Note: Because this smaller iPad Pro has much in common with its 12.9-inch big brother, is mainly discussed in this review on the differences between the two. The review of the large iPad Pro can be read here

Let’s start with design:. This is indeed a smaller version of the big Pro, though of course mostly resembled a larger iPad Air. The main external innovation is the addition of two speakers on the bottom and two at the top, and the special connector on the side which can be attached accessories like the Smart Keyboard. For the rest you would have probably hard to distinguish it from the air as they would lie next to each other.



Accessories

What’s next to the speakers (which may very loud, an improvement of the Air 2) as ‘pro’ this smaller iPad? Well, the main support for the new Apple accessories. I just mentioned that the small Pro has the necessary connector for Smart Keyboard, which Apple also made a smaller version. The question is then asked, of course: he types as good as its bigger brother? No, is the answer, though honesty to tell me that it does not matter very much. The keys have become smaller, but the space between the buttons has remained nice and big. With a little practice, you will find soon blind the keys you need. Nevertheless, I can – perhaps through my thick sausage fingers – better with the larger version. Also, I must just say that the tab key – quite important to use! – Is outrageous small and I almost always miss him when I hit him try blind

Then that other important accessory: Apple Pencil.. The simple stylus without buttons worked well on the large iPad Pro and here is a wonderful device. The screen responds extremely smooth to touch and pressure sensitivity is also good on this smaller pro to work with. The only question is: how many illustrators find just nicer to work on a small screen? Personally, I liked the big Pro the extra space very fine. The only situation in which the combination of 9.7 inch Pro and Pencil is really convenient, is taking notes, especially if you have a handy app if notability of Good Notes.



Hardware

Then the iPad itself. The new Pro includes the same processor as its big brother, the A9X chip. This was in itself already very fast and that is no different here. Most graphic-intensive applications are no problem for this tablet. The multitasking – which lets you run two apps side by side simultaneously in iOS 9 – is not a problem. Unfortunately, you will, in that case, or with the applications have to do in smaller sizes, because the advantage of the Pro – in which the two apps literally full-size image can be rotated next to each other – this variant is not, of course, has

Unfortunately, this new version has less memory. This has no immediate impact on performance, but apps and tabs in Safari web browser are thrown faster the memory, so you often come across an application or site should load here again. Not a huge flaw, but equally worth mentioning.

Interestingly enough, the new model also contains some improvements compared to its big brother. For example, the camera is now equal to that of the iPhone 6s: 12 megapixel with the ability to record 4K video. Not that you’ll spot me instantly with an iPad, but it’s nice that it’s in there

In addition, the tablet a rather inconspicuous, but nevertheless important new feature:. A True Tone screen. Above the screen is a built-in light sensor that analyzes the extra heat from the ambient light. Based on this information it also adjusts the color temperature of the screen itself to. In the practice, this means that the blue, cool more tones are displayed under white light, while at a somewhat warmer light yellow little more prevalent. It is a feature that only noticeable if you keep next to another iPad, but it is in practice very nice to have. And people who use their tablet for photography or illustration (and therefore require a relatively color accurate screen): Yes, True Tone can be disabled

Pricing and similar tablet

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the cheapest version of the iPad Pro (9.7 inches) costs € 689. But let’s be honest: if you buy a pro, you want at least one of the accessories there. Pencil costs € 109, while the Smart Keyboard € 169. For a total package so you put down € 967.

Compared to other iPads that much money, but the tablet is therefore more in the fairway of the Surface Pro 4 and the MacBook Air. The cheapest Surface Pro 4 in conjunction with the Type Cover keyboard costs € 1149, so such a big difference is not. The cheapest MacBook Air costs € 999, but has no touch screen and the screen resolution is much lower.

And of course, there’s the iPad Pro (12.9 inches). Which takes loose € 919, or in combination with the accessories € 1,207.



Conclusion

The new iPad Pro (9.7 inches) per se, has an excellent tablet. He’s very fast, has a great screen with innovative True Tone function and supports useful accessories like the Pencil. The only question I have is: for whom is this smaller version meant exactly? Personally, I like to work on the larger iPad Pro screen because it gives me the possibility to use two apps side by side in full size. And I can imagine that people who work a lot with the Pencil, also appreciate the extra space

In addition:. If you like especially with a keyboard on the iPad would be productive: a 64GB iPad Air 2 now costs € 589. Throw in a Bluetooth keyboard with for around € 100 and you have about € 700 for a similar experience (minus a few features that are not very important for productivity). By comparison, an iPad Pro (32GB) with the Smart Keyboard will cost € 858

The only situation where this new iPad Pro really fits well, is when you’re on the go (and therefore prefer a smaller and more. lighter tablet want) and you lot are using the Pencil – for example, to take notes or sketches

in short. nothing wrong with the new iPad Pro, but I think he will only by a relatively small group of users strike