For 2021, Apple has announced an update to their iPad Pro lineup. Don’t already own an iPad Pro? Their latest models might change your mind. These already great tablets would be receiving an update in the form of an Apple Silicon M1 chip, which easily makes this tablet one of the most powerful if not the most powerful tablet in the market. Hell, you probably wish you had one to help you get through the last year and change!
But with that being said, do you need a tablet in your life? How much can an iPad Pro do? What accessories will make it become a force in your life? Don’t worry, we’ve got the answers to many of your questions in this look at the updated iPad Pro lineup. Choose wisely!
At this point in my life, I’d consider myself a power user of tech. My screen time is clocking in far beyond what anybody would consider healthy. I spend my time working, chatting with friends and family, or enjoying some recreational time streaming movies or playing games. When I’m working, I split my time between my desktop computer for heavy editing and animation projects, or my laptop, for writing, presenting, or generally conference calling. If I need to step away from my computers my iPhone in conjunction with slack and emails tends to occupy that void between where my desktop starts and my laptop ends. So when I got to review the iPad Pro, I wasn’t approaching the tablet as a fanboy, but more so as a person curious as to how it could improve my day-to-day life.
Apple Pencil 2
Speaking of Facetime, one of the features of the new iPad Pro is something called Center Stage. This feature allows the camera to recognize when there are people in frame, so it zooms or expands to best-frame single or multiple subjects. Honestly, my wife and I spend half of the time on Facetime calls intentionally ducking in and out of frame just to see if Center Stage can track us.
For the most part, the iPad tracks very well considering we’re trying to trick it. The feeling of using Center Stage is similar to the first time you booted up Photobooth and discovered all the little effects; it’s fun. This feature works across any app that uses the front-facing camera, but can also be toggled on and off if the user doesn’t want to use it.
From the standpoint of this being a practical feature, it’s suited very well for demonstrations. I’ve used it in more than a few Zoom meetings, and I always get a wow response. If you were a teacher doing an at-home lab or demoing a cooking class, or a one-person vlogger looking for a little more dynamic movement in your frame, this is a feature that would be for you.
Continuity
One argument I hear constantly against getting a tablet is, “Well if it’s so powerful, why doesn’t it just run OSX? It could practically just be a computer.” There certainly is an argument to be made in that direction. Heck, that’s the main advantage the Windows Surface line of computers has over the iPad, and for many, that’s a major one. But there are so many companies that are onboard with the iPad, that have made iPad OS versions of the app that work specifically with the iPad in ways specifically suited for the unique functionality of a high-end tablet. If the iPad were your only computer, you may miss some of the functionality in OSX, but over time you’d likely find ways to use the iPad that were comparable if not better than your original PC experience.
Keyboards
The Magic Keyboard ($299) blurs the line of whether or not the iPad is a computer. The keyboard is larger and clicky, and while I have large hands I never feel cramped. The way the keyboard snaps onto the iPad gives the screen the appearance of a floating screen, which gives it a little more height, which really does help when typing. The USB-C charger built into the back left hinge helps to hide charging cords for those who are obsessed with cable management. Snapping the keyboard onto the iPad immediately powers and pairs the keyboard to the iPad, so those used to connecting third-party keyboards via Bluetooth can rejoice that this doesn’t require any of that.
In addition to the Magic Keyboard, I got to try out the Logitech Combo Touch Case. I’ve got to say for a third-party keyboard, I was very impressed. The one gripe I have with the Magic Keyboard is that it lacks function keys, which require me to touch the screen while typing a bit more than I’d like to. For the function keys alone, it’s worth giving this case a try. Another thing that you’re able to do with this keyboard/case is fold the keyboard back so that you’re able to hold the iPad in the case. With the Magic Keyboard, to go into full tablet mode, I just had to remove the tablet from the case completely. I’m not going to lie, I’m pretty paranoid when it comes to my tech. I’ve dropped too many things for me to have anything without a constant cover.
The last thing the Logitech computer has is a keyboard that lights up, which is nice in low-light situations. The little stand on the back actually reminds me of how the Microsoft surface works, it has more of a kickstand, than the majestic floating of the Magic Keyboard. The last thing to consider is that the Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard case retails at $195.95, which is a savings over the Magic Keyboard. All of that being said, I still do find myself using the Magic Keyboard far more than I find myself using the Logitech Combo Touch. It all boils down to personal preference, and I just think the floating screen of the Magic Keyboard pairs well with Sidecar and other Macs.
First Draft
There are plenty of other things about the iPad Pro that are new. There is an M1 Chip. There is 5G connectivity. There is a LiDAR scanner which allows for better AR integration. The iPad Pro can have up to 2TBs of storage, which is great. But beyond that I feel like the biggest competitor against this iPad Pro is going to be Apple’s own iPad Air.
The iPad Air comes standard with many of the features seen in the iPad Pro, but is roughly $200 dollars cheaper, and comes in a wide array of colors. The iPad Air might be the better value, but if you’re the type of person that really wants the very best when it comes to specs, the iPad Pro is the way to go. If you are a creative person, there is room in your life and workflows for an iPad. I know for me, I’ve found more than a few.
