I picked up the 11 inch iPad Pro on launch day after a little worry about being able to actually get one. It seems like if you want one you can walk into the store and pick one up, so all that worry was for nothing. They aren’t flying off the shelves like iPhones have in the past. Still, this has been one of my most anticipated devices in some time.
Overall Impressions
Overall, this iPad Pro has been one of my favorite new devices.
The redesigned body, screen, speed, FaceID, new keyboard, and the new Apple Pencil make this a worthwhile upgrade.
However, I don’t think most people should get this device. This device is the future of computing, I have no doubt, but I’m not sure that it fits everyone’s workflow just yet.
If you’re looking to get a tablet to do some social media, web browsing, some photo viewing or light editing, or watching movies I think the base model iPad (non-pro) will fit most people. That iPad is still a great deal and it will save you some money.
However, if you use your iPad for more than that like I do I highly recommend the new iPad Pro.
Some people ask if it the new iPad Pros can replace your laptop, and to that, I say yes, but it depends on how you plan on using it.
Screen
Since the iPad is mostly screen, that’s the best place to start. As I’ve stated before, I used my iPad Pro 9.7 inch screen for most of my work these days. The smaller size was great for travel and with the accompaniment of the Smart Keyboard. The larger screen on the new iPad Pro makes the old one look like antique.
When the 9.7 inch iPad Pro came out, it was top of its class, but since then the iPad screen has gotten larger, more color, and smoother. Apple has really done some of its best work with these screens.
Colors really pop off the screen. Pictures look great, especially if you’re viewing pictures shot on the iPhone XS or XR.
The extra room on the screen is a godsend for productivity though. I don’t use split screen apps too often, but when I do they are much easier to see and use on this new iPad. On the 9.7 it was nice to have, but so hard to actually use. I can actually read words on both windows this way, which wasn’t always the case before.
The biggest difference I really notice between the old device and the new one is Pro Motion. Pro Motion basically controls how fast your screen refreshes to either make it look silky smooth or to save battery. It is hard to put into words how different this makes the use of a device other than to say smooth. The display makes the operating system and everything you do on it smoother. It’s a joy to use, and I can’t wait for Apple to bring this to more of its devices (maybe a refreshed iMac early next year? Please? Please!)
One thing I’m not really sure about is the new aspect ratio on the 11-inch model. Since Apple just expanded the 10.5-inch screen by getting rid of the bezels, it didn’t increase the width. Right now, I don’t think I’m used to it yet. I wish Apple had increased the width just a little to keep the same aspect ratio, but I suspect this is something I’ll get used to. Be warned though, some apps haven’t been updated to deal with the new ratio so they put black bars around the edges.
Body
If you read any other review or impressions they’ll talk about the redesigned body. The edges of the machine are now flat compared to the curved edges of every iPad since the iPad 2. The original iPad had flat sides that sloped to a rounded back. This iPad Pro harkens back to the original iPad, but is really somewhere between it and the iPhone 4-5s.
You can stand this iPad up on its side and it will stay, but I don’t know why you really would. Also, the body has slimmed down even more. I read that this is the 2nd slimmest device that Apple has made.
It’s a joy to hold. It’s light and the ergonomics of it feel good. Even the bigger version of the new Pro model was easy to hold. It was really a hard choice between the two.
The other major thing is that all new iPad Pros have black bezels on the front of the device. Just like the phones before them, Apple has slimmed down the bezels to almost nothing. There is still something there and I think going with all black bezel was a good call. It makes the edges of the screen fade away more than white would.
The back side is different as well. The camera bump is large to allow for a better camera (it can shoot 4K!). This year there are two colors silver and space gray. I went with the space gray like I always do with my iPads. The silver reminded me of classic Apple laptops. The Space Gray is darker than it’s been in a long time. It’s my favorite shade in a long time. It will come down to preference though, so go check them out in the store if you can.
Speed
Much has been made of the speed of the iPad Pro since the benchmarks came out. At this point in my time with the iPad Pro, I haven’t really put it to the test, but I plan to.
Everyday stuff around the system seems faster and snappier, but I’m sure that Pro Motion has a lot to do with that. Still, nothing slows down unlike on my MacBook Air that I got this week too. Apps like photos seems to make the Air struggle, while the iPad handled it quickly.
I’m going to try (I’ve been saying this for 3 days and haven’t had a chance to do it yet) cut some videos and I’ll be looking forward to reporting back on the speed it affords me.
FaceID
Oh man, has FaceID made this device much easier to use. It wasn’t that it was hard to use before, but when you had to break your workflow to put your thumb on the home button it took you out of what you were doing. So far, I haven’t had any such slow downs with FaceID.
FaceID is also what let Apple get rid of the bezel on the device. Now, there isn’t really anything anchoring you down to a certain orientation. You can hold the device however you want and it should be the same. There are still some land marks like the USB-C port and the volume buttons that make me still hold it the same way I was, but if you want to do something different you can.
Smart Keyboard
I wasn’t sure about the Smart Keyboard Folio when I saw it announced. I hadn’t covered the back of my iPad before. Smart Keyboard Cover on my older iPad worked great. It stayed out of the way until you needed it.
The Smart Folio is less complicated to use than the Smart Cover version for one. I was worried the Folio didn’t have the microfiber underside that would help keep the screen clean. So far, it hasn’t made much difference.
I really like the material it’s made out of too so far. It feels really nice in the hand, and keeps the tablet from slipping around. Plus, there are two angles this year for lining up your device.
The connects to the back of the device with magnets and they do an okay job of keeping it in place. The Smart Cover was probably a little strong, but my iPad hasn’t slipped out of it or anything unless I’m moving the thing. The magnets that hold it in place when the keyboard is in use are so strong I feel like when I take it out the back side slides off. It just takes some getting used to so that it stops happening.
If you do any serious typing, the Smart Keyboard Folio will be your best friend.
Apple Pencil 2
I’m not an artist, but I bought on of these. It hasn’t gotten too much use yet, but I suspect that will change. So far, the Pencil stay out of the way until I need it by connecting to the side of the device.
That connection is not only strong, but it’s also the way you charge and pair the pencil. The only thing I don’t like about it all is when you are holding the device in portrait mode, the pencil sticks out from the side so much. I wonder what would have happened if they had moved the connector to the top of the device instead of the side. But really its a minor gripe.
I have really liked having the Pencil hand. When reading, I’ve been grabbing the pen to highlight text. It actually is easier than using your finger. The text selector doesn’t go wild when you let go, and I can see more of what I’m selecting. I think it will be really helpful in editing.
It’s not a must have unless you’re an artist though. If you want the Pencil, get it. Otherwise, save your money.
Looking ahead
As I mentioned earlier, I need to put this things through some more real life tests. I’ve mostly read and written on it so far. I’m curious about pushing this system.
Look forward to a real review coming soon, I wanted to get my impressions out there more for now though.
I love this iPad Pro a lot, but I don’t think that everyone should rush out to buy one.
If you find that you do lots of work on your iPad and you want the latest and greatest, then this will be a perfect add to your collection.
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