big, but now I completely am happy about its size, and understand why it was 12.9" originally.

I used Wacom tablet before, even Cintiq, and didn't like it. For me, it's good tablet but still huge, and heavy, plus time lag even when I use their own pen.

iPad Pro and Apple Pencil combination worked very well. No lag. And I use several drawing/editing Apps to create my own artworks. 12.9" is absolutely exact size as a drawing pad, not too small, not too big. Some people complains its size is too big/it's too heavy, but I don't agree. Especially since I use it mainly drawing purpose and don't use keyboard with it, it's acceptable weight and I've been bringing it with me to cafes, library, wherever I go.
12.9" beautifully works with split screen mode, when I use one side showing a picture as a preference when I draw/paint.
For me, at this moment, it's the best thing ever I had for drawing digitally. I have no regrets, and loving the size of 12,9".

I've been a member of another thread, "share your drawings with iPad Pro + Apple Pencil" for a while, I think you should check there, people posting their drawings by iPad Pro and Apple Pencil.
And many of them knows about Apple products and have experience of other tablets/stylus, they are mostly friendly and will give you their honest opinions.
[doublepost=1462678514][/doublepost]

I've always been into drawing/painting as a hobby. I got an intuos to try to do more digital art. I use it, but never really embraced it. Never totally got over the hand eye disconnect.

I got the 9.7 pro almost primarily for its drawing capabilities and it's a world of difference for me. I'm sure the 12.9 is the best workspace, but for me as a hobbyist and for max portability I'm super happy with the 9.7.

There is some sort of app that even lets it function sort of like a cintique for use with a desktop, but I don't know if the latency would be very good. The procreate drawing app is very good, and it exports psds that you can finish in Photoshop.

Long story short if I had to choose between intuos and iPad for casual drawing I'd easily pick the iPad.

That App is called "Astropad"! And it's fantastic app, now I can draw on my iPad Pro by using Photoshop and Illustrator as well when I'm at home and connect to my MacBook Pro through wifi.

 

[subjonas]

I'm kind of like you in that I've never been particularly drawn to iPads. Rather, I never thought one could be of much use to me unless it came with a good pressure-sensitive stylus and was slightly bigger. Then along came the 12.9" iPad Pro and Apple pencil. Hardware-wise they're pretty darn near perfect. Software depends on your workflow. If you're a hobbyist, just get something like Procreate and it should be more than enough for your needs. I draw for a living and my work requires me to use specific desktop software, but I got the iPP with Procreate for sketching concepts and casual drawing and it is great. It has added a bit of efficiency to my workflow and it has motivated me to draw more for fun. I also use it quite a bit for regular productivity as well as a lot of consumption. For me it has been money very well spent. I can't compare it to drawing on Intuos--I was never able to draw quickly and accurately on those--but I've been drawing on Cintiqs for a long time and I can say drawing on the iPP is as good or even better because of the almost non existent parallax. I also got an antiglare screen protector which helps give the pencil drag. I would advise getting the larger Pro if you're going to be using it mainly for drawing. The more of your drawing you can see at once while working the better.

 

[spiderman0616]

I use my iPad Pro for absolutely everything. Originally I was not going to buy the Apple Pencil, but I ultimately decided to get one because I had enough gift cards to get one for free. I have never been a particularly good artist, but thought I might use it to take notes here and there and maybe try those adult coloring books everyone is always talking about.

I am very surprised that I am using the Pencil almost daily. I'm sketching, drawing, and painting with it in the Paper app. I can kill a good 2 hours doing that and not even realize it. It's very relaxing and when I come up with something good, it's a wonderful feeling. When I have the iPad Pro out on my desk or in my lap, I always get the Pencil out too, because I know there's no point pretending I'm not going to use it. And it feels so great in the hand, sometimes I can't help but to just pick it up.

It's a wonderful accessory. Probably the best gen 1 thing they've done in a long time.

 

[Starfia]

I'm not a digital artist professionally, but I have always loved drawing and digital art enough to own a tablet or an entry-level Cintiq since I could afford one. Now I'm obviously using an iPad Pro (which I did already want for a number of reasons) with the Apple Pencil and Procreate instead. In my opinion, the digital art experience easily beats everything I'd tried from Wacom in the preceding decade. Procreate is a honed and well-tended app designed with the Pro and Pencil in mind, and the iPad Pro's display has a relatively undetectable air gap (which always bothered me about the Cintiqs), and much, much better colour representation than a Cintiq.

As far as the 9.7-inch screen – I haven't used the smaller Pro, but I did use an iPad Air 2 with earlier styluses and found it fine for drawing too.

If you're still feeling tethered to a Mac, it might be worth watching some reviews of AstroPad, which is sort of designed to let the Pro be a Cintiq for use with Mac apps (e.g. Photoshop). Since speed is the highest priority there, the compression makes the iPad screen refreshes momentarily pixellated but very fast while drawing.

 

[scaramoosh]

Just buy one, Apple allow you to return the product if you don't like it, I've done that a few times before and they haven't argued.

 

[AppleGoat]

Thank you all for the helpful responses!

The model I am targeting is the 32GB WiFi 12.9" iPad. I was going back and forth between the two sizes at the store and I think I'd really come to embrace the canvas size of the 12.9" while the 9.7" may feel too cramped. What is the cheapest you guys have seen the aforementioned model?

My birthday is the 20th of this month, so less than two weeks away. My parents always wish to get me something so I could have them pay for some of it as a lone gift while I pick up the difference. I don't know. The price is still very much prohibitive.

I have to say, if I decide not to buy, it will be because of Apple's greed. What I don't get is why the Apple Pencil is not included? The stylus functionality is principally what the differentiates the "Pro" line from the rest. Especially now that there is a 9.7" version, same size as Air. Also, 32GB is a bit of a joke but I could manage. Were the Apple Pencil included and they started with 128GB, I would certainly buy. I know Apple charges what they do because they can and not because they need to. But c'mon, put the darn Pencil in there.

I'll stop venting. Apple still puts out marvelous products and their execution of appropriated concepts is what makes them, them. I just wish they threw their faithful consumers a bone for once.

 

[FairyCatInPink]

I hope you can find a great deal, I believe iPad Pro 12.9" with Apple Pencil will give you no regret, since I paid full price last year and have been seeing lately people getting it much cheaper than I paid for them, and still no regret, happy about I got them when they came out!
Apple Pencil, you may want to check eBay as well, there're people who bought it but figured out it's no use for them and want to sell it. Currently no longer Apple Pencil shortage is happening, so not so much ridiculous asking price on eBay. Make sure the seller has a good review, no negative. Read other people's review. Cheapest deal but bad review will end up costing you more, and that's not worth it.

I think Apple didn't include Apple Pencil with iPad Pro, because it will cost another $100 on iPad Pro itself, and that hurt their sales possibly. Some people doesn't want/need ApplePencil, they prefer pay less and not have it. Additionally, when first time iPad Pro came, there were not enough Apple Pencil available as well.

Happy happy early birthday wish to you!

 

[stevemiller]

Thank you all for the helpful responses!

The model I am targeting is the 32GB WiFi 12.9" iPad. I was going back and forth between the two sizes at the store and I think I'd really come to embrace the canvas size of the 12.9" while the 9.7" may feel too cramped. What is the cheapest you guys have seen the aforementioned model?

My birthday is the 20th of this month, so less than two weeks away. My parents always wish to get me something so I could have them pay for some of it as a lone gift while I pick up the difference. I don't know. The price is still very much prohibitive.

I have to say, if I decide not to buy, it will be because of Apple's greed. What I don't get is why the Apple Pencil is not included? The stylus functionality is principally what the differentiates the "Pro" line from the rest. Especially now that there is a 9.7" version, same size as Air. Also, 32GB is a bit of a joke but I could manage. Were the Apple Pencil included and they started with 128GB, I would certainly buy. I know Apple charges what they do because they can and not because they need to. But c'mon, put the darn Pencil in there.

I'll stop venting. Apple still puts out marvelous products and their execution of appropriated concepts is what makes them, them. I just wish they threw their faithful consumers a bone for once.

I definitely feel your pain there. Cost was the biggest hangup for me as well. Not to say I demand Apple make everything bargain basement cheap, but they did make it a little harder to justify. Both pros have a higher starting price than any previous iPads, and some of their main selling points require pricey accessories on top of that. It also doesn't help that they split other features across the two sizes, so regardless of which you buy you have to forego something that the other already possesses and will likely become standard next revision. (Ram or display tech)

That said, if the size already appeals to you, I think the 12.9 is better equipped for longevity (you already have drawing canvas limitations in the 9.7 thanks to its ram). Also it sounds like there are considerable discounts frequently popping up for the 12.9. I went with the 9.7 only because I actively wanted something smaller.

Good luck!

 

[bensisko]

$250 off at Verizon today (the Cellular models).

 

[Channan]

Thank you all for the helpful responses!

The model I am targeting is the 32GB WiFi 12.9" iPad. I was going back and forth between the two sizes at the store and I think I'd really come to embrace the canvas size of the 12.9" while the 9.7" may feel too cramped. What is the cheapest you guys have seen the aforementioned model?

My birthday is the 20th of this month, so less than two weeks away. My parents always wish to get me something so I could have them pay for some of it as a lone gift while I pick up the difference. I don't know. The price is still very much prohibitive.

I have to say, if I decide not to buy, it will be because of Apple's greed. What I don't get is why the Apple Pencil is not included? The stylus functionality is principally what the differentiates the "Pro" line from the rest. Especially now that there is a 9.7" version, same size as Air. Also, 32GB is a bit of a joke but I could manage. Were the Apple Pencil included and they started with 128GB, I would certainly buy. I know Apple charges what they do because they can and not because they need to. But c'mon, put the darn Pencil in there.

I'll stop venting. Apple still puts out marvelous products and their execution of appropriated concepts is what makes them, them. I just wish they threw their faithful consumers a bone for once.

Stay strong! Resist.

 

[scaramoosh]

I would say get the 128GB option, 32GB just isn't enough :/ I thought it would be for me, I filled it up fast and I'm not even a heavy user. 32GB is really for people who just use the iPad as a TV, I don't get why Apple didn't start at 64.

 

[matt_on_a_mtn]

Cheapest I've seen the 32GB was $589, if I recall right.

Though I got my 128GB for something like $649 or $669.

I'd say keep an eye on 9to5toys.com - that's where I found both deals via eBay.

 

[AppleGoat]

Stay strong! Resist.

lol, why is that?
[doublepost=1462750712][/doublepost]

Stay strong! Resist.

I know why.
[doublepost=1462751556][/doublepost]

Cheapest I've seen the 32GB was $589, if I recall right.

Though I got my 128GB for something like $649 or $669.

I'd say keep an eye on 9to5toys.com - that's where I found both deals via eBay.

Thanks for the info. If the 128 is only that much more, I may splurge.

The decision to get the iPad Pro all comes down to whether I can rationalize it as a tool for professional creation.

 

[960design]

Any advice greatly appreciated!

Here's what I said in another thread:
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...-vs-a-cintiq-companion.1963416/#post-22828852

Is cross threading evil?

 

[matt_on_a_mtn]

lol, why is that?
[doublepost=1462750712][/doublepost]

I know why.
[doublepost=1462751556][/doublepost]

Thanks for the info. If the 128 is only that much more, I may splurge.

The decision to get the iPad Pro all comes down to whether I can rationalize it as a tool for professional creation.

As someone using it for such, I'd say it's worth it. Just find the right deal before buying.

 

[960design]

Cheapest I've seen the 32GB was $589, if I recall right.

You can get the 32GB for $579US ( $574US / 10pack ) directly from Apple through a business or education account.

 

[Starfia]

I'd give Apple a little more credit when it comes to throwing bones. Between 2008 and 2013, they dropped the price of major OS X upgrades from $129 US to free. They used to charge $79 for iWork (exceeding the joys of Microsoft Office which was traditionally in the hundreds) and the same for iLife, and those are essentially free as well.

And, you know, yes – iPad Pro sales are so easy to find just months after the release.

As far as the Pencil, I know from reading around the forum (if not by intuition) that a ton of people who love the iPad Pro just aren't interested in that, or in the Smart Keyboard. I'm assuming they appreciate not having to pay for extra technology they're not going to use. (The Pencil is a super-delicate device – aside from the sensor, the thing apparently has its own processor literally folded up inside of it.)

 

[Andy847]

I was like you and didn't like ipads, I drew for a few years on my galaxy note tablet and loved it. I had some ipads in the past and hated the drawing experience on them. I also own the same intuos tablet you do. While I picked up drawing on the intuos easier than I expected, I too, hated the disconnect of drawing and looking at the screen.

Tried windows SP's,didn't like them. There is a cintque 13" I saw that is about as much as the 32gb ipad pro, but hated the idea of being tethered to my mac. So this was the only thing left to Try. So I bought the 12.9" 128gb wifi version and loving it. I think the apple pencil is great, since I first tried it at best buy and the apple store.

All I can say to discourage you is if you were to get it at first when it came out,it's expensive. Now though you can find some good deals. I use mine about 80% for drawing,the rest is for YouTube music videos, browsing Internet, email,and some games.

 

[AppleGoat]

Here's what I said in another thread:
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...-vs-a-cintiq-companion.1963416/#post-22828852

Is cross threading evil?

Interesting thread. Yes, I was thinking the same.
[doublepost=1462915566][/doublepost]

I'd give Apple a little more credit when it comes to throwing bones. Between 2008 and 2013, they dropped the price of major OS X upgrades from $129 US to free. They used to charge $79 for iWork (exceeding the joys of Microsoft Office which was traditionally in the hundreds) and the same for iLife, and those are essentially free as well.

And, you know, yes – iPad Pro sales are so easy to find just months after the release.

As far as the Pencil, I know from reading around the forum (if not by intuition) that a ton of people who love the iPad Pro just aren't interested in that, or in the Smart Keyboard. I'm assuming they appreciate not having to pay for extra technology they're not going to use. (The Pencil is a super-delicate device – aside from the sensor, the thing apparently has its own processor literally folded up inside of it.)

That is a good point with regards to software. It is proof the user experience is at the heart of Apple.