Our stores are the best place to go discover and explore our new products
Do you remember when we were in the US about a month ago? While we were there, I got to play with all of Apple’s new toys at the local Apple Store! While that might not seem like a significant event to most of our readers, here in SA we only have an iStore, where, though they only sell Apple products (as they are an Apple Premium Reseller), they never get the latest stuff, and the price of everything is increased by about a third.
So when I went to a real Apple Store, you can imagine how excited I was to mess with the new stuff. Here are my thoughts on everything I (briefly played with).
10.5 Inch iPad Pro
First off, let me just say that I am a HUGE fan of iPad pros. I love that they work with the best stylus on the market and that they are RIDICULOUSLY powerful, and pretty much everything about them. Also the fact that the demo unit was loaded with Asphalt 8. When we were in Charlotte, there was a Best Buy 100 meters outside our hotel, so I wasn’t exactly itching for a go with Asphalt 8. I did do one race, but I knew I had bigger fish to fry.
My overall view of the 10.5 iPad Pro is that it’s basically a 9.7 inch iPad Pro with a bigger screen and a spec bump. I was a bit disappointed with ProMotion, especially after all my fave YouTubers going “Oh my G**! ProMotion kicking in!” I really didn’t notice it, although I noticed the Apple Pencil was lovely and fluid when I demonstrated to Dad. On a side note, I LOVE iPad iOS 11. Off I went to the iPhone 8 (the X wasn’t out yet).
Now, there isn’t really much you can test out on a demo unit, but I did show Sam the second-gen Touch ID sensor (been around since the 6s, but whatevs), which he was very impressed by because Mom’s 5s’ Touch ID sensor could never read his finger. I myself was quite impressed with the speed that it scanned my fingerprint, and did pretty much everything else.
I also got to try out Portrait mode.
It kinda works, but it’s still got a long way to go before it can match a DSLR. But Portrait Lighting is REALLY cool
(Bada-ba-ba-ba! I’m loven’ it!) Lovely! I also peeked at the NEW App Store, which is incredible, by the way. Onwards, to the MacBook Pro!
MacBook Pro 13 inch, with Touchbar.
“John! Three minutes and we’re leaving!” What? No! I still have the Apple TV, and the Mac! and so much more! I can’t do it all in three minutes! Honestly, when most men Dad’s age do when they go to an Apple Store is that they ask a Genius (staff member) about the price of a product that caught their attention, whistle at the answer and move on! At least I would have just enough time to take some pics for you guys.
Fortunately, I’ve played with one of these in an iStore back home. And, can I just say that the Touch Bar is the best invention since 3D touch! I know that some people think that the Touch Bar is a Gimmick, and some think it’s OK, but don’t think it’s really necessary, and some think it’s the best idea of the year. I am with the Latter crowd. I love how it’s so customizable, that it’s so diverse, and that everything’s right at your fingertips. You wanted a Touchscreen Mac? You got one.
I also love how it’s so powerful, yet thinner than a MacBook Air. I even threw Final Cut Pro X at it, and it just swallowed it. This is the best MacBook ever, and I strongly recommend it.
Apple TV 4K
As you’ve probably guessed, I really don’t have much time left. Certainly not enough to watch any 4K HDR 10 stuff. This is why my photos here are so terrible. But, from my 30 seconds playing with it, I noticed it was definitely faster, with the A10X chip chugging away. That’s all I can really say.
Apple Watch Series 3
“Oh, look, there’s yet ANOTHER desk of iPhone 8s..” Hey! There’s the Apple Watch Series 3!” I decided to take some time with this one. It was the last product I needed to do, and I could take my time. I wanted to try out watchOS 4, and who doesn’t like the feeling of a computer om thier wrist. I haven’t played with an Apple Watch since watchOS 2, so I had a great time. I also took a look at the new News app
and the heartrate app
In watchOS 4, it warns you if your heartrate rises above 120 BPM and you don’t appear to be active. To prevent you from something which I can’t put my finger on.
If you are on the fence about an Apple Watch, go get one. It’s the world’s most popular watch, and it holds 50% of the smartwatch market. All I can say is that there’s a reason for the two stats I just mentioned. Don’t belive me? Look on YouTube!
Goodbye Apple Store! I hope to visit you again soon!