I think I'm having second thoughts about the 10.5 iPad Pro (again)

[masotime]

I do think though that the use cases for lots of local storage is deminshing quickly with the rise of cloud services. However, I generally buy more than I think I need, and the pricing of the current Pro models made the jump from 64 to 256 kind of a no-brainer. I doubt that I will ever come close to using 256, but it is nice to have to not worry about what to store locally and what not to.

That's fair, but I still feel it's somewhat situational. If you tend to travel in areas without free public Wifi, you might need Cellular data, and then there's the cost of cellular data, which also depends on the region you're in.

Buy what suits your needs of course, but there are use cases for large amounts of storage. However, I will admit to be annoyed that USB3-speed transfers are still not easily available for the iPad.

 

[steve62388]

Not everybody has the means or opportunities to do such travel.

But they have the means to buy a top of the line tablet...

 

[TinaBelcher]

What if you want to watch on a plane? Or on a cross country road trip?

I don't really watch anything on a plane because I'm afraid of running out of battery, lol.
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That's an iPad Air issue, not an iPad issue.

So it's fast on the Pro's?

 

[myrtlebee]

Chill. I'm not intending to belittle anyone. I'm just saying that streaming isn't practical in several valid use cases, so a high capacity iPad can still be justified.

I am "chill". I'm just telling you not to assume everyone can travel or does it regularly- especially air travel. It's not a factor to consider for some people.

But they have the means to buy a top of the line tablet...

It's a one time expense for quite a few years. I buy iPads, etc. but don't really travel.

 

[rui no onna]

So it's fast on the Pro's?

Yes. This is actually one of the few apps that load noticeably faster on the A10X compared to A9/A9X. Well, it's like 1-2 seconds load time on A10X and 2-3 seconds on the A9X. Air (A7) was something like 7-10 seconds.

Also, if you just leave it running in the background so it's cached in RAM, reloading is instantaneous. This is where 4GB RAM helps. I use Excel for iOS quite a bit and the large display of the 12.9 is so much nicer for that.

 

[sracer]

I am "chill". I'm just telling you not to assume everyone can travel or does it regularly- especially air travel. It's not a factor to consider for some people.

@masotime made no such assumption. They were simply providing an example of SOME scenarios in which having media on local storage is beneficial. Sounds like "travel" is a hot-button issue for you... I'm sorry about that.

Regarding storage capacity options, it is helpful to consider how one has used iPads in the past but also (a) how long does one plan on keeping an iPad and (b) the potential new features and functions that will be introduced to the iPad during that time that may affect the amount of storage needed.

I can see a few scenarios where Apple adds some function/feature to iOS that would make 64GB "tight". That wouldn't be an issue if one keeps the iPad for a year or two... but for long-term ownership, it might be.

Historically, for my uses, I've found that on iOS devices, the middle storage option is the best cost/value proposition.

 

[rrayborn38]

The 12.9" is actually pretty portable if you ditch the Smart Keyboard, which pretty much doubles the weight, and get a harder thin cover like the Roartz covers on Amazon. I have a Mini 4 for the rare occasions when I need ultra portability, and a 13" MBP for intensive typing and "real work". I find I can carry both the MBP and the thin-covered 12.9" iPad to work daily in a messenger bag, and they together weigh much less than any past notebook computer I have owned. To me, the 9.7"/10.5" is too small to work with and too heavy to be considered portable. I'm sure Apple has user-group tested the size intensively and found that people prefer 9.7"/10.5". I just don't.

I am also a big believer in local media storage. So far, 128MB has been enough - no full-length movies, but lots of music videos.

 

[rui no onna]

Regarding storage capacity options, it is helpful to consider how one has used iPads in the past but also (a) how long does one plan on keeping an iPad and (b) the potential new features and functions that will be introduced to the iPad during that time that may affect the amount of storage needed.

I can see a few scenarios where Apple adds some function/feature to iOS that would make 64GB "tight". That wouldn't be an issue if one keeps the iPad for a year or two... but for long-term ownership, it might be.

Historically, for my uses, I've found that on iOS devices, the middle storage option is the best cost/value proposition.

Yep. Historical usage and how long you plan to keep the device are important considerations.

Mind, I already kinda know how much storage I want on tablets (512GB - 1TB) from when I first purchased a tablet (Windows Vista, pretty heavy, short battery life, runs hot, $1.5K). Just been waiting for technology to get there. I was waiting for Android tablets to improve since they allow for expansion via microSD. Unfortunately, that was a dead end.

 

[TinaBelcher]

Yes. This is actually one of the few apps that load noticeably faster on the A10X compared to A9/A9X. Well, it's like 1-2 seconds load time on A10X and 2-3 seconds on the A9X. Air (A7) was something like 7-10 seconds.

Also, if you just leave it running in the background so it's cached in RAM, reloading is instantaneous. This is where 4GB RAM helps. I use Excel for iOS quite a bit and the large display of the 12.9 is so much nicer for that.

That makes me so happy! Because Word literally takes 17 sec to open in my Air. It's just sad that I won't be able to use it on the Pro models. Im starting school next month so hopefully I'll be provided with a free student subscription though

 

[Broadus]

That makes me so happy! Because Word literally takes 17 sec to open in my Air. It's just sad that I won't be able to use it on the Pro models. Im starting school next month so hopefully I'll be provided with a free student subscription though

You can use it on the 9.7 Pro but not the 10.5, right?

 

[blwade]

I am also a big believer in local media storage. So far, 128MB has been enough - no full-length movies, but lots of music videos.

128 MB?? What year is this?

 

[TinaBelcher]

You can use it on the 9.7 Pro but not the 10.5, right?

Exactly. So, whatever model I'll get I'm screwed... And I'm not buying the 9.7 from last year

 

[myrtlebee]

@masotime made no such assumption. They were simply providing an example of SOME scenarios in which having media on local storage is beneficial. Sounds like "travel" is a hot-button issue for you... I'm sorry about that.

I never said he made that assumption originally. I was simply giving one reason why someone may not care to take travel issues into account. It's not a "hot-button issue" for me, so save the snarky emojis.

 

[Broadus]

Exactly. So, whatever model I'll get I'm screwed... And I'm not buying the 9.7 from last year

I just returned from Best Buy, having actually examined a 10.5 for the first time. I like the size, but it wasn't $200 (US) worth of like. I bought the 9.7 Pro, taking advantage of the one-day BB sale and no state sales tax this weekend. The 9.7 Pro will work well for my usage.

 

[jlseattle]

Ok, so I bought the iPad Pro 10.5 and I love it. I have the whole kit and kaboodle (all the accessories) so I'm happy. I have reconciled myself to the fact that it is a gussied up iPad and it has a beautiful screen. I'm going to use for work and see how it goes.

 

[Ferc Kast]

Even worse, my dilemma continues after I bought one until the return days are up. Then I settle in with it and stop thinking about the other option(s).

My dithering is upgrading from the Air to the Pro 9.7 or Pro 10.5. The concern about app optimization for the 10.5 display has me seriously thinking about settling on the 9.7.

Haven’t had noticed much of an issue with optimization on my 10.5”, but could be just because of the apps I use. And the ones that haven’t optimized yet might be holding out for iOS 11 to combine updating for the resolution and new available SDK features.

 

[AlexJoda]

The 12.9" is actually pretty portable if you ditch the Smart Keyboard, which pretty much doubles the weight, and get a harder thin cover like the Roartz covers on Amazon. I have a Mini 4 for the rare occasions when I need ultra portability, and a 13" MBP for intensive typing and "real work". I find I can carry both the MBP and the thin-covered 12.9" iPad to work daily in a messenger bag, and they together weigh much less than any past notebook computer I have owned. To me, the 9.7"/10.5" is too small to work with and too heavy to be considered portable. I'm sure Apple has user-group tested the size intensively and found that people prefer 9.7"/10.5". I just don't.

I am also a big believer in local media storage. So far, 128MB has been enough - no full-length movies, but lots of music videos.

Exactly, that's why I did not use the fat and heavy ASK ether. With the standard Smart Cover the 12.9 IPP is perfectly portable and balanced. I am using it every day at home and on the road with a small shoulder bag nearly the size of the IPP which is about the same as A4 papers and journals.

For typing i prefer the "real" Apple Magic Keyboard, which is unbeatable in type comfort and fits perfectly to the size of 12.9 IPP. You can also place it a little farther away from IPP which I like better for typing. I am carrying it in the back pocket of my bag and it is so slim and lightweight that you did not even recognize it while carrying the bag around. The battery is loaded with the same lightning cable as the IPP but that happens very rarely after several weeks/months of usage. Combined with my Citrix X1 mouse this is the perfect environment for remote working on virtual machines which is the way of doing most of my work these days. No other iPad comes even close to the 12.9 for this kind of setup. It was a game changer for me....

 

[Farrellcollie]

I don't really watch anything on a plane because I'm afraid of running out of battery, lol.
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So it's fast on the Pro's?

You can get a portable battery charger pretty cheap the will recharge the battery on an airplane or other mobil places. They come in all shapes, sizes and capacities. I keep on in my briefcase and bag as a just in case thing.

 

[TinaBelcher]

You can get a portable battery charger pretty cheap the will recharge the battery on an airplane or other mobil places. They come in all shapes, sizes and capacities. I keep on in my briefcase and bag as a just in case thing.

I think my dad have 1 of those, but only add another 3 hours to the device.

 

[masotime]

I think my dad have 1 of those, but only add another 3 hours to the device.

Either this RAVPower USB-C Bank ($64 after code RAVPB058): https://www.amazon.com/RAVPower-Portable-26800mAh-Recharged-Nintendo/dp/B01LRQDAEI or the Anker equivalent (more expensive but comes with charger) :https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-Portable-Nintendo-Delivery/dp/B01MZ61PRW are excellent companions to the new iPad Pros.

I've tested the RAVPower at least, and can confirm a 29W charging speed with Apple's USB-C to Lightning cable, and will definitely charge your device for significantly more than 3 hours.

 

[rui no onna]

I think my dad have 1 of those, but only add another 3 hours to the device.

The big (and heavy) Anker ones are pretty good. Will do a full charge. Screen brightness is probably one of the biggest factors when it comes to battery life. I usually have mine set very low and I normally get the advertised 10 hours (and more).

I don't really watch anything on a plane because I'm afraid of running out of battery, lol.

I don't really care if my iPad runs out of battery during the flight as long as my iPhone battery charge remains good. It's the iPhone I'll need to make calls, etc. once I reach the destination. The iPad is primarily for entertainment. The last plane I flew in actually had a USB port on the arm rest. Never tested if it would charge the iPad though. It's a hassle to dig for the Lightning cable and battery life on my iPad easily exceeded the length of the flight.

 

[TinaBelcher]

The big (and heavy) Anker ones are pretty good. Will do a full charge. Screen brightness is probably one of the biggest factors when it comes to battery life. I usually have mine set very low and I normally get the advertised 10 hours (and more).

I always have my brightness on the lowest unless I'm watching a video that's not bright enough on its own.. and with all that in mind, I still get up to 10 hours at most. With medium brightness maybe 7 hours... Apple and their lies... therefor I always need to keep my iPad charging when not using it

 

[Farrellcollie]

I think my dad have 1 of those, but only add another 3 hours to the device.

The devices I am talking about will completely recharge the battery on your ipad.
For example:https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerC...2052870&sr=8-18&keywords=battery+charger+ipad

 

[alecgold]

I always have my brightness on the lowest unless I'm watching a video that's not bright enough on its own.. and with all that in mind, I still get up to 10 hours at most. With medium brightness maybe 7 hours... Apple and their lies... therefor I always need to keep my iPad charging when not using it

Is that on the air 1? This sounds really odd to me, on the lowest setting (I hardly ever use because it is so dim) it would last 12-15 hours.
On my iPad Pro's (9.7, 10.5 as well 12.9) I consistently get around 10 hours or more. The biggest influence is the brightness. Put it on 100% and I get around 7 hours and when I also heavily use cell data it drops even a bit more.
The again, 6 hours straight of work is usually still enough to last a full working day as don't mail/type/read 100% of the time. Because I have two ipp's it usually lasts even trough the night when studying fiscal law, with some 20% left in each.

 

[masotime]

The devices I am talking about will completely recharge the battery on your ipad.
For example:https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerC...2052870&sr=8-18&keywords=battery+charger+ipad

Definitely take the USB-C Power Delivery variants (in my earlier post), and not this one if you own the newer iPad Pros. If you are serious about charging, the newer variants both charge and discharge at 30W, far superior than any proprietary charging platform provides, and represent the future of standardized USB charging.

The only caveat is the USB-C to Lightning cable that must be Apple branded, but the charging speed is so fast that it usually is well worth it.