I’ve never been much of an iPad person, but today, I’m hovering over the buy button for Apple’s latest iPad Pro, a device that costs an eye-watering $3,600 once fully specced out. Despite my initial skepticism about tablets, the new iPad Pro’s features and capabilities have me reconsidering my stance. With Apple’s latest advancements, the iPad Pro promises not just to be a tablet, but potentially to replace multiple devices in my tech arsenal. Let’s break down what makes this new iPad Pro so compelling and whether it’s truly worth the investment.
The 2024 iPad Pro lineup boasts a major redesign that immediately grabs attention. These tablets are astonishingly thin, with the 11-inch model measuring just 5.3 mm and the 13-inch model even slimmer at 5.1 mm. Holding one feels surreal, like wielding a full-fledged computer in an incredibly light package. The 13-inch model, for instance, weighs just 579 grams. For comparison, my black and white 10-inch writing tablet, which does little more than facilitate note-taking, weighs over 400 grams. The iPad Pro’s thinness and lightness make it practical for on-the-go use without sacrificing performance.
Apple has managed to cram an immense amount of power into these incredibly slim devices. The materials and design contribute not only to a premium feel but also to practical portability. For someone like me who travels frequently or works from various locations, the iPad Pro offers the kind of flexibility that is hard to find in other devices.
What truly sets the new iPad Pro apart is its potential to replace not just my writing tablet but also my laptop. The new M4 chip inside these iPads promises performance comparable to high-end laptops. This is the first time since 2013 that a tablet feels like it could replace multiple devices in my tech arsenal. The M4 chip is a game-changer, bringing desktop-class power to a tablet. Whether you’re editing 4K videos, managing large databases, or running complex software, the iPad Pro handles it with ease.
The accompanying accessories, like the new Pro Pencil and Magic Keyboard, enhance the iPad’s versatility. The Magic Keyboard, though it looks like a standard folio case from the outside, transforms the iPad into a device that feels remarkably similar to a MacBook. The keyboard is solid, the trackpad is larger, and it even has a charging port and another USB port for added functionality. The second you snap the iPad into the case, it behaves just like a Mac, with all the swiping gestures and shortcuts instantly familiar to any Mac user.
This integration of hardware and software makes the iPad Pro a formidable competitor to traditional laptops. The transition from tablet mode to a laptop-like setup is seamless, providing the flexibility to switch between different modes of productivity without missing a beat. For users who demand versatility and power in a compact form, the iPad Pro offers an all-in-one solution.
The new Pro Pencil has several upgrades, including a barrel roll feature and a squeeze function to bring up menus, making it more intuitive and efficient to use. A vibration motor adds tactile feedback, and you can now locate the pencil using the Find My app, which is a lifesaver for someone as forgetful as me. This attention to detail and user convenience is what makes Apple products stand out in a crowded market.
Under the hood, the iPad Pro’s M4 chip offers significant performance improvements. While Apple’s performance metrics can be frustratingly vague, the leap from the previous M2 chip to the M4 is substantial, particularly with better thermal design allowing for sustained performance. This makes the iPad Pro a formidable competitor to current high-end tablets from other brands, many of which still use phone chips.
The M4 chip isn’t just about raw power; it’s also about efficiency. The improved thermal design means that the iPad Pro can maintain high performance levels without overheating, which is crucial for intensive tasks like video editing or gaming. This level of performance in such a slim device is unprecedented, and it’s one of the reasons I’m seriously considering making the switch.
Using the new iPad Pro with the Magic Keyboard and Pro Pencil has made me rethink my tech setup. This iPad is powerful enough to handle tasks I typically reserve for my MacBook, such as video editing with Final Cut Pro, photo editing with Pixelmator, and managing my smart home setup. Mobile apps on the iPad often surpass their desktop counterparts in usability and design, particularly for tasks like photo and video editing, gaming, and even productivity apps like Google Docs.
The iPad Pro’s OLED screen, touted by Apple as the best they’ve ever made, enhances the viewing experience with deep blacks and high brightness, perfect for HDR content. This screen is a dual-layer OLED, offering both contrast and brightness, making it ideal for watching movies or editing photos and videos. The visual quality is so good that it rivals dedicated monitors, making it a viable option for creative professionals who need color accuracy and sharpness.
This level of versatility means that the iPad Pro can seamlessly integrate into both my personal and professional life. Whether I’m working on a project, watching a movie, or managing my schedule, the iPad Pro is capable of handling it all. The ability to switch between different roles—laptop, tablet, and creative tool—makes it an incredibly valuable addition to my tech collection.
There are a few concerns, though. Battery life is an unknown factor, especially with the new dual-layer OLED display. The storage options, while going up to 2 TB, might not suffice for someone like me who relies on an 8 TB MacBook. iPadOS, based on iOS, is simpler and might not offer the same file management capabilities as a full-fledged computer. Also, Apple doesn’t want the iPad to cannibalize MacBook sales, so there might be artificial limitations on the iPad’s capabilities.
Battery life is a critical consideration, especially when you’re using the iPad Pro as a laptop replacement. The dual-layer OLED display, while stunning, could potentially drain the battery faster than expected. If the battery life doesn’t hold up under heavy use, it could undermine the iPad Pro’s viability as a primary device.
Another potential drawback is storage. For users like me who work with large files, the 2 TB limit might not be enough, especially if you’re dealing with high-resolution video or extensive photo libraries. This could necessitate the use of external storage, which adds complexity to the workflow.
Finally, while iPadOS has come a long way, it still doesn’t match the full desktop experience of macOS. File management, multitasking, and certain professional software may not be as robust or flexible on the iPad. This could be a deal-breaker for users who need a desktop-like experience.
Despite these concerns, the new iPad Pro feels like it could simplify and enhance my tech setup by replacing multiple devices. If it performs as well as it promises, this could be one of the most freeing tech decisions I’ve ever made. The combination of power, portability, and versatility makes the iPad Pro a compelling option for anyone looking to streamline their tech setup.
The iPad Pro represents a significant leap forward in tablet technology, and it’s clear that Apple is positioning it as more than just a tablet—it’s a potential laptop replacement, a creative tool, and a mobile powerhouse all in one. If you’re someone who values flexibility and power in a portable device, the iPad Pro is definitely worth considering.
If you’re interested in seeing how this plays out, subscribe to my channel for updates. I’ll be putting the iPad Pro through its paces in the coming weeks, testing its capabilities and seeing if it truly can replace my laptop. And yes, I realize my iPad puns are getting worse, but I’m genuinely excited about the potential of this device. Stay tuned for more updates!
Shop no. 20 A kensington village shopping center, 8 sovereigns ave,Bray Park QLD 4500
gadget.kings.prs@gmail.com