Apple's new iPad Pro is computer evolution in gradual steps

From CNET: Apple's yearly developer conference was surprisingly full of new hardware, and the iPad Pro was one of the biggest recipients of an overdue upgrade. The latest version comes in two sizes: 12.9 inches, and a new 10.5-inch model, starting at $799 and $649, respectively. (In the UK they're £769 and £619, and in Australia they're AU$1,199 and AU$979.) It has better graphics, processing and a better display. But it's the software that seems most promising. And when those iPad-specific features in iOS 11 hit this fall, it could finally make it a real laptop contender. Or, at least, a serious laptop alternative.

The iPad's growth into a replacement for the MacBook isn't exactly now. But it's getting closer.

A new dock finally adds all the apps I might want to quickly access. It's intriguing that three of the apps on the right are automatically added by Apple's AI -- last used, most used or those that are interfacing with other Apple devices. Dragging apps out of the dock and having them pop up in split-view windows is easy, too.

Swiping up brings up a multi-desktop mode, where multiple split-view app pairings can be left open like tabs and opened as needed. It's not the same as adding extra panes or tabs, but it's close.

A universal file system that can organize by cloud accounts or be used to build collections and folders sounds like what I've needed, too. I'm not entirely sure how it works yet, but it could be a major step towards making iPads feel more versatile, like Macs. The added storage size, going up to 512GB, at least tries to accommodate users with larger video-editing or photo-editing needs.

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