Most powerful device this is. with classic look .? bestest iPad Pro 9.7 inch - the standard sized iPad Pro
If you’re confused about the iPad range you’re not alone. This device is the standard size(9.7 inch) iPad Pro, and there’s several others available(details below).
A word of warning, this is a very long review and describes the entire iPad range to help you decide the best model for you. It’s broken up into sections to make it manageable, so make a cup of tea or coffee, sit down and read on.
Quick Summary
Almost twice the speed of the Air 2, but without the “force touch” screen of the iPhone, a total of four speakers and the optional “Apple Pencil” and “Smart Keyboard” accessories it’s a remarkable device. It comes with the fast “Touch ID”(fingerprint sensor) to protect your sensitive data, and at 437g in weight and 6.1mm thin it’s as small and light as the previous version.
Differences to the iPad Air
The new A9X processor is 1.8 times faster than the iPad Air 2 with a new 12MP camera and LED flash which means you can both shoot and edit 4K video. You now get 4 speakers which automatically detect which way you’re holding the iPad, and a “True Tone” display that senses the background lighting to subtly adjust the colour temperature on screen for a more natural look.
Like the whopping 12.9 inch bigger iPad Pro version, you also have the option of adding a Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil, but this device still has the same physical size of the iPad Air 2, along with the super-long 10 hour battery life.
What’s the accessories like?
While you can buy a cover for this, you can turn it into a laptop replacement by adding a smart keyboard. Unlike the iPad Air range which has lots of 3rd party bluetooth keyboards, you can also buy an Apple Smart Keyboard. It snaps onto the device using magnets, and protects the screen, although you can buy a cover for the back as well. It’s made out of a soft touch nylon material that’s lovely to the touch, and folds out to support the keyboard, or around the back to act as a stand.
As a keyboard, it’s terrific, with full size keys, the only compromise being a shorter up/down arrow, and there’s no dedicated function keys like there in on the Logitec keyboard. Surprisingly, the keyboard is entirely sealed, and will resist liquid spills although I’ve not tried it myself.
Finally, there’s also the “Apple Pencil” which acts as a stylus for drawing or signing documents. I’ve not bought this myself, but tried it in the Apple store, and again it’s a remarkable piece of technology. It measures both the angle and force used, and adjusts the thickness and spread of the drawing surface. A very impressive device indeed.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this the latest iPad Pro?
A: Yes. Launched March 2016, but may be be superseded in 2017
Q: Is this covered by Warranty?
A: Yes. Full 12 month Apple warranty, and 90 days free technical support. You can also extend the warranty with "AppleCare+" provided to take out the cover within 60 days of buying your iPad. This includes accidental damage insurance(up to two incidents per year subject to an excess charge).
Q: Why are these cheaper on Amazon than at the Apple store? What’s the catch?
A: No catch. You can buy in person from the Apple store(including free engraving). Alternatively buy from Amazon with a 30 day NO QUESTIONS ASKED return policy. If you find this item is NOT as described, (eg. does not have the correct plug), return it immediately, report the issue to Amazon, and write a critical review.
Q: Help! There seems to be loads of “Generations” and iPad model numbers - how can I tell which one I’m looking at?
A: Yes, it’s confusing, and I’ve provided full details below, but there’s a relatively simple way to check - just see which version of iOS(the operating system) it’s running. iPad Pro: In both 9.7 and 12.9 inch sizes(iOS 9 onwards) Full Size iPads: I wouldn’t really recommend anything but the “iPad Air”(iOS 7) or “iPad Air 2”(iOS 8). Mini iPads: There’s currently 4 generations: iPad mini 1(iOS 6), iPad Mini 2 - “Retina Display”(iOS7) or iPad mini 3(iOS8) and Mini 4(iOS9) Note: You can upgrade your iPad for free to the latest version, but you may find it runs slightly slower than before.
Q: Should I buy the Cellular option?
A: You almost certainly don’t “need” to - as ever it always depends. Many iPads never leave home, and even when they do you can store your videos/music on the device or connect to a coffee bar hotspot to get online. If you have a smartphone(eg. Android or iPhone) you can set up a "personal hot spot" or "tethering" and use your data plan on your phone. This effectively allows you to connect a WIFI only iPad to the internet via your mobile phone while you’re out and about. On an Android phone go to Setup -> Tethering & portable hotspot. On on iPhone go to Settings -> Personal Hotspot, and set up a personal WIFI network from your phone. Try it now, but be aware it may be an optional extra dependent upon your mobile phone plan.