iPad Pro

It has been 12 days since I picked up my iPad Pro from my local Apple Store. Just today I received the Smart Keyboard I ordered with it at approximately 0010AM PST. My Apple Pencil came a week after I picked up my iPad Pro. Needless to say, getting 1st party iPad Pro accessories has been an exercise in patience for this early adopter.

Accessories:

Accessories seem to be a major reason people are buying iPad Pro’s. I’m typing this review using the Smart Keyboard, more like trying I should say. The Smart Keyboard has a nice feel to it but it is a challenge to get used to it. The throw of the keys is weird and sometimes you have to go out of your way to ensure a key is pushed enough. This is by far the loudest keyboard I have used in awhile. I feel like I am typing on the world’s quietest typewriter; it is still loud! The lack of a trackpad built-into the keyboard will drive many wild. The tab key is your friend.

The Apple Pencil seems to be the piece de resistance for the iPad Pro. While I myself am not an artist, it has easily made me more interested in drawing and sketching. The Apple Pencil seems to draw out the inner artist in everybody. But it does have its drawbacks. I am a bit surprised that Apple did not use more a textured finish for the Pencil. It is too slick to be held without worrying about it slipping after extended use. Overall it is an awesome tool but as with all tools, it is only as good as the person who wields it.

The Device

Here’s who I think the iPad Pro is for: its for the person who wants an awesome productivity machine when they need it and an even better media consumption device when they are relaxing at the hotel after a long day of travel. Sure, there is almost an endless amount of ways to use this thing but this is a machine for a type A personality who also knows how to unwind. Its for the person who wants to work with Office 365 apps and also check their YouTube subscriptions in between projects. I can hear what you’re thinking; “I can do that on my (insert Apple product here). Sure, you can. But here is what the iPad Pro has that no other Apple product has yet: power, portability and the highest resolution available on a mobile Apple product. It is the best of all worlds.

The Software aka The Ugly

The iPad Pro has a major issue with it. The software sucks. iOS 9 is not optimized for a device this size and limits the hardware to the point where it looks silly. Just look at the home page. The icons are so far apart it is comical. On the bright side, this is an “easy” fix for a company like Apple. While they may not want to dedicate a team to the iPad experience, they are going to have to in order to save the product from iOS. Their is limitless potential for the iPad Pro but not with iOS 9.

To Keep or Not To Keep

Luckily Apple is very generous with their holiday return policy. You have until January 8th to return it or any of the accessories. So take your time, enjoy it for awhile and then make a decision. This is not a no-brainer like a new iPhone. The iPad Pro is not for everybody but it may just be for you.