“Are you ready to experience the iPad Pro, or is the costs putting you off exploring this strange new world of large-form tablets?” Ewan Spence writes for Forbes. “It will cost well over $1,000 for the entry-level 32 GB version of the super sized tablet, the Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard. Equipping yourself up with an iPad Pro is not an easy financial choice to make.”
“Apple does offer you an option for a third-party finance deal to pay up over eighteen months, but that’s no different that popping the tablet on your credit card,” Spence writes. “And why would Apple push customers to take up another company’s financing when Cupertino already has a workable option on the table, or did it forget the iPhone Upgrade Program?”
Spence writes, “Why not do the same with the iPad Pro?”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: The problem is the iPad replacement cycle. It’s lengthy. And, importantly, it retards progress because developers can’t make their apps the best they can be because they’re trying to ensure an old iPad 2 can still run them.
An iPad Upgrade Program would dramatically shorten the iPad replacement cycle, which would lead to better, more capable apps, which would lead to even more iPad sales. What’s not to like?
My iPad 2 does run with the new iOS, but it does not run all apps as they should be run. Hardware issues nix many new features available on newer iPads. I like the fact that many new features are still usable on the iPad 2, and it is a long term plus for Apple that they continue to support these devices. It made the recent purchase of a new MacBook much easier. And, yes, my 7 year old MacBook still runs well, a bit slowly, but well. If one want expensive equipment to become obsolete, then I suggest they buy the most expensive Android phone they can.
If a person wants equipment that will become obsolete quickly and not able to run the latest OS, then I suggest an Android phone. I know from personal experience. MY first smart phone ( a gift) was an Android phone. For 6 months it was great, then very good. IN a year it was so-so and by two years it had OS and Firmware problems that nobody would take responsibility for. This is not good for the consumer or the brand.
Apple is already offering a trade-in program for education. They are really pushing us to get away from the iPad 2 model. I think that may be a sign of things to come – as soon as next year, maybe.
I will buy the iPad Pro with keyboard the first day it comes with a French language keyboard, but not one minute sooner.
There are glitches between the models. I have apps on my iPad Air 2 which ran fine on my old iPad 3, but have (mostly display) problems on the iPad Air 2. I have to assume that there will be the same minor glitches moving to the iPad Pro.
There already is an upgrade market in Europe.
I paid €6 for an iPad Mini #2 for a 2 year contract that costs €35/month including VAT. I can upgrade after 20 months and keep the old iPad.
I simply need a French keyboard.
Does it have to be Apple’s? If not, you’re in business…
Absolutely.
“MacDailyNews Take: An iPad Upgrade Program would dramatically shorten the iPad replacement cycle, which would lead to better, more capable apps, which would lead to even more iPad sales. What’s not to like?”
I’ll tell you what is not to like:
Getting stuck with someone else’s idea of a proper upgrade program and the proper cost of it. I still use my iPad 2 every day. I would like to be able to do this as long as it continues to work. I run the wheels off my cars – I run the transistors out of my computing hardware. I get my money’s worth out of my stuff. (I still use a 2006 iMac daily.) My iPhone is an original 4S! I would like to upgrade each of these, but will only do so when they wear out and I can afford it. I will not go into debt for tech. Not smart (unless your business requires certain tech and can succeed even with the payments.)
Now if app developers would like to create better apps for newer iOS devices, then by all means please do, but don’t make the whole ecosystem die for those of us who like to get every last ounce of an items usefulness before getting the next improved model. Since Apple makes a quality product that lasts, there be a demand for “dumber apps” and a demand for “smarter/current apps” – let the app makers decide how to fulfill both parties.
Besides, it is much more green to use it up, instead of throwing it out, even if you recycle the item you are throwing out. I am using it up and recycling also with my methods.
The personal guidelines you expressed concerning the iPad is probably valid for a small segment of the population as a way of coping in a constantly changing social, political, economic and technological environment. It is not for everyone, however, as it calls for an unfailing independent way of responding to personal, professional, and business needs. In fact I believe it must allow to adjust for so many demands of real life that it can’t be viewed as a suitable general rule for a vast majority of people.
If social pressures you are subjected to are not too demanding, you probably can wisely use your approach for your electronic gadgets, your clothing, your car, and a host of other material goods, but you must be aware of the fact that it will cost you dearly if your work is competitive nature. In a number of such a demanding background, one might not be aware of it, but it could be impossible or catastrophic for even the most competent individual to succeed when the image that he projects is the first step—ahead of competence—to be accepted within a given milieu.
I am not passing judgment on the inherent qualities of your approach, but rathe on its realistic feasibility. I personally share your philosophical views on this subject and would like to be able to adopt this way of life in more ways than I can in my life. Many electronic gadgets have become essential tools in my professional life and in many instances, not having the latest generation of any particular tool. If I was still using my 2006 computer, I would spend at least 8 to 10 hours in front of my screen, and this would reduce considerably my time spent with my family. The same is true of some of the expensive software I use every day. Not so with my car, however, my clothes, and most of my gardening tools, etc.
In life, I have adopted a rule to judge every purchase on its own merit, based on a fair assessment of the broader context of my own, professional and social environment. And I think this is a valid and reasonable approach to the question, and, most important, I can live with it.
Yes as badly as I want one the iPad Pro is to expensive to justify getting one, at just shy of $1500 in CAD after tax for 128GB
And 32 GB, seriously Apple ? Who the F is going to buy a 32 GB iPad Pro ? Storage capacity is one area Surface trumps iPad!
32 and 128 GB… ugh!