“It’s absolutely true that a significant part of my dismissal of the iPad Pro as a writing tool was because I wasn’t impressed by the Logitech Create keyboard,” Ben Lovejoy writes for 9to5Mac. “But early reviews of the Apple keyboard didn’t lend much hope that I’d like it any better – indeed, they suggested I’d probably like it even less… But there are still two other factors.”
“First, a trackpad is still a much more pleasant experience than a touchscreen when it comes to editing… my MacBook Air is a much more efficient tool for that,” Lovejoy writes. “Second, a lot of my writing is done in Scrivener, an app I adore. I sometimes use it for first drafts of articles, and I wouldn’t even dream of writing a book without it. While an iOS version has been long-promised, the developer hit a number of road-blocks, and is now (sensibly) declining to provide an estimate of when it might be available. So, all in all, the iPad Pro wasn’t going to replace my MacBooks for writing.”
“The iPad Pro couldn’t replace any of my existing devices. The only remaining possibility would be to keep both iPads [along with my iPad Air 2], effectively viewing it as a fourth category of device – distinct from iPhone, standard iPad and MacBooks,” Lovejoy writes. “But great as it is for some tasks, it’s too much of a niche case for me: it just wouldn’t be earning its keep. I’d get better value from a thousand bucks by spending it on other things.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Another weight on our scale that’s already tipping toward the next gen. MacBook over the iPad Pro for our mobile computing needs.
SEE ALSO:
TIME Magazine reviews iPad Pro: ‘The best computer Apple has ever made’ – November 16, 2015
Apple’s new iPad Pro debuts with forced reboots, missing Apple Pencils – November 16, 2015
Apple’s perplexingly incomplete launch of the iPad Pro – November 16, 2015
I’ve ditched my MacBook for an iPad Pro; here’s why – November 16, 2015
A designer’s take on the iPad Pro – November 13, 2015
iPad Pro: Day 2 and already making my work better, easier, and faster – November 13, 2015
Why Apple’s new iPad Pro makes Mac users feel weird – November 12, 2015
Apple’s new iPad Pro is faster and more affordable than beleaguered Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4 – November 12, 2015
Analyst: Apple’s iPad Pro and its powerful A9X CPU pose threat to Intel – November 12, 2015
Video: Apple Pencil for iPad Pro vs. Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4 stylus – November 12, 2015
Apple’s joyless iPad Pro launch: WTF are the Apple Pencils and Smart Keyboards? (4-5 weeks away) – November 12, 2015
Apple’s A9X-powered iPad Pro offers Mac-like speed – November 11, 2015
Wired reviews Apple’s iPad Pro: ‘The best tablet, and the best case for tablets, anyone’s ever made’ – November 11, 2015
Horace Dediu reviews Apple’s iPad Pro: Unlike anything we’ve ever seen before – November 11, 2015
Ben Bajarin reviews Apple’s iPad Pro: ‘The start of something new’ – November 11, 2015
Is Apple’s epic iPad Pro for you? – November 11, 2015
Gruber reviews Apple’s iPad Pro: A MacBook replacement for many
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Mossberg reviews Apple’s iPad Pro: Graphics folks will love it, but I’m sticking with my iPad Air – November 11, 2015
The Verge reviews Apple’s iPad Pro: Could this replace my MacBook? – November 11, 2015
So after dismissing the Surface Tablet/Keyboard combo (and frankly any laptop with a touchscreen) Apple follows MS into the market and we get… this. The worst reviews of an Apple product in years. This makes perfect sense.
Here’s the thing, mobile devices aren’t trucks, they’re cars. Trying to make a Car/Truck or a Mobile Pro device is a ToasterFridge too. The Macbook is actually much closer to Apple’s singular vision. Now all they have to do is lockdown the Mac App Store ;).
The iPad is still, after all these years, a confusing mix of function and form. I think it works on paper, but not in reality.
Apple is NOT following Microsoft “into the market.” Apple re-defined tablet computer design with iPad in 2010. Surface and Windows 8 were Microsoft’s awkward (and panicked) attempts to get into the tablet space (following Apple) without abandoning Windows. Ironically, Microsoft’s Windows customers felt abandoned, leading to the Windows 10 (skipping 9) backtrack.
Surface is a device designed with keyboard as an essential accessory, because it runs Windows (an OS for desktops and laptops). iPad is a device designed (from the ground up) with multi-touch interface. No legacy baggage. Keyboard optional. Users who need a keyboard “all the time” to do their work should get a Mac, not an iPad.
The “review” here are for a keyboard accessory (which is a third-party product), not the iPad Pro. After seeing Apple’s iPad Pro keyboard at the Apple Store, I’d have to agree that it’s not Apple’s best work. But the iPad Pro, which does not require ANY keyboard, is an amazing piece of work.
in Addition Apple masterfully created a very modern Tablet computing device called Newton. Sometimes things just don’t catch on. iPad Pro is yet another. I lost faith in Tims Vision. He was never a Steve Jobs replacement anyways. But a perfect leader for the time. That time has ended.
I hear people say Tim is the wrong leader, yet I don’t hear anyone offer a real alternative.
And again, if Tim is awful, then Steve messed up Apple.
@M
I agree.
All Tim Cook had to do was create a Pro mobile device that either used both iOS and OSX and came with relevant ports, and/or ran a pro version of iOS with a file system. HE HAD 4-YEARS TO MAKE IT HAPPEN PEOPLE!!!!!!!
Of course he also screwed that up by being his usual incompetent and lazy self; opting instead for a giant iPad with bugs and expensive and pointless accessories!
If he chooses not to do his job then he should be fired!
I think it’s actually more severe than that… I believe he’s incapable of doing it.
I am so tired of people who decide if any Apple device isn’t specifically tailored for their personal needs, then Apple is doomed and Tim is terrible. The iPad Pro is loved by graphics professionals but it is so obviously not for anyone who makes their living through the keyboard.
I am ready to call for the firing of Tim Cook. The iPad Pro proves that he is, once again, in waaay over his head.
If I could give this 1000 stars I would. Agree wholeheartedly. Just because you need a truck don’t complain that a Apple’s newest car doesn’t act like one. It is called an Ipad Pro not ImacPad Pro.
Thanks for being a voice of sanity in a sea of techtards.
I cannot wait to get my hands on an iPad Pro. As a designer who relies heavily on Adobe Creative Suite (now on CC) i find it really interesting and want to explore the possibilities of creation/origination on the iPad and having it sync back to Illustrator or photoshop via the CC. Its a sketchbook and semi pre-production design device the way i see it. Create ideas anywhere and execute them on the iMac etc. later. Curious to see the heavyweight desktop software evolve to a hybrid touch model. Draw and some of the other mobile apps are great for quick ideation but obviously have a long way to go to be a complete all in one program like big brother illustrator. The key is bringing contextual menus and keyboard shortcuts to touch without a keyboard…Force touch and a stylus could accomplish a lot.
but then i would want a bigger iPad. ha
Thanks for some grain among the weeds!
I am a design professional, and I have been using the iPad Pro for about 75% of my digital workflow for the past 5 days. The iPad is a beautiful but strange beast, it is a Pro device that provides an incredibly powerful tool for us pros while also being an incredible consumer device that can easily meet all the needs of a more casual user. For those in the middle, especially those who need a keyboard, the iPad Pro is not going to meet all your computing needs, and wasn’t intended to, so get over it. I will continue to use an iPhone, a Mac (running Windows at times), and an iPad for different aspects of my work. As I said earlier, the iPad Pro is my go to device about 75% of the time now. I haven’t even reached for my old 9.7 iPad since I got this beauty.
The reviewer for this articles biggest complaint was that he could not take this pro device to bed and read on it, and that the third party keyboard didn’t work as well for writing as a Mac. No kidding? Seriously, some of you find this BS credible as a strike against a tool aimed at neither of these markets? If it doesn’t meet your needs, don’t buy it, or don’t keep it, but there is no logic to knocking it for its intended purpose.
Can’t wait to get my pencil Apple, arghhhh.
Thank God you don’t run Apple, I can just see the reviews for the Cludge device that runs both operating systems and the scathing criticism as a ‘know nothing operations man’ that Cook would get for launching it. After all we all know that beyond anything else Steve was focused, indeed occasionally so beyond common sense. A device with multiple OS and loads of ports is the opposite of what he would desire, is so 90s in concept and would cost lots and by definition cut sales volumes. Even Intel in its future chip designs is deliberately removing the concept of multiple ports and following the road designated by Apple.
We both know that no matter what type of product Tim Cook releases, they will be vilified and he will be personally attacked.
There was never any way that he could eliminate the naysayers. Steve Jobs couldn’t do that. Put any of the naysayers in charge. They couldn’t do it either. Therefore, there will always be naysayers. The question is, should anyone trust them? The answer is, no. Shut out the noise and think for yourself, goddamit.
I give Microsoft Five stars for trying to attract new markets.
Though they missed (hurray) Microsoft at least attempted to converge tablet computing and desktop power as a real alternative. I look at Tims attempt with the pencil and Pro iPad as a decent attempt at squeezing in-between OS X and iOS – something that is not at all needed. He fails greatly as an innovator and visionary.
iPad is a beautiful device. The dumb down iOS system is by far the most simplest and truest computing developed for the masses. And it goes to show everyone it can be powerful nonetheless. As iPad sales slip – I figure Pro level seems logical to introduce – however the squeeze between two already well set markets might be the worse thing to happen for iPad Pro.
Hand recognition needs to come to iPad Pro fast. Newton had it and it got even better just as the product died.
The pencil is a fantastic achievement for Apple, however, such power and sophistication in the tool – gears most to artist. Drawing. Painting. Sketching isn’t the masses wants.
Two Page work environment for Dentists and Doctors on such a big device at such a cost – the laptop and its software holds its own better than the new.
Sorry Tim – its going to be a up hill slow drive to iPad Pro acceptance. Really wish Apple had some truly innovating development than what we been seeing. ATV – lame. iWatch – lame. iPad Pro – lame.
iPad has handwriting recognition for a year or more with the Myscript keyboard. They have apps that interpret handwritten notes and equations. Should work even better on the iPad Pro with Pencil.
After a week with the iPad Pro, I’m marrying it.
No one is a bigger Apple apologist on this site than you. There’s a reason why we all hold you in utter contempt. This post of yours succinctly reminds us why we laugh at the bilge you vomit up in your posts.
@Sensei
Amongst many other things, but first, foremost and all to salient, ‘Theloniois Mac’ is a sold-out, uncle Tom, Oreo of a white, black man.
😎
A “brilliant” statement from a Village Idiot. TM is one of the most sane reasoning voices here. You, not so much.
TM: Wow, the wackos must have too much free time today.
I am sure you are devastated by it.
Wow thanks after all These years loving my iPad you now tell me I’m simply wrong, it simply count work in practice, how could I be so deluded to think that this device is an amazing companion and for the most part a delight to use.
Worst reviews?
Which rock do u live under?
Time mag ” the best computer apple has nade to date”
The iPad Pro has not gotten the worst reviews in years. Patently false and ignorant.
Obviously, IF your main computing task is writing and editing. a Mac is the ideal tool, NOT an iPad. I don’t want to reach up and touch the screen when I needed to highlight something or change cursor location, if that’t what I’m doing all day… 🙂
It’s very telling that the most negative reviews of iPad Pro have come from people who primarily use their devices for writing. This is hardly surprising when you take into consideration that the iPad Pro and particularly the Pencil are designed for graphic artists.
A device optimised for creating graphics is unlikely to be the perfect device for a writer and vice versa.
I’m beginning to think that offering a keypad was a mistake as it allows some people to imagine that iPad Pro is intended for intensive text creation. If iPad Pro had only been launched as a standalone and with the optional pen, there would have been less confusion and more positive reviews.
> If iPad Pro had only been launched as a standalone…
That is exactly what Apple did (intentionally or not). Note that this author is reviewing how a Logitech keyboard works with iPad Pro, not Apple’s keyboard (because Apple’s iPad Pro keyboard accessory is not available for purchase). The Pencil was also (mostly) not available at launch.
And iPad Pro has plenty of positive reviews from people who are more the target customers. 🙂 As usual, negativity gets more attention, because most customers are QUIETLY happy.
The primary complaint in this review is … “There’s not an iOS version of my favorite program I use for writing all day on my MacBook”? How is that the fault of the iPad PRO, and not the idiot that thought they wouldn’t have a problem switching word processors??
I think the only mistakes the current keyboards are making is – they’re trying to combine a cover and keyboard together. When someone develops a system (I hate saying this, but like the Surface) where the keyboard and case can be separated, then a keyboard for the iPad PRO will make sense. Until then – when you want to type it’s great, but when you want to do anything else, especially in portrait mode, then it’s just in the way.
> When someone develops a system… where the keyboard and case can be separated…
That’s easy. Just use a separate Bluetooth keyboard, and get a simple cover/stand for iPad. You can do that with ANY iPad; the keyboard does NOT need to be physically connected to iPad.
And the guys wants a trackpad to edit his text. OMFG!!!
With text editing, keyboard navigation is the way to go – so much faster than any other input method. No mouse, no trackpad, no finger pointing.
Yeah, I just don’t get it with these people. Obviously someone WRITING a blog or articles for a living are going to want an ideal tool for doing just that. The iPad is perfectly fine for just about everything else, but some reason, EVERYONE looks at only one single use case and dismisses the entire product. A lot of the people here claiming the iPad is a dude, are basing that off one single issue – the opinions of people who type and edit text for a living.
How about we get a chef to review a chainsaw and how useful it is in the kitchen? Or a professional illustrator to review a laptops drawing capabilities ONLY and base the review on it?
Sorry, but the iPad is a great tool for many things, but in most cases it will never be a great tool for editing text… for almost the same reason having a touch screen capable laptop/desktop – it’s ergonomically kludgy. Your hands are already on one surface and the need to move to another is not at all efficient.
I have been saying this about the iPad for years. Look at what it can do, not what it can’t. Just because it’s not good for your job doesn’t mean it’s not great for others. I have been voted down most of the time. At first I was a bit nasty because I take offense to the term “real work”. I am glad to see people understanding this. Thanks.
I can’t imagine a professional author using anything but a “real” computer. If the standard iPad didn’t replace his laptop, not sure why he thought a bigger iPad would. It’s the same OS..just bigger. Those that can already do their core work on an iPad..the pro will make it much easier for them, and they are the audience for this (unless the decreased portability is an issue).
To be clear, I’m not the “M” with the first post. I’ll start using a different “name” if there is someone else consistently using M. (As if you all care, lol..but I’ve been posting here for probably 15 years..or at least as long as this site has existed)
Some professional writers continue to use mechanical typewriters.
…and continue to pull their opinions manually from their arses.
The iPad Pro isn’t for anything that requires professional tools or interface. It’s misnamed for the masses to accept another level of dumbdowned software and computing where they can’t control any aspect of the system beyond basic functions …. Safari, Mail, iPhoto and iTunes are all a mess after all these years …. Less Pro please … and more common sense.
Define “Pro”….. I’m a pro in the medical field…and this is a much better option than a standard iPad..with Citrix, rdp/vnc, medical imaging..etc..
You don’t use a Clydesdale to run a race.
I’m Pro Pro.
For one reason only. One-on-one presentations. The ability to showcase web rebuilds to a client is too enticing. Otherwise, I don’t even like the full size iPad. I sold it and use the mini.
How about an iPad mini with the iPad Pro technology?
Why not iPad Mini with true telephone capabilities?
I think iPad Mini Pro would be useless with the Apple Pencil.
Not enough real-estate space to draw on.
When Siri gets better there will be no need for a keyboard.
Pencils are best left at the office or home – where you do your real work. The iPad Pro is a beautiful device – it will take time to met the potential desktops and laptops are at. Sorry to say Tim is truly wrong. The Desktop and Personal Computers are not dead. And as Tim keeps telling us Apple is not interested in Convergence – Tim tries to squeeze in-between two well defined markets… the portable device iOS and power house OS X with a middle ground product. Ain’t going to be easy Tim.
Think carefully this christmas folks.
AppleTV isn’t where is should be.
iPadPro isn’t where it should be either.
AppleWatch also isn’t what it should be.
But the iPhone continues to shine.
Those who work need powerful Desktops -as apps are made with OS X not iPad. Most content for the masses is created on Desktops.
The ecosystem is well protected and sweet for Portable Devices – yet OS X frees those who need a little more openness.
One portable device iPhone.
One work station iMac Super.
“When Siri gets better there will be no need for a keyboard.”
Unless you are vocally impaired or, like me, with a voice that Siri can’t hear. Or unless you are at work in a cubicle or on an airplane, train, or subway, in a library, taking notes in a meeting, writing love letters, or responding with a expletive rife response to an MDN post, in public.
This is the worst sort of tech press writing. It is fatuous and needless, useless, and mindless. Some guy contrasts an iPad Pro to his other devices as if he had never used a laptop or never read about the iPad Pro. Most of us don’t have the time for such oleaginous luxury – we have needs and we evaluate a device on the basis of those needs. Is the iPad Pro for writers? Obviously not. Is it for artists and draftsmen? Probably. Is it for people who watch TV for a living? Yes.
It seems to be ‘horses for courses’ and the standard laptop still makes the running for general tasks.
But I’m planning to test drive the iPP-Pencil combo for graphics and art related tasks very soon, and have modest hopes that the pair will score highly.
The recent spate of negative reviews for Apple products can all be traced to journalist reviewers with special needs or false expectations. I’m loving my iPad Pro, it’s a phenomenal device that is much better than a laptop in a lot of ways. The screen real estate on this device is simply breathtaking, so for any kind of visual work it has no peer.
The iPad Pro will become an essential tool in music and audio work, design, architecture, art, business, fieldwork, etc etc. These tech journalists with little real-world experience will have a hard time appreciating these kinds of professional applications.
I tried an iPad Pro and while I really liked it, I deemed that it simply was not for what I need an iPad for. The iPad Air 2 works much better for me whereas the Pro was just too large and cumbersome. That’s not to say that the iPad Pro isn’t a great device and will work wonderfully for some, it’s just not for me is all. Thankfully Apple now has 3 different sizes to choose from so everyone can get the size that fits their usage case best.
Different devices, different niches, different points of view.
Imagine if all we had were Macs. Or imagine if all we had were iPads! Each to its best purpose.
I used a top end iPad Air for a year. I found it frustrating in that I could create and store very little. It was fine for reading magazines and watching videos, entertainment, but of little use, to me, for daily use. I sold it and got an MacBook Air. I use it constantly. I would not be attempting to write this if I was using an iPad. My girlfriend uses her iPad all day and night and love it. She creates very few files, doesn’t manage music or images, and writes little. She finds it perfect. She would love an iPad Pro. I would find little use for it.
So one writer for an Apple rumor site decides the iPad Pro isn’t for him and that makes the product a failure? Go watch MacBreak Weekly this week where Andy Ihnatko and Rene Ritchie are both quite enthusiastic about this device. It’s not going to appeal to everyone and isn’t intended to replace the Mac for many current Mac users.
Apple just ran a demo for us here at the studio. This thing was built for artists. Period. Crying about the keyboard situation is laughable.
It’s iOS. If the iPad Pro was running OSX, it would be a completely different story.
I’ve been in the middle of houses for the last 6 months, since I work on a desktop, I’ve been exclusively using my iPad…I miss OSX so bad. I’m sick of the ack in my neck from looking down on the tablet.
But mostly, I’m sick of the underperforming, regressive nature of mobile apps.
MERGE the two already before they become Microsoft Works VS Microsoft Office.
In a word. Turd.
You have to be really dumb to figure out that an iPad Pro is an iPad.