Apple loves to tell us that the iPad is a computer and Microsoft loves to make fun of them for it. At least they are both reliable. Microsoft has ribbed Apple in commercials before, but this Christmas season brings a fresh dig in the form of an ad for the Microsoft Surface Go. Check it out here, or below:
If you live near an Apple Store, you may already be aware of the fact that they offer free courses covering all kinds of topics. Whether you are interested in learning more about your devices, investigating new things like coding, or maybe looking for something more creative or artistic, Apple has you covered. If you weren’t aware that these programs were available, I would definitely suggest that you take a look. There is a schedule for your nearest store at Apple.com and in the Apple Store app under Sessions.
There was a lot of speculation about how accurate and how reliable Face ID would be before the iPhone X was released last year. Those questions were answered quickly, as Apple’s TrueDepth cameras, Secure Enclave, and software combined to make a facial recognition easy to set up and even easier to use with a smartphone. After a year of success, there was little doubt that Face ID would work when it came to the iPad Pro. The question was if it could provide the additional flexibility needed to work well on a platform that isn’t centered around a single task or orientation.
Photo Source: JerryRigEverything
In case you haven’t already heard, the new iPad Pros are maybe a little too thin for their own good. If you didn’t see the YouTube video that started the latest Apple controversy, take a look:
I was intrigued when I saw the demo of NBA 2K19 from 2K during Apple’s iPad Event. I have owned previous versions of this game on several platforms, most recently 2K17 on the original 12.9″ iPad Pro and 2K18 on the Nintendo Switch. The iPad version was one of the first games that I played with an MFi Bluetooth game controller. I actually put some time in it, but I also didn’t have any real gaming alternatives at the time. The game was ok, but could be pretty slow and plodding. However, what kept me coming back was the possibilities of gaming on a really nice, portable 12.9″ display. That is an experience that other devices at the time couldn’t match.
Back in March of 2017, I vented about how much I disliked Apple’s various keyboards, especially the iPad Pro Smart Keyboard. To be honest, dislike didn’t really go far enough. I had very briefly tried the Smart Keyboard before that and then tried it against thinking that I might have a different opinion the second time around. Going back and being disappointed again frankly just pissed me off and I went from dislike to hatred and disgust. Yeah, I know. It’s just a keyboard….that still cost $139 on Open Box sale.
One advantage that you have owning Apple products is access to a robust and thriving ecosystem of accessories. This is especially true for mobile devices, such as the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. As soon as a new device releases, everyone from the major brands, to boutique and custom makers, to no-name sellers on Amazon and eBay are either announcing new cases or already have them available.
For whatever reason I can’t catch a break when it comes to my job and Apple events and device releases lining up. I got both the 12.9″ and 11″ iPad Pros and the new Apple Pencil yesterday, but all I had time to do was record an unboxing video. I set both devices up, restored them from backups and tested them for just a few minutes, but unfortunately, that’s all I had time for. I ended up working until the wee hours, so I didn’t have a chance to share any first impressions of Apple’s latest and greatest
I have been reading a few of the pre-release iPad Pro reviews, and I can’t help but pick up on the recurring theme. That theme is…but. The constant refrain is the iPad Pro is great BUT it isn’t a laptop replacement.
I’ve used a backpack to carry my laptop for several years now. In my line of work, you can find yourself walking all over a job site while taking calls, running through an airport while scarfing down lunch, or climbing ladders to rooftops. I need my laptop with me pretty much wherever I am or whatever I’m doing, so a backpack is the most practical way to keep the load balanced and my hands free.
A week or so ago, a few rumors popped up that Apple would be updating the iPad Mini along with its other new hardware. While the initial report did say that such an upgrade could happen between now and the end of the year, most expected something sooner. Like at this week’s event sooner. Obviously that didn’t happen.