iPad Pro Whats the point in a iPad Pro

[happy orchard]

I have iPad Pros for my work as a tutor:

The bigger 12.9 screens are helpful to show students and give me a bigger workspace before I have to scroll. Split screens are also more useful with a bigger screen.

The increased RAM helps when I have multiple apps open because I do switch between during sessions.

The second-generation of pencil has been noticeably better than the first--the double-tap saves me time when I need to quickly correct all of my little mistakes so I don't confuse students.

The ProMotion is significantly better when writing and when scrolling.

Personally, I prefer FaceID to TouchID.

My experience with this model (compared to many others) has been so good that if I could only have one iPad, it would be the 12.9 iPP.

 

[Malcy16]

I actually bought an iPad Air 4 when it was released in October 2020 and replaced it immediately in April 2021 with an iPad Pro 11" because TouchID on the Air 4 just didn't work for me. It was even worse than previous iPad with TouchID in the Home button. So I got the Pro just because of FaceID.

Face ID does make it tempting for me too.
Touch ID is ok for my iPad but I prefer Face ID

Touch ID for my iPhone didn't work very well for me. Clammy hands! Yuk

 

[rui no onna]

• Can't have multiple user accounts
• Can't freely install software
• Can't code on iPadOS as Apple doesn't allow it outside of the limited scope of Swift Playgrounds.
• Can't run Windows or Linux
• Can't install Steam games
• Can't install retro game emulators
• Can't run VMs
• Can't run multiple monitors
• Mouse control is emulating touch
• Logic X is not available
• The only video editor on it is Davinci Resolve and even then you'd be better off using the Mac version
• Can't do fashion design as CLO 3D is not on iPadOS.

I can go on. iPadOS's only saving grace is the Apple Pencil so you can use it as a drawing tablet. That's it. Trying to do any other work on iPadOS is a nightmare compared to macOS. Case in point: Using Google Drive on iPadOS.

Most iPad buyers don't care about those. Honestly, half of what you listed are niche use cases that most PC/Mac users don't need either.

As for Steam games, I wouldn't buy a Mac for gaming anyway. I'd rather get a Lenovo Legion with RTX 3060-3070 or RX 6600-6800M for that.

 

[bruinsrme]

So I can draw like this with the smooooothnesss.

👊😝👍
View attachment 2098511

Please excuse my oversight. That drawing is freaking amazing.

 

[1557750]

Did you draw this? If you did then you are very talented!
I use the Apple Pencil for colouring - I struggle with anxiety and colouring helps me focus on something else so I always make sure I take my iPad with the pencil when travelling as thats when its worst.

I did, and I appreciate it more than you know.

I feel your pain and struggle. I deal with anxiety too and this is an outlet that helps me focus on one thing and not have a million scattered thoughts.

Good luck to you and thanks for sharing.

👊🙂👍

 

[eyeseeyou]

I bought an iPad Pro in 2018 when it got the redesign with the 2nd gen Apple Pencil and smart keyboard. At the time, there really wasn't any other alternative if you wanted great performance and longevity.

Today, I would say that most people are served by the iPad Air. It gets the M1 chip (though I suspect most people simply won't care about stage manager), plus the same Apple Pencil and keyboard support, plus it should be good for at least another 4-5 years of software updates at least.

The pro is for people who just want the best iPad experience possible, and don't mind paying extra for it. There really is no other way to explain it. It's like asking what the point of carrying a branded handbag is when it doesn't give you any more utility over a cheaper tote bag. The functionality is similar, but there are these little things that can improve the user experience. Whether it's worth it or not is ultimately up to the individual.

I also have the 2018 iPad pro, and nothing that has come out since then has made me feel like I'll be missing out.

Some things are faster when doing some heavy lifting, but I don't do any heavy lifting tasks on a tablet, so that's not a selling point for me.

 

[usagora]

Apple keeps marketing this as a laptop replacement yet it fails in that regard in every conceivable way

You're assuming your use case for a laptop is the same as everyone else's. It isn't. For some people, it could indeed replace their laptop. For others (like you and I), it can't.

 

[Zest28]

Better speakers is debatable but while yeah on the others, the fact the MBA has macOS already makes it better than the iPad Pro as the MBA cheaper than the iPad Pro (hell it's even cheaper than the iPad Air)

That is not true. It depends on the situation. Take mine for example. I have the:
- 16” M1 Max MacBook Pro
- M2 MBA
- Various older Intel Mac’s
- PC desktop.

Now which device would add more value in this case, a M1 12.9 iPad Pro or a M1 MBA?

So you just cannot say because it runs Mac OS, it is therefore a better device.

 

[QCassidy352]

I have an iPad Pro M1. It’s my fourth iPad overall and first from the pro line (previous: iPad 2, iPad Air 2, iPad Air 3). My take is that it’s nice but totally unnecessary for most people (and, yes, for me). It’s basically the same iPad experience but slightly higher end and more refined. quad speakers, promotion, faceID. Things like that.

To me the comparison isn’t driving a Ferrari to the grocery store, it’s like the highest end “premium limited” (or whatever) trim of a car. Let’s say a Toyota Camry. The highest end trim is more comfortable and refined than the base model, but in most ways, it’s the same basic user experience.

So is that worth the extra money? Well, totally depends on your own financial situation and what you value. The difference between the air and the pro is $200 ($150 at 256 GB, which is what I have), and I keep my iPads 3+ years. So $50/year for those nice-to-have refinements. Seems like there are worse uses of money.

 

[Malcy16]

Pixelmator photo is similar to lightroom, but nowhere near as good if you ask me - but I’m very used to Lightroom. Pixelmator pro is more of a Photoshop affair, so not the same thing really. If I was considering a Photoshop type app for an iPad i would choose Affinity Photo over Pixelmator Pro.

I’ve downloaded lightroom but forgot my wife has it on her phone as she uses my account too. So it pulls all her photos on it.
Any other suggestions rather than lightroom to suggest then?

 

[lostPod]

So I can draw like this with the smooooothnesss.

👊😝👍
View attachment 2098511

What app is that?

 

[1557750]

What app is that?

App is Procreate. I use it as my main and Affinity Designer as a secondary and to apply text.

👊😎👍

 

[ikir]

Hey all,

I'm fortunate to own the latest iPad Mini and I love it but whenever Apple release any new products I always take a look and get a desire to change.
Regarding the iPad Pro I just don't understand the point of it.

So first of all I looked at my family/friends who own iPads and they own a mixture between the iPad/Air/Mini. And what do they use them for? - Browsing, Social Media, Drawing, Colouring, Reading, Streaming Shows.
None of my family/friends own an iPad Pro but I've met a number of customers/colleagues that have one. I asked what they use them for and they use them for....... Browsing, Social Media, Drawing, Colouring, Reading, Streaming Shows.

So I'm at a loss, whats the point of a iPad Pro? What can you do on a iPad Pro that you can't or will find difficult on another iPad in the range? To me it seems like buying a Ferrari to drive to the supermarket to pick up some snacks for the weekend.

P.S Sorry if this comes across like I'm slating iPad Pro owners/fans - I'm just curious. Also I'm slightly jealous as I think it looks great.

It depends on your workflow, apps... Nonsense in such threads. Some will need or just love it, others not. iPad mini is criticized too but it is awesome for many uses.

 

[Shirasaki]

2TB local storage. Is this enough reason to choose iPad Pro over iPad Air or otherwise?
I don’t have any iPad with 2TB storage yet but plan to do so in the coming months.
Why? I highly value local file access. No cloud storage provider shall replace my local file access.

 

[Lakersfan74]

256 10.9 Air $749
256 11” Pro $899

No brainer for me to get the Pro 11” with all the extra goodness for $150 extra

 

[sparksd]

All the more reason OP asked the question of the thread "What is the point of the iPad Pro?" Apple keeps marketing this as a laptop replacement yet it fails in that regard in every conceivable way, all because of iPadOS

For some people it works as a laptop replacement. It's a discretionary buy - if you don't like it, don't buy it.

 

[Macalway]

The point is money. Surprise!

As in you get what you pay for.

 

[cupcakes2000]

I’ve downloaded lightroom but forgot my wife has it on her phone as she uses my account too. So it pulls all her photos on it.
Any other suggestions rather than lightroom to suggest then?

Capture one is the only other lightroom- esque app I use on any system. It’s on the iPad but it’s brand new so not as rubust as it’s desktop equivalent. It’s a very good start though. It’s a sub though.

 

[sparksd]

Capture one is the only other lightroom- esque app I use on any system. It’s on the iPad but it’s brand new so not as rubust as it’s desktop equivalent. It’s a very good start though. It’s a sub though.

Another option is Affinity (my preference is LR across all of my devices). It's a one-time buy.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

The iPad Pro is overkill for what I use an iPad for but I suppose if they are used for productivity or a persons only computer, then maybe the slight spec enhancements make the difference. It’s nice to have choice, even if it’s more at the niche end.

 

[iPadified]

• Can't have multiple user accounts
• Can't freely install software
• Can't code on iPadOS as Apple doesn't allow it outside of the limited scope of Swift Playgrounds.
• Can't run Windows or Linux
• Can't install Steam games
• Can't install retro game emulators
• Can't run VMs
• Can't run multiple monitors
• Mouse control is emulating touch
• Logic X is not available
• The only video editor on it is Davinci Resolve and even then you'd be better off using the Mac version
• Can't do fashion design as CLO 3D is not on iPadOS.

I can go on. iPadOS's only saving grace is the Apple Pencil so you can use it as a drawing tablet. That's it. Trying to do any other work on iPadOS is a nightmare compared to macOS. Case in point: Using Google Drive on iPadOS.

Sounds like you describe a desktop computer where the operator never need to interact with any human being or the physical world around him/her. Mac and PC are great for that setting. I live in the real world...

 

[dmr727]

ProMotion and FaceID were the selling points for me.

I own a 6th gen mini because I liked the size, but this right here would be the reason I'd own a pro if I didn't mind a bigger device. I love my mini, but every time I walk into a store and play with a pro I'm blown away by the screen and buttery smooth scrolling.

FaceID would also be nice because my fingerprints are terrible and TouchID doesn't work for me.

 

[1BadManVan]

I haven't owned an iPad in over 5 years. I travel extensively and refuse to do anything personal on my work computer. I wanted something small and light I can take with me on business trips that could serve as a "personal computer" / entertainment device while on the road. I'm a one-bag traveler so weight is a huge factor for me. I'm forced to schlep my 20 million ton HP crapbook for work, but I trim weight on everything else.

I just ordered an iPad pro 11 (the M2 one) but was debating between:

• Do I get last year's model? Discounts I found were only $50 off, not worth it
• Do I get last year's 12.9 for a $200 discount on Amazon, tempting... but I ultimately am worried about the added weight and bulk for travel.
• Do I get an Air like I did for my kids. Very capable device and would probably have covered most of my needs.
• Mini is tempting, but as I get older, I've found my arms are too short for the mini screen size.

Ultimately I went for the Pro edition because, wifi 6E, and a bit more horsepower will be helpful, especially when I hook up to external monitors while working in remote offices/hotel rooms. Also, I've never had a promotion display and think I'll enjoy that. I find the faceID to be a nice quality of life upgrade over the touchID implementation on the air as well.
It was a tough decision though and I think the M1 Air would have probably been fine for my needs.

All that said, I'm still kindof on the fence and may cancel my pre-order if I find a better deal on an old unit, or if I change my mind and go for a 12.9 inch size.

I think you’ll really enjoy the 11” size for travel. It’s exactly why I got an 11” m1 pro 5g model. Fits in my lunch kit to take on the train for work and a great personal computer device with cellular connectivity incase the wifi sucks where i am.

 

[bruinsrme]

I haven't owned an iPad in over 5 years. I travel extensively and refuse to do anything personal on my work computer. I wanted something small and light I can take with me on business trips that could serve as a "personal computer" / entertainment device while on the road. I'm a one-bag traveler so weight is a huge factor for me. I'm forced to schlep my 20 million ton HP crapbook for work, but I trim weight on everything else.

I just ordered an iPad pro 11 (the M2 one) but was debating between:

• Do I get last year's model? Discounts I found were only $50 off, not worth it
• Do I get last year's 12.9 for a $200 discount on Amazon, tempting... but I ultimately am worried about the added weight and bulk for travel.
• Do I get an Air like I did for my kids. Very capable device and would probably have covered most of my needs.
• Mini is tempting, but as I get older, I've found my arms are too short for the mini screen size.

Ultimately I went for the Pro edition because, wifi 6E, and a bit more horsepower will be helpful, especially when I hook up to external monitors while working in remote offices/hotel rooms. Also, I've never had a promotion display and think I'll enjoy that. I find the faceID to be a nice quality of life upgrade over the touchID implementation on the air as well.
It was a tough decision though and I think the M1 Air would have probably been fine for my needs.

All that said, I'm still kindof on the fence and may cancel my pre-order if I find a better deal on an old unit, or if I change my mind and go for a 12.9 inch size.

I have a 12.9. I love it while at home. I hate it for traveling. It's almost too big for the sardine can called an airline seat, Since I schlep the electronics when my wife and I travel her 11 is just better for travel. When I am home, yeah the 12.9 is very nice.
If in the market today, the choice would be difficult. Ultimately, the lesser weight, overall size and it just being easier to travel with, a purchase today would have me walking out of the store with an 11".

 

[ddsforlife]

Not much to say that hasn’t been said. For me it is simple.

iPad Pro 12.9” has:

SSD Storage: > 256 GB
Display Size > 11 inch
Ram > 8 GB

Those are the max until you hit the iPad Pro 12.9”.

Higher refresh rate of display (ProMotion) is also super duper nice to have!

I use Photoshop on my iPad Pro. I also need the larger screen for Split View of certain apps. 😊