The iPad Pro: The Last Great Tablet

Introduction

In the era of 2-in-1 devices like the Surface Pro, the standalone tablet market has dwindled. However, Apple has defiantly continued to produce tablets, including the budget iPad and the more productivity-focused iPad Pro. While the budget iPad is a solid option, the iPad Pro stands out with its impressive features.

Design and Display

The new iPad Pro comes in two sizes: an 11-inch model starting at $800 and a 12.9-inch model starting at $1,000. The 11-inch variant is more portable, while the 12.9-inch model offers a larger canvas for drawing and other creative tasks. Both models feature a sleek design with sharp edges, reminiscent of Surface devices. The slimmer bezels and curved display edges create an immersive viewing experience.

Performance

The iPad Pro is powered by the A12X Bionic chip, the same chip found in the iPhone XS and XR. This chip delivers impressive performance, making the iPad Pro capable of handling demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. However, the lack of dedicated creative software, such as Adobe Premiere or Blender, limits the iPad Pro's productivity potential compared to traditional laptops.

Battery Life

The iPad Pro boasts exceptional battery life. The 11-inch model can last up to 12 hours of mixed usage, while the 12.9-inch model lasted over 12 hours in our battery test. This makes the iPad Pro an ideal companion for long flights, commutes, or other situations where you need a device that can keep up with you all day.

Features

The iPad Pro comes with a number of features that enhance its usability and versatility. The USB-C port allows for fast charging and easy data transfer. The Smart Connector on the back of the device enables the use of Apple's Smart Keyboard Folio, which provides a physical keyboard for typing. The iPad Pro also supports the Apple Pencil, which is a great tool for artists, designers, and note-takers.

Productivity

While Apple positions the iPad Pro as a productivity device, it falls short in this regard due to limitations in iOS. The lack of mouse support and the absence of dedicated productivity software hinder the iPad Pro's ability to replace a traditional laptop for work-related tasks. However, the split-screen multitasking feature and the improved file management in iOS 12 make the iPad Pro more capable for certain productivity tasks.

Conclusion

The iPad Pro is a fantastic tablet that excels at content consumption and creative tasks. Its stunning display, long battery life, and powerful performance make it a joy to use. However, its productivity capabilities are limited by the software ecosystem, and the expensive Smart Keyboard Folio is a major disappointment. If you're looking for a primary device for work or productivity, the iPad Pro may not be the best choice. But if you want a top-notch tablet for entertainment, creativity, and casual use, the iPad Pro is the last great tablet standing.

Pros and Cons