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Initially I was head over heels for the specs on the new iPad pro m1; however, after using it, I decided to return it:

1. It's too large to use casually or comfortably on a couch or chair. Your wrist tires. You essentially have to turn it into a laptop with some sort of accessory. The only reason I went for 12.9" was because of the new screen---I "had" to go with 12.9" it was the only way to get the best display. My 2018 11" pro is the perfect size, it seems.

2. The operating system is highly limited and practically the same as iOS. So for most tasks I ended reaching for my phone before the iPad. What a disappointment that the operating system, even in 2021, is still juvenile.

3. I already have an M1 Air which is worlds ahead of this iPad due to MacOS. It was also cheaper than the iPad Pro, a more primitive and limited device. Also, the M1 air gets better battery life.

4. The return on investment was terrible. I paid a ton for this device and it was essentially a big phone.
But the you lose on the screen experience.....

The whole point is the screen. I only use the pros because I can’t go back to a regular ipad. The screens are terrible in comparison.
 
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With beta 2 of iPadOS 15, Apple is allowing Devs to access more RAM. I’m expecting by Sept/Oct well see some Devs showing off some enhanced apps. Perhaps even apps from Apple themselves
 
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You'll have to pry the iPad Pro 11 inch (downsized from 2018 12.9 to a pure tablet format) from me, but can't help feeling regrets for how little Apple needed to do on macOS to put it on the Pro range of iPads:
 
The 12.9" model is for anyone who wants it, even if said person isn't a "creative professional."

Apple doesn't pigeon-hole their products to only a certain set of people and neither should you. That is how the whole "pro" rhetoric got started on here and elsewhere, with people making the same kind of unfounded comment you did and then trying to hold Apple to some mythical product status.
Definitely not just for a creative type, I’m a medical professional use the 12.9 all the time and actually surprised now how much I can use it as a laptop replacement. I only do outlook, word, web, writing, etc however! But sure if nice to travel with this and not a honkin big laptop! LOl or BOTH
 
Finally received my 1TB 12.9’’ last week, and I love it! Decided to get the 1TB for the 16GB ram. It’s great to browse the web on the sofa or in bed, (using it to type this up on the magic keyboard). I still use my iMac for most tasks, but decided to sell my MBP 13’’. I plan on keeping This thing for the next few years.
 
who does "need" one?
Need? Me and my small business. I’ve been using a 12.9 since it was first replaced in 2015. From planes to the couch, the 12.9 has been great for me. Starting in early 2019, I let my staff choose which Apple device they wanted for company use, it was overwhelming iPads. Personally, unless Apple plans to add cellular to their MacBook line, I can’t see how I’d ever “need” any laptop again. That’s how ”needs” work, each of us are different. Apple has options and that’s cool.
 
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But the you lose on the screen experience.....

The whole point is the screen. I only use the pros because I can’t go back to a regular ipad. The screens are terrible in comparison.

I disagree that they are "terrible." I have the Pro 11 an 12.9, but I also have a mini. The screen on the mini looks great, at 500 nits (600 for the Pros). Nice and crisp.
 
I think the problem is they don’t do a non-Pro 12.9 inch. I (and others it seems) want the large screen, but I don’t need the power of the Pro chip, or any of that multiple camera, LiDAR nonsense.

Obviously Apple have calculated that they’ll make more money from people who’ll buy more iPad than they really want, than they would if they sold a cheaper iPad to meet those people’s requirements.
I had this exact thought today though after a few exchanges, I'm having a hard time going back to 60hz. I was spoiled by the 12.9 and may get it again.
 
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IPP M1 / 1 TB 12.9 here. I can’t see a difference in the refresh rates. It’s my main work/productivity device so I’m maybe not seeing the benefits.
 
I have the M1 12.9” iPad Pro, and also the M1 Air. The Air is definitely the better “value”, but the iPad has a better screen. Once you get used to the 120Hz ProMotion, it’s really hard to go back to 60Hz. The better blacks are also easily noticeable, but your brain adjust better to the black level differences vs. the always-stuttering-when-scrolling 60Hz.
 
I have the M1 12.9” iPad Pro, and also the M1 Air. The Air is definitely the better “value”, but the iPad has a better screen. Once you get used to the 120Hz ProMotion, it’s really hard to go back to 60Hz. The better blacks are also easily noticeable, but your brain adjust better to the black level differences vs. the always-stuttering-when-scrolling 60Hz.
Agree. I have a M1 Macbook Pro from work and a personal M1 iPad Pro 12.9’’ and find that when I’m working on the iPad the contrast and colors are so damn good it makes it hard to adjust back to any other device.
 
It’s just way smoother and nicer of a device vs a laptop for me. Sure it can’t do it all and has only 4gb ram in my 2018. But the screen vividness, promotion and smooth animations make it a treat to use.
I tried the M1 Air for 1 month. I returned it.
 
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