Consumer Reports Tell Us About The New iPad Pro

If you’re willing to sacrifice function keys, an uncramped keyboard, and a USB port for Apple’s thriving app ecosystem, then the iPad Pro 9.7 might be for you—especially if you fancy yourself a creative type. But, after using the tablet for a few days, I found myself wanting more. The compromises made to render it a sleek device ultimately hold it back from being the laptop replacement Apple promised.

Nearly identical in size, weight, and shape to the iPad Air 2, the new tablet (starting at $599) offers Apple’s latest A9X processor, two extra speakers, and the 5- and 12-megapixel cameras used on the iPhone 6s. With the A9X processor, it performs just as fast as its 12.9-inch iPad Pro sibling. And, just like the larger model, it supports Apple Pencil technology, too.

But, while a boon for portability, the smaller display on the iPad Pro 9.7 makes it somewhat less rewarding as a sketchpad, not to mention a laptop workspace. And, though the optional Smart Keyboard looks slick and doubles as a cover, it’s a little cramped compared to the keyboard on Apple’s smallest laptop.

For more info on this story, visit ConsumerReports.org.

RoadAhead is a very useful travel app. You’re driving along the highway on a road trip and all of a sudden the hunger hits. You’ve got to eat!

Pull this app up on our phone and it’ll tell you what you’ll find at the exits ahead of you. It includes restaurant reviews as well. But it’s not just food.

Find gas stations, including gas prices, and things like hotel rooms. While the app is intended to work on limited access highways, basically interstates and freeways with exits, if you’re on a surface street, the app can search in your general area for these same things. RoadAhead is $2 in iTunes, but can be well worth that cost the first time you really need it.