At last, track pad for the iPad. For many of us, it would seem like the final step to having a lightweight and ultra-convenient tablet replace a bulky laptop. After all, the iPad Pro has always boasted laptop-beating specs, especially at the price. And few screens match the color-accuracy and gorgeous fluidity of its screen. Having one of the best smart pens in the business sure helps too.
But iPads in general still come with gaps that don’t quite make it the daily laptop replacement – but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
The good stuff
To begin, you’ll wish the iPad was a laptop. And there are plenty of features we want to see on laptops.
For starters, there is that glorious 120Hz ProMotion screen. Few screens flow quite like it and respond to the touch of a pen so smoothly. Its color-accuracy is also difficult to come by at this price point – $799 to begin with – details that are great for design and editing.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better smart pen-equipped tablet or laptop. If you are after the convenience a pen brings, such as signing PDFs, drawing and designing, you probably know what you’re looking for and you will be happy with an iPad.
Power was never a problem with the iPad Pro. The 2020 model continues to put laptops to shame with its A12Z Bionic chip. Geekbench scores show the iPad Pro 2020 is about 10% faster than the 2018 predecessor. Considering the iPad Pro 2018 out-performed a 2016 MacBook Pro by 25% on Geekbench CPU scores, that should be enough power for most of us.
Making it more a computer than ever now is trackpad support, which comes with the new iPadOS update. The cursor isn’t quite like the arrow you find on your laptop right now, but a dot that interacts with the buttons and icons on your screen intuitively. Sure, it takes a while to get used to, but it makes desk-work a lot less fiddly thanks to a trackpad or a mouse.
And finally, scissor switches for the new Magic Keyboard. Farewell to the horribly mushy Smart Keyboard Folio, which felt like your fingertips were knocking on the table.
Why it isn’t
Here is the catch. The iPad Pro does not come with the Magic Keyboard – they very thing that makes it a near-laptop. Owning one will add almost $300 to the $799 base price of the 11-inch iPad Pro. The bigger, 12.9-inch model starts at $999 and $350 for the keyboard.
That means paying at least $1,100. And at that price point, it brings it into MacBook territory.
The new MacBook Air starts at $999. It too is very lightweight and can complete most of the tasks needed by the average person. While the iPad may outperform the mid-ranging specs of the MacBook Air, the latter more than bears the weight of most daily tasks.
If this is the kind of user you are, the MacBook Air may suffice. It has a far bigger trackpad and a bigger 13.3-inch screen than the iPad Pro while still being cheaper. Nothing beats multi-tasking on a laptop. Plus, you won’t need any keyboard attachment to come with it. So, if you’re looking to do work that doesn’t really involve a smart pen, consider this.
App compatibility
You can get real work done on an iPad for sure. Churning out work on Microsoft apps and Google apps that are commonly used in a workplace is a breeze. You’ll feel a lot better without the weight of a laptop too.
Even Adobe Suite is on its way to being properly mobile-friendly. The iPad is a joy for creators looking for pen support for Photoshop and other tools.
Problems arise when you’re looking for older apps not optimized for iPad. There’s little you can do to if someone send you files in non-iPad-friendly format. You can’t just download a patch to convert it as you would on a laptop. Old software designed for laptops will work on the latest versions of MacOs or Windows, but there is no way around it for iPadOS.
Buy the older one
Ironically, the 2020 iPad Pro is making the headlines are reasons not exclusive to it. It’s all about the software, which brings track pad support and all its laptop-like benefits.
The good news is the updates are coming to the old iPads too. The iPad Pro line up has always been Apple’s outlet to show off internal specs turned up to 11 – even the iPad Pro from two years ago more than holds up. And software updates are sure to be supported in the long run.
These updates keep Apple far ahead in the tablet game. The late Steve Job’s vision for the iPad was always a streamlined computer for people who don’t want the fuss of a laptop. That vision has been complicated with it trying to be a laptop, but it still completely excels at the simple things.
What we’re saying is, if you’re sold on the idea of having an iPad as your daily workstation or just for leisure, save yourself a couple of hundred bucks and go for an older device.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
