It feels like Apple has no idea what to do with the iPad Pro. The product hasn’t evolved at all since 2018.
100% this.
I have an iPad Pro. If I want to plug it into a projector via USBC or a Dock I must ALSO connect a Bluetooth speaker device as the iPad will not allow use the internal speakers on the iPad while connected to an external _display_ fucking madness.
I understand what you are saying, and it sucks indeed, but there are other systems that have exactly the same 'problem' and in real life this is a problem for the minority of people. apple sells to the masses, and they will do what the majority of the people want/need/use. Sure, it sux if you dont fit in that group, but that has been the thing with most big vendors of things.
You seem so matter of fact with your opinion.
How big is the classroom in your mind?
Video conferencing units like you bring up most of the time need separate drivers, or an app to connect.
Should I have all these different teleconferencing apps on my iPad in case I show up to a client that uses xyz model?
What happened to apple’s “it just works”
Funny how you didn’t explicitly state that when referring to the use case of “the masses”.
The masses are just the people in your local environment?
Seems like you’re backtracking.
But also, why does that matter? If the speakers don't work (i.e. cannot be engaged while connected to a projector) but won't cut it for the classroom, why is that better than if they can work but aren't loud enough? At least in the latter situation the user has the option and can make a human judgment. The user is a hell of a lot more qualified in that situation than some dev/PM at Apple who thinks they always know better than the user.
What is the use case for an iPad Pro? To be used by professionals as a _portable laptop_. Presentations are probably one of the top use cases and Apple can’t even get it right.
If the iPad Pro is yet another consumption device then remove the bullshit pro moniker and just sell iPads.
The presentation setup, in apple's view, is an appletv connected to a tv and one or more HomePods for the audio. and you can use an iPad or iPhone or MacBook to cast to the screen+audio.
Like I said before, it sux if you dont fit into this group (which is the masses) but they are not alone in focussing just on the masses
Now you’re putting words in my mouth and appearing dense. I never said it was the _same_ as a laptop. I said it’s used similarly.
I have never once seen someone being “creative” on their iPad in a public setting. If you are correct and that is the use case for the masses we should see it being used as such everywhere. It is not.
The macbooks are indeed used more by developers, but as soon as you get into the more 'creative' areas, the iPad + pencil for those kind of things wins big time.
As I said in another reply if you were forthcoming with the fact that you are basing your opinion in a vacuum (your environment) we most likely would have not went in circles. Instead you claimed “the masses” when in fact your area is a tiny percentage of iPad users worldwide.
it's simply another type of device, not a replacement.
I'm kinda curious - what does it do that my laptop can't? Am I missing out on anything by bringing a full computer with me when I have to work?
I've got an iPad (an older one) and it's just about completely useless for me. It doesn't support my file syncing app, it insists on using it's own file formats, it doesn't trust me to install apps and doesn't have enough builtin IO to charge and use a mouse at the same time. Lugging around a second Mac seems like a much more seamless experience to me.
1. Personally, an iPad for me is just another nice gadget. I'm a developer and I want my MacBook 2. The iPad has a lot of things less technical people prefer over a notebook: 2.1 - easy of / lack of - maintenance. It just works, you click the home button and it works, things are simply there 2.2 - battery life. iPad wins hands down from all other alternatives 2.3 - pencil. both for creative work as for boring office work and signing contracts 2.4 - games for the kids/pets. Roadtrip? waiting for the doctors appointment? anything? give them the iPad and have them kill time with $random thing 2.5 - support. No matter what the problem is, walk into an Apple Store and have it fixed. (I know some parts of the world have different service, but at least here in .nl its perfect)
N.B. I have the iPad Air 4, and it's quite light compared to the MBA. And I can use a smaller bag when going out.
Maybe it's for other people then?
People work where they want to and jow they want to. If the tool works for you, go for it.