Quartz: The New iPad Pro

If you think the new iPad Pro might be in your future, then read this article. My wife and I plan to buy one for each of us this fall, but we don't expect it to replace our Macs. We'll accept it for what it is, and what it isn't  -- it isn't a replacement for a Mac. We will be happy having a nice, new iPad to take with us as we travel, and appreciate the strengths it does have, and not commisurate over it not being a full-fledged computer.

Jim Hamm

The new iPad Pro is pretty great—if you accept it for what it is
Quartz

I’m trying to write this review of the new 10.5-inch iPad Pro using only the iPad itself and Amtrak wifi. It’s a struggle, to say… Read the full story

New iPad Pro

If you would like to see a good video review of the new iPad Pro, take a look at this one. It really covers the new features, and may possibly get you lusting after one. Careful -- this video may be harmful to your financial health.

Jim Hamm

Office on the iPad Pro

You are probably aware that Apple has introduced a 10.5" and a 12.9" version of the iPad Pro. What you might not be aware of is that Office 365 (for Word, Powerpoint, etc.) will no longer run free on these two sizes. Microsoft considers that any screen size over 10'1" to be commercial in size and requires a license. More info here.

However, there may be a way around this. If you should need to use Office 365, you can open up a free Microsoft account, then download and use Office Online, here. This gives you most of Office 365, and it's free.

Jim Hamm

Discussing iPad Features

        Maybe you saw the latest from Apple's page: http://www.apple.com/ipad/change-everything/    and maybe you even looked at the drone you'll be drooling over?  Costs a mere $499.95.   http://store.apple.com/us/product/HH4W2/parrot-bebop-drone   
        But, hold it.  Jim Hamm has some thoughts to pass on. "If you use the iPad then you might have an interest in the following comments. It was posted to a Forum I subscribe to. I hadn't read any of this previously, so have no idea of its veracity. 
        "One thought I have is with this increased screen size it will be heavy. One advantage of the present iPad -- for me, anyway -- is its light weight. Looking at the other comments, I don't see any feature that excites me. And it all may just be a rumor anyway."
        Here's the comments Jim found: 
"Don’t get a new iPad (yet)… Details about the next-generation iPad have leaked out.  So, if you were planning on buying a new iPad any time soon, you may want to hold off until the Fall.
         Apple will be releasing the "iPad Pro", which is larger than the current iPad (12.9 inch display instead of the current 9.7 inch display.)
         If the larger display isn’t that interesting to you. You may also want to consider the added features that the next iPad is rumored to have, including…
* Force Touch technology that was introduced on the Apple Watch. This feature will allow you to press a little harder on the screen to bring up extra sets of options. While this might not sound that interesting now, it may be a critical technology to have with certain apps in the future.
* A new USB-C port for charging, transferring files and video output to monitors or your TV.
* Near Field Communication which will enable Apple Pay on the iPad.
* A Bluetooth stylus may be included with increased sensitivity to make drawing and handwriting on the iPad more accurate.
        I’m going to hold off until the fall for my next iPad. Maybe I’ll get myself the new Apple Watch to hold me over until then :-)"