Initial Thoughts on the New 12.9-inch iPad Pro, Apple Pencil 2.0, and Smart Keyboard Folio
Some initial thoughts on the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
- Initial Impression: Walking into the Apple Store this morning the screen reminded me why I loved the 12.9-inch model in the first place. It is big and beautiful with tons of space to do your work. The Liquid Retina display feels like the OLED screen on the iPhone 10XS but it is slightly different but still beautiful nonetheless. Compared to the 10.5-inch model its a definite improvement.
- Size: The new 12.9-inch model is noticeably smaller than the original 12.9-inch but it’s not so small that you don’t really notice. After reading John Gruber’s review I thought it would actually feel smaller and more portable that what it actually feels in my hand. Don’t get me wrong it is definitely more portable than the original 12.9-inch model but its not as portable as the 10.5-inch. That said, I think it is small enough for me to enjoy casually plus large enough screen for more serious work. The reason I returned the original 12.9-inch iPad Pro was that just holding it the thing felt huge. Now, I feel like I’m holding a screen and nothing is wasted. It will be different but I think ok. Having the larger iPhone again keeps that ultra portable space with a nice large screen.
- Smart Keyboard Folio: One thing that I was worried about with the Smart Keyboard was it would be difficult to remove the iPad and use by itself. I removed the other 10.5-inch Smart Keyboard all the time. This one is different, not quite as easy, but still quick to remove and just use the iPad by itself. With that being said the size of the folio really doesn’t bother me. It is still a thin device. I probably won’t flip the folio behind the iPad and hold it most of the time but I never really did that either. That said, when you flip the Smart Keyboard Folio back the keys do disable even though you can feel them so you don’t have to worry about typing while holding it. I enjoy typing on this one more than the 10.5-inch model.
- Did I say the screen is gorgeous?
- FaceID on the iPad is almost better than the iPhone. You are always looking at the iPad so anytime you need a password it just automatically registers. I haven’t had to move my head once and its worked in every orientation.
- Home Button and Bezels: No home button seems natural. Swiping gestures just seem natural This is not an issue whatsoever.
- The Apple PencilThe magnetic charging and holding mechanism on the top/side of the iPad is absolutely genius.
- The Apple Pencil feels really good in the hand with the matte finish
- It’s a little bit shorter so a little nice to write with
- Using the double tap to switch to an eraser in GoodNotes is magic. Love that feature. This will be great when teaching and I’m sure will be a natural workflow here in a couple days