The Best iPad Today Is a Beast – Revolutionizing Our Digital Lives

Apple‘s iPad has revolutionized personal computing since its introduction over a decade ago. And the latest 2022 iPad Pro 12.9" model proves the iPad is still the king of tablets, with its staggeringly powerful performance and gorgeous display. Let‘s explore why today‘s top iPad remains an unmatched portable powerhouse.

The Evolution of the Mighty iPad

When Steve Jobs first unveiled the original 9.7" iPad in 2010, he positioned it as a third category of device between smartphones and laptops. It would provide more portability and instant-on access than laptops, while supporting a wider range of tasks compared to phones.

The public quickly embraced the iPad, charmed by its slick multi-touch interface and large, vivid display perfect for activities like web browsing, email, gaming, photos and videos. iPads became second screens for relaxing on the couch and eventually replacements for traditional laptops for many users.

With each generation, Apple enhanced the iPad‘s capabilities. Lighter and thinner designs with bigger screens emerged. Cameras improved. Chipsets grew more advanced, boosting performance. By 2020, Apple introduced trackpad support and direct cursor control, blurring the lines even further between iPads and MacBooks.

iPads also expanded into specialized models targeting different needs – the compact iPad Mini for ultimate portability, and the mighty iPad Pro series aimed at creative professionals and demanding users needing desktop-class performance.

Across both consumer and commercial markets, the wild popularity of iPads has seen Apple utterly dominate the tablet landscape over the past decade. iPads comprised over 36% of the total global tablet market in 2021, more than 6 times larger than the next competitor, according to Statista.

And in the premium tablet segment, it‘s practically iPad or nothing – Apple captured a staggering 90% market share of tablets costing over $500 in Q4 2021, per CNBC analysis. The performance and app ecosystem of iPads are simply unmatched.

So how does the latest iPad Pro stand out in 2022 among a crowded Apple portfolio? Let‘s find out…

Why the 2022 iPad Pro 12.9" Is a Beast

The current 6th generation iPad Pro 12.9", released March 2022, elevates tablets to insane new heights of power. It‘s the ultimate realization of the iPad‘s capabilities – a pro-caliber mobile workstation. Let‘s examine why it deserves to be called a beast:

M2 Chip: Next Level Performance

The star of the new iPad Pro is the Apple M2 chip, which brings blistering speed and smoother workflows. Benchmark tests show it outperforms the already blazing M1 by nearly 20%.

The 8-core CPU tears through demanding tasks like video editing, 3D modeling and programming. The 10-core GPU flies through graphics rendering. The 16-core Neural Engine supercharges machine learning capabilities. Combined with the smooth iPadOS experience, the M2 chip means no app or workflow can slow down the iPad Pro.

Creators will be especially astounded – the M2 chip cuts ProRes video export times by up to 3x. It crunches thousands of RAW images with ease. And it empowers working with multiple high-res Procreate layers. This raw power positions the iPad Pro as a true laptop replacement for creative pros.

Liquid Retina XDR Display: Stunning Visuals

The 12.9" screen on the 2022 iPad Pro is a visual showstopper. It features Liquid Retina XDR technology powered by a cutting-edge mini-LED backlight system with over 10,000 LEDs in more than 2,500 dimming zones.

The result is incredible image quality showcasing intense brightness up to 1600 nits, inky true blacks with a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio and gorgeous color accuracy covering the full P3 gamut. And the buttery ProMotion adaptive 120Hz refresh rate makes everything feel silky smooth.

It‘s essentially like having a portable 12.9" HDR XDR reference monitor built right into the iPad Pro. This makes visual creative work, watching movies, even browsing photos an absolute joy. The larger canvas also helps unlock the iPad Pro‘s immense multitasking capabilities.

Pro Cameras and Scanning: Mobile Studio

Creators will love the pro-level camera system built into the 2022 iPad Pro, turning it into a portable studio.

It starts with the 12MP Wide rear camera that takes stunning photos and 4K video with Smart HDR. Next is an ultra-wide 10MP camera letting you capture more subjects and background details at once – perfect for scanning documents or tight spaces.

And the LiDAR scanner measures surrounding depth quickly and accurately, enabling improved AR experiences. The front-facing 12MP TrueDepth camera also impresses with excellent image quality during video calls and selfies.

Between this versatile pro camera array and the stellar display, the latest iPad Pro has what it takes to be an on-the-go creator‘s best friend.

How Other iPad Models Compare

Beyond the wicked-fast iPad Pro 12.9", Apple offers several other great iPad options to suit different needs and budgets. Let‘s see how the other newest iPad models stack up:

iPad Air (2022): Perfect Balance of Power & Portability

The recent 5th generation iPad Air, released in spring 2022 alongside the iPad Pro, hits a sweet spot balancing performance, weight and price.

It houses Apple‘s M1 chip – the same blazing fast ARM-based silicon found in MacBooks – enabling swift workflows with its 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU. Apps launch instantly, and demanding creative tasks like editing multiple 4K video streams are handled with ease.

The 10.9" Liquid Retina display looks fantastic even if not quite as vivid as the XDR screen on the 12.9" Pro. Colors are vibrant and details crisp thanks to 2360×1640 resolution, 500 nits brightness, P3 wide color, and True Tone. It supports the Apple Pencil 2 and works beautifully for drawing.

Despite its midsize screen, the iPad Air 2022 remarkably weighs just 1 pound – making it super portable to throw in any bag. It can even directly connect to the latest Magic Keyboard for a lightweight laptop-style experience.

Starting at $599, the iPad Air 2022 nails that perfect balance of performance and portability for many users. It brings tremendous speed at two-thirds the cost of the 12.9" Pro. If you want everyday excellence without going all-out Pro, the iPad Air is arguably the best iPad for most.

iPad Mini 6: Ultra Portable Power

Don‘t underestimate the iPad Mini 6 – this mighty mini tablet packs a punch despite its compact 8.3 inch size. Released fall 2021, it‘s powered by Apple‘s speedy A15 Bionic chip – the same one found in the iPhone 13 lineup.

So you can expect blazing app launches and smooth system performance perfect for casual gaming, web browsing and streaming. The A15 also enables machine learning-enhanced photo processing with the 12MP front camera that takes ultra-wide selfies.

The iPad Mini‘s svelte, slim-bezel design with an all-screen Liquid Retina display is easy to hold in one hand. It feels extremely portable at just 0.65 pounds while fitting easily in small bags. Despite the smaller size, creative work and Apple Pencil drawing are still delightful on the 8.3" touchscreen.

Starting at $399, the iPad Mini 6 is fantastic for anyone wanting iPad capabilities and apps in more pocketable form. It brings tremendous versatility through iPadOS while staying ultra lightweight.

10th Gen iPad (2022): Capable All-Rounder

Rounding out Apple‘s newest 2022 iPad offerings is the standard 10th generation iPad. Priced starting at $449, it‘s larger and more powerful than past base iPad models.

The fresh 10.9" screen with 2360×1640 resolution looks sharp, while the A14 Bionic chip keeps performance peppy. The updated design with flat edges feels modern while still packing familiar Touch ID and Apple Pencil 1 support. Front and rear cameras receive nice megapixel boosts too for video calls and document scanning.

While not blazing fast like iPad Pro or Air models, the latest 10th gen iPad brings welcome improvements that make it even better for education and family use. It remains the most affordable path into iPadOS as a capable all-purpose slate.

But the best part might be…choice of fun colors! Beyond traditional Space Gray and Silver, you can get the new iPad in a vibrant Pink or Blue.

Key Buying Considerations For Your Needs

With so many iPad models spanning a wide spectrum of price, performance and portability – how do you choose? Here are my top tips:

Power Users: Make It Pro

Creative professionals, power multitaskers or laptop replacement seekers wanting no-compromise speed should get the iPad Pro 12.9" 2022. The game-changing M2 chip brings desktop class performance perfect for intensive visual and video workflows. And that stunning 12.9” XDR mini-LED display sets a new bar for portable viewing. Just be ready to pay the premium price over $1000+.

Everyday Excellence: iPad Air 5

For many folks wanting great daily productivity, visuals and apps without going overboard on performance or size, the iPad Air 5 2022 hits the ideal balance of power, portability and price. It brings lightweight M1 muscle in a trim 1 pound chassis with a gorgeous 10.9” screen, for just $599. I firmly believe this is the iPad most people should buy for their needs.

Ultra Portable: iPad Mini 6

If you‘re all about pocket portability with iPad capabilities, the iPad Mini 6 delivers exactly that. Its super slim, lightweight design slips into purses or jacket pockets, while still packing great performance, visuals and accessories in the 8.3” size. Starting at just $399 too makes it an affordable way to take iPadOS anywhere.

Family/Education: 10th Gen iPad

Want a classic iPad experience for the family without paying flagship prices? The updated 10th Gen iPad now brings nice upgrades like a 10.9” screen, A14 Bionic chip, better cameras and fun color options over past models – while still starting at just $449. It continues to offer fantastic iPad value for education and household use.

What It‘s Like Using an iPad in 2022

Thanks to remarkable hardware packed into every 2022 iPad model and Apple‘s continuously improving iPadOS software, using an iPad today feels better than ever as a computer replacement or secondary device. Let‘s explore why.

Blazing Speed for Uninterrupted Workflows

Whether it‘s the wicked fast M2 chip flying through 8K video exports on an iPad Pro, or the peppy A15 Bionic chip rapidly launching apps on an iPad Mini – no task feels too demanding for the latest iPads. Everything happens instantly with buttery smoothness.

You can even run proper desktop-class software like Affinity Photo and Blender 3D on supported models to unlock serious creative capabilities. These blistering tablets never leave you waiting.

Stunning Visual Showcases

Gorgeous, vibrant displays have always set iPad screens apart, making them delightful for viewing photos, playing games, binging Netflix and more. But the stunning XDR and True Tone LCD panels in newest iPad Pros and iPad Air take visuals even further.

Everything from HDR videos to photos, art and documents looks fantastic. And buttery smooth ProMotion makes interactions feel lifelike. Using these screens genuinely brings joy and makes iPads such engaging devices.

Legitimate Laptop Replacements

Between desktop-grade performance in higher-end models, mouse/trackpad support since iPadOS 13, and accessories like the Magic Keyboard – the latest Pro and Air iPads can fully replace laptops for many users.

Add in the millions of powerful touch-friendly apps in areas like art, design, editing, gaming and productivity – and iPads feel capable of handling virtually any mobile computer need outside of intensive coding or virtualization with elegant ease. For many modern workflows, iPad + iPadOS provides all the power and software required.

Mobile Magic for Creativity & Productivity

The combination of versatile form factors, stunning displays, Apple Pencil support and advanced camera systems transforms modern iPads into mobile studios perfect for creating on the go.

You can edit photos and videos, sketch illustrations, design graphics, compose songs…right from your couch or the park or beach. It opens new levels of creative freedom. And handy features like Center Stage self-tracking webcams, distraction-free Focus modes, and home screen widgets boost productivity.

Add it all up – and the latest iPad models bring tremendous capabilities with elegance to enhance our digital lives each day whether working, playing, sharing or creating.

Verdict: Today‘s iPad Pro Is a Mobile Monster

When we step back and examine all Apple has achieved with the iPad lineup since its 2010 debut, it really is remarkable. They have created a new category of device – not quite pocket phone, not quite desktop computer – that deftly adapts to nearly any personal computing need with style and ease.

And the latest 2022 iPad Pro 12.9” model demonstrates just how far tablets have come in 12 years since that original 9.7” iPad.

Standing tall with its imposing 12.9” XDR display yet still slim and surprisingly lightweight, the iPad Pro flexes desktop-grade M2 muscle and pro-level features fit for creative workhorse needs – yet in a totally mobile package.

It brings new meaning to having your cake and eating it too for power users. Casual users may find the iPad Air or other models suit them perfectly well at lower costs. But for those wanting the pinnacle of performance and visual excellence in an iPad, the 2022 iPad Pro 12.9” stands utterly unmatched as a mobile monster.