Apple’s new iPad Pro offers users some nice upgrades in a small package, all for enhanced computing and entertainment capabilities.

The tech giant has not only made the small size “Pro” more portable but also more powerful.

The device is only 9.7 inches, a scaled down version of its 12.9 inch iPad Pro bigger brother. In many ways it will remind the user of its predecessor, the iPad Air 2.

Measurements are similar to the Air 2. It is 9.4 inches tall, 6.6 inches wide and 0.24 inches thick.

But listen up because the new iPad Pro has added listening capability. Users can listen to four built in speakers, one in each corner. This doubles the two speakers in the Air 2.

Apple’s Smart Connector is on the left side of the new machine. This can be used to connect to and power Apple’s $150 Smart Keyboard Cover.

The camera lens has been upgraded. It is 12 megapixels. The lens protrudes out of the back similar to the Apple 6 and 6s phone models.

One the front, the camera has also been upgraded. It is five megapixels as opposed to the 1.2 on the older device. And, for the first time, an Apple device is able to capture 4K video.

Also new on the small device is an improved quality of viewing. Apple calls it “True Tone” and claims the new Ipad Pro screen is the brightest and least reflective in the world.

True Tone uses light sensors and constantly monitors the intensity and color of surrounding light sources. The display adjusts to mimic the lighting. It makes it much easier to look at for longer periods of time. Colors are displayed more accurately.

Fans of the Pencil stylus will be happy to know Apple included support for it on the iPad Pro. It is only the second Apple device to have it. Pencil of course lets you jot down notes in the Notes app or draw more professional looking sketches with applications like Procreate.

Inside, one will find Apple’s latest 64 bit A9x chip and M9 coprocessor. Apple says this will enable you to take on tasks once reserved for PCs and workstations.

The Touch ID home button is onboard to make it easy to unlock the device. One can also make purchases in the App store with just a fingerprint.

Heavy users will appreciate storage options that can go anywhere from 32 gigabytes all the way to 256 gigabytes.

Battery life can you get you through the business day. Apple says to expect 10 hours between charges.

Machine colors vary with many now seemingly standard on a variety of high-tech devices. Choices include silver, space grey, gold and rose gold.

Prices will start around $600 for the 32 GB Wi-Fi model. Expect to add an additional $150 with each increase in storage. Plus the LTE capabilities will jump the cost another $130.

Business users will find it easy to execute many tasks such as editing Excel spreadsheets and replying to emails. Others will enjoy watching movies and browsing Facebook.

Those who enjoy the benefits of a larger device will still opt for the 12.9 inch version. However Apple fans who are looking for more portability will find the small version more than adequate to meet their needs.

 

Apple has proven that smaller may actually be better.