iPad Pro iPad Pro 2018 Reviews are out

[PBG4 Dude]

He was mostly dinging it for not being able to use an external drive or open files directly in apps. Seem like perfectly valid critiques to me.

Thats the way it’s always been on iPad though. This isn’t news, so why is the iPad getting dinged for this during the review?

The only new connectivity added is the ability to run an external display.

The iPad pros (not 9.7) have had USB-C behind the lightning port, but you’ve needed the USB-C to lightning cable to get full speed data and recharge rates.

 

[SHKLMRE]

Jon Gruber/Daring Fireball: https://daringfireball.net/

 

[sonicrobby]

What's even funnier is that after complaining about the price/features ratio multiple times he ends up saying "well if you are willing to pay $2000 for an iPad you know what you are going for but think twice when going for the $799 model". That statement doesn't make any logical sense.

Agreed, but at the same time it is a good way to present the big picture. If you spend the cash to get the max spec'd macbook pro, iMac, Mac Pro, you'd expect near limitless possibilities on what could be done. Whereas here maxing out only benefits in the storage size and RAM, but it is still hindered by the OS.

This actually helped me open my eyes to me not actually needing the new ipad. I came in with the $800 engraved in my brain, hoping to replace my macbook pro. But after I get the pencil alone and tax, its over 1k. But thats what a review should do, he points out what is great on the iPad, but also has realistic expectations. I am still in awe of the new iPad's design and power, but its good to also see the limitations, which some reviews Ive seen havent gone beyond the lack of a headphone jack as the biggest limitation.
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Thats the way it’s always been on iPad though. This isn’t news, so why is the iPad getting dinged for this during the review?

The only new connectivity added is the ability to run an external display.

The iPad pros (not 9.7) have had USB-C behind the lightning port, but you’ve needed the USB-C to lightning cable to get full speed data and recharge rates.

Id say expectations. Switching to a non-proprietary interface to an industry standard gives the impression of "more possibilities", when in reality its simply "fewer dongles". And at a high base cost touting computer replacement, a lot of non-tech oriented people are still flash-drive friendly, having not yet embraced the cloud features, still wouldnt be able to use it as they expect. Not sure why Apple wont just add this to the files app. Hopefully iOS 13 shows some signs.

I then ask the question: sure the new pro its faster, prettier, stronger, better; but what can it do differently that the old gen iPad couldnt? And are the improvements worth investing $800+ on?

 

[SHKLMRE]

Fresh upload from TLD/Jonathan Morrison:

 

[johnyslats]

Fresh upload from TLD/Jonathan Morrison

Finally a silver one out in the wild!

 

[Perene]

No support for HDR10? LOL

This gets better every minute

 

[PBG4 Dude]

I then ask the question: sure the new pro its faster, prettier, stronger, better; but what can it do differently that the old gen iPad couldnt? And are the improvements worth investing $800+ on?

This is going to sound silly, but I like how they handle the pencil now. That’s probably the biggest draw for me. I know, it’s faster, newer LCD, faster LTE, but that’s expected, for lack of a better word.

I think whatever they put off this year’s iOS release to focus on performance is what will make these new iPads shine. These iPads were the hardware designed for iOS 12’s initial vision. They weren’t going to change the hardware because the software had to be delayed. I think we’ll see Apple’s true vision for these iPads at WWDC next June.

 

[dgdosen]

Jon Gruber/Daring Fireball: https://daringfireball.net/

That review persuades me that this is the best iPad ever. I'll agree with that. These other reviews are pointing out that given that, it's still just a companion/consumption/compromise device.

 

[soulreaver99]

Raymond Wong from Mashable is a long time apple kiss ass. Example:

The Bad

• Really pricey
• No headphone jack
• Rear cameras are worse than previous gen
• Accessories sold separately
• iOS 12 needs better multitasking

And gives it a Mashable Choice.

 

[dgdosen]

This is going to sound silly, but I like how they handle the pencil now. That’s probably the biggest draw for me. I know, it’s faster, newer LCD, faster LTE, but that’s expected, for lack of a better word.

I think whatever they put off this year’s iOS release to focus on performance is what will make these new iPads shine. These iPads were the hardware designed for iOS 12’s initial vision. They weren’t going to change the hardware because the software had to be delayed. I think we’ll see Apple’s true vision for these iPads at WWDC next June.

Faster LTE? These aren't 5G (optional) radios. That might be a reason to upgrade next year.

 

[soulreaver99]

Apple has so many Low hanging fruits for ipad - external storage drive, mouse support for starters - really hope iOS 13 will fully make use of the wonderful hardware

YES, nailed it right there. The potential is incredible. I think once we get USB-C into our iPhone's and Tablets and remove the iOS limitations - it will be to a more refined level on what Microsoft tried to do with their Windows Mobile phones and that will just be the one device for everyone.
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I wonder if Rene Ritchie is booty hurt that they didn't make it in Rose Gold, also that guy from The Verge really has it out for Apple doesn't he? I'd still rather watch him than these dumb little brats that are all over the place. I will not watch Karl Konrad, Marques Brownlee, Austin Evans, iJustine, and everythingapplepro. If I could block them I would. These kids... My goodness. They are the worst. I'll wait for the grown ups do to their reviews that consist of more than reading benchmark scores.

These guys are now concentrating more of their efforts in the quality of their video, edits, camera angles, etc... versus actually reviewing the product. But hey, that's what gets hits and subscribers. I mean look at Dom Espisito's "review" of the iPhone XR. that was just pure laziness and garbage, but his camera quality was nice.

 

[Mathias Denichi]

But it doesnt run any real world applications?

$14.2 Billion spent on R & D in 2018, and I still can't get a file download percentage without a shortcut.

 

[BeatCrazy]

Faster LTE? These aren't 5G (optional) radios. That might be a reason to upgrade next year.

Yes it has faster LTE via 4×4 MIMO, QAM and LAA, with support for more bands.

 

[DotCom2]

The "REAL" reviews will come in Wednesday after we people use them!

 

[WilliamG]

Jon Gruber/Daring Fireball: https://daringfireball.net/

Ghastly review. He completely glosses over the fact that you cannot do with it what you can do with a real Mac.

 

[Infiniteconstancy]

So do we have an idea whether the 4GB versus the 6GB causes a huge performance difference?

 

[macsplusmacs]

Ghastly review. He completely glosses over the fact that you cannot do with it what you can do with a real Mac.

???????????????????????????.

So read his macbook review FOR THAT.

Sigh.

 

[FrankySavvy]

I am just going to say this.

"For 90% of people - they can certainly make the iPad their primary computer or laptop. "

Most professional reviewers and a lot of us on here are part of the 10% who work professionally on desktop/laptops. So I think for "most people" they really can replace a laptop with an iPad but for a specific group of professionals they can not.

For web browsing, e-mail, messaging, social media, blogging, writers, gaming and media consumption which is what 90% of everyday people do, the iPad can be a laptop replacement and a much better one at that.

Even for professionals using the Microsoft Office suite and some Adobe CC Applications (Photographers, Graphic Designers and Digital Illustrators) can primarily use the iPad Pro.

It is select professionals - the developers, recording studios, high end video editors, web designers and 3D designers who are limited by the software and application availability which I think will change in the next iOS. All we need is Xcode / Final Cut / AutoDesk / Dreamweaver / Pro Tools can certainly run on the new iPad Pro hardware - we just need the iOS and App support.

Main point here is - if 90% of the population can use the iPad Pro as their everyday computer why can't we say the iPad Pro is a laptop replacement?

 

[SHKLMRE]

I am just going to say this.

"For 90% of people - they can certainly make the iPad their primary computer or laptop. "

Most professional reviewers and a lot of us on here are part of the 10% who work professionally on desktop/laptops. So I think for "most people" they really can replace a laptop with an iPad but for a specific group of professionals they can not.

For web browsing, e-mail, messaging, social media, blogging, writers, gaming and media consumption which is what 90% of everyday people do, the iPad can be a laptop replacement and a much better one at that.

Even for professionals using the Microsoft Office suite and some Adobe CC Applications (Photographers, Graphic Designers and Digital Illustrators) can primarily use the iPad Pro.

It is select professionals - the developers, recording studios, high end video editors, web designers and 3D designers who are limited by the software and application availability which I think will change in the next iOS. All we need is Xcode / Final Cut / AutoDesk / Dreamweaver / Pro Tools can certainly run on the new iPad Pro hardware - we just need the iOS and App support.

Main point here is - if 90% of the population can use the iPad Pro as their everyday computer why can't we say the iPad Pro is a laptop replacement?

I totally agree!!! People saying it’s “not a computer” narrative is quite dumb. Everyone has different needs but it can do a lot of things really well

 

[CjonesHouston]

My company is replacing all of our laptops with iPads. We use laptops with proprietary software for trouble shooting. Most of the younger tech's can't wait to get rid of these bulky, heavy laptops. The older tech's are a little worried about the change. It all depends on your need. I own 2 mac's , a macbook , and 2 ipad pro's. At home , work and school. I rather bring my iPad and figure out how to get stuff done. Then carry the extra weight around of a real computer. That can do it all. I purchased the 11 inch pro. Giving my wife my 10.5 inch pro. She doesn't need a real computer either.
Real computer Real Problem. iPad's get it over and move on to the next thing. If you take the time and open the mind. You can probably replace your real computer with a iPad Pro. For the majority of your task. Check the app store. They're many apps that can be used to move files from usb c device to iPad. I've been doing it since the iPad mini and Air.

 

[moosington]

I am just going to say this.

"For 90% of people - they can certainly make the iPad their primary computer or laptop. "

Most professional reviewers and a lot of us on here are part of the 10% who work professionally on desktop/laptops. So I think for "most people" they really can replace a laptop with an iPad but for a specific group of professionals they can not.

For web browsing, e-mail, messaging, social media, blogging, writers, gaming and media consumption which is what 90% of everyday people do, the iPad can be a laptop replacement and a much better one at that.

Even for professionals using the Microsoft Office suite and some Adobe CC Applications (Photographers, Graphic Designers and Digital Illustrators) can primarily use the iPad Pro.

It is select professionals - the developers, recording studios, high end video editors, web designers and 3D designers who are limited by the software and application availability which I think will change in the next iOS. All we need is Xcode / Final Cut / AutoDesk / Dreamweaver / Pro Tools can certainly run on the new iPad Pro hardware - we just need the iOS and App support.

Main point here is - if 90% of the population can use the iPad Pro as their everyday computer why can't we say the iPad Pro is a laptop replacement?

I think about it as a laptop alternative. The iPad and it’s ecosystem are built around touch input. Not everything can be done well with that, but many things work just as well or better. Pick whatever works best for what you need.

If you’re upset there’s no macOS or mouse support, no mobile tablet is for you. Get a laptop.

 

[Bravia3d]

My 2012 iMac died 2 years ago, I used it for video editing using Sony Vegas. I bought an iPad 9.7in and used Luma Fusion which worked just as good. That iPad got stolen and I got the 10.5in and did the same.

I now use it for video editing, web surfing, YouTube watching, music and movies. Haven’t really used a pc much since I’ve had an iPad.

 

[luigi408]

I really wanted to buy the maxed out one to replace my laptop. I just can’t with all the stuff I have to do (in IT and school). I’m waiting for iOS 13 if they improve the OS for multitasking and other areas.
Right now I need and iPad AND my MacBook Pro to do everything I need. I hate carrying both things so I returned my iPad Pro to T-Mobile (leased OnDeman Upgrade) this week. Hopefully iOS 13 can fix a lot of multitasking issues, and I can then replace my laptop and carry one item only. I’ll miss the Apple Pencil and writing notes, but I rather give that up (and write on a notebook) then give up everything else MacBook Pro can do better.
Good thing is that all the negatives are only software related. Apple hopefully can fix it early next year with iOS 13.

 

[Perene]

One of the reviews criticizes Apple for not supporting the Youtube codec (VP9?) that would allow 4K in apps/device, however the defunct ProTube app (for iOS) was able to display videos in 4K... that doesn't make any sense.

Note: The Youtube app for iOS can only display up to 1080p. Similar apps can't go further, too.

 

[christophermdia]

Biggest issues I see with my use case is mostly in Excel ... Spreadsheets that are forever long having to manipulate many cells quickly, really needs a mouse. I even look at my wife, she could use iPad for many things, but she is a Project Manager who relies on Microsoft Project, even if they had a version for iPad, the multiple cells she needs to click and manipulate are too numerous. I think you need better multitasking and a mouse and it could truly replace a laptop, but for now I need to bring my laptop with me most places when I travel, except for short trips.

I still absolutely love my iPad though and it is my goto for everything else!