Product Review: Apple Pencil (1st Generation)

 

I have this along with an iPad Pro. Aside from the fact that you have to charge it, unlike passive styluses, it is perfect. Even so, the charging is quick and can be done by plugging it into the lightning port on the iPad itself, or you can connect it to a charger through an adapter that comes with the pencil. It also comes with an extra tip. It is fairly easy to set up, although the instructions are printed in tiny print that is hard to read. Basically, you just make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPad, plug the pencil into the lightning port, and tell it to pair when the dialog box pops up.

If you are a student taking notes for class on an iPad or iPad Pro, it is indispensable. There is little to no lag/latency (at least not that is noticeable like there was on the first generation pen tablets), it is easy to control, and if you get one of the screen protectors that mimic the feel of paper (I use the Sapper paper-like screen protector) you can barely tell any difference from writing on paper. It does take a little getting used to because it does not feel exactly like a pen-and-paper writing experience, but once you get the feel of it, it is very close.

Product Review: Apple iPad Pro 12.9" (2017 Model)

 

I got this to basically use two apps, Notability and Dropbox. I recently finished an electrical engineering degree and have my class notes in a bunch of different notebooks and three-ring binders. I use Notability to transfer my paper notes to an electronic format and back them up to Dropbox. I also use Dropbox for work so I can access any work files on the iPad when I am on the bus going to and from work.

The setup is extremely easy, especially if you already have an iPhone. You can just connect to it via your phone and it will automatically connect to your Wi-Fi, have your Apple ID settings (you still have to enter your ID and password, but can skip most of the setup screens) entered, and know any other apps you have downloaded.

For what I use the iPad for 64 GB is plenty big, but obviously, the more expensive models can get you a lot more. I got the 12.9" model expressly for taking notes since you can mimic an 8.5 x 11" piece of paper. For anyone who is just going to use it for school or work, it is a perfect size. If you plan on using it as a more traditional tablet (surfing the internet, reading e-books, etc.) you may want to get one of the smaller models since this is larger and heavier and gets to be kind of a pain to hold and maneuver.

Product Review: ProCase iPad Pro 12.9 2017/2015 Case (Old Model, 2nd & 1st Gen)

 

This is a case for the older, first-generation, and second-generation, 12.9" iPad Pros. The case is very sturdy. The rigid material covers both the front and the back of the iPad, and it also protects the corners. So, it will keep the iPad protected from most drops. It does not have a keyboard (which is fine for how I use my iPad), and one of the best features is that the iPad fits in the case even if you have a screen protector on it. Meaning that the edges of the screen protector are not pushed up when you put the iPad in the case. The only drawback is that it does not have a slot to hold an Apple Pencil, and if you have an older Apple Pencil, they do not magnetically hold to the side of the iPad. But, if you have an older iPad Pro and are looking for a lower-cost case, this is a good one.

Product Review: Pro Case iPad Pro 12.9 3rd or 4th Generation-Black

 

This is a case for the third-generation or fourth-generation 12.9" iPad Pro. The older versions will not fit in the case. The back is made from a lightweight plastic that is basically a shell that the iPad snaps into. The front is formed from a sturdier material that can fold to form a kickstand. So, it is not a magnetic cover that the iPad can basically just "sit" in. Personally, I think it would be better if the back was made of the same material as the front because I can see the back cracking or breaking if you were to accidentally drop it. The tradeoff, however, is that the case is a bit lighter than it would otherwise be if the back was made of the same material as the front. So, overall, I would say it is a decent case (if you do not need or want a case that includes a keyboard), but it is not as sturdy as it could be.