iPad Pro vs other iPads

[haven]

The iPad Pro is a new product that differs in several ways from the original iPad models. Here's how the Pro fits into the iPad lineup with the iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 4.

Size
Pro: 12 x 8.86 x 0.27 inches , 1.57 lbs
Air 2: 9.4 x 6.6 x 0.24 inches, 0.96 lbs
Mini 4: 8 x 5.3 x 0.24 inches, 0.65 lbs

Screen
Pro: 12.9 inch diagonal, 2732 x 2048 pixels, 264 ppi, Pencil stylus support
Air 2: 9.7 inch, 2048 x 1536 pixels, 264 ppi
Mini 4: 7.9 inch, 2048 x 1536 pixels, 326 ppi

The iPad Pro detects the Pencil position, pressure and tilt.

None of the iPads support 3D Touch, the pressure-sensitive technology that works with your finger as pointer, which is used in the Apple Watch and the new iPhone models.

Processor
Pro: A9X processor
...cpu 2.5 times faster, graphics 5x faster than A7 processor used in 2 year old iPad Air)
Air 2: A8X processor
...cpu 1.4 times faster, graphics 2.5 times faster
Mini 4: A8 processor
...cpu 1.3 times faster, graphics 1.6 times faster

RAM
Pro: not announced, rumored to be 4 GB
Air 2: 2 GB
Mini 4: 2 GB

Operating System
All three will run iOS 9, including split screen multitasking. The faster processor and larger RAM in the iPad Pro should provide an advantage in multitasking.

Applications
All will run standard iPad apps. Special features are being added to apps to take advantage of the digitizing Pencil only available with the iPad Pro. Other stylus products are available from third parties for the iPad. For example, the Adonit Jot Pro is $30. These stylus products lack pressure sensitivity and tilt measurement, features found in the Pencil.

Storage and Pricing
Pro: 32 GB ($799) and 128 GB ($949)
Air 2: 16 GB ($499), 64 GB ($599) and 128 GB ($699)
Mini 4: 16 GB ($399), 64 GB ($499) and 128 GB ($599)

add $130 to any of the above prices if you want an LTE data modem, which includes a GPS/GLONASS receiver necessary for navigation away from known WiFi hotspots.

Rear Camera
all three use the 8MP, f/2.4 camera from last year's iPhone 6

Home button
all three use the fingerprint-reading Home button, required for Apple Pay

Did I miss anything?

 

[haven]

The iPad Pro and Mini 4 are all new.

The Air 2 is almost identical to the model introduced in October last year. The only difference is the upgrade of the rear facing camera from 5 megapixels to 8 mp. This makes a 2014 iPad Air 2 refurbished by Apple something of a good deal. For example, Apple is advertising a WiFi plus LTE Air 2 with 64 GB storage for $609, a savings of $120 (16%). All Apple refurbs carry a one year Applecare warranty and new battery.

See more refurbished iPads here
http://www.apple.com/shop/browse/home/specialdeals/ipad

 

[luckyjoe]

Thanks for that info. I'm a paper maps guy, but my iPhone use has really set my interest in adding digital mapping. I'm at a decision point between the iPad Mini 4 and the Air 2. I like the portability of the mini, its beautiful screen, and the fact that it's "new". But I feel like I'm leaving something on the table if I don't get the "old" Air 2. Really not sure which way I'll go as I simply cannot find a tipping point. Guess I'll decide at the store tomorrow...

 

[washington taco]

I went with the Air 2. For me the Pro is to big for in cab use mounted on a Ram Ball and the Mini was not much bigger than my iphone 6. After the holidays I plan on getting with a buddy that is fantastic with digital mapping to show me the ins and outs of GIAA. He was able to get us out of a couple jams this past summer/fall rerouting us using GIAA. I was/am a paper map guy but dang if this isn't cool!!

 

[IdaSHO]

I love my air.

IMO is is the perfect size. Coupled with a bluetooth keyboard It pretty well
replaces a desktop for 90% of my business and personal needs.

Anything bigger and Id certainly be looking at a mini laptop instead, like a MIL-SPEC Lenovo ThinkPad X140e
I picked one up for the wife a while back, and that is one pimp little laptop.

 

[RobRed]

I use iPad pro for travel (replacing my MacBook Air). In vehicle mapping my current iteration is iPad mini. I've been using iPad in vehicle since 2010 and have not found a better solution.

 

[Jsweezy]

What have you guys that are using the iPads found as the best map apps?

 

[seeNik48]

Avenza: PDF maps, Scenic Map, You Need A Map, Gaia GPS, just downloaded onX ROAM for identifying private land/owners. $20/year per state so just going with WA/Or possibly NV. TRying one first. All iOS platform.