So...anyone else disillusioned by their 12.9 and moving back to something smaller?
After using the 9.7 for a few days, the 12.9 just seems huge, and I can't think of a use that justifies it. All I wanted was a music writing app on the level of StaffPad (which I loved on my old surface book), and I assumed by now we would have something similar- but all we have feel like toys in comparison.
I don't use split screen often, but I take a lot of notes, and I'm surprised to find both of those are very capable on the 9.7, at least for my use.
The gain in portability has been a nice experience too, it strangely feels like I'm using an iPad for the first time.
Anyone else experiencing something similar?
SOMEWHAT similar... though I would not characterize the 12.9 iPad Pro as a failed experiment.
I use split screen often. To have 2 full apps side by side is terrific. Most people don't know that on smaller iPads (like the 9.7 Pro) split window does NOT display the full app but a "mobile UI" version of it. ("mobile UI" is my term for it, I don't know what Apple calls it)
Writing and drawing on the 12.9 Pro is great. So is reading comics and magazines. That works well on the 9.7 too but because many of the magazines that I read are scans of vintage magazines and catalogs, clarity isn't always the greatest on the smaller screen.
Where I'm disappointed (not disillusioned) in the user experience for the 12.9 iPad Pro:
- Selecting and switching apps in split window is quite primitive and a growing impediment to productivity the more that I reply on split window.
- Inconsistencies between macOS iWork and iOS iWork. File compatibility is stellar (after installing AnyFont on my iPP and installing the custom fonts that I use) but even with the reduced function set of the new iWork, there are still things that are impossible to do within the iOS version. eg. apply character styles.
The same holds true for other "Office-like" applications that offer a Windows/macOS version and iOS.
- Lack of 12.9 iPad Pro-exclusive features in iOS. The larger screen and resolution offer so much potential that remains untapped.
- Lack of additions that would help close the gap in using the 12.9 iPP as a notebook/netbook replacement (without compromising the unique character of the iOS user experience). A system-wide accessible filesystem (no DOCUMENTS is not an alternative), and optional support for Bluetooth pointing devices would've been very helpful. I use my Citrix X1 mouse with Jump Desktop on my iPad Pro and it works great... would love that option to be available system wide.
With a little over a year since the 12.9 Pro was released, I've come to the conclusion that Apple "rushed" (relatively speaking) it to market... probably in an attempt to slow down or halt the momentum that Microsoft was gaining with their Surface line.
The 12.9 iPP should NOT have been called "Pro". It should've been called, "Plus". But doing so would not have stopped the speculation that Apple was working on a true alternative to the Surface. By calling it "Pro" they were putting those rumors to bed. They were saying, "This Pro is it. Don't expect anything else."
Apple is notorious for offering a wide variety of accessories for their devices. With the 12.9 iPP, there is only 2 colors of smart cover, 2 colors of smart case, and 1 color Apple Smart Keyboard. This is quite uncharacteristic of Apple and quite puzzling.
So where I am right now with the 12.9 iPP is relegating it to be my secondary mobile solution. I've switch to my 11" MBA + iPad Mini 4 as my primary. For notetaking and other tablet-y things, the Mini 4 is adequate and the MBA can easily handle those notebook-y tasks. Together, they're still very portable... granted, not as compact as a 12.9 iPP+clear skin on the back+Apple Smart Keyboard, but the flexibility and function of the MBA+iPadMini combo are well worth the trade-off for me now.
I still find the 12.9 iPP enjoyable and productive but without advancements in iOS and apps it is clear that what the experience is, is what it is, and isn't going to improve unless something changes.
