iPad Pro The Pros are worth it for the OLED alone

[nawoo]

Well, the new 11" is OLED too.

yeah and it's too small. reading and watching on it isn't as immersive as the 13in. 13" ftw

Gave my 2018 IPP to my brother lol. Still in perfect condition. Screen is immaculate. Just comparing the screens side by side shows how amazing the OLED display is.

 

[asleep]

Where are the YouTube comparison iPad battery tests comparing older to newer and different sizes?

I couldn’t find one. Seems like those used to be posted pretty soon after launch, not long after the bend the iPad videos?

 

[aurora_sect]

Why, that sounds like something a poor idiot would say!

That sounds like something Carl would say!

 

[EugW]

Where are the YouTube comparison iPad battery tests comparing older to newer and different sizes?

I couldn’t find one. Seems like those used to be posted pretty soon after launch, not long after the bend the iPad videos?

 

[asleep]

View attachment 2381504

Hmm… not sure I buy those numbers. Coming from an Air 5 to an M4 11, my experience is not in line with those numbers.

People used to get 6 or 7 or 8 iPhones and line them up side by side and run them down all at the same time capturing it on video, then post hours/minutes for each phone. That’s what I was looking for, I guess maybe they don’t do that with iPads.

 

[EugW]

Hmm… not sure I buy those numbers. Coming from an Air 5 to an M4 11, my experience is not in line with those numbers.

People used to get 6 or 7 or 8 iPhones and line them up side by side and run them down all at the same time capturing it on video, then post hours/minutes for each phone. That’s what I was looking for, I guess maybe they don’t do that with iPads.

The numbers would depend on your usage pattern of course, but their test is a standardized test of mixed type usage, which for general usage is a much more useful test than just video playback. However, for video playback they did look at power consumption and the mini-LED model was far more power hungry.

 

[Surfsalot]

yeah and it's too small. reading and watching on it isn't as immersive as the 13in. 13" ftw

Gave my 2018 IPP to my brother lol. Still in perfect condition. Screen is immaculate. Just comparing the screens side by side shows how amazing the OLED display is.

I did the same from a 2018 to a 12.9” M1, sold it after a year didn’t use it nearly as much, was a novelty for awhile but size made it wear off, went back to the M1 11” and it’s my most used Apple device.

 

[Arran]

Costco is lit to maybe 1000 lux. Thats a challenging environment to evaluate contrast differences. The "Magnolia Home Theater" section at Best Buy is dimly lit for the reasons of better evaluating display differences. It better mimics home lighting which is typically 150 lux or much much less when the lights are off or dim for media watching. And tandem OLED can get 3x brighter than the M2 Air in highlights for HDR content—bright highlights makes the image more realistic looking (eg. a sunset, or imagery of water with bright reflections).

But if you're just doing computer work in Light Mode, SDR is going to look similar to both. I have an M2 Air so I can testify how beautiful the screen is; contrast isn't too shabby either at 1400:1. But I would still prefer OLED because I work in Dark Mode, among other reasons.

Did you notice ProMotion 120Hz on the iPad Pro?

Good point about the viewing environment. I was in Costco again and took a closer look:

1. Reading dark text on a light background (mostly what I do on my iPad) was much the same for the pro and the air. On a 13” screen full of text, scrolling is pretty sporadic and that’s one of the things I love about a big screen iPad. So while I could see ProMotion was better, it isn’t that important to me.
2. Photographs (and I presume video too, but didn’t verify) look MUCH better on the Pro’s OLED. Big difference in depth of color and contrast. I now get what some others are saying here.

 

[PaperMag]

Good point about the viewing environment. I was in Costco again and took a closer look:

1. Reading dark text on a light background (mostly what I do on my iPad) was much the same for the pro and the air. On a 13” screen full of text, scrolling is pretty sporadic and that’s one of the things I love about a big screen iPad. So while I could see ProMotion was better, it isn’t that important to me.
2. Photographs (and I presume video too, but didn’t verify) look MUCH better on the Pro’s OLED. Big difference in depth of color and contrast. I now get what some others are saying here.

I think your perspective is fair. I look at this as not as a night & day difference. What it is doing is just reducing some of the pain-points of the previous display technology.

• Pixel response is finally under 8.3 ms → means 120Hz is really 120Hz, no more ghosting or smearing
• Pixels turn off → means true blacks, better contrast, and no more blooming
• Pixels are self-emissive → means no more dimming zone LED layer and diffusion layers, which means Apple can make the iPad Pro design thinner and lighter

Does improvement validate a $200 price bump? The answer is very subjective as many didn't notice any issue before.

 

[NeonNights]

Was about to go ahead and downsize from 12.9 M1 IPP to M4 IPP 11...until I learned there's no Smart Keyboard Folio option for the new iPads. WTH, Apple? I've used the older Magic Keyboard with my 12.9 and didn't like it at all.

I do a fair amount of typing daily and want a lightweight keyboard with me. I had the Logitech Combo case on my 12.9 and that works well, except the kickstand cuts into my legs when it's on my lap and altogether weighs as much as my MBP 14. Having the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio is actually more important to me than the OLED screen. The M2 Air 11 (or M1 Air 11 for $399) are both looking more appealing to me now. An iPad is just a tertiary device to my phone and MBP so I don't need the latest and greatest.

I might wait a month to see if a new keyboard folio is released for IPP. If nothing else, the Back to School promo will probably start soon for some added savings.

 

[Sheepish-Lord]

Was about to go ahead and downsize from 12.9 M1 IPP to M4 IPP 11...until I learned there's no Smart Keyboard Folio option for the new iPads. WTH, Apple? I've used the older Magic Keyboard with my 12.9 and didn't like it at all.

I do a fair amount of typing daily and want a lightweight keyboard with me. I had the Logitech Combo case on my 12.9 and that works well, except the kickstand cuts into my legs when it's on my lap and altogether weighs as much as my MBP 14. Having the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio is actually more important to me than the OLED screen. The M2 Air 11 (or M1 Air 11 for $399) are both looking more appealing to me now. An iPad is just a tertiary device to my phone and MBP so I don't need the latest and greatest.

I might wait a month to see if a new keyboard folio is released for IPP. If nothing else, the Back to School promo will probably start soon for some added savings.

If it’s a 3rd device for you why bother with a keyboard at all? The new smart folio covers have a new position which makes typing on the onscreen keyboard easier or depending on your hand size an 11” can be thumb typed in portrait mode and if you’re really into finger gymnastics you can do it in landscape mode. I have medium sized hands and it’s doable for sure.

 

[NeonNights]

If it’s a 3rd device for you why bother with a keyboard at all? The new smart folio covers have a new position which makes typing on the onscreen keyboard easier or depending on your hand size an 11” can be thumb typed in portrait mode and if you’re really into finger gymnastics you can do it in landscape mode. I have medium sized hands and it’s doable for sure.

I don't like the iPad onscreen keyboard. It is fine for typing URLs or short messages, but I tried to edit a few 2-3 page Word docs on my daughter's M1 iPad Air to see how it feels and I quickly went to grab my MBP after a few minutes. The virtual keyboard is just not conducive to how I want to work with real documents and longer typing sessions. Plus, the onscreen keyboard obscures the document I'm viewing. There are just some things that are easier (and faster) with a physical keyboard. I don't need a mouse nor touchpad, but a physical keyboard is mandatory if I am to get an iPad.

My intention for an iPad and Smart Keyboard Folio is to serve as a lighter alternative to my MBP 14, otherwise I don't really want any iPad at all since my Fold5 serves my tablet needs. Hence why I traded-in my seldom-used M1 12.9 while values are still decent -- it was too heavy with a keyboard or as a tablet. Many are happy to use an iPad purely as a tablet, and my daughter is among them, but I just never liked/needed an iPad by itself and want greater utility out of it.

The M1 12.9 IPP was my first iPad after decades of every other Apple device. Unfortunately, I had no prior experience with iPadOS and learned of its limitations the hard way. Now I have proper expectations and want something light and portable (that I can type on) for times when I don't need my MBP. If it doesn't work out, no biggie, I still love my MBP 14.

 

[rkuo]

I don't like the iPad onscreen keyboard. It is fine for typing URLs or short messages, but I tried to edit a few 2-3 page Word docs on my daughter's M1 iPad Air to see how it feels and I quickly went to grab my MBP after a few minutes. The virtual keyboard is just not conducive to how I want to work with real documents and longer typing sessions. Plus, the onscreen keyboard obscures the document I'm viewing. There are just some things that are easier (and faster) with a physical keyboard. I don't need a mouse nor touchpad, but a physical keyboard is mandatory if I am to get an iPad.

My intention for an iPad and Smart Keyboard Folio is to serve as a lighter alternative to my MBP 14, otherwise I don't really want any iPad at all since my Fold5 serves my tablet needs. Hence why I traded-in my seldom-used M1 12.9 while values are still decent -- it was too heavy with a keyboard or as a tablet. Many are happy to use an iPad purely as a tablet, and my daughter is among them, but I just never liked/needed an iPad by itself and want greater utility out of it.

The M1 12.9 IPP was my first iPad after decades of every other Apple device. Unfortunately, I had no prior experience with iPadOS and learned of its limitations the hard way. Now I have proper expectations and want something light and portable (that I can type on) for times when I don't need my MBP. If it doesn't work out, no biggie, I still love my MBP 14.

I have to say this lack of a SKF is kind of a big issue for me too. I really like the SKF for day trips where I’m pretty sure I’m not going to be doing any Remote Desktop work (the only real situation where I need the trackpad in the Magic Keyboard). The iPad Pro 11” with SKF is the purest and lightest form of a productive computing device.

 

[EugW]

I have to say this lack of a SKF is kind of a big issue for me too. I really like the SKF for day trips where I’m pretty sure I’m not going to be doing any Remote Desktop work (the only real situation where I need the trackpad in the Magic Keyboard). The iPad Pro 11” with SKF is the purest and lightest form of a productive computing device.

Logitech sells one. It's a kickstand design though.

Logitech Combo Touch - Best in Class iPad Keyboard Cases

Learn more about the Combo Touch and how the keyboard case can enable new levels of versatility. Type, view, sketch, and read with iPad Pro, iPad Air or iPad.

www.logitech.com

 

[NeonNights]

Logitech sells one. It's a kickstand design though.

Logitech Combo Touch - Best in Class iPad Keyboard Cases

Learn more about the Combo Touch and how the keyboard case can enable new levels of versatility. Type, view, sketch, and read with iPad Pro, iPad Air or iPad.

www.logitech.com

I had one of those. The Logitech and ESR Rebound Keyboard are probably the two best non-Apple keyboard cases, but they both add a good amount of heft (with the benefit of better all around protection too).

The issue with the Logitech is the kickstand is pretty sharp and cuts into my legs when typing on my lap.

Apple really has a great minimalist design with the Smart Keyboard Folio. I wish it came in white but I'll gladly take black versus no Smart Keyboard Folio option at all.

 

[erasr]

yeah and it's too small. reading and watching on it isn't as immersive as the 13in. 13" ftw

Gave my 2018 IPP to my brother lol. Still in perfect condition. Screen is immaculate. Just comparing the screens side by side shows how amazing the OLED display is.

‘Too small’..?? for what?!

I’m reading this website on my new 11”, reading Reddit just before, Apple News, at no point do I think I need more screen. It’ll just be more bright screen in my face.

We are all used to scrolling. I just scroll down to read more.

Reddit, YouTube and news in particular do not need more screen space.

Typing this with thumbs on this 11” is also easier.

For productivity apps, yes, more screen space is useful for sure.

 

[NeonNights]

‘Too small’..?? for what?!

I’m reading this website on my new 11”, reading Reddit just before, Apple News, at no point do I think I need more screen. It’ll just be more bright screen in my face.

We are all used to scrolling. I just scroll down to read more.

Reddit, YouTube and news in particular do not need more screen space.

Typing this with thumbs on this 11” is also easier.

For productivity apps, yes, more screen space is useful for sure.

All good points. Nothing wrong with getting the 13" if someone really wants it, but MaxTech points out the different aspect ratios (10:7 vs 4:3) between the two sizes at the 1:26 mark. This means thicker black bars for wide-screen viewing on the 13" so certain content isn't much bigger on the 13" compared to the 11". That was something I didn't realize before.

 

[NeonNights]

Logitech sells one. It's a kickstand design though.

Logitech Combo Touch - Best in Class iPad Keyboard Cases

Learn more about the Combo Touch and how the keyboard case can enable new levels of versatility. Type, view, sketch, and read with iPad Pro, iPad Air or iPad.

www.logitech.com

I just realized from your link that Logitech has a new Combo Touch keyboard case for the M4 IPP 11 that's lighter and thinner than the previous design!

Combo Touch Keyboard Case for iPad Pro | Logitech

Shop Combo Touch for iPad Pro. Compatible with iPad Pro 13-inch (M4), iPad Pro 11-inch (M4). Backlit, Multi-Touch Trackpad

www.logitech.com

This brings an M4 IPP 11 w/keyboard down to ~2 pounds. Still not as light as with previous iPad Air/Pro with Smart Keyboard Folio, but much closer and with the added benefit of better all-around protection. Hmm, this makes the decision tough.

The kickstand design still gives me pause because I didn't like how it cuts into my lap or risks damaging the leather if I prop the tablet on the armrest of the sofa. However, perhaps part of the discomfort was due to the extra weight of my previous 12.9" IPP. Maybe the lighter M4 IPP won't cause the kickstand to sink into my flesh. Thanks for the heads up!

 

[nawoo]

‘Too small’..?? for what?!

I’m reading this website on my new 11”, reading Reddit just before, Apple News, at no point do I think I need more screen. It’ll just be more bright screen in my face.

We are all used to scrolling. I just scroll down to read more.

Reddit, YouTube and news in particular do not need more screen space.

Typing this with thumbs on this 11” is also easier.

For productivity apps, yes, more screen space is useful for sure.

to each his own i guess. for me, i need more screen real estate as i read comics, watch videos, play games on retroarch. big is better for me.

 

[NeonNights]

Just snagged a new M2 11" IPP 4th gen for $549, thanks to Slickdeals! Will pair this with a Smart Keyboard Folio and reuse my Apple Pencil 2 from the 12.9 I traded in. I'm thinking this 4th-gen with 128GB should more than suffice for my purposes. I don't think it's worth literally double the cost for an M4 IPP 11, plus new Logitech Combo Touch, plus Apple Pencil Pro.

I know it's kinda odd to have gone from the MiniLED M1 12.9 to an 11" non-MiniLED, but the 12.9 was so heavy that I loathed using it so the MiniLED was a moot point. At least I still keep ProMotion and FaceID with the M2 IPP 11.

 

[NeonNights]

Typing this on the Smart Keyboard Folio while sitting in the sunroom. The 4th-gen IPP 11 automatically has the brightness at max but taking it down to ~85% is still plenty bright. I love the svelte 1.70 lbs total weight. I put my daughter’s M1 iPad Air w/folio cover on the same scale and it weighed 1.48 lbs in comparison.

I wish there was a little more travel and tactile feel in the keys of the Smart Keyboard Folio and it lacks a function row of keys, but that’s the trade-off for less weight. I really love this size iPad -- 11-inch is what I should’ve gotten all along but was drawn to the MiniLED of the 12.9. I’ve learned my lesson not to base the decision solely on screen technology. At least the new M4 IPP has OLED in both screen sizes.

 

[Devyn89]

Lots of people here refusing to be Apples next victim. Good on you for standing up for your rights. People who bought it are trying to justify it so of course they're going to say positive things to make them feel better.

Or we just like the thing we bought? Lmao.

 

[Surfsalot]

Typing this on the Smart Keyboard Folio while sitting in the sunroom. The 4th-gen IPP 11 automatically has the brightness at max but taking it down to ~85% is still plenty bright. I love the svelte 1.70 lbs total weight. I put my daughter’s M1 iPad Air w/folio cover on the same scale and it weighed 1.48 lbs in comparison.

I wish there was a little more travel and tactile feel in the keys of the Smart Keyboard Folio and it lacks a function row of keys, but that’s the trade-off for less weight. I really love this size iPad -- 11-inch is what I should’ve gotten all along but was drawn to the MiniLED of the 12.9. I’ve learned my lesson not to base the decision solely on screen technology. At least the new M4 IPP has OLED in both screen sizes.

I did the same got sucked into the 12.9" with mini led, used it for a year sold it for M1 11", had the 11" 2018 for 2 years previously. My wife has it still as good as day 1.
Now there is oled on both it's a win win.
13" is still tempting though lol, but then I remember I didn't use it as much like lying in bed night/mornings, too expensive to not use for all use cases.

 

[nawoo]

‘Too small’..?? for what?!

I’m reading this website on my new 11”, reading Reddit just before, Apple News, at no point do I think I need more screen. It’ll just be more bright screen in my face.

We are all used to scrolling. I just scroll down to read more.

Reddit, YouTube and news in particular do not need more screen space.

Typing this with thumbs on this 11” is also easier.

For productivity apps, yes, more screen space is useful for sure.

i use the 13 in for reading comics, watching movies, shows, live sports, playing video games on retroarch

big is better for me. OLED is the best and above and beyond the 2018 screen which was way too dark even at full brightness. Also the blacks werent really black

11 inch feels like an ipad mini compared to the 13 in.

 

[NeonNights]

So I've been using my new 4th gen 11" IPP all throughout yesterday, spending much more time with it than I ever devoted to my 12.9 M1 IPP, and I've taken notice of what others pointed out earlier about poor black levels in dark surroundings.

I was watching an episode of the X-files in bed while my wife was asleep. Lights were off, screen brightness at lowest setting, headphones on, laying on my stomach, and the IPP flat in front of me. In this position I definitely noticed the grayness of the screen. If I tilt the screen up them the color rendition is great, but if the iPad is flat and I'm viewing the picture from an angle then colors are very muted. It actually made me curious about the M4 OLED. But this is such a tiny corner use case. I just switched to my Fold5 and watched the rest of the show with much better color and black levels.