Quick Thoughts on the New 11-Inch iPad Pro

As soon as all the rumours started consolidating around the new design of Apple’s tablets, I knew I was going to get a new iPad this year. I chose the 11-inch model with 64 GB of flash storage and LTE.

Reasons

I chose the 11-inch iPad (upgrading from the 10.5-inch one) because it better suits my needs. I already have a 13.3-inch MacBook Pro and there would be too much overlap between it and a 12.9-inch iPad.

I often use the iPad one-handed for reading my RSS feeds and Twitter and discovered this is not very comfortable on a larger screen device. I had to rest my 1st generation iPad Pro 12.9-inch on my leg because of its considerable weight. The new model is lighter but still not light enough.

I didn’t go for 256 GB of storage because I have strong feelings against Apple’s price tax. After a full restore from backup, I currently use around 30 gigs of storage (I use the Optimize Storage option for iCloud Photo Library).

Despite the LTE and GPS module getting a price hike this year, I use the iPad away from Wi-Fi often enough, that I couldn’t imagine not getting this option.

I did not buy the Smart Folio Keyboard — I consider it much too expensive for what it offers. I have an external Apple Wireless Keyboard and three different stands to use it as a laptop replacement (an Origami Workstation, a Stump Stand, and an Abo Vetek iMac-lookalike-thingy).

I still haven’t ordered the new Apple Pencil, but I will soon enough.

I wanted the iPad in silver but my reseller only had the Space Grey model in-store, so I chose that — not regretting the choice.

Quick Thoughts

The new design language, translated from the iPhones X, is stunning. I love the look of the new screen and bezels (which are actually wider than the thinner bezels on the iPad Pro 10.5-inch) and the blocky design is actually more comfortable when using one-handed.

I wish the weight of this iPad had gone down, even by 50 grams.

Apple should include the 30 W charger in the box of both iPads Pro. The new 18 W charger should be included with the iPhones instead.

This is the first iPad which doesn’t have a 4:3 aspect ratio. I wouldn’t mind a 3:2 screen but at 4.29:3 it’s much better for watching video — the top and bottom black bars on 16:9 content are slimmer. This also means that I can see more text in portrait when browsing Twitter, Safari, or RSS.

Apps which aren’t optimized for the new size get slim black bars above and below (in portrait mode) their content — this is probably the most elegant solution Apple has come up with in regard to unsupported apps on new screen resolutions.

I don’t like the new on-screen keyboard. I don’t need a Tab or Caps Lock key, which also forces the other keys to be smaller, which makes it harder to thumb-type in portrait. I would like to see the option to revert back to the one from the 10.5-inch iPad Pro.

Face ID and Tap to Wake are fantastic!

I wish I didn’t have to wait until June 2019 for iOS 13. The iPad desperately needs more features to distinguish it from the iPhone.

Requests

Support for external storage via Apple’s Files app and other basics, such as ZIPing or unZIPing files without needing to resort to Shortcuts.

The option to copy RAW photos from an SD card straight into e.g. Lightroom CC, skipping Photos for iOS.

Trackpad and mouse support, preferably including a pointer.

A redesigned SpringBoard.

The ability to open apps, which are not in the Dock, in multitasking mode.

The option to change default apps.

A better way to save and open downloaded files in the apps that we want to save or open them in.

Better system-wide external display support.

A new charging cable with a U-shaped connector which would allow the cable to snake around to the back of the iPad, without sticking out like a sore thumb.

Better keyboard support for stuff which is present in MacOS for years (if not decades), e.g. pressing ⌥+Space to insert a non-breaking space. I had other examples, but they escape me at the moment.

A full desktop-class Safari browser, which doesn’t break on the WordPress editor and many other things or tools.

I’m sure I missed many things and these are just off the top of my head but we’re 8 years in and iOS really needs a lot more work to be able to fully replace my MacBook Pro. Having said that, the new iPad doesn’t necessarily do anything better than the 10.5-inch model that I had but everything is just a bit nicer. I’m happy with the upgrade and keeping my fingers crossed for a huge iPad-oriented update to iOS at WWDC.