Apple had its special event in New York this morning focusing on Macs and the new iPad Pro. The focus of the event was clearly on the creative market with both product lines, but the most compelling for me was the iPad Pro.
Many people would argue with me about what the most compelling product Apple introduced was, especially fans of the Mac mini.
To be clear, I don’t think the Mac mini has ever been as compelling as it is right now. It comes in quad- and 6-core configurations that will make it a powerful machine for the most common uses of the mini.
Here’s what Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, had to say about the Mac mini:
“Mac mini is loved by customers for its ability to be used in incredibly diverse environments — from casual desktop use, to live professional performances, to multiple Mac mini computers powering through video renderings and compiling software code, to racks of thousands in giant app build farms — anywhere a small-but-mighty Mac is needed to get the job done.”
He’s absolutely right, the mini is perfect in all of those instances. I said a while ago that the Mac mini is one of those products that Apple could update or not update and it wouldn’t matter that much. I still believe that, but I’m happy that users of these machines finally get their update.
The MacBook Air has been a favorite machine since it first came out. The new version brings a Retina display, Touch ID, Force Touch trackpad, Thunderbolt 3, and more.
The Air has always been loved because of its ultra-portability. Carrying around a MacBook Air is like carrying around a magazine—it’s so small and light that you can take it anywhere and still have enough power to get most jobs done.
The MacBook Air was never designed to be a workhouse computer that’s going to get your high-end graphics work done, it is intended to be the go-to computer for everyone on-the-go. It does that very well.
Using Intel’s Core i5, increased storage and memory options and the inclusion of other high-end technologies, I think the MacBook Air is going to be a big seller for Apple going forward.
The star of the show was the new iPad Pros. Some fascinating details came out of the keynote like the iPad sold more units last year than any notebook maker—that’s amazing.
I think the iPad Pro is getting to the point where more mainstream people would feel comfortable replacing their notebook with an iPad. That was always the thought Apple had, but the technology is catching up to the dream.
I really like what Apple did with the form factor of both iPads. The 11-inch iPad Pro is basically the same physical size as the 10.5-inch model but has more screen because they took out the chin and forehead. The 12.9-inch model is actually smaller in physical dimensions because they took that large screen and put into a smaller enclosure.
I haven’t seen either of the devices yet, but as a regular iPad user, both seem very compelling to me.
Both iPad Pro models come with Face ID, A12X Bionic chip, a USB-C connector, and up to 1TB of storage. Apple did not scrimp on anything in these new iPads.
One of the problems I had with the iPad was using the smart cover keyboard on my lap. That’s where I type the most, so the new Smart Keyboard Folio is something I’m really looking forward to—it has two adjustments, one for your lap and one for using the iPad on your desk.
Another cool feature is the newly redesigned Apple Pencil. The fact you can make a double-tap gesture with the pencil and also have it charge by connecting it the iPad via magnets is incredible. I was always afraid I was going to break the pencil when I plugged it into the iPad.
There is a lot to like about Apple’s announcements today. Mac mini, MacBook Air, and new iPads, in addition to the recently released Apple Watch and iPhone models, sets Apple up for a blockbuster holiday shopping season.
“One of the problems I had with the iPad was using the smart cover keyboard on my lap. That’s where I type the most, so the new Smart Keyboard Folio is something I’m really looking forward to—it has two adjustments, one for your lap and one for using the iPad on your desk.”
I’m very frustrated with the Folio designs. They add double thickness to the iPad because of their completely useless front and back coverage. And there’s no option. It used to be cover-or-case. Now there’s this. And honestly… who gives a shit about covering the back? It’s not like it’ll protect from falls.
Lots of people care. Lots of people. Enough people that Apple finally made one that did both.
You don’t care. That’s great; don’t buy one.
If I recall correctly, the old one was two piece (which you had to buy separately, of course). You could but just the front folio, or you could but the back cover, and they would go together nicely. I think that was idea: all users were covered. Only offering one option that covers everything is great for those who wanted that option, but leaves those of us who preferred the thinness out on our own.
So… you’re complaining about me being cavalier about something you care about, and you’re doing it by being cavalier about something I care about. Gotcha. Kinda hypocritical, but I’m sure that’s just your normal state so you don’t notice. “Don’t buy one” you say. And buy what else? If you’ve noticed, nobody else makes a Smart Keyboard cover for the current iPad Pro, and nobody will make an alternative for this either. YOU had an alternative to the Smart Cover for the current iPad Pro if you were so caring about it. You could have bought any number of cases. What happened with the current generation is that option is gone.
So… you’re complaining about me being cavalier about something you care about, and you’re doing it by being cavalier about something I care about. Gotcha. Kinda hypocritical, but I’m sure that’s just your normal state so you don’t notice. “Don’t buy one” you say. And buy what else? If you’ve noticed, nobody else makes a Smart Keyboard cover for the current iPad Pro, and nobody will make an alternative for this either. YOU had an alternative to the Smart Cover for the current iPad Pro if you were so caring about it. You could have bought any number of cases. What happened with the current generation is that option is gone.
I wonder why they went with a fingerprint reader instead of FaceID on the MacBook Air? Is this something Apple is adamant about only doing on touch devices? Or do you think everything will be Face ID at some point?
The answer probably has to do with how thin the lid for the display is, compared with how thick an iPhone is. I imagine one or more parts of the FaceID camera system won’t fit
The iPad Pro upgrade sounds nice, except for getting rid of the bezels. I already accidentally trigger touches from not having enough space to place my fingers on the edges.
Apple’s focus on smaller and lighter is really making me really care about new products. I prefer my 7 year-old MacBook Pro to anything they sell today. and I’m more than happy with my iPhone 6.
I am unreasonably excited about the new iPad. 😉
Was really hoping for an updated iPad Mini. It is the right size for traveling and reading in bed, and with the death of the Nexus 7 there is nothing in that size range with usable software.
First, I didn’t complain about anything. Second, I wasn’t cavalier about anything, either. Last, you don’t know anything about my “normal state”, so you should probably avoid projecting.
You made a comment that “no one cares about covering the back.” (You stated it more crudely.) I said lots of people care. That’s pretty much the extent of the conversation.
I don’t care about the old option or the new option. I care about people who assume their preferences are the universes preferences.