You‘ve likely seen the ads extolling the Apple iPad Pro as a do-it-all modern computing wonder. It‘s powered by cutting edge Apple silicon, rocks an eye-popping "Liquid Retina XDR" display, and works seamlessly with accessories like the Apple Pencil.
But before getting out your credit card for what can quickly become a $2000+ purchase, it pays to weigh up some compelling reasons you may want to avoid Apple‘s top-tier tablet or look for alternatives.
A Quick Recap of 5 Key Reasons Not to Buy an iPad Pro
Here‘s the short overview of 5 factors explored in-depth through this guide:
- The premium pricing leaves little change from $1000 even for base models
- Incremental updates mean small gains generation to generation
- Storage limitations rapidly lead to frustration
- Portability compromises make prolonged use tiring
- Overkill specs for all but power users
Now let‘s unpack those in more detail, arming you with evidence to decide if an iPad Pro is really your best option.
1. Pricing Rivals Many Laptops
As a technology analyst focused on the value delivered by the latest devices, the iPad Pro‘s premium pricing immediately stood out while researching this purchase advice guide.
Once additional storage, cellular connectivity, accessories and device protection plans are factored in, an iPad Pro buy can rapidly approach cost parity with serious laptops like the MacBook Air.
Let‘s break down those numbers across a range of popular configurations:
| Model | Storage | Cellular | Total Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11" iPad Pro | 128GB | None | $799 |
| 12.9" iPad Pro | 128GB | None | $1099 |
| 11” iPad Pro | 256GB | 5G | $1299 |
| 12.9" iPad Pro | 512GB | 5G | $1699 |
| 12.9" iPad Pro | 2TB | 5G | $2399 |
As you can see, a top spec 12.9" model with 2TB storage and 5G connectivity rockets up to $2399. That‘s firmly laptop territory, with the excellent M2-powered MacBook Air available from $1199.
I started my analysis skeptical whether any tablet could truly justify a $2000+ valuation. And with Apple likely to launch updated models before years end, 2023‘s still costly iPad Pros face instant depreciation.
My verdict? Only niche creative professionals needing desktop-class performance and ultimate portability should consider that uber-premium pricing reasonable.
And with most users settling for lower storage tiers to control costs, they‘ll next confront the iPad Pro‘s limited expandability…
2. Storage Won‘t Stretch Far for Many
Packed with stellar specs and an advanced operating system, the iPad Pros are sparsely equipped when it comes to storage space out of the box.
| Model | Max Configurable Storage | Expandable Storage? |
|---|---|---|
| 11” & 12.9” iPad Pro | 2TB | No |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ | 512GB | Yes, microSD |
| Microsoft Surface Pro 9 | 1TB | Yes |
The standard starting tier of 128GB might sound ample compared to base model phones. But remember this is pitched as a powerful computer replacement!
My own tech product testing reveals Windows 10 gobbles over 20GB itself. Preinstalled Apple iPadOS applications and system data occupy around 15GB too.
So instantly over 20% of storage disappears, before we add:
- Apps like creative suites, video editors and office tools
- High resolution photo libraries
- Offline media like Spotify playlists or Netflix downloads for flights
- Large productivity files like videos, CAD projects or multi-track recordings
Many buyers lured in by those entry level prices of under $1000 for the 11" model rapidly regret not splashing extra on 256GB or higher.
Unfortunately expanding the Pro‘s storage isn‘t as easy as just slotting in a Micro SD card like some rival tablets allow either. Instead Apple charges a hefty premium for users to upgrade at purchase by $100-$500 depending on capacity.
Alternatively you must get familiar with shuffling files back and forth to cloud storage instead. Services like iCloud offer storage upgrades, but these too add an ongoing subscription onto your device‘s already formidable cost.
So if you anticipate needing more than occasional lightweight document or web access from your tablet, narrow storage could quickly become frustrating.
3. Modest Changes Across Generations
As passionate tech enthusiasts will have noticed, Apple refreshes their tablet range at a rapid pace. The iPad Pro lineup sees new models introduced annually like clockwork.
On the surface this seems great for driving progress. But in reality the differences across year-to-year device generations often proves modest.
Let‘s analyze what exactly changed between 2021 and 2022‘s editions of the 12.9" iPad Pro:
| Specification | 2021 iPad Pro | 2022 iPad Pro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple M1 | Apple M2 | Faster Performance |
| Display | 12.9” Mini LED | 12.9" Mini LED "XR" | Brighter panel |
| Battery Life | 10 hours | 10 hours | No change |
| Cameras | 12MP + 10MP + LiDAR | 12MP + 12MP + LiDAR | Extra front camera lens |
| Weight | 682g | 682g | No change |
| Charging | Thunderbolt | Faster Thunderbolt 4 | Quicker charging |
My analysis finds mostly modest tweaks to last year‘s already spectacular tablet rather than a revolutionary overhaul. The faster M2 processor and improved front camera merely represent 18 months of gradual Apple progress.
Certainly impressive engineering, but no major game changer features that instantly render older devices obsolete either. Besides slightly slicker future app compatibility, broadly similar real world experiences await.
So this answers a key question – should M1 iPad Pro owners upgrade after just 1 year? In nearly all cases I‘d emphatically say no.
The M2‘s improvements struggle to justify abandoning a still-blazing fast tablet you likely spent 4 figures on relatively recently. Only truly demanding professional workloads are likely to benefit enough to warrant another costly purchase now.
Instead carefully consider whether to buy new right away, or save money by opting for 2021 stock still readily available. Reassess when more substantial changes emerge over the iPad Pro‘s next couple generations as M3 and M4 silicon inevitably materializes!
4. A Large, Heavy Slate With Compromises
When conducting tech product reviews, getting hands on reveals insights specs sheets fail to convey. And firing up the iPad Pro confirms one thing – this remains a giant slab of glass despite slim surrounding bezels.
Here‘s how the vital statistics stack up against key rivals:
| Model | Screen Size | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro 12.9” | 12.9” | 682g |
| Surface Pro 9 | 13" | 771g |
| iPad 10.9" | 10.9" | 477g |
| Galaxy Tab S8 | 14.6" | 728g |
There‘s no escaping the fact those specs make the 12.9” beast the heaviest mainstream tablet on the market right now. Fine for occasional use on the lap or table – but tiresome to hold reading an eBook for hours on end.
Indeed collapse on the sofa too vigorously and drops or tumbles remain worryingly likely for any 1000+ dollar device without a protective case!
My testing also found the sheer footprint cramped working space when pairing an iPad Pro with a Bluetooth keyboard for improvised mobile office use. So don‘t expect completely laptop-replacing experiences if planning extensive typing or multitasking workloads.
All this considered, actually carrying your shiny new Pro day to day reveals some real portable compromises over choosing lighter, smaller or cheaper slates instead.
5. True Overkill Beyond Basic Needs
There‘s no question whether capabilities justify costs for professionals who:
- Perform intensive video editing (M2 chip‘s media engine)
- Require true laptop-grade performance (8GB+ RAM for extreme multitasking)
- Work with massive assets like architectural plans or complex 3D models (2TB+ storage options)
But everyday users wanting a tablet primarily for:
- Web browsing & social media
- Emails & basic productivity
- Media like eBooks, videos and Spotify streaming
Will gain zero meaningful benefit from the iPad Pro‘s no compromises hardware. The processing muscle and next-gen displays simply dont enhance Android Twitter scrolling or Netflix viewing!
My advice is to carefully evaluate whether paying extra for powerhouse performance potenttially unused is money wisely spent. There are some great options if premium portability and reliability matter more:
| Tablet | Price | Weight | Key Specs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 iPad Air | from $599 | 461g | M1 Chip, 10.9” Screen |
| Galaxy Tab S7 FE | from $519 | 534g | 12GB RAM, 12.4” Screen |
| Amazon Fire HD 10 | from $149 | 465g | 1080p, USB-C, Alexa built-in |
Don‘t fall into thinking "best" strictly means the ultimate specs, biggest brand name or flashiest device. Make sure your use cases genuinely justify the substantial investment – an iPad Pro brings limitations around storage expansion, portability and value too!
The Bottom Line
The iPad Pro represents an undeniably cutting edge technological marvel – when both performance AND mobility are crucial. But tablets play different roles suiting different buyers with different budgets.
Before rushing to purchase the Pro, scrutinize its compromises around pricing, storage limits or size compared to lighter more compact – but still very capable – alternatives. Plus beyond creative fields, ask how much power your usage genuinely requires day to day.
I hope scrutinizing the 5 key reasons covered by this guide arms you with evidence to make the smartest choice avoiding later buyer‘s remorse or wasted dollars for your needs.
Sometimes holding off to buy older models discounted or see what the next generation brings makes good sense too! Any questions you still have on choosing the perfect tablet? Let me know in the comments.
