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First Impressions From New 2018 iPad Pro Owners
We've already seen iPad Pro reviews from media sites that Apple invited to test the tablet ahead of its release, but now that the iPad Pro has officially launched, first impressions from regular Apple customers are now available.
New iPad Pro owners on Reddit, Twitter, and the MacRumors forums have been sharing their opinions on the device, and for those considering a purchase, opinions from average consumers provide useful insight.
MacRumors reader TrueBlou shared some images of the old 12.9-inch iPad Pro next to the sleeker, slimmer 2018 12.9-inch version, providing a look at just how much smaller the new model is. He says the difference is an "incredible improvement."
He says he's ultimately going to swap the 12.9-inch model for the 11-inch because the 12.9-inch model is still too heavy for one-handed use.
A 12.9-inch iPad Pro with black bars via MacRumors reader jun180
Image via Reddit user atru22
On the topic of the Apple Pencil, Reddit user essjay2009 said that the Pencil feels quite different in the hand and that there's more friction when using it. Charging and pairing is much improved, of course, since it just needs a magnetic attachment to the iPad Pro.
MacRumors reader ninethirty wasn't a fan of the Smart Keyboard Folio, calling it a "design nightmare."
New iPad Pro owners on Reddit, Twitter, and the MacRumors forums have been sharing their opinions on the device, and for those considering a purchase, opinions from average consumers provide useful insight.
MacRumors reader TrueBlou shared some images of the old 12.9-inch iPad Pro next to the sleeker, slimmer 2018 12.9-inch version, providing a look at just how much smaller the new model is. He says the difference is an "incredible improvement."
It's an incredible improvement, I really cannot overstate just how much of a difference it is. It's one of my favourite things about the new iPad.Reddit user SlightCriticism offered up a look at the 10.5-inch iPad Pro on top of the new 12.9-inch model, which gives a good idea of how much bigger the 12.9-inch model is.
It's not just that it's smaller, lighter and thinner - which of course it is. But the combination of all of those things also changes its centre of gravity a little and it's really noticeable.
He says he's ultimately going to swap the 12.9-inch model for the 11-inch because the 12.9-inch model is still too heavy for one-handed use.
I had a first gen 12.9 which was too big and sprung for the 10.5 when it came out last year. I found the original 12.9 to be too difficult to hold on the train etc but the 10.5 has been the perfect companion. I did miss the extra screen space, but its size was harming my productivity and I decided I valued that more. I really thought the size decrease of this gen was going to be the perfect solution for me, and my first impressions were positive, but after using it for a while I've found it still a bit too heavy for prolonged one-handed use. Of course this isn't the case for everyone and I'm sure a lot of people will find it a terrific size.MacRumors reader ryuok pointed out that because the new 11-inch iPad is using a different aspect ratio, apps that are not updated have black bars on both sides. Apps will get updates eventually, but it's something to be aware of.
There are two kinds of black bars:Reddit user atru22 said the new Smart Keyboard Folio takes some getting used to, but he likes it a lot more than the previous-generation keyboard. He also says the 12.9-inch model feels surprisingly small.
1) Rounded corner black bars: This is similar to the iPhone X situation, before apps are updated to accommodate the extra spaces extended by the rounded corners. This affects both the 11" model and 12.9" model.
2) Aspect ratio black bars: This only happens on 11", and it is far worse and far more notifiable than the "Rounded corner black bars". If an app is not coded to dynamically adapt to aspect ratio, you'll see horrifyingly large black bars especially in landscape mode. It's almost like seeing an iPad mini sized app, inside an 11" screen. Populars apps such as Facebook and Netflix are affected by this.
On the topic of the Apple Pencil, Reddit user essjay2009 said that the Pencil feels quite different in the hand and that there's more friction when using it. Charging and pairing is much improved, of course, since it just needs a magnetic attachment to the iPad Pro.
I will say that the pencil feels very different in the hand. It's a little shorter but that makes a huge difference. I always thought the gen 1 felt a little ridiculously large (length wise). This feels more like a normal pencil. The double tap feature is really nice and far more forgiving than I was expecting. I thought you'd have to tap specifically on a certain spot, but it seems to just pick up double taps pretty much anywhere reasonable.Reddit user dvegi also thought there's much better drag with the Apple Pencil 2 and the iPad Pro's new display.
Pairing and charging is soo much better. And that's coming from someone who didn't have any particular issue with the way the old one charged.
So, just wanted to let you guys know that there is a much better drag with the Apple Pencil 2 and the iPad Pro, than before (a lot of people didn’t like how the pencil felt on glass so resorted to getting a matte screen protector— but no need with the new iPad Pro!)Reddit user GottaDeal confirms that the new 11-inch iPad Pro on-screen keyboard has a 12.9-inch keyboard layout thanks to the extra room from the removal of the bezels. It offers up tab, caps lock, and left side shift keys, unlike the 10.5-inch iPad Pro.
MacRumors reader ninethirty wasn't a fan of the Smart Keyboard Folio, calling it a "design nightmare."
Got my 12.9 today. The iPad itself is absolutely beautiful, but the design of the smart folio keyboard is awful. It doesn't fold around as easily as the previous keyboard, it makes everything a lot thicker, and quite frankly, the materials of the folio itself feel cheap, which is a shame. But worst of all, when you fold the folio to the back of the ipad, to hold and watch a video or something, the keys are exposed on the back.MacRumors reader largefarrva disagreed, though, saying that he likes it a lot and is impressed with the key feel.
I actually like it quite a bit. I was a bit worried that the keyboard would feel like the butterfly keyboards of the MacBooks nowadays but it doesn't at all. Hell, if the MacBooks had keys that felt like this they wouldn't be nearly as bad. Granted it is very little travel in a keystroke, but the feedback is a ton times better than the MacBook keyboards.Have a new 2018 iPad Pro? Share your first impressions and photos in the comments below. We'll have an unboxing video and our own hands-on later today, so make sure to stay tuned to MacRumors for more iPad Pro coverage.
Related Roundup: iPad Pro
Buyer's Guide: 11" iPad Pro (Buy Now), 12.9" iPad Pro (Buy Now)
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Top Rated Comments
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20 weeks ago
I don't think anyone has said this yet, but the new iPad is still not a laptop replacement
20 weeks ago
Looks great, but unless you have some rather limited or very touch specialized workflow this just won't cut it for most people. It sure looks nice and I bet the performance is stellar but that folio keyboard just doesn't give the same typing experience as a "real" keyboard.
A lot of applications and services are offering web-applications these days so you can do most things directly in the browser. But the experience isn't comparable to using the full desktop applications and alot of them won't even work in mobile web-browsers.
Combine this with the fact that we are starting to reach the same price-point as MacBook's and other decent notebooks on the market its not all that compelling. It sure has it benefits, but its limitations just outweight's all its benefits unless you have a workflow where the Apple Pencil and the artistic values it provides will be essential to you.
What I would prefer would be to have something like a 2-in-1 device where you have a device that combines this iPad Pro and the MacBook Air with a detachable display. Have it run macOS when docked to the keyboard, giving the full desktop experience with a great keyboard and touchpad. And when you detach it starts running iOS and becomes just like this iPad Pro. It doesn't seem all that far-fetched when we look at how far the hardware on these iPad's have come and how powerful their SoC's really are.
We need a way to get macOS running on ARM, and Apple needs to find a elegant way to integrate the iPad Pro with a detachable keyboard and we are pretty much Golden.
A lot of applications and services are offering web-applications these days so you can do most things directly in the browser. But the experience isn't comparable to using the full desktop applications and alot of them won't even work in mobile web-browsers.
Combine this with the fact that we are starting to reach the same price-point as MacBook's and other decent notebooks on the market its not all that compelling. It sure has it benefits, but its limitations just outweight's all its benefits unless you have a workflow where the Apple Pencil and the artistic values it provides will be essential to you.
What I would prefer would be to have something like a 2-in-1 device where you have a device that combines this iPad Pro and the MacBook Air with a detachable display. Have it run macOS when docked to the keyboard, giving the full desktop experience with a great keyboard and touchpad. And when you detach it starts running iOS and becomes just like this iPad Pro. It doesn't seem all that far-fetched when we look at how far the hardware on these iPad's have come and how powerful their SoC's really are.
We need a way to get macOS running on ARM, and Apple needs to find a elegant way to integrate the iPad Pro with a detachable keyboard and we are pretty much Golden.
20 weeks ago
I got the 11" model. Absolutely love the new iPad itself, it feels like an enormous step up from my 9.7" pro. The new folio case will take some getting used to. I hate the color, so I'm going to have to find some stickers or something, and I don't really like that the keys are exposed on the back. I do like that it has two screen positions, and the keyboard itself is nice and responsive. The pencil is lovely, but the magnets that hold it on are not super-strong, so I keep knocking it off the ipad when I go to reach for it. I think this is something I'll get used to, or I'll just keep the pencil separate in my bag, it's not a big deal.
All in all just a few small quibbles, I am delighted with the iPad itself.
All in all just a few small quibbles, I am delighted with the iPad itself.
20 weeks ago
I don't think anyone has said this yet, but the new iPad still is not a laptop replacement
....for me.
#fixedit4u
20 weeks ago
Apple did an fantastic ipad, apple made the macbook air battery replaceable and mac mini has replaceable Ram
20 weeks ago
I am a decent supporter of Apple, but not so much so that I cannot be objective. I have owned almost every version iPad Apple has made, and definitely every version of the iPad Pro Apple has made. The 2018 11” iPad Pro is the only one that has ever given me a severe visceral hate reaction. First, why, oh why did Apple get rid of the split virtual keyboard option?! It was bad enough they dropped the split keyboard from the 12.9” model after the first edition, but now the smaller iPad Pro is missing it too?!
Second, it just feels cheaply made. My 10.5” Pro feels solid, and the aluminum is of a decent thickness. One can see how thin the aluminum casing is on the new Pros, if looking at the area around the USB C port, or speaker holes, etc.. The whole iPad just feels flimsy to me.
Third, what the heck went through the mind of the new keyboard cover designer?! It’s a disaster waiting to happen to the screen, and it feels poorly thought out when using it. Who wants to keep feeling keys being pressed while holding the device with the cover folded open? Also, why get rid of the ability to form a triangle with the cover to prop the pad up at a slight angle, when drawing with the pencil? That was a useful angle and feature of the old cover. The old keyboard cover was also easier to remove, if one wanted to use the pad sans cover.
Overall, I am majorly letdown with this version of the iPad Pro. I phoned Apple this morning to get an answer about the lack of split virtual keyboard on the 11” model, and no one could tell me if it was a software glitch, or if it was intentionally removed. I have a case open with Apple, for them to investigate this issue. I am told I’ll have an answer by next Tuesday. I can live with all the other issues/flaws of this version of the iPad Pro, but if Apple truly has gutted the split keyboard option from the 11” pad, it is a deal breaker for me, and the pad will be returned for refund. Being able to hold the 10.5” iPad Pro with two hands, and type on a split keyboard with one’s thumbs just works, and works incredibly well. Trying to hold the new 11” pad from the very bottom, with two hands, and then trying to type on the keyboard with one's thumbs is awkward. The pad is so top heavy at that grip position, and the keys so unreachable by one's thumbs, it just isn't useful, and is, in fact, painful both physically and mentally.
This iPad, to me, is the epitome of form/style outweighing functionality.
Second, it just feels cheaply made. My 10.5” Pro feels solid, and the aluminum is of a decent thickness. One can see how thin the aluminum casing is on the new Pros, if looking at the area around the USB C port, or speaker holes, etc.. The whole iPad just feels flimsy to me.
Third, what the heck went through the mind of the new keyboard cover designer?! It’s a disaster waiting to happen to the screen, and it feels poorly thought out when using it. Who wants to keep feeling keys being pressed while holding the device with the cover folded open? Also, why get rid of the ability to form a triangle with the cover to prop the pad up at a slight angle, when drawing with the pencil? That was a useful angle and feature of the old cover. The old keyboard cover was also easier to remove, if one wanted to use the pad sans cover.
Overall, I am majorly letdown with this version of the iPad Pro. I phoned Apple this morning to get an answer about the lack of split virtual keyboard on the 11” model, and no one could tell me if it was a software glitch, or if it was intentionally removed. I have a case open with Apple, for them to investigate this issue. I am told I’ll have an answer by next Tuesday. I can live with all the other issues/flaws of this version of the iPad Pro, but if Apple truly has gutted the split keyboard option from the 11” pad, it is a deal breaker for me, and the pad will be returned for refund. Being able to hold the 10.5” iPad Pro with two hands, and type on a split keyboard with one’s thumbs just works, and works incredibly well. Trying to hold the new 11” pad from the very bottom, with two hands, and then trying to type on the keyboard with one's thumbs is awkward. The pad is so top heavy at that grip position, and the keys so unreachable by one's thumbs, it just isn't useful, and is, in fact, painful both physically and mentally.
This iPad, to me, is the epitome of form/style outweighing functionality.
20 weeks ago
It’s called sarcasm. Every single review has said the exact same thing: “It’s not a laptop replacement.” That common thread in all the reviews has been extensively discussed in these forums for over a week now. The poster obviously was referring to this jokingly — you can tell it’s a joke because he says “I don’t think anyone has mentioned yet” when obviously it has been the #1 thing mentioned about the new iPads.
Fair enough! Redacted.
[doublepost=1541635320][/doublepost]
Agree with above. Still, love mine but the biggest issue and ONE they need to fix is the home button remaining on 3rd party apps -, especially at night.
OMG, Hate this. The home button doesn't disappear in most apps. If watching movies at night on VLC or others, there is this bright white line at the bottom of the screen. I believe apps developers can write code to ensure the line disappears. Seems like a MAJOR oversight.
I can't stress enough to check out any 3rd party apps you use i.e. VLC, PlayerX, etc and whether it will bother you when using at night. Strangely enough, it disappears in YouTube. At least this is something. Still, very annoying that you have this issue on a VERY expensive tablet. Call out to a developer to write an app that removes the home button line.
[doublepost=1541631709][/doublepost]
Congrats. As the previous owner of two 12.9" models, I was 75% sure I was going with the smaller 11" version 3rd time around. That was until I saw the new 12.9. Yes, it's still big; but easier to hold, lighter and smaller. Made me realize how unwieldy the last model was.
I love the new iPad. The screen is amazing. The pen is awesome. The new keyboard is more responsive.
Three things I don't like:
1. In portrait mode, I keep knocking the pen off. Though strong magnet, landscape better.
2. I keep covering the camera with my left hand. This stops FaceID working. Found it better to turn the iPad 180degrees but then the pen is at the bottom. It's not a big issue, more just adapting as small bezels and big hands not ideal and
3. OMG, Hate this. The home button doesn't disappear in most apps. If watching movies at night on VLC or others, there is this bright white line at the bottom of the screen. I believe apps developers can write code to ensure the line disappears. Seems like a MAJOR oversight.
I can't stress enough to check out any 3rd party apps you use i.e. VLC, PlayerX, etc and whether it will bother you when watching movies or working at night. Strangely enough, it disappears in YouTube. At least this is something. Still, very annoying that you have this issue on a VERY expensive tablet. Call out to a developer to write an app that removes the home button line.
Via [USER=1109615]@Kurisutofaa[/USER]...
u can try this..
click GENERAL
click ACCESSIBILITY
turn on GUIDED ACCESS
when u are playing game or in a movie, triple click the power button, ur home bar will disappear.
triple click the power button and ur home bar will be back.
20 weeks ago
Wow... no seriously, VERY creative and insightful comment!
You’re totally right- nobody has said that or thought that. Thank you SO much.
I really was expecting to be able to play all my Steam games on my iPad. I (like everyone else, EXCEPT for you) am so woefully ignorant, I thought that adding FaceID to the new iPads was suddenly going to make them full laptop/desktop replacements.
Very thoughtful of you!!! Obviously, people here on an Apple forum are going to have ZERO inkling what iPads can or can’t do! We’re all lucky to have you.
You should probably take it like a quarter step further & explain what a tablet is too... that would be equally helpful to people! =)
/s
[doublepost=1541629424][/doublepost]
Saying something that you don’t actually mean, or is the opposite of the truth... on an online forum, to incite people to argue against what you’ve said is NOT referred to simply as “a joke” in common vernacular. It has its very own term to refer to that specific type of commentary- it’s known as “trolling”. It’s commonly considered the very lowest form of humor... like, a few levels below toilet humor, or jokes about the holocaust... it’s tasteless, tacky, & self-serving.
It’s called sarcasm. Every single review has said the exact same thing: “It’s not a laptop replacement.” That common thread in all the reviews has been extensively discussed in these forums for over a week now. The poster obviously was referring to this jokingly — you can tell it’s a joke because he says “I don’t think anyone has mentioned yet” when obviously it has been the #1 thing mentioned about the new iPads.
20 weeks ago
I don't think anyone has said this yet, but the new iPad is still not a laptop replacement
It is for some people.[ Read All Comments ]
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