Thinking about an ipad pro and wondering whether it will replace your laptop, speed up your creative work, or last through a school year? This guide walks you through what the iPad Pro is, how it works, the common models you’ll see in New Zealand, the pros and cons, how to choose the right one, and quick answers to common questions. Read on and you’ll have a clear plan for buying, setting up, and getting the most from your new tablet.
What is
The iPad Pro is Apple’s high-end tablet designed for power users: creatives, professionals, and anyone who wants the fastest iPad experience. It pairs a large, high-quality display with a fast Apple silicon chip, advanced cameras, and support for accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard.
In simple terms, the ipad pro sits above the standard iPad and the iPad Air in performance and features. It aims to deliver laptop-level speed in a lighter, touch-first form factor.
Core features at a glance
- Large, bright displays (11-inch and 12.9-inch common sizes)
- Apple silicon chips used for strong CPU and GPU performance
- Support for Apple Pencil and advanced keyboards
- High-quality cameras and microphones for photos, video and conferencing
- Wi‑Fi and optional cellular models (including 5G on recent models)
How it works
The ipad pro runs iPadOS, Apple’s mobile operating system optimised for touch, multitasking, and Apple Pencil input. Apps come from the App Store and many professional apps—photo editing, video editing, music production, CAD and drawing apps—are optimised for iPad hardware.
Hardware and software work together: the Apple silicon chip handles complex tasks such as real-time video editing, layered photo editing, and 3D graphics. The display technology (LCD or mini-LED on larger models) affects brightness, contrast, and colour accuracy—important for creative work.
Accessories extend functionality. The Apple Pencil provides pressure-sensitive pen input for drawing and notes. The Magic Keyboard converts the iPad into a laptop-like setup with a trackpad and backlit keys.
Common use cases
- Graphic design, illustration and photo editing
- Video editing on the go
- Note-taking and PDF annotation for students
- Office work with multitasking and external displays
- Media consumption and gaming
Types / examples
Apple typically sells ipad pro in two sizes and with several configuration options. The two sizes you’ll commonly find are 11-inch and 12.9-inch. Within those sizes, you choose storage, Wi‑Fi vs Wi‑Fi + Cellular, and occasionally special display tech (mini‑LED on the larger model).
| Feature | 11-inch iPad Pro | 12.9-inch iPad Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Liquid Retina (LCD) — very bright and colour-accurate | Liquid Retina XDR (mini‑LED) — higher contrast and HDR brightness |
| Best for | Portability, sketching, note-taking | Colour-critical work, video editing, multitasking |
| Weight | Lighter and easier to hold for long periods | Heavier but offers more screen real estate |
| Storage options | Multiple tiers up to 1TB or 2TB (model dependent) | Same storage tiers as 11-inch |
| Connectivity | Wi‑Fi and Wi‑Fi + Cellular (5G on recent models) | Wi‑Fi and Wi‑Fi + Cellular (5G on recent models) |
| Typical NZ availability | Apple Store NZ, authorised resellers, telco plans | Apple Store NZ, authorised resellers, telco plans |
Notable accessories
- Apple Pencil (magnetic, pressure-sensitive)
- Magic Keyboard with trackpad
- Smart Folio cases
- USB-C hubs and external drives (for supported workflows)
Pros and cons
Choosing an ipad pro depends on priorities: portability, performance, or screen size. Here are the main advantages and trade-offs.
Pros
- Powerful performance: handles demanding creative apps
- Top-tier display options, ideal for photo/video work
- Excellent build quality and long software support
- Multiple accessories turn it into a laptop-like device
- Lightweight compared with many laptops
Cons
- Price: cost rises quickly with higher storage and accessories
- iPadOS can still be limiting for some desktop workflows
- Accessory costs: Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard are sold separately
- Ports are limited to USB‑C/Thunderbolt—no native SD card slot
How to use or choose
Deciding on an ipad pro involves matching the device to the way you work. The steps below guide you through a quick decision and setup process.
- Define main tasks: sketching, video editing, office work or mixed use.
- Choose screen size: pick 11-inch for portability, 12.9-inch for serious creative work.
- Pick storage: choose more if you edit large video files locally (512GB–2TB); 128GB–256GB suffices for notes and light media.
- Decide on connectivity: get Cellular (5G) if you need internet without a phone hotspot.
- Budget for accessories: allocate funds for Apple Pencil and a keyboard if you want a laptop-like setup.
- Buy from a trusted NZ retailer and check AppleCare+ and returning policies.
Step-by-step setup
- Charge the device and power on the ipad pro.
- Follow on-screen prompts to connect to Wi‑Fi and set up your Apple ID.
- Enable Face ID or Touch ID and create a passcode for security.
- Install essential apps from the App Store: note apps, creative apps, cloud storage.
- Pair Apple Pencil by attaching it magnetically and follow pairing prompts.
- Set up backup: iCloud or local backups via Finder on a Mac.
Buying tips for New Zealand
- Check Apple Store NZ for current models and official accessories.
- Look at local telco deals (Spark, Vodafone) for device repayment and data plans.
- Consider education pricing if you’re a student or teacher—Apple offers discounts in NZ.
- Factor in AppleCare+ for longer warranty and accidental damage cover.
FAQ
Is ipad pro worth it for students in New Zealand?
Yes, if you need a device for drawing, video editing, or long battery life combined with portability. For basic note-taking and web browsing, a lower-cost iPad may be better value.
Can an ipad pro replace a laptop?
For many people: yes. It replaces a laptop for web work, office tasks, and creative production when paired with a keyboard. For specialised desktop software or workflows dependent on specific desktop apps, a traditional laptop will still be necessary.
How long does the battery last?
Battery life varies by use. Typical mixed-use runs around a full workday. Streaming or heavy editing shortens runtime. Apple rates iPads for similar full-day use under mixed conditions.
Can I connect external drives or displays?
Yes. Recent models support external displays and fast external storage via USB‑C or Thunderbolt. Some file formats and display modes are limited by app support, so check that your apps support external workflows.
Where to buy in New Zealand?
Buy from Apple Store NZ, authorised resellers, or via telco plans from Spark and Vodafone. Check shipping times and warranty terms. Prices in NZ include GST and can change with promotions.
Is the Apple Pencil included?
No. Apple Pencil and keyboards are sold separately. Make sure to budget for them if you plan to draw or type a lot.
Final thoughts
The ipad pro is a flexible, powerful device that can fit many roles: creative studio, mobile office, or study companion. In New Zealand you’ll find good support from Apple and local resellers, plus trade-in and education options that can reduce cost. Choose the screen size, storage and connectivity that match your workflow, budget for accessories, and consider AppleCare+ for peace of mind.
Want a quick checklist before you buy? Here it is:
- Decide what you’ll mainly use it for
- Pick size: 11″ for portability, 12.9″ for a larger, pro display
- Choose storage and whether you need cellular
- Budget for Pencil and keyboard
- Buy from a trusted NZ retailer and consider AppleCare+
Armed with this guide, you can confidently choose the right ipad pro for your needs in New Zealand and get set up quickly. Enjoy the new workflow—and the pleasure of a device that’s fast and fun to use.