I think it’s artificially priced and tiered this way to drive upsales and maybe limit distribution *this year* while they get a read on how well it works in field. If they get drowned in AppleCare claims for it, it might not stick around long.
But I think if more people got a chance to actually use a nano iPad to experience the difference in everyday feel and utility, I don’t think there’d be quite as much “ew it’s matte” or as much “only pros benefit.”
It’s certainly a matter of preference, but I find it much much nicer for everyday usage than the glossy version. The tactile difference is significant, and there are a lot more places (and angles) at which the screen is usable. I didn’t realize how many reflections I was having to avoid or ignore until they were gone.
I also find there are very few compromises over glossy—anywhere you’d have significant lift, you’d have significant reflections otherwise. It does add a slight amount of grain to light colors if you look very closely, but I haven’t found it bothersome and I’m usually picky. It’s not much different than how the glossy screen looks through fingerprints, and since it’s uniform it’s actually less noticeable.
My hope is nano eventually will be an option on the cheaper ones because I think a lot of people would feel the same. It could be a very popular option, especially on smaller models you might use in random places with uncontrolled lighting.
I’d expect maybe a $200 or so premium rather than $100 if it’s not on an already godawful expensive tier, though. But at that price I’d recommend someone try it and exchange if need be before dismissing the idea.
But I think if more people got a chance to actually use a nano iPad to experience the difference in everyday feel and utility, I don’t think there’d be quite as much “ew it’s matte” or as much “only pros benefit.”
It’s certainly a matter of preference, but I find it much much nicer for everyday usage than the glossy version. The tactile difference is significant, and there are a lot more places (and angles) at which the screen is usable. I didn’t realize how many reflections I was having to avoid or ignore until they were gone.
I also find there are very few compromises over glossy—anywhere you’d have significant lift, you’d have significant reflections otherwise. It does add a slight amount of grain to light colors if you look very closely, but I haven’t found it bothersome and I’m usually picky. It’s not much different than how the glossy screen looks through fingerprints, and since it’s uniform it’s actually less noticeable.
My hope is nano eventually will be an option on the cheaper ones because I think a lot of people would feel the same. It could be a very popular option, especially on smaller models you might use in random places with uncontrolled lighting.
I’d expect maybe a $200 or so premium rather than $100 if it’s not on an already godawful expensive tier, though. But at that price I’d recommend someone try it and exchange if need be before dismissing the idea.
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