Even with all of the ways macOS still beats iPadOS (Apple’s app sandboxing is great for security and bad for productivity) I’ve noticed that ever since I got the iPad Pro’s Magic Keyboard, I’ve used my 13-inch MacBook Pro less and less around the house.
That’s because, unsurprisingly, the iPad Pro is still kinda what the original iPad was all along: a bigger iPhone. That’s always been a good thing in my book because iOS apps became the most important apps in my day to day life, so much so that I pay for a bunch of them, on a subscription basis.
The iPad Pro deserved this keyboard
The Magic Keyboard became the big revelation for me about the iPad Pro because third-party keyboards never really felt right. Apple’s official iPad keyboard covers and Magic Keyboard pair instantaneously (thanks to the Smart Connector that no other company’s keyboard works with), and I will do everything I can to avoid ever futzing with Bluetooth settings.
But this also hindered my typing, as Apple’s Smart Keyboard covers — with much shorter travel and a fabric-like texture — never truly clicked with me, creating slightly awkward experiences.
Even though I’d like it a lot more if I had a 12.9-inch iPad — which would give me a less cramped typing experience — these keys do in fact truly click with me, with more vertical travel and larger key caps. So when it comes time to manage my ever-growing task list in Todoist, draft a personal blog in Bear or simply dash out replies to emails or texts from family and friends in Messages and Gmail, I’m simply a more productive typist on the iPad Pro than I’ve ever been before.
There’s also the rare website or few that are designed with much smaller touch targets. Those used to be a problem with the iPad Pro and Smart Keyboard, because of the lack of a touchpad. Now, the cursor in the Magic Keyboard gives you far more precision when you click around the internet.
Where the iPad Pro beats the MacBook Pro
A fair amount of why I prefer the iPad Pro comes down to its screen and shape. The 2018 iPad Pro I’ve been using produces up to 111% of the sRGB gamut and gets as bright as 572 nits. That makes it about as colorful as — but a fair bit brighter than — the 2020 MacBook Pro (114%, 485 nits).
That means when I want to watch another episode of Avatar The Last Airbender or Schitt’s Creek on Netflix, the iPad Pro simply beams brighter. And I don’t need to worry about battery life since I’ve got USB-C cables everywhere.
Also, and this is a case of smaller things are lighter, the 11-inch iPad Pro docked to the Magic Keyboard weighs only 2.3 pounds, 0.8 pounds less than the 13-inch MacBook Pro (3.1 pounds). The 12.9-inch iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard weighs 3 pounds, and I don’t want to wager that I could tell the 0.1 pound difference by hand.
Slowly but surely, all of my favorite apps are getting Mac versions (and Apple Silicon Macs will run iOS apps too), but we’re not 100% there yet. Plus, until the Mac gets a touch screen, iPhone and iPad apps won’t really feel the same. It’s like using Android apps on a Chromebook, with or without a touch screen: they’re made to be tapped, not moused-over.
The other difference-maker for the iPad Pro is the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil, which has become a heck of a lot smarter. Scribble, a new handwriting-to-text recognition tool in iPadOS 14, is the kind of trick that makes a solid case for touchscreens. Hopefully Apple will find a way to place Scribble into the Apple Silicon MacBook touchpads.
Why I still use the MacBook Pro on occasion
In fact, there’s only one reason why I ever really need that MacBook Pro anymore: when my day job spills over into after hours time. That’s when I need true Chrome — with all of its extensions — for using the content management system (CMS) that we rely on at Tom’s Guide.
iPadOS (just like iOS) still doesn’t support a web browser that isn’t built on Safari’s WebKit engine, and every time I try to do the finishing touches on an iPad (or my iPhone), everything doesn’t work cleanly enough.
So, while macOS is more capable at having apps that work together, especially for the rare occasions when I need to use Skype and record audio from it at the same time for podcasting, I’m finding that the tricks and tools of the iPad Pro, along with its excellent screen, make it the primary device I move to when I leave my work computer at the end of the day.
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.
