"Its a basic set of upgrades" - Exactly. This should have simply been an Air 3 for the same price. We're letting companies win and, next time, the price will rise AGAIN.
I own a SP4 and iPad mini 4 and, yes, the iPad Pro (the smaller one) might be faster but we've gone from a quad core to dual core which means, at a later date, Apple will return both pros to quad. Another price increase.
Agreed, if it included stylus and keyboard at that price, instabuy. Looks like ill be waiting 2 more years for an upgrade. 5 SE major letdown too, its a 5s with 6s internals lol, not a new phone...gimme a break.
Apple hasn't even innovated on its existing designs in how many years now? Never mind new products...
One interesting tidbit is that the Lightning port is now USB 3.0 capable. The 12.9" iPad Pro had this new port too, but it looks like higher speed accessories are only now being introduced. I wonder if the in-box Lightning to USB cable is now USB 3.0 capable?
Looks like I didn't read carefully. The new Lightning accessories only support USB 3.0 speeds on the 12.9" iPad Pro, but the 9.7" iPad Pro remains at USB 2.0 speeds.
Another "event" from Apple where a couple of minor hardware revisions are treated to a whole live event and tech sites plastering the pages with the news. So,desperate so sound like their still innovating.
Unfortunately, you can only fault the sheep for falling for it every time. I don't blame the company for being successful at making money, I just look in shame to the people that time-and-time-again make it so easy for Apple to be at the top.
The pricing is insane. A 128GB model with keyboard is over $900. At that price you can get a Core m 12" Windows convertible, some with a pen, which is clearly more suited for this mixed productivity workload.
You realize this is an insane comparison, right? You're complaining that "a Ducati costs more than a Yugo --- and it can't even carry 4 people". People don't buy an iPad because they want to run Windows programs...
@name99: "People don't buy an iPad because they want to run Windows programs..."
True. The iPad "Pro", on the other hand, is being marketed as a productivity device. That puts it in the same market as Windows convertibles. Whether you are looking to run "Windows programs" only relevant for legacy purposes. The real question is which device has the capability of fitting your workflow best or providing the best value. In conclusion, this comparison is quite valid and I daresay the comparison Apple is looking to make long term.
If you are not looking to use an iPad Pro for productivity, you A) Aren't Apple's target audience (though they'll take your money all the same), and B) Need to give some though as to whether a different tablet (Apple or otherwise) might fit your use case better or provide a better value. At the end of the day, it is your money to spend as you see fit. Just the fact that it runs iOS is enough for many people (I personally don't like the iOS layout and organization). Some people are just looking for the highest performance they can get out of an ARM processor. Others may see more value in the device due to already having accumulated a large library of apps. These and others will no doubt make the iPad Pro a success, but not for lack of viable alternatives.
It's only 4,3x and 2,4x faster than A7, compared to 5x and 2,5x in GPU/CPU for iPad Pro. (Compare iPad models) It probably shows that GPU has much bigger power budget and that the twister CPU's are autrageously efficient (they are almost uninfluenced by different formfactor). It's 11% thinner than bigger Pro, which heavilly affects thermals.
But you can't be dissapointed by that, unless comparing to some notebook chips anyway.
Why oh why is everyone requesting higher pixel densities? It makes *NO* sense whatsoever so go any higher than the 264 ppi the devices currently have and Apple knows that. Everything else is a waste of money, SoC resources, brightness and battery life without bringing any visual advantages.
Sales from last year was disappointing for iPads so I was expecting them to actually throw us a bone. They should have kept the price at $499 and gave us 64GB of storage. Anyone can see that there's a reason why they don't offer a 64GB model because it's the sweet spot. If it was offered to us most wouldn't even bother getting the 128GB version.
I like both Apple and Android devices but I'm sick and tired of getting ripped off for storage. Samsung pulls the same tactic sometimes too. All phones in 2016 should come with 32GBs of storage and tablets 64GB minimum.
Obviously it's not a apple product, and for japanese domestic market only.
Also LG Gram 15 weighs incredible 2.16lbs (and it is a 15.6" laptop with core i7 processor). It's bit filmsy, but is hugely popular in its home country.
@SaolDan: "It doesn't matter how fast the A9X is it will never do the things a core m does."
What specific things are you talking about here? By virtue of being an A9X with a well defined architecture, TDP, and frequency range, it will always compare the same to an equally well defined Core M model. In that sense, you are right, but what about the A12X (future obviously)?
BTW, I'm pretty sure a theoretical 1THz A9X could software emulate its way around what hardware limitations it has compared the Core M with far superior performance so the statement likely still breaks down in extreme cases. Not possible, I know, but you said "It doesn't matter how fast the A9X is" not "It isn't possible for the A9X to be fast enough".
There are some pretty significant upgrades in the 9.7" iPad Pro. However, I think people expecting the same performance of the 12.9' iPad pro in a smaller form factor, are going to be disappointed by the 2GB of RAM and under clocked A9x. :(
We’ve updated our terms. By continuing to use the site and/or by logging into your account, you agree to the Site’s updated Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
38 Comments
Back to Article
zeeBomb - Monday, March 21, 2016 - link
And that, my friends... Is an intro to a great tablet for its form factor and price.austinsguitar - Monday, March 21, 2016 - link
price he says HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAzeeBomb - Monday, March 21, 2016 - link
(but I'm an android guy, I'm acknowledging Apple's success to these products)Oh yeah, missing the 256GB option on the table there too.
damianrobertjones - Monday, March 21, 2016 - link
Far too expensive! Once we accept the price, next time, it'll rise again. This is simply an Air 2 with updates.KoolAidMan1 - Monday, March 21, 2016 - link
Except that the Air 2 was already the fastest ARM tablet out there, even faster than the Shield.Its a basic set of upgrades the A9X alone is substantial. Pencil support puts it over the top if that's what you need.
damianrobertjones - Wednesday, March 23, 2016 - link
"Its a basic set of upgrades" - Exactly. This should have simply been an Air 3 for the same price. We're letting companies win and, next time, the price will rise AGAIN.I own a SP4 and iPad mini 4 and, yes, the iPad Pro (the smaller one) might be faster but we've gone from a quad core to dual core which means, at a later date, Apple will return both pros to quad. Another price increase.
dsumanik - Tuesday, March 22, 2016 - link
Agreed, if it included stylus and keyboard at that price, instabuy. Looks like ill be waiting 2 more years for an upgrade. 5 SE major letdown too, its a 5s with 6s internals lol, not a new phone...gimme a break.Apple hasn't even innovated on its existing designs in how many years now? Never mind new products...
KPOM - Thursday, March 24, 2016 - link
What were you expecting for $399? That they put a device with 6S internals out for $399 at all was amazing.lilmoe - Monday, March 21, 2016 - link
"Pro"Love it.
SaolDan - Tuesday, March 22, 2016 - link
+1 loldsumanik - Tuesday, March 22, 2016 - link
No thanks, ill be keeping my 3 year old ipad air 2. Too much money, end of story.blackcrayon - Monday, March 21, 2016 - link
The chart shows it, but the text ignores the fact there are now 256 GB iPad Pros (both sizes).ramvoo - Monday, March 21, 2016 - link
Built‐in 27.5‐watt‐hour rechargeable lithium‐polymer batteryhttp://www.apple.com/ipad-pro/specs/
jjj - Monday, March 21, 2016 - link
The Air 2 is 1.5 years old so what they do here is update is slightly and upping the price by 100$, even at 499$ it wouldn't be a big update.ltcommanderdata - Monday, March 21, 2016 - link
"For one, it doesn't replace the iPad Air 2 in Apple's product line, and it hasn't even affected its price."Didn't the iPad Air 2 start at $499 before and now starts at $399 in which case the 9.7" iPad Pro has affected the Air 2's price?
http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MK0W2/lightning-...
One interesting tidbit is that the Lightning port is now USB 3.0 capable. The 12.9" iPad Pro had this new port too, but it looks like higher speed accessories are only now being introduced. I wonder if the in-box Lightning to USB cable is now USB 3.0 capable?
ltcommanderdata - Monday, March 21, 2016 - link
Looks like I didn't read carefully. The new Lightning accessories only support USB 3.0 speeds on the 12.9" iPad Pro, but the 9.7" iPad Pro remains at USB 2.0 speeds.Ryan Smith - Monday, March 21, 2016 - link
"Didn't the iPad Air 2 start at $499 before and now starts at $399 in which case the 9.7" iPad Pro has affected the Air 2's price?"Correct and corrected (Apple was slow to announce the price drop).
jaydee - Tuesday, March 22, 2016 - link
iPad Air 2 dropped in price awhile ago I thought?Jumangi - Monday, March 21, 2016 - link
Another "event" from Apple where a couple of minor hardware revisions are treated to a whole live event and tech sites plastering the pages with the news. So,desperate so sound like their still innovating.JoeyJoJo123 - Monday, March 21, 2016 - link
Unfortunately, you can only fault the sheep for falling for it every time. I don't blame the company for being successful at making money, I just look in shame to the people that time-and-time-again make it so easy for Apple to be at the top.damianrobertjones - Wednesday, March 23, 2016 - link
'they're' not their.trane - Monday, March 21, 2016 - link
The pricing is insane. A 128GB model with keyboard is over $900. At that price you can get a Core m 12" Windows convertible, some with a pen, which is clearly more suited for this mixed productivity workload.And yeah, this is really just iPad Air 2s.
GC2:CS - Monday, March 21, 2016 - link
It's there cheapest Mac book Air.Slower (CPU), thinner, lighter, smaller, way better screen, cameras, touch controls, much worse keyboard, Touch ID, possibly much longer charge time...
Anyway it's strange to compare a "Pro" to an "Air".
SaolDan - Tuesday, March 22, 2016 - link
Where is this "pro" device you speak of?name99 - Tuesday, March 22, 2016 - link
You realize this is an insane comparison, right? You're complaining that "a Ducati costs more than a Yugo --- and it can't even carry 4 people".People don't buy an iPad because they want to run Windows programs...
BurntMyBacon - Wednesday, March 23, 2016 - link
@name99: "People don't buy an iPad because they want to run Windows programs..."True. The iPad "Pro", on the other hand, is being marketed as a productivity device. That puts it in the same market as Windows convertibles. Whether you are looking to run "Windows programs" only relevant for legacy purposes. The real question is which device has the capability of fitting your workflow best or providing the best value. In conclusion, this comparison is quite valid and I daresay the comparison Apple is looking to make long term.
If you are not looking to use an iPad Pro for productivity, you A) Aren't Apple's target audience (though they'll take your money all the same), and B) Need to give some though as to whether a different tablet (Apple or otherwise) might fit your use case better or provide a better value. At the end of the day, it is your money to spend as you see fit. Just the fact that it runs iOS is enough for many people (I personally don't like the iOS layout and organization). Some people are just looking for the highest performance they can get out of an ARM processor. Others may see more value in the device due to already having accumulated a large library of apps. These and others will no doubt make the iPad Pro a success, but not for lack of viable alternatives.
GC2:CS - Monday, March 21, 2016 - link
The A9X Is downclocked.It's only 4,3x and 2,4x faster than A7, compared to 5x and 2,5x in GPU/CPU for iPad Pro. (Compare iPad models)
It probably shows that GPU has much bigger power budget and that the twister CPU's are autrageously efficient (they are almost uninfluenced by different formfactor).
It's 11% thinner than bigger Pro, which heavilly affects thermals.
But you can't be dissapointed by that, unless comparing to some notebook chips anyway.
Daniel Egger - Monday, March 21, 2016 - link
Why oh why is everyone requesting higher pixel densities? It makes *NO* sense whatsoever so go any higher than the 264 ppi the devices currently have and Apple knows that. Everything else is a waste of money, SoC resources, brightness and battery life without bringing any visual advantages.Jumangi - Monday, March 21, 2016 - link
PPI is the new is spec for devices after people stopped caring about who had more cpu cores.cvang - Monday, March 21, 2016 - link
Sales from last year was disappointing for iPads so I was expecting them to actually throw us a bone. They should have kept the price at $499 and gave us 64GB of storage. Anyone can see that there's a reason why they don't offer a 64GB model because it's the sweet spot. If it was offered to us most wouldn't even bother getting the 128GB version.I like both Apple and Android devices but I'm sick and tired of getting ripped off for storage. Samsung pulls the same tactic sometimes too. All phones in 2016 should come with 32GBs of storage and tablets 64GB minimum.
darkich - Monday, March 21, 2016 - link
.. And you people will still compare Intel Core M with the A9X?This is a 440 gram, ultra thin tablet..good luck waiting to see Intel Core inside something like this
Ryan Smith - Monday, March 21, 2016 - link
Panasonic did put together a 10.1" Core M device, but that was a laptop, so thickness comparisons are a bit tricky.Intel's own TDP math (from the Broadwell launch) doesn't go below 7mm; so I'm not sure they expect anyone to match the 9.7" iPad with Core M.
http://images.anandtech.com/doci/8355/Fanless.png
nerd1 - Monday, March 21, 2016 - link
http://hothardnews.com/2016/01/16/tablet-nec-lavie...NEC core M tablet has 11.6" screen and weighs 410 gram. it is LIGHTER than this.
darkich - Monday, March 21, 2016 - link
Well, I'm glad to stand corrected. That is pretty incredible.Why didn't that device got more media coverage?!
nerd1 - Monday, March 21, 2016 - link
Obviously it's not a apple product, and for japanese domestic market only.Also LG Gram 15 weighs incredible 2.16lbs (and it is a 15.6" laptop with core i7 processor). It's bit filmsy, but is hugely popular in its home country.
SaolDan - Tuesday, March 22, 2016 - link
It doesn't matter how fast the A9X is it will never do the things a core m does.BurntMyBacon - Wednesday, March 23, 2016 - link
@SaolDan: "It doesn't matter how fast the A9X is it will never do the things a core m does."What specific things are you talking about here? By virtue of being an A9X with a well defined architecture, TDP, and frequency range, it will always compare the same to an equally well defined Core M model. In that sense, you are right, but what about the A12X (future obviously)?
BTW, I'm pretty sure a theoretical 1THz A9X could software emulate its way around what hardware limitations it has compared the Core M with far superior performance so the statement likely still breaks down in extreme cases. Not possible, I know, but you said "It doesn't matter how fast the A9X is" not "It isn't possible for the A9X to be fast enough".
Grunthor77 - Wednesday, March 23, 2016 - link
There are some pretty significant upgrades in the 9.7" iPad Pro. However, I think people expecting the same performance of the 12.9' iPad pro in a smaller form factor, are going to be disappointed by the 2GB of RAM and under clocked A9x. :(