IFixit Teardown: iPad Pro gets a score of 3/10

A Singtel spokesperson revealed that it will offer the new iPad Pro with Wi-Fi and cellular with a range of data plans that will allow customers to connect to its tri-band 4G network. A Lightning-to-USB 3.0 adapter doesn’t exist yet, so we’re left waiting until Apple releases that particular accessory to access the faster transfer speeds.

But with iPad sales now flagging, Apple has decided that the iPad needs to be much more than it’s been.

If you think Best Buy or Apple’s carrier partners (AT&T, Verizon Wireless) have the iPad Pro in stock, think again. Perhaps realizing that the iPad Pro isn’t causing the excitement of Apple’s other products, CEO Tim Cook made a special proclamation on Apple’s latest device.

The drawback of course to the iPad has always been the lack of input devices. Over the next 21 days I’ll be switching my laptop for the iPad Pro as I travel around multiple countries for a number of press events plus a short family vacation, trying to see whether Apple’s boasts live up in the real world.

You may notice from our photos that we’re handling the iPad Pro with the third-party Logitech Create keyboard, and not Apple’s Smart Keyboard. The Smart Keyboard can be linked to the Pro using a magnetic Smart Connector present in the device.

The multimedia experience is predictably strong: there are speakers on both ends of the tablet so you get actual stereo.

On one hand, Apple’s A9X chip is ready to compete with laptop processors on a raw power level: its benchmarks are off-the-charts for a mobile device. Adobe has multiple Photoshop iOS apps.

“Fresco Logic FL1100 4-port USB 3.0 Host Controller”, per the iFixIt teardown of the iPad Pro. Thinking about giving or getting an iPad Pro this holiday season? Nobody can fault Apple for making this the ultimate multimedia device – if you have nearly $1,000 to spend on one. However, once you put it back down, you won’t miss it. The pencil could replace intake forms in doctor’s offices, and the tablet will make an even better interactive guide in museums.

The iPad Pro is a natural for these new features, but it doesn’t have either one.

The Apple Pencil, though, is considerably more impressive – both technically and in use.

The upcoming iPad Air 3 will focus more on entertainment and media-related properties and this should make it more popular than the iPad Pro.

The price difference is worth noting, however: the 128 GB model of iPad Pro starts at $949, while iPad Air 2 costs $499 and iPad Mini 3 runs at $399. You can purchase the device for a staggering $800.

Rumors indicate the inclusion of a 9.7inch display in the iPad Air 3 and it should come with a 4k display resolution or a lower resolution of 2334 x 3112 pixels with a pixel density of 401ppi.