I will write in plain words my review in order to explain my choice and also suggest some applications that I use in my work as a Civil Engineer.
Let's start with the purpose of purchasing it. The iPad was acquired for the following reasons:
- Mail management,
- Managing bank accounts through e-banking,
- Commenting/Designing documents,
- Architectural design,
- Signatures and seals on PDF files (e.g. order confirmation, statements, etc.),
- Presentations,
- Access to our files (dwg, pdf, numbers, pages, etc.) when we are out of the office (construction sites),
- Remote calls where I need the stylus (iPad pencil) to draw/comment on designs with screen sharing with colleagues and clients,
- Some entertainment which is necessary :) (sudoku, nanograms, social media, etc.). I don't use it for arcade games or any other type, so I don't have an opinion on that.
I must say that the iPad fulfills all of the above to an exceptional degree.
When I say "exceptional," I mean that there hasn't been a single time when I saw something that could be faster or more efficient. Not even once.
It's worth mentioning that I was torn between the iPad Pro and the iPad Air. Their main differences are as follows:
1. The Pro has a better camera than the Air.
2. The Pro has a faster processor.
3. The Pro has Face ID while the Air has Touch ID.
Why did I choose the Air?
1. I don't take photos with the tablet, neither do I nor the majority of users. So, the camera doesn't interest me. Besides, its camera is very good, so if I ever need it, I have it. With the Scannable app, I compared the iPhone X and the Air and got exactly the same result.
2. For the use I make of it, there is no difference, and I have tested it.
3. I preferred Touch ID over Face ID. Let me explain: Since I give the iPad to any of my colleagues in our company who needs it, I didn't have to give them the passcode that I have the same on my iPhone. So, they made their own fingerprint and that's how they use it. I think with Face ID, you can have up to two while with Touch ID, I already have four.
4. It was cheaper than the Air, and in the end, I didn't make a mistake. With the price difference, you can also buy the Apple Pencil.
Tips:
- Apple Pencil. You want it even if you're not a designer.
- Essential case.
- 1Password, the number one app for all Apple products.
- Trace app (Morpholio), excellent for Architects/Engineers.
- Sketches app, fantastic for drawing.
- Sketchbook from Autodesk.
I hope I helped in choosing your ideal value-for-money tablet. Happy New Year!
