iPad M1 Review

So, I finally decided update my original iPad Pro (9.7) to a larger 12.9 version.   Yes, I read the many reviews complaining about it not being a laptop.   Duh!  I have one of those along with many other computers and still use the iPad on a daily basis.  Not saying that I don't want pro apps, but I still find the iPad quite useful.  Anyway, after having it for a few weeks, I thought I would give some of my initial impressions.

​Note:  I may get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products on this page.  Also, I get some products for free to review from Amazon (though, I do have to pay taxes on them).

Size Matters

​Whether we are talking about every app looking better or just how freaking heavy it is, there really is no comparison to my old 9.7 iPad.  This guy looks a lot better, but it comes with the trade of having to deal with an uncommonly heavy tablet.  As a result, I would say that if you didn’t have a reason to go big, you may want to really consider getting the smaller version.

​My Particular Needs

So why go big?  For me, this is mainly related to photography.   I take a lot of photos with both the iPhone and my regular Sony A7RIII camera.  I wanted something that could eventually do all my editing so that I could leave my laptop home on trips or pull up a photo I shot with the iPhone and have that available for editing without doing a lot of extra work.

I also have Lightroom CC, so I can have access to photos I shot with the Sony and dumped into Lightroom CC on a computer.   
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All that being said, the photos simply pop on the gorgeous screen.  It is really like you haven’t seen the photos until you have seen them on such a beautiful “Liquid Retina XDR” screen.   This weekend, I took a bunch of RAW files with my Sony camera, sent them to the iPad in RAW format over the air and they showed up right in the photos app.  

Some were macros, so I had to crop down the file to see just how much resolution was in the file, simply expanding the photo with two fingers showed up as blurry, so be careful deleting stuff if you think it isn't sharp once zoomed in.
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Of course, you also get the benefit of the large screen with media apps like Disney+ and the Apple New+ app.  Everything simply looks better.

Size has some downsides

As I mentioned, there are downsides to the size, which mainly means holding it in the hand and surfing through a bunch of magazines (or whatever) isn’t something you want to do for hours.  Yes, its okay if you prop it up on something, but then you start looking at cases.

While I don’t intend for this to be a full review of the Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation) Keyboard Case, I will say that it has made the size issues less of an issue.  It has a fold out stand that means if you want to  use the iPad in bed, you can prop it up and take less stress on the arms.  I also like the added protection you get with it because the back stays on when you removed the keyboard.  I will review it separately, so stayed tuned for that, but it really makes the iPad more usable in more situations.  Of course, the keyboard helps when you want to have that attached, as well.

​Apple Music Lossless (this section for audiophiles or audiophile curious people)

Apple released their lossless, hi res and Dolby Atmos update, but that came with some issues.  First off the MacOS version doesn’t have bit rate switching on the fly… I know that may not mean a lot to everyone… but if you are interested in getting the most out of the added resolution, it makes more sense to use an IOS or iPadOS device in the process for the time being (I expect that Apple will eventually update some of the shortfalls, but right now the iPad and iPhone have the advantage).

With the iPhone, I could never get it to work with my Topping D10 DAC.  It will come up with a message saying that the accessory requires too much power.   This issue went away using the iPad’s USB-C out.  I plugged in their USB-C to USB-A adapter and I was up and running with bit rate switching on the fly.   

That being said, this particular solution means you can’t charge at the same time.  Luckily, I have a Satechi Aluminum Stand & Hub – 6-in-1 USB-C Hub Foldable Stand in for review!   I connected it to a USB-C charger and ran the USB out from the Topping into the USB port on the stand.  This works!!!   While most of the power goes to the Topping, this keeps the iPad from draining power over long listening periods.   It also looks great in the process.   Of course, when you are ready to get up and go, this stand folds down and fits in a bag.  

​Apple Pencil

I had an Apple Pencil with my original iPad Pro, but rarely used it.  However, I am now reviewing a cheaper Stylus for iPad with Palm Rejection, Apple Pen that is in the $30 range from URISICO.  It may not have every feature of the Apple Pencil, but it still magnetically connects to the iPad and I was able to draw and take notes without any issues.  While I am still working with it, I don’t see a reason for me to pay a lot more for Apple’s version, but we will see how it goes with further testing.  Another great thing about that Logitech Case is that you can fold down the stand to really get a nice angle for touch ups and drawing.

​iPadOS 15

I realize those that want to use Final Cut Pro and other pro apps are very disappointed with this upcoming release because the iPad has the exceptional M1 chip and should be able to run pro apps at this point.  However, I am looking forward to their Universal Control for iPad and Mac.  I hope this allows some flexibility using the full Adobe Photoshop without some of the trade offs inherent in the current iOS version of the app.  Also, while I like the Logitech Case for on the go, it is also a plus to be able to use the same mouse and keyboard I use with the Mac.  Looking forward to this feature for sure.  Of course, if Adobe could make the iPad Photoshop app more similar to the desktop app.....that would be more useful to me.

​Just General Stuff

My original 9.7 iPad was starting to crash apps like News+, so it must be getting long in the tooth.  The experience is just smooth and nothing chokes with this new iPad.  I did go with a lower tier storage option, so I have 8GB of RAM, rather than the 1TB tier that comes with 16GB.  Right now, apps can only access 5GB of RAM, but Apple is changing that in iPadOS 15, so that should make things even faster.. if that is possible.  

The Thunderbolt USB-C ports also means quicker movement of files for when I am on the road and want to transfer photos for backup.  It definitely will speed up my process all around. 

​Wrap up

I guess the BIG upside and downside of the iPad are the same.  The huge screen is a joy, but it comes with a very heavy tablet which will not be for everyone.  Luckily, I still have the 9.7 around for using in more of a book style fashion.  As an example, if I am reading a book on the Kindle app, I am going to pick up the the lighter iPad.  If I want to edit photos, I will go with the M1 iPad.   I do think that accessories are more important than ever and I am very happy with the accessories I am using with it.  If you are considering the more expensive Apple Case, I would recommend at least looking at the Logitech.  


Upsides

Gorgeous high tech screen (nothing like it that I have seen)
Very fast and smooth when using
Apple Music Hi Res with proper DAC
Bigger screen for more impact when viewing or editing media
More Room for Multitasking
Thunderbolt USB-C 


Downsides
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Lack of Pro Apps (no Final Cut and a dumbed down Photoshop)
Very heavy and awkward for tablet only mode (unless you have the right case)