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2017 iPad 9.7 or 2017 iPad Pro 10.5

  • 2017 iPad 9.7

    Votes: 4 13.3%
  • 2017 iPad Pro 10.5 (rumored)

    Votes: 26 86.7%

  • Total voters
    30

Sirmausalot

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Sep 1, 2007
1,135
320
Okay, looking at the THEORETICAL differences between the new iPad (2017) and the yet to be announced/released 10.5 iPad Pro. Love to hear your thoughts on this theoretical match up

New 2017 iPad versus Assumed iPad Pro 10.5
  • 9.7 inch Retina display versus 10.5" display
  • 64-bit A9 chip versus A10X
  • 2048 x 1536 resolution 2,224 X 1,668
  • 8-megapixel camera versus 12MP Camera
  • 1.2 versus 5MP facetime camera
  • 1080P video versus 4K video
  • $439 versus $699 (128GB models)
  • 2 speakers Versus 4 speakers
  • Not compatible versus compatible with pencil and Keyboard (add $100-$250)
  • Regular Bezel versus narrow bezel
What makes the Pro worth the upgrade? Particular features, particular uses? Be specific folks about why you would or wouldn't go for the more expensive machine. Talk about specific apps and applications, especially if you have real world experience. One rumor has a price drop of $100 on a 10.5 iPad Pro to $599. I could see it bundled with the keyboard or pencil or a discount offered at time of purchase.
 
Okay, looking at the THEORETICAL differences between the new iPad (2017) and the yet to be announced/released 10.5 iPad Pro. Love to hear your thoughts on this theoretical match up

New 2017 iPad versus Assumed iPad Pro 10.5
  • 9.7 inch Retina display versus 10.5" display
  • 64-bit A9 chip versus A10X
  • 2048 x 1536 resolution 2,224 X 1,668
  • 8-megapixel camera versus 12MP Camera
  • 1.2 versus 5MP facetime camera
  • 1080P video versus 4K video
  • $439 versus $699 (128GB models)
  • 2 speakers Versus 4 speakers
  • Not compatible versus compatible with pencil and Keyboard (add $100-$250)
  • Regular Bezel versus narrow bezel
What makes the Pro worth the upgrade? Particular features, particular uses? Be specific folks about why you would or wouldn't go for the more expensive machine. Talk about specific apps and applications, especially if you have real world experience. One rumor has a price drop of $100 on a 10.5 iPad Pro to $599. I could see it bundled with the keyboard or pencil or a discount offered at time of purchase.
4 speakers of higher quality, it's not just more, also the display is more than size the quality is immensely better then the basic display from the iPad. The iPad Pro is for people that need the ultimate amount of performance because there doing serious works and can't have things being reloaded in 2Gb of ram. The Tru tone display can also make the display much easier to read so that is beneficial to people looking at a iPad a lot. What you mentioned is just sorta the amenities that come with the Pro, were as the reason for one is basically the Pencil or Smart Keyboard.
 
Honestly I'd pony up for the 12.9 inch as I quite like the size but I think a 10.5 inch would be more ideal for my use cases.
I'm specifically thinking of using it for a portable darkroom to look at (but not necessarily edit) RAW photos using the SD card dongle.
 
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I really dislike the iPad 2017 features compared to an Air 2 which is significantly older.. I really hope the new Pro is coming soon because I am surely waiting for that one.
 
I really dislike the iPad 2017 features compared to an Air 2 which is significantly older.. I really hope the new Pro is coming soon because I am surely waiting for that one.
Im in the same boat as you. The important thing is to understand that iPad lineup is split into 2 lines now. Before the Pro the newest iPad was always the best of everything. Now however the cheaper iPad has become the option for people just trying to have a iPad for consumption mainly and the Pro is the works horse iPad that will always bring the best and latest technologies to the iPad. Equate this new iPad lineup to choosing between a MacBook or a MacBook Pro, very different devices for very different people and use cases.
 
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Im in the same boat as you. The important thing is to understand that iPad lineup is split into 2 lines now. Before the Pro the newest iPad was always the best of everything. Now however the cheaper iPad has become the option for people just trying to have a iPad for consumption mainly and the Pro is the works horse iPad that will always bring the best and latest technologies to the iPad. Equate this new iPad lineup to choosing between a MacBook or a MacBook Pro, very different devices for very different people and use cases.

Exactly! Another example would be the iPhone 5C. The new 2017 iPad is like an iPad C version and the Pro will be just the iPad.
 
I really dislike the iPad 2017 features compared to an Air 2 which is significantly older.. I really hope the new Pro is coming soon because I am surely waiting for that one.

Essentially, what Apple did was make a budget iPad similar to what they did with the iPhone SE. I think for the price point and what you're receiving, it's a fairly tempting device to purchase.

I think the biggest downgrade with the new 9.7 inch iPad, is the lack of laminate display. But overall with the same battery life and An upgraded processor in the iPad Air Casing (Slightly thicker), it's a step in the right direction to draw somebody into Apple's ecosystem with an affordable iPad perhaps with features that one would appreciate, if they did not want to invest in the Pro line.
 
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Essentially, what Apple did was make a budget iPad similar to what they did with the iPhone SE. I think for the price point and what you're receiving, it's a fairly tempting device to purchase.

I think the biggest downgrade with the new 9.7 inch iPad, is the lack of laminate display. But overall with the same battery life and An upgraded processor in the iPad Air Casing (Slightly thicker), it's a step in the right direction to draw somebody into Apple's ecosystem with an affordable iPad perhaps with features that one would appreciate, if they did not want to invest in the Pro line.

Yes, I completely agree with you. Also it is a great tablet for use in schools etc. It is just not for everyone. A lot of users will not want to take a step back and miss all the goodies the Pro offers. (4 speaker, true tone, laminated screen, color gamut..)

That reminds me that Apple has to update the 12.9 version with a true tone display :)
 
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For my use I would go for the 10.5 mainly for the camera as I use it quite a lot for photos but other reasons are the following.
  • A10X
  • 2,224 X 1,668
  • 12MP Camera
  • 1080P video versus 4K video
  • $439 versus $699 (128GB models) In Oz we would not see this price plus I would want 256GB
  • 4 speakers
  • Compatible with pencil and Keyboard (add $100-$250)
  • Narrow bezel
That's if it is as rumoured.
 
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My perfect iPP2 would have double the ram of the first one, of course a better processor and narrower bezels. A better camera and a higher refresh rate are optional for me.

A longer battery life would be awesome but I think this won't happen regarding the form factor. For me I would prefer a little bit thicker iPad if it increases the battery life.
 
Okay, looking at the THEORETICAL differences between the new iPad (2017) and the yet to be announced/released 10.5 iPad Pro. Love to hear your thoughts on this theoretical match up

New 2017 iPad versus Assumed iPad Pro 10.5
  • 9.7 inch Retina display versus 10.5" display
  • 64-bit A9 chip versus A10X
  • 2048 x 1536 resolution 2,224 X 1,668
  • 8-megapixel camera versus 12MP Camera
  • 1.2 versus 5MP facetime camera
  • 1080P video versus 4K video
  • $439 versus $699 (128GB models)
  • 2 speakers Versus 4 speakers
  • Not compatible versus compatible with pencil and Keyboard (add $100-$250)
  • Regular Bezel versus narrow bezel
What makes the Pro worth the upgrade? Particular features, particular uses? Be specific folks about why you would or wouldn't go for the more expensive machine. Talk about specific apps and applications, especially if you have real world experience. One rumor has a price drop of $100 on a 10.5 iPad Pro to $599. I could see it bundled with the keyboard or pencil or a discount offered at time of purchase.
You've got the resolution wrong, and there are orher differences:
2GB RAM vs 4GB
Along with the resolution and size, there's a difference in appearance (laminated, P3, brightness) and the faster 120Hz refresh rate.
USB 3 Lightning port (presumably fast charging compatible)
Touch ID 2

It's likely that they would upgrade the front camera to 7mp, and a chance that will see 3D touch and it wouldn't be surprising if, considering the timing and design changes, that will see the new home button.
 
I think Apple is making a mistake with the iPad. It used to be that there was one iPad. It was called....the iPad. Yes it also came in a mini size. But basically, every year, the "iPad" would get an upgrade. It would get new must have features. It would get thinner. It would get faster.

Now with the iPad "Pro", Apple has split the iPad. They've made basic features such as being able to use an Apple Pencil or smarcover for typing exclusive to the so called "Pro" model. I would argue that these features are features that would previously be added to "regular" iPad updates. But suddenly warrant a higher price tag by only being offered on the Pro models?

I would also argue that the bulk of iPad consumers are not "pros" but would gladly pay for an Apple Pencil or smart cover for their regular iPad....but can't. They also won't shell out the inflated prices of the "Pro" models to get those basic features. Again, features that would arguably be added to the regular iPad updates in the past. So, Apple is losing potential sales for the Pencil & smartcover from the vast majority of their consumers.

Just an observation.
 
Okay, looking at the THEORETICAL differences between the new iPad (2017) and the yet to be announced/released 10.5 iPad Pro. Love to hear your thoughts on this theoretical match up

New 2017 iPad versus Assumed iPad Pro 10.5
  • 9.7 inch Retina display versus 10.5" display
  • 64-bit A9 chip versus A10X
  • 2048 x 1536 resolution 2,224 X 1,668
  • 8-megapixel camera versus 12MP Camera
  • 1.2 versus 5MP facetime camera
  • 1080P video versus 4K video
  • $439 versus $699 (128GB models)
  • 2 speakers Versus 4 speakers
  • Not compatible versus compatible with pencil and Keyboard (add $100-$250)
  • Regular Bezel versus narrow bezel
What makes the Pro worth the upgrade? Particular features, particular uses? Be specific folks about why you would or wouldn't go for the more expensive machine. Talk about specific apps and applications, especially if you have real world experience. One rumor has a price drop of $100 on a 10.5 iPad Pro to $599. I could see it bundled with the keyboard or pencil or a discount offered at time of purchase.


Apples business strategy is one found in many industries Steve Jobs modeled after the auto industry.
It's like this Rich and Poor.

IPad Mini or 9.7" iPad = Poor
IPad Pro or 10.5" iPad = Rich

Honda Civic Poor
Honda Accord Rich.
By no means do they indicate actual socioeconomic status, but for just a bit more money there a huge upgrade people want.

Same with MacBooks and MacBook Pros same with iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus

IMO the new iPad is just a Kids toy. It's the cheap iPad you put in gel case and give to kids for learning.
 
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I don't think apple enthusiasts on a forum like this are going to get too excited about a cheap ipad with no new features and in some cases, worse features than even an ipad air 2. The average person couldn't even tell the difference between screens if they didn't know better. It's still retina.

What would be exciting is Apple differentiating even more on the pro line..usb-c to lightning offers more on the 12.9" ipad for instance. But other than pencil and kb support, it has to offer even more. Plug into mac, use as a wacom. But bottom line is Apple somehow has to get the touch support from ipad into the mac. That would elevate an ipad more to essential for me. WWDC should offer what Apple might have up their sleeve in terms of more ios/mac integration.
 
Honda Civic Poor
Honda Accord Rich.
By no means do they indicate actual socioeconomic status, but for just a bit more money there a huge upgrade people want.
More like:
Honda, Toyota, Nissan - Poor
Acura, Lexus, Infiniti - Rich
 
More like:
Honda, Toyota, Nissan - Poor
Acura, Lexus, Infiniti - Rich
Not really...Apple doesn't have a separate luxury brand that it markets.

Apple already is a luxury brand, so in the context of cars, it is more like BMW. iPad mini is a 1 series, iPad is a 3 series and iPad Pro is the 5/7 series. We ignore the coupes for now ;).

I prefer the compact 1 series, but I am definitely willing to lay out e extra cash for the M version of the 1 series (aka the 7.9" iPad Pro ;)) and may even be willing to be up sold to the M3 (aka 10,5" iPad Pro) if the PPI is 364 like the mini. If it is some random in between resolution, no dice!
 
I think Apple is making a mistake with the iPad. It used to be that there was one iPad. It was called....the iPad. Yes it also came in a mini size. But basically, every year, the "iPad" would get an upgrade. It would get new must have features. It would get thinner. It would get faster.

Now with the iPad "Pro", Apple has split the iPad. They've made basic features such as being able to use an Apple Pencil or smarcover for typing exclusive to the so called "Pro" model. I would argue that these features are features that would previously be added to "regular" iPad updates. But suddenly warrant a higher price tag by only being offered on the Pro models?

I would also argue that the bulk of iPad consumers are not "pros" but would gladly pay for an Apple Pencil or smart cover for their regular iPad....but can't. They also won't shell out the inflated prices of the "Pro" models to get those basic features. Again, features that would arguably be added to the regular iPad updates in the past. So, Apple is losing potential sales for the Pencil & smartcover from the vast majority of their consumers.

Just an observation.

Yeah, Im not sure about this "split" either. Choices are nice but then it can cloud the decision making progress sometimes too. I would rather just see one main iPad. Like, make the 10.5" model the only standard sized one and then keep doing the mini if its selling well. I dunno. We'll see how this shakes out.
 
Yeah, Im not sure about this "split" either. Choices are nice but then it can cloud the decision making progress sometimes too. I would rather just see one main iPad. Like, make the 10.5" model the only standard sized one and then keep doing the mini if its selling well. I dunno. We'll see how this shakes out.
Tried and true! ;)
11" MacBook Air -> 7.9" iPad mini
12" MacBook -> 9.7" iPad
13" MacBook Pro -> 10.5" iPad Pro
15" MacBook Pro -> 12.9" iPad Pro
 
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Yeah, Im not sure about this "split" either. Choices are nice but then it can cloud the decision making progress sometimes too. I would rather just see one main iPad. Like, make the 10.5" model the only standard sized one and then keep doing the mini if its selling well. I dunno. We'll see how this shakes out.
Honestly, I think Apple has actually made the choice easier by widening the gap in features and price (from just $100 to $270). Imho, it was harder to make the decision back when you can get the previous year's model for merely $100 less than current year's and the differences between the two models were less pronounced.

For the average consumers, the lower end iPad is a no-brainer.

For prosumers, well Apple is helping fund R&D for newer products by milking them with the new higher price points. I wouldn't be surprised if majority of Apple prosumers are a fairly captive audience which is relatively inelastic in terms of price elasticity of demand.
 
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