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You misunderstood my post. What I was getting at is upgrading to a newer generation of iPad Pro is not worth it to me unless Files is greatly improved. USB C on the new pros would be an improvement for me if I could leverage it for file management but the Files app isn’t effective enough for that.

I've been using FileBrowser for Business for working with attached and network-based storage. I agree that Files is a minimal implementation.
 
Because people can afford it.

I know that sounds awful but its kinda the truth with most consumer products. There’s the standard version that does what its supposed to do. And then there’s a “premium” version that costs 2-3x more and does mostly the same tasks but offers a slightly better experience.

For me, I know there’s a more affordable model that could do exactly what I need. But I dont mind overpaying for a Pro because I do video and photo work so I feel like its a justifiable expense for me. But if I were to recommend an iPad I probably wouldn’t push people to the Pro.
 
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For the majority of folks’ use cases, what things about the iPP really set it apart from other iPads? Which of those things could you NOT live without after having them?

I’ve toyed around with giving up having an iPad in an effort just to pare down and simplify, but I think I’d regret that fairly quickly. I’m thinking of maybe just going to a more basic pad since I have to keep a computer and don’t really need (nor do I utilize) all the pro has to offer.

So what are those things that would keep you from ever giving up a pro, and why?
I'm still delaying upgrading but USB-C would be a killer feature for me. I tend to opt for highest storage capacities and currently, 512GB-1TB are only available on the Pros. Other than those, the rest of the features are nice-to-haves but not something I consider critical.

You've already spent money on the Pro 11, though. Not worth taking the depreciation hit just to downgrade.
 
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I'm still delaying upgrading but USB-C would be a killer feature for me. I tend to opt for highest storage capacities and currently, 512GB-1TB are only available on the Pros. Other than those, the rest of the features are nice-to-haves but not something I consider critical.

You've already spent money on the Pro 11, though. Not worth taking the depreciation hit just to downgrade.

Except I have another basic iPad I can use until I decide what I want to do in the long run.
 
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I've been using FileBrowser for Business for working with attached and network-based storage. I agree that Files is a minimal implementation.

Yeah I paid for FileBrowser for Business as well. Can do a couple of different things with it but I’m still not satisfied with it. Between the sandboxing of files by app and the inability to identify the size of folders and available storage (especially on external devices) it just isn’t worth it to me yet to pay for a new iPad to get USB-C for increased support for external devices.
 
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As of now, my iPP is my ONLY device with USB-C. And while I love how fast this thing charges, it is a bit inconvenient to have to haul multiple cords and power blocks with me when I travel. Between my watch, phone and iPad, I have to bring 2 different wall blocks and 3 cords. I know - first world problems, but a lot of times for short trips I wind up leaving the iPP at home.
We use Anker multi-port chargers. Super convenient considering we travel with 4+ iPhones (US & local SIM), 4 iPads, 3 Apple Watches, a couple of microUSB devices and even Mini USB devices (glucose meter). When I upgraded to the 10 USB port Anker chargers at home, the 5-6 port models became our dedicated travel chargers (pre-packed in a go-bag). :D
 
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Yeah I paid for FileBrowser for Business as well. Can do a couple of different things with it but I’m still not satisfied with it. Between the sandboxing of files by app and the inability to identify the size of folders and available storage (especially on external devices) it just isn’t worth it to me yet to pay for a new iPad to get USB-C for increased support for external devices.

Yeah, it is frustrating. The paid version of this app tells me the size and used storage of attached devices:

 
With the latest iPad being Apple Pencil compatible the gap between iPP and iP is narrowing, but iPP still offers me some really cool features;
  • Larger display size - perfect for when I travel and don't want to bring my MBP along
  • Apple Pencil 2 - better and smoother and charges in a more natural way
  • More processing power - likely to become obsolete less quickly than a standard iPad
  • FaceID and slimmer bezels - mostly aesthetic but also practical as you get more screen
  • USB-C - charging is noticeably faster
  • More storage options
 
Pencil Latency, extra RAM, speakers, WiFi responsiveness, display.

Family surprised me with an 11” iPP this weekend 🙏. I immediately noticed all of these elements given my extensive “tests” of other models. Granted, I noticed some of these when I had a 12.9” 3rd gen, but these stood out instantly.

I momentarily forgot this was USB-C and was wondering why the lightning cable didn’t fit, 🥴 but now I hope to transfer my movies to the iPad without syncing to my older iMac.

I poo-pooed the 3rd gens for a variety of reasons, but that extra RAM and pencil latency makes the iPPs very easy to enjoy.

And no, I do not use FaceID.
 
I purchased an 11” iPad Pro a couple days ago. Best Buy had the 256GB model on sale for $799, and I added AppleCare, a Zagg glass screen protector, and Apple’s smart folio case.

I love that I can use my Samsung T5 external SSD with it, and love the fast-charge capability. My Logitech Crayon also works with it, but I’m going to trade in my old iPad Pro 1st gen. for a gift card, and purchase the Pencil 2.

Watching movies is awesome on the larger screen.

For portability, my iPad Mini 5 is still the best. The small sling bag I use for my Mini isn’t quite large enough for the Pro 11”, so I purchased a Hazard 4 Kato bag, which is a “tactical” bag specifically designed for tablets and is also supposed to be able to fit the 11” MacBook and similarly-sized netbooks.
 
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