I recently acquired the 2021 12.9” 512GB Cellular iPad Pro, along with the Magic Keyboard. Having used it extensively for two weeks, I can confidently say that it has exceeded my expectations in many ways.
Let me start by explaining why I chose to invest in the iPad Pro. While my MacBook Pro 16” is a reliable computer for desktop use, it presents several challenges when it comes to portability. Firstly, it tends to overheat, making it uncomfortable to use for long periods. Secondly, its battery life leaves much to be desired. Lastly, it is quite heavy, weighing in at 2kg.
In contrast, the iPad Pro weighs only 685 grams, making it significantly more convenient to carry around. Additionally, its keyboard attachment can be left behind when not needed, further reducing weight. What I love about the keyboard is that it doesn’t house a computer underneath, eliminating the issue of overheating. Its slim design also prevents wrist pain that I often experienced with my MacBook Pro.
Not only is the iPad Pro ideal for reading and watching videos, but it has also become my go-to device for work tasks. I find myself writing blog posts on it frequently, especially those that don’t require coding. While I’m still exploring options for coding on the go without a MacBook, I’m confident that I’ll find a suitable solution.
To my surprise, I’ve discovered a newfound love for reading on the iPad Pro. Its larger, high-quality screen and the ability to display books in a two-column layout on the Kindle app greatly enhance the reading experience. Additionally, I frequently use Sidecar to connect the iPad Pro as a second screen to my MacBook Pro.
Another feature I greatly appreciate is the cellular capability of my iPad Pro. Although I’ve never owned a cellular iPad before, I see its potential, particularly when traveling abroad and needing a local SIM. The built-in GPS is another reason I opted for the cellular version. It allows me to use the iPad Pro for navigation purposes, which is especially useful during road trips in my van.
In fact, I’ve created a custom car mount for the iPad Pro in my van, inspired by the Tesla display. This setup allows me to utilize the iPad Pro for navigation using offline maps, such as the fantastic mapy.cz app. Additionally, I can easily access Google Maps, Apple Maps, and the park4night app, which helps me find parking spots throughout Europe. Furthermore, the iPad Pro serves as a music player and music visualizer, connected to my car’s sound system via Bluetooth. Lastly, it functions as a convenient video player when parked.
For my creative work, I heavily rely on apps such as Bear for writing and editing blog posts, WorkFlowy for quick notes, and MindNode for mind mapping. The seamless synchronization between these apps on my Mac and iPad Pro streamlines my workflow.
While I’m excited about the possibility of developing iOS apps directly on the iPad, I’m patiently waiting for iOS 15 before diving into this new endeavor.
In summary, the iPad Pro has proven to be an incredibly versatile device for both work and leisure. Its portability, impressive performance, and top-notch display make it a powerful tool in my daily life.
Tags: iPad Pro, Apple, tablet, productivity, entertainment, navigation