iPad Pro Release Date, Specs and Functionality: Tablet To Take On Competitors
The iPad Pro is coming. The jumbo sized iPad is poised to take on the Microsoft Surface and Samsung Galaxy Note line of larger tablets. With worldwide sales of desktops and laptops down larger tablets with traditional PC features are the next step in mobile computing.
The iPad Pro is purported to feature a lengthy 12.9-inch display, which would supplant the 11.6-inch display on the MacBook Air and nearly match the 13.3-inch retina MacBook Pro. The display may come with a choice of two resolutions. A 2K panel with a slightly wider aspect ratio then traditional Full HD panels and a super high-res 4K variant.
Expect the iPad Pro to also feature optional 4G LTE connectivity and a keyboard. MacWorld wants to see the addition of USB and Thunderbolt ports. These I/O additions would allow for accessories like extra storage and a mouse to be added. Touch ID would be a welcome feature after it was unceremoniously left off of the iPad Mini with Retina Display and Air. Enterprises would find the added convenience and security helpful.
But the real question is whether the iPad Pro will feature dual iOS (mobile) and OS X (desktop/laptop) modes. Two years ago, Apple CEO Tim Cook brushed off the idea of hybrid computing devices like the Microsoft Surface.
"I think ... anything can be forced to converge," Cook said. "But the problem is that products are about trade-offs, and you begin to make trade-offs to the point where what you have left at the end of the day doesn't please anyone. You can converge a toaster and a refrigerator, but those things are probably not going to be pleasing to the user."
Cook continued by saying that a hybrid user experience is ultimately hampered by ugly concessions.
"You wouldn't want to out these things together because you end up compromising in both and not pleasing either user. Some people will prefer to own both, and that's great too. But to make the compromise of convergence, we're not going to that party," Cook added.
However, if you remember, former Apple CEO Steve Jobs took a famous jab at miniature tablets.
"While one could increase the resolution to make up some of the difference, it is meaningless unless your tablet includes sandpaper, so that the user can sand down their fingers to around one-quarter of their present size."
Apple thankfully changed their mind and introduced its best-selling tablet, the iPad Mini, in 2012. Could we see a similar flip-flop in regards to a laptop/tablet hybrid? Hopefully the answer is yes.
Will you be buying an iPad Pro? Or will you opt to buy a Surface or Galaxy instead? Let us know in the comments section below!