The iPad Pro 9.7 was recently released. Apple Inc.’s Philip Schiller claimed that the device could replace a PC. So, we wondered… Could this product be the answer to every traveling presenter’s problems?
Well, yes and no. Here are five questions every presenter should ask about the iPad Pro 9.7 before ditching their laptop:
1. Is it portable?
For a presenter on the go, portability is a major factor in their preferred presentation device. In this field, the iPad Pro 9.7 would be a solid choice for any presenter seeking a lightweight and thin product to work on and present from daily. The iPad Pro 9.7 weighs less than a pound, over a half a pound lighter than the 12.9-inch version. In comparison, the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 contains the same amount of memory – 256 gigabytes – yet weighs nearly twice as much.
2. Can I multitask efficiently?
What benefits the iPad Pro 9.7 has in terms of portability, it loses in terms of processing speed. With only 2 gigabytes of RAM – half of its 12.9-inch counterpart – the smaller device allows for multitasking such as using two apps at the same time, but might run a little slow compared to other options. For presenters researching for an upcoming presentation and preparing an outline, the iPad Pro 9.7 would likely allow you to get the job done in a fairly timely fashion.
3. How does the keyboard compare to my laptop?
The product is designed for a Smart keyboard, which can fold into the device as a cover when it is not in use and is charged through the Smart Connector when it is in use. Unfortunately, the keyboard is significantly smaller than the 12.9-inch version, as well as other options out there such as the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 and IBM ThinkPad. There are several keyboard shortcuts and it is easy to switch between apps, however, avid Mac users may have a more difficult time adjusting to the lack of modifier keys. If you are a presenter with slightly bigger hands than most, this device might not be a suitable fit. Also, the fabric texture and design of the keyboard might not work in some situation for some people. For example, if you are sitting in your recliner and trying to work on this keyboard resting on your lap. Some have found that this is an uncomfortable issue with both the iPad Pro 9.7 and Microsoft Surface Pro 4.
4. How does it handle typical daily tasks?
You just got off the plane. You have a despairingly small amount of time before you need to be at your presentation venue. And your iPad Pro 9.7 is approaching low battery. With a USB 2-speed Lightning port, it won’t charge as quickly as a the 12.9-inch version would as a result of its USB 3-speed Lightning port.
Those professional presenters who like to store their notes in Evernote, OneNote, or tools like Omni Outliner will be happy to hear that the iPad Pro 9.7 won’t change your note-taking habits. Evernote syncs your information across all devices, including iPads, and OneNote can be utilized by anyone – even if you don’t hold a Microsoft Office 365 account. Omni Outliner is also easy to use on the iPad Pro 9.7 as The Omni Group has recently added a heads-up overlay to show the available keyboard shortcuts – but only if you have a Bluetooth keyboard. If you do, all you need to do is press the Command key to get the shortcuts to display.
The variety of presentation platforms available in an app-friendly format is a huge plus to consider for any presenter considering buying this product. From PowerPoint, Keynote, and Prezi to Haiku Deck and many others, no matter if you like to present within one format, or if you like to experiment with several, they are all compatible with the iPad Pro 9.7. And if you utilize the camera and video functions of your device frequently to create content for presentations, then the iPad Pro 9.7 is ideal. It has the ability to record 4K video and grab photos of a 12-megapixels quality. And if you present from your laptop, you will appreciate the product’s four speaker capabilities – far surpassing earlier models.
5. My presentation remote requires a USB connection? Can I still use this product?
Yes, but you will have to use a USB adapter as well as a dongle
At the end of the day, the decision to drop your laptop for something like an iPad Pro 9.7 depends on how you use your mobile devices. If you are an adamant creator or if you prefer to design presentations on a smaller, more portable product, this could be the lean, mean machine for you. If you prefer absolute power and flexibility, you may want to stick with your laptop. Have you purchased the iPad Pro 9.7? Or have you used one during a presentation? We want to learn about your experience!
For more information about the iPad Pro 9.7 and other, similar portable device options, view the resources below:
Microsoft Sway Tutorial: Intro to the Presentation Storytelling App
Can the iPad Pro 9.7 Replace a PC?
