3 Months with the iPad Pro: A Worthwhile Investment?

Over the summer, I had the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the world of the 12.9” iPad Pro. As someone who already owned a smaller and lighter iPad, I was initially taken aback by the size and weight of this beast. However, after spending countless hours using it, I can confidently say that it is worth every penny.

The standout feature of the iPad Pro is its stunning screen. In fact, I found it to be even better than the screen on my MacBook Pro. The keyboard, whether it be the Magic Keyboard or the MacBook Pro’s built-in keyboard, offered a seamless typing experience. The “key memory” is consistent across all three options, making it ideal for productivity.

Another aspect I quickly grew to appreciate was the app experience on the iPad Pro. Developers build apps specifically for tablets, resulting in a unique and unparalleled user experience. Watching YouTube or Prime Video on the iPad is a completely different experience compared to using the Mac. Some tasks, such as drawing on the screen with the Apple Pencil, are only possible on the iPad.

The iPad Pro also proved to be a convenient travel companion. During a three-week road trip, I left my 16” MacBook Pro at home and relied solely on the iPad Pro. It handled all my work-related tasks, including email replies, blog post writing, and even publishing through the GitHub website. The Swift Playgrounds app provided a platform for coding, although I’m eagerly awaiting the release of version 4.

Additionally, the iPad Pro exhibited excellent mobile data support while traveling abroad. With the cellular version, I relied on my iPhone for Wi-Fi connectivity. Although slightly inconvenient, it spared me from paying for an additional data plan. I appreciated that I could regulate data usage by designating it as a low data connection in the iPad’s settings. This option was not readily available on the Mac.

In terms of portability, the iPad Pro’s weight of approximately 700 grams made it an effortless addition to my backpack. Comparatively, the MacBook Air weighed twice as much, while the 16” MacBook Pro was three times heavier. Additionally, when I needed extra screen real estate, the iPad Pro came to the rescue. By utilizing Sidecar, I transformed the iPad into a second monitor, combining its screen with that of my MacBook Pro.

So, is the iPad Pro worth it? For me, undoubtedly yes. However, whether I would recommend it to others depends on their specific needs. If you desire a seamlessly integrated device within the Apple ecosystem, boasting both portability and productivity, the iPad Pro is an excellent choice. But ultimately, the decision rests on your individual requirements.

Tags: iPad Pro, Apple ecosystem, productivity, mobile data, travel, versatility