iPad Pro early adopters share pros and cons

A group of business users and iPad Pro power users look back on their time with Apple's tablet and share favorite features, as well as the shortcomings that drive them mad.

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7 things business users hate about iPad Pro

Google apps don't work in iOS 9 Split View

As of this writing, Google's Docs, Sheets, and other productivity apps aren't compatible with the iPad Pro's Split View mode. That "may not sound like a huge problem," according to EZPR's Zitron, but he does "a ton of work on Google platforms," and the lack of Split View support limits his efficiency and productivity on his iPad Pro.

Server Density's Mytton agrees. The lack of Split View support is "a major hassle, as we use Google for everything," he says.

iPad Pro Smart Keyboard is subpar

Apple's optional Smart Keyboard is designed to work with iPad Pro, but it lacks certain buttons, such as a dedicated home key, that are commonly found on other external keyboard options, according to Zitron. He tried Logitech's Create keyboard, which also uses Apple's proprietary smart connector to link up with the iPad Pro, but says the keyboard was too large and bulky.

iPad Pro browser often displays mobile websites

The iPad Pro's biggest limitation, according to Foojee's Kosmala, is that its browser forces many websites to automatically display their mobile versions. "Often, the mobile sites have less capability or features than the desktop sites, but my iPad Pro can handle the desktop version of websites just fine, so I have to manually request the desktop version," he says.

iPad Pro is too pricey

The 128GB 12.9-inch iPad Pro with Wi-Fi and LTE cellular connectivity costs $1,079, and Apple's optional Smart Keyboard adds another $169, for a total of $1,248, which is just too expensive, according to Goodnow the attorney. In comparison, a 13-inch MacBook Air with 128GB of storage and a built-in keyboard costs $999, though it lacks LTE connectivity.

iPad Pro display is fragile

Don't expect the iPad Pro's screen to take a licking and keep on ticking. "A drop from less than a foot can and will result in the iPad Pro's destruction," says Anthony Jullien, IT director with appliance maker Dupray, and that can be costly for businesses.

iPad Pro storage isn't expandable

Tablets designed to rival Apple's iPad Pro, such as Microsoft Surface, let users increase the device's storage by using micro SD memory cards; the iPad does not. "It's a big drawback," says Anoop Menon, president and CEO of software development company Confianz Global. The alternative is to store files online, he says, but "not everyone wants to keep sensitive data in the cloud."

iPad Pro lacks native Windows OS and mouse support

MacBooks and other Mac OS computers let users install the Microsoft Windows OS and run Windows apps. Unfortunately, iPads do not. Apple tablets also don't support mouse input devices, according to Chris Fleck, vice president of Emerging Solutions for Citrix Systems. To work around these limitations, Fleck using Citrix's virtual desktop software and the Citrix X1 mouse ($60).

"The biggest limitation for me is the iPad's lack of mouse support," says James Huckle, executive technical director of digital marketing agency AKQA. With native mouse support, he says, his 9.7-inch iPad Pro "could replace a laptop."

Conclusion: iPad Pro comes close … but still no cigar

Despite its valuable features and some clear advantages over notebook computers, the iPad Pro is unlikely to replace the average business user's laptop. In addition to the cons listed here, another reason why is because iOS apps typically have fewer features than their desktop counterparts, according to Goodnow.

"If you want an email machine, the iPad Pro is your ticket," Goodnow says. "For those who want more productivity [or] only want to have one machine, this isn't going to do it for you."