Brief 10.5 vs 9.7 Review

[BigAppleNYC123]

I decided to buy a 10.5.

My usage of safari tabs really begs for more than 2GB RAM. The 4GB spec sold me, and safari is a-maz-ing on the 10.5.

The device is also fast overall. I can have a ton of tabs open. The processor is clearly a mega-whopper. I have three issues with the 10.5, though.

1) That Apple doesn’t sell the silicone back case is totally ridiculous. I think they stopped selling the silicone back because it’s not conducive to “pro” work, and it facilitates content consumption. Tisk tisk, says Tim Cook at my content consumption. Well Tim, all work and no silicone play (ahem) makes Steve a dull boy. I bought a khomo case instead but it is only about 70% as nice.

2) The speakers are clearly quieter at 10/10 on the 10.5 than 9.7. There is another thread on macrumors about this. Do I need to take my device in? Do we all (who have this issue) need to?

3) I’m not really sold on the 10.5 screen size. For bed time usage, the screen is a bit much in my face. I am sure I would have preferred 10”. If there was a 4GB 9.7 option, I think I might have picked it.

 

[44267547]

The speakers are clearly quieter at 10/10 on the 10.5 than 9.7. There is another thread on macrumors about this. Do I need to take my device in? Do we all (who have this issue) need to?

I don't believe the speakers on the 10.5 iPad is really anything to be concerned with. They are quieter and it's been discussed heavily about that. I think a software update could easily Rectify the speaker volume and increase it in the future.

 

[Abazigal]

1) That Apple doesn’t sell the silicone back case is totally ridiculous. I think they stopped selling the silicone back because it’s not conducive to “pro” work, and it facilitates content consumption. Tisk tisk, says Tim Cook at my content consumption. Well Tim, all work and no silicone play (ahem) makes Steve a dull boy. I bought a khomo case instead but it is only about 70% as nice.

How does a case discourage "pro work"?

 

[Sunshoopa]

I don't believe the speakers on the 10.5 iPad is really anything to be concerned with. They are quieter and it's been discussed heavily about that. I think a software update could easily Rectify the speaker volume and increase it in the future.

Huh, really? While I’m comparing a 1st gen Air to the 10.5, these things can get so loud it somewhat hurts my ears if I play music, and the iPad is like a vibrator. Guess I’m just saying I’m surprised that the 9.7 is louder.

 

[44267547]

Huh, really? While I’m comparing a 1st gen Air to the 10.5, these things can get so loud it somewhat hurts my ears if I play music, and the iPad is like a vibrator. Guess I’m just saying I’m surprised that the 9.7 is louder.

This thread discusses the low-volume concerns with the 10.5" iPad Pro In more length.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/ipad-pro-10-5-speaker-volume-low.2051146/

 

[Sunshoopa]

This thread discusses the low-volume concerns with the 10.5" iPad Pro In more length.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/ipad-pro-10-5-speaker-volume-low.2051146/

Interesting, thanks! While I don’t need it to be louder at all myself, that’s odd.

 

[maflynn]

I think they stopped selling the silicone back because it’s not conducive to “pro” work, and it facilitates content consumption.

I think you're wrong with that assumption. I don't believe Apple discontinued that product because people were using the IPP for content consumption vs. creation. Heck, that was one of the products that protected the back of the iPad while having the ASK, which is used for content creation. I don't know why its not available for the 10.5" IPP but I think the idea of it being killed because of content creation is off base.

 

[Sheza]

The reason there's no back cover is because people complained last year that the Smart Cover had an over-hang as it was designed for use with the back cover.

Apple probably weighed up their choices, realised more people buy the Smart Cover than the Back Cover, and decided to drop the overhang whilst also dropping the sale of a Back Case, because then the two products wouldn't work so well together as it would be difficult to grip and not cover the whole of the front part.

 

[maflynn]

Apple probably weighed up their choices

Its possible that sales of that back cover were such they they felt it didn't make sense for them to continue to offer it on the 10.5. I don't know, and I doubt any of us will ever find out, but there are alternatives.

The only thing I remember about Apple offering the silicone back cover is that people were complaining at the price apple as charging, now people are complaining that they're no longer offering that. At the very least there are plenty of options from others to fill the need.

 

[Booji]

Its possible that sales of that back cover were such they they felt it didn't make sense for them to continue to offer it on the 10.5. I don't know, and I doubt any of us will ever find out, but there are alternatives.

The only thing I remember about Apple offering the silicone back cover is that people were complaining at the price apple as charging, now people are complaining that they're no longer offering that. At the very least there are plenty of options from others to fill the need.

It's baffling why they did not offer the silicone cover this year. I bought one for my 9.7 - certainly not cheap but very nice quality - I'm sure it was a very profitable item.

Closest I have found is this one:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07215MYS4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Almost as nice as the Apple silicone cover, but a lot cheaper. It's a bit harder and thinner, but does the job and looks pretty nice

 

[maflynn]

Closest I have found is this one:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07215MYS4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The KHOMO seems to be the best option, I'll probably get that once I'm ready to buy the ASK myself.

 

[Caesars]

I bought the silicone back day one of my IPP, haven't used it since because the lack of pencil attachment options.

Wanted a nice thin experience, ended up with a UAG with built in pencil clip. Not sure why apple failed to create a pencil loop.

 

[DNichter]

The reason there's no back cover is because people complained last year that the Smart Cover had an over-hang as it was designed for use with the back cover.

Apple probably weighed up their choices, realised more people buy the Smart Cover than the Back Cover, and decided to drop the overhang whilst also dropping the sale of a Back Case, because then the two products wouldn't work so well together as it would be difficult to grip and not cover the whole of the front part.

I'd have to think Apple could make adjustments to both products so that they work together without an overhang though.

 

[jclardy]

My opposing review - the 10.5" screen size makes apps actually feel usable. Everything on the 9.7" felt cramped, but the extra few hundred pixels around the border lets content breath in apps that use autolayout. To me it is like the swap from the 4" iPhone to the 4.7" iPhone. Not really that much more content on screen, but it just feels less cramped.

I'm on the iOS 11 beta (and had it on my 9.7" for a week.) When using side-by-side apps and a video running the extra space is so necessary. My only annoyance is Mail.app not being able to keep the list view open in portrait mode.

 

[Donfor39]

Huh, really? While I’m comparing a 1st gen Air to the 10.5, these things can get so loud it somewhat hurts my ears if I play music, and the iPad is like a vibrator. Guess I’m just saying I’m surprised that the 9.7 is louder.

Huh, really? While I’m comparing a 1st gen Air to the 10.5, these things can get so loud it somewhat hurts my ears if I play music, and the iPad is like a vibrator. Guess I’m just saying I’m surprised that the 9.7 is louder.

TTF -Apple music today

Play them 10.5 tunes !

 

[Broadus]

I decided to buy a 10.5.

3) I’m not really sold on the 10.5 screen size. For bed time usage, the screen is a bit much in my face. I am sure I would have preferred 10”. If there was a 4GB 9.7 option, I think I might have picked it.

I'm debating my Air to either a nicely-discounted 9.7 Pro or 10.5 Pro, and the larger screen is the one thing I'm most enthused about with the 10.5.

Last night, however, as I was using my Air in bed, I had the same thought that you've raised. It's just an isolated usage, but the 9.7 does seem preferable for bedtime usage.

 

[rowspaxe]

3) I’m not really sold on the 10.5 screen size. For bed time usage, the screen is a bit much in my face. I am sure I would have preferred 10”. If there was a 4GB 9.7 option, I think I might have picked it.

Ha! Just wrote the same thing in another thread this week. I think as a personal video consumption device--10.5 feels a little big. I bought the 9.7 on a sale. I had too fight my instinct to buy "the best", but i liked the old size and found "promotion" unimpresive.
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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07215MYS4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I bought a similar product for $12. I like the apple leather cover I had on a mini--but it showed wear and I am a light user

 

[BigAppleNYC123]

I think you're wrong with that assumption. I don't believe Apple discontinued that product because people were using the IPP for content consumption vs. creation. Heck, that was one of the products that protected the back of the iPad while having the ASK, which is used for content creation. I don't know why its not available for the 10.5" IPP but I think the idea of it being killed because of content creation is off base.

When an iPad is upright with ASK the back doesn't need protection.

Apple replaced the silicone with the sleeve. The sleeve is like a laptop bag. So the back is protected when it needs to be, and unprotected when it’s securely in upright mode.

The sleeve encourages users to buy a keyboard and use it like a pro machine. Like a laptop.

Silicone back rests in your hands while you read or watch a movie. It doesn’t help you work like a keyboard or pen.

 

[bcaslis]

The reason there's no back cover is because people complained last year that the Smart Cover had an over-hang as it was designed for use with the back cover.

Apple probably weighed up their choices, realised more people buy the Smart Cover than the Back Cover, and decided to drop the overhang whilst also dropping the sale of a Back Case, because then the two products wouldn't work so well together as it would be difficult to grip and not cover the whole of the front part.

I agree with this and I’m thrilled that the cover has no overhang. I really hated this on the 9.7.

 

[onepoint]

Re: silicone cases, I bought one for my iPad Mini 4 along with Smart Cover. The iPad looks and feels brand new and the case is holding up well. I have no reason to consider replacing the iPad I bought years ago.

Which is why I believe Apple stopped making them

 

[David58117]

When an iPad is upright with ASK the back doesn't need protection.

Apple replaced the silicone with the sleeve. The sleeve is like a laptop bag.

I maintain it was a conscious decision on apples part, driven by apples wish to have the iPad be perceived and used a certain way.

The sleeve encourages users to buy a keyboard and use it like a pro machine

Silicone back rests in your hands while
You read or watch a movie.

I agree more with this.

The silicone Smart Cover kind of snags a bit when in the sleeve, and it's a little more difficult to remove VS the leather Smart Cover. A back cover + Smart Cover would be too much, I believe..especially if people add a Smart Keyboard.

I really think Apple just intended the iPad to be used with the leather Smart Cover and sleeve. They work perfectly together, and it feels like anything more would stretch the sleeve a little too much.

 

[BigAppleNYC123]

How does a case discourage "pro work"?

That's not what I wrote. I wrote "not conducive", which is different from "discourage"

Compared to other accessories, such as the keyboard or pen, the silicone case does not make work much easier.

Compared to the keyboard or pen, the silicone case is much better at facilitating reading, movie watching, and other non-work activities.

 

[spiderman0616]

I have to disagree about the speakers, at least when it comes to my own 10.5" Pro. I feel like they're a notch louder than my 9.7" was at full volume. But the 9.7 was no slouch either.

 

[BigAppleNYC123]

Re: silicone cases, I bought one for my iPad Mini 4 along with Smart Cover. The iPad looks and feels brand new and the case is holding up well. I have no reason to consider replacing the iPad I bought years ago.

Which is why I believe Apple stopped making them

Now THAT is a comment I agree with.
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The reason there's no back cover is because people complained last year that the Smart Cover had an over-hang as it was designed for use with the back cover.

Apple probably weighed up their choices, realised more people buy the Smart Cover than the Back Cover, and decided to drop the overhang whilst also dropping the sale of a Back Case, because then the two products wouldn't work so well together as it would be difficult to grip and not cover the whole of the front part.

Interesting....

In a review of the khomo, someone complained that it doesn’t wrap tightly around the corners , and this shows poor quality. The corners do look different than the silicone case.

With khomo and Smart Cover, I open on the corners.

I wonder if this is an accident, or if khomo noticed the same issue Apple saw, and modified the corners to solve.

 

[spiderman0616]

Now THAT is a comment I agree with.
[doublepost=1501212835][/doublepost]

Interesting....

In a review of the khomo, someone complained that it doesn’t wrap tightly around the corners , and this shows poor quality. The corners do look different than the silicone case.

With khomo and Smart Cover, I open on the corners.

I wonder if this is an accident, or if khomo noticed the same issue Apple saw, and modified the corners to solve.

I finally bit the bullet and bought the Tech21 case that Apple sells. Picked it up tonight at the Apple Store. Got sick of playing the buy/return game with all the cheap-o Amazon cases.