Is apple pencil suitable for other iPads? Do's and Don'ts with Apple Pencil on iPad Pro

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New 9.7-inch iPad Pro company Apple presented to an enthusiastic public as something new, more advanced and more convenient than previous ones iPad Air 2 or iPad Pro 12.9. The idea is simple: the power and versatility of a large iPad with a 12.9-inch screen and support for the technology everyone loves Apple Pencil and new Smart Keyboard the user now receives an iPad Air 2 in a more compact and familiar form factor.

On the other hand, all this is not free. Do you want a more powerful processor, a cooler screen, proprietary drawing technology along with a super stylus, plus a cool one? wireless keyboard, but don't want to buy big iPad, then get ready to buy new iPad Pro 9.7. The tradition is this: more new (or not new) functionality - higher price.

However, if you already have an iPad Air, and there is no need to rush into buying a new iPad, then you can think about how to add this very Pro functionality to your “old” tablet. Fortunately, there are options. You can choose a stylus with similar sensitivity and accuracy options, covers and cases with and without keyboards that are at least as good as the Smart Keyboard, and a couple of high-quality applications that allow you to draw and write almost the same as on the iPad Pro screen, You can also download it. In other words, if you want and relatively inexpensively, you can turn your iPad into almost a Pro too. But we will now talk about exactly how.

Let's start with the most difficult one. As you know, styluses from so-called third-party manufacturers, by and large, only imitate the functionality of 3D touch technology and regular iPads-ah they don’t work with the same high level quality, like the branded Apple Pencil on the iPad Pro. In addition, iPads of previous series are not equipped with a special magnetic connector, thanks to which a keyboard can be connected to the iPad Pro not via Bluetooth. There seems to be no point in denying these facts, however, as we have already said, there are options. So, in order:

acceptable alternative to Apple Pencil

Adonit interesting accessories for iPad (and not only for them) has been releasing for several years, but a product called Adonit Jot Dash appeared in the company’s assortment quite recently. And it has already gained fame as the best stylus for drawing in the world. The model is made in a lightweight case, no larger in size than a regular pen, comes with a miniature magnetic USB charger and turns on with one click. Adonit Jot Dash is suitable, that is, compatible, with all iPads (as well as iPhones and many Aindroid smartphones and tablets), without additional software or Bluetooth connection. As for the quality and accuracy of the Jot Dash, here is a clear overview of the capabilities of this device (you can turn on subtitle translation):

Another no less interesting alternative to the Apple Pencil was proposed by the company fiftythree, by the way, well known to all lovers and professionals of tablet drawing as a developer popular application Paper. The stylus from fiftythree is called “Pencil”, i.e. “pencil”, and indeed most of all it looks like a thick pencil with flat edges and a sharp tip, which, like the tip of the Apple Pencil, allows you to adjust the thickness of the lines by tilting the stylus relative to the surface of the screen if you draw in compatible applications like the same Paper. The Pencil also responds to pressure (the stronger it is, the darker the line), its reverse end serves as an “eraser”, and together with this stylus you can use your fingers to, say, mix or smudge “paints” on the tablet screen. A separate plus: the proprietary Paper application can be downloaded for free; it works both on the iPad and, more recently, on the iPhone.

how to replace Smart Keyboard for iPad Pro?

The new keyboard cover, as you've probably already seen, simply snaps onto the long side of the iPad Pro body. Branded iPad keyboards Air or iPad Air 2 can't do that. They need to be connected the “old-fashioned way” via a Bluetooth module, and they only work when Bluetooth is turned on on the iPad. And users turn it off quite often in order to save battery power, so sometimes there is unnecessary fuss with reconnecting the keyboard. The situation is approximately the same with third-party keyboards. But there are nuances.

For example, a case cover released about 2 years ago Folio by Logitech Although it looks less elegant today than the Smart Keyboard for iPad Pro, its massiveness also has a number of advantages. It protects your tablet and has physical keyboard, however, also Bluetooth, like everyone else. It only charges via a USB cable, but is equipped with its own battery, which provides it with up to 3 months battery life(and if you take Folio with solar panels, then even longer). This case also has magnets, they are hidden inside, hold the cover well in the closed position and automatically turn on the screen if you lift the top part. Additionally, the Folio keeps your iPad at a comfortable angle while you type.

In addition to Folio, Logitech also has BLOK - also a cover case with a keyboard, designed specifically for the iPad Air 2, but different. This accessory makes the iPad look a little like Microsoft's Surface Pro 3 because it also has a stand at the back. But BLOK, which is not only a cover, but also a bumper, unlike many other covers, protects the tablet body not only from above and below, but also from the ends, and protects not only from shocks and other mechanical influences, but also a little from all sorts of wet substances. And, what is most interesting in our case, the BLOK keyboard is also magnetized. Not to the tablet, like the Smart Keyboard, but to the cover, but some similarity of the effect still exists.

Pro apps to choose from

One of them is Paper, with which the best way the capabilities of the Pencil stylus are revealed - we have already mentioned. But, of course, this is not the only program that implements the technology of the screen responding to different pressure levels. There are others too.

To the list of recommended applications for mobile drawing on iPad Apple included in particular Adobe Illustrator Draw and Line. Both in basic versions You can download it for free, but, as the developer notes, they work even better in combination with a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, which is paid. The list goes on:

Adobe Photoshop Sketch And Mix – also free, but after them Adobe installations will ask you to subscribe to Creative Cloud;

Astropad Graphics Tablet ($19) - aimed at professional artists and actually turns
iPad in Graphics tablet for Mac, i.e. you can draw on iPad screen and monitor the entire process on the computer screen through serious software like Photoshop;

Procreate ($5.99) - one of the most best apps for drawing on the iPad with an easy-to-learn interface, extensive tools and the ability to connect additional accessories;

Noteshelf ($7.99) - a very sophisticated mobile handwritten notes manager for iPad;

Autodesk SketchBook (free) - a professional drawing and drawing application optimized for tablets, it also has everything.

As for the new iMovie , which Apple released exclusively for its iPad Pro, that is, there is an opinion that it will work quite well on “regular” iPads as an alternative to a sensational new product Pinnacle Studio is a professional mobile video editor with which you can make storyboards, precise editing transitions, high-quality transitions, add effects and soundtracks. The program is compatible with Pinnacle Studio for desktops (that is, videos edited on an iPad can simply be transferred to a work computer), supports resolutions up to 1080, and has a tool for exporting videos to YouTube and Facebook (by the way, let us also remind you that using Apple kit to connect the camera iPad Camera Connection Kit, photos and videos can be imported to the tablet from external cards memory).

Adobe Creative Cloud also has functionality similar to IMOVIE (and Pinnacle Studio), and can also be synchronized with Adobe Premiere Creative Cloud, one of the most popular and powerful video editors. You can also easily import video into Premiere Clip, adjust the lighting, add transitions and effects, slow down and speed up, edit the sound, etc. and then send the finished video to Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or export to Adobe Premiere Pro CC, which has even more extensive tools.

and about money

Let's sum it up, as they say. With the accessories and applications described above, your iPad Air (or iPad Air 2) will not turn into the new iPad Pro 9.7 by itself, of course, but in terms of functionality it is guaranteed to be much more Pro than it was. And now a little arithmetic.

Today, Apple offers the “youngest” 12.9-inch iPad Pro in the line for 71,990 rubles, and the 16GB iPad Air 2 for 35,990 rubles, which is actually half the price. Apple Pencil for iPad Pro 12.9 costs 7,790 rubles, the branded Smart Keyboard for it costs another 13,290 rubles. Total: you have to pay for the iPad Pro 12.9 (note, the most inexpensive in the series) with a keyboard and stylus 93070 rubles (OK. $1400 ). A set of iPad Pro 9.7 with the same stylus and Smart Keyboard of the appropriate size will cost 72570 rubles (52990 - iPad Pro 9.7 with WiFi, 7790 - stylus, 11790 - keyboard, in general, ok. $1100 ).

The new iPad Air 2 with Wi-Fi (RUR 35,590), along with one of two styluses (RUR 3,300) and the most expensive keyboard we listed (RUR 8,500) will cost about 47500 rubles , plus, perhaps, a few hundred more will be needed to purchase paid versions application. This is the alternative. But this is if you buy new tablet with new accessories. If you already have an iPad Air or iPad Air 2, then the cost of the entire effort to bring its functionality to a level close to Pro will be maximum 12500 rubles (i.e. less than $200).

Yes, iPad Air 2 and iPad Air along with cool accessories and a whole set of professional applications, obviously, will still be inferior in some ways to the iPad Pro with the original Apple stylus, keyboard and software. BUT one question arises here: is this difference so significant, and is it worth shelling out 1000 bucks for it?

Are you going to sit down at your iPad and do brainstorm on the next brilliant idea, but noticed that Apple Pencil stopped working. There are several possible reasons why your Apple Pencil is not working. Below are some troubleshooting ideas to get your Apple Pencil back to work.

Check the battery

Is your Apple Pencil not charging? Could the battery on your Apple Pencil be dead? To check if your pencil is charged, follow these steps:

1. Check the view widget on the iPad and look at the battery status. Widgets can be found in the " Today" To get there, swipe right from home screen, lock screen, or while you're looking at your notifications.

2. You should see the widget " Batteries" If not, make sure you have it enabled. pencil setting with Bluetooth.

3. If the battery shows 0%, plug it in, recharge and try again.

Bluetooth is turned off

As mentioned in the "Checking the Battery" section, if your Apple Pencil doesn't appear in the list of devices under the battery widgets or if the Battery widget is missing altogether, Bluetooth is likely disabled. To check this, follow these steps:

1. On iPad, tap " Settings».

2. Touch Bluetooth.

3. Touch the switch to turn on Bluetooth.

4. If you can't get it to turn on, or you see a rotate/download icon, restart your iPad and then try again.

Note: This is also a great way to troubleshoot Bluetooth problems.

5. That's all.

Bluetooth not connected

If your Apple Pencil won't pair, or your iPad hasn't lost pairing, repeating the Bluetooth pairing process may solve your Apple Pencil problems.

1. Make sure your iPad is turned on, unlocked, and Bluetooth is turned on.

2. If you see your Apple Pencil, you may need to re-pair.

3. Tap Apple Pencil, then select Forget this device».

4. Release your Apple Pencil and plug it into the iPad's lightning port.

5. Request Bluetooth Pairing A dialog box should appear. Click " Create a pair" to begin the pairing process.

6. If the dialog box at the top does not appear, continue searching for additional problems.

Pencil tip worn out

If your Apple Pencil is acting erratically or not working at all, the tip of the pencil may be worn out. Replacing the tip is easy.

Note: Although the pencil tip does not have an exact wear time, many owners replace it when the feel, finish, or functionality begins to diminish. If the finish or feel is rough or sandy, you should replace the pencil tip as it may scratch the surface of your iPad.

1. Unscrew the tip counterclockwise until it stops.

2. Replace the old tip with the new one by screwing the tip clockwise until it feels secure in your pencil.

The app does not support Apple Pencil

Not all apps fully support Pencil. To make sure your Apple Pencil is working, open a known supported app. The Notes app is a reliable and great choice to test your pencil and it should be on your home screen. If it doesn't, you will need to download and reinstall it.

Unsupported iPad model

If your Apple Pencil still doesn't work, make sure your iPad supports it. Apple Pencil works with the 9.7-inch iPad 2018 and all . If your iPad is not one of these models, your iPad does not support Apple Pencil and will not work.

AppleCare Contact Time

If you've completed all of the troubleshooting steps above, it may be time to contact AppleCare; Apple Pencil comes with a one-year limited warranty. If your pencil is no longer covered by warranty, the battery cost is $29 for Apple. You can either buy it at your local store or call AppleCare by phone. You can also visit Apple's website for repairs or replacements.

I decided to review the Apple Pencil separately from the iPad Pro, since there is something to tell and show about this iGadget. At the same time, the Apple Pencil is not some kind of serious gadget, it is just an accessory for the iPad Pro. Although how to look at it. The Apple Watch is also considered an accessory, but the watch does much less useful functions with iPhone than iPencil with tablet. What are the main questions that interest us regarding the new device:

Apple Pencil review and specifications

Apple Pencil is a pencil for drawing on the iPad Pro tablet. This is a stylus with a built-in mechanism that makes the Apple Pencil work. The mechanism is located at the end of the pencil and reads touches with great accuracy and minimal delay. This is because the built-in mechanism reads the signal at a frequency of 240 times per second and the display captures twice as many points as when touched by a finger. In the stylus market - Apple Pencil for iPad Pro, this The best decision Today. With it you can draw various lines quickly and easily. Apple Pencil was specially created so that it can be used to draw and write normally on the iPad Pro tablet. The pencil is equipped Bluetooth module 4.1 with the help of which it is synchronized with the iPad Pro.

How long does Apple Pencil last?

The Apple Pencil's battery lasts a long time and charges quickly, so there are no problems with autonomy. Apple Pencil lasts 12 hours on a full charge in use mode. And if it is discharged and urgently needed, then in 15 seconds you can charge it for half an hour of work.

You need to charge the Apple Pencil through the Lightning connector, which is located on the back under the cap. It must be inserted into the iPad Pro, which in turn can charge devices connected via Lightning. Not just Apple Pencil. Moreover, even if you have an iPad Pro in silicone case, Apple Pencil will fit in easily because its connector is elongated and can go deeper.

How to find out the charge of iPad Pro?

The fact that the Apple Pencil charges quickly and lasts a long time is all very good. But now you will find out how to find out how much the stylus is charged.

iPad Pro can see charge Apple battery Pencil, if the latter is connected to the iPad Pro via bluetooth. To do this, you need to activate the widget that allows you to see the battery level of the pencil in the curtain (notification center). Call up the curtain, tap on “Edit” under the calendar and select the “Batteries” widget. After this, you will be able to observe the charge level of the Apple Pencil in this place.

You can connect your iPhone or Apple Watch to the iPad Pro and also see the battery level of these devices. It is noteworthy that the widget for viewing the charge level of connected devices via Bluetooth can be called up not only on the iPad but also on the iPhone.

Compatibility of Apple Pencil with other tablets

Can Apple Pencil be used for iPad Mini or iPad Air? Will the Apple Pencil go to the iPhone? The main question that plagues many consumers of Apple products today. Apple Pencil only works with iPad Pro. Air, Mini, iPhone, android devices do not support Apple Pencil. This is because the Apple Pencil interacts with the iPad Pro screen, i.e. in other words, this iPad Pro supports Apple Pencil. Other devices do not.

Apple Pencil price

This cunning stylus costs quite a bit – $100. Well, I rounded that up; at Apple, as always, all prices end in 9. Apple price Pencil in the USA is $99, and in Russia – 7790 rubles. In Ukraine, an Apple Pencil costs about three thousand hryvnia, which is unthinkable for any stylus. Although, as Apple assures us, this is not just some kind of stylus, but a full-fledged gadget.

You can buy the Apple Pencil stylus on the official Apple website or in stores where it is sold Apple technology. Apple Pencil prices vary by country. Somewhere more expensive, somewhere cheaper. For Americans, 100 bucks is not very expensive, but for us the same 100 bucks at today’s exchange rate is 25 UAH per 1 dollar, this is an absolutely unthinkable price! For 2500-3000 UAH you can buy a used iPhone 4 or iPad 2.

How to Draw with Apple Pencil

Instructions on how to use, draw, write Apple Pencil for beginners.

In principle, everything is extremely simple. You need to remember the main points and that’s it. The Apple Pencil stylus for iPad Pro responds to pressure and angle. Well, then, act as your imagination pleases. If you want to make the line bolder, then simply press harder with the stylus on the screen and you will get a bold line. If you want a thinner line, then press easier. If you need to make a line with a fade, tilt the Apple Pencil a little and you will get the effect of a real pencil.

Repairability of Apple Pencil

The guys from iFixit took apart the Apple Pencil to find out how repairable this pencil is. Well, at the same time we’ll look at the structure of the Apple Pencil. The cap that covers the lightning connector on the pencil is held on by a magnet, so it can be easily lost. Be careful if you buy. The tip is removable. Apple included another one in the kit, so if anything happens, you can easily replace it manually. He gets out.

Overall, the Apple Pencil is not repairable. Getting to the insides to repair something is not possible without mechanical damage. You'll have to cut the pencil and take everything out. The battery cannot be easily replaced either. So you work with the Apple Pencil until your battery dies. Well, she won't die soon. But after 3 years, the Apple Pencil will wear out faster than a new one. Therefore, the only solution is to bury it in the yard and buy a new one.

What impressed me most was the board built into the Apple Pencil. It weighs only 1 gram - it's amazing! There’s so much stuff placed there and it all works clearly – that’s progress!

Introducing Apple Pencil

Video: general idea Apple Pencil. Original video with voice acting by Jony Ive.

For some reason, many thought that one of the key functions The iPad Pro comes with a stylus called the Apple Pencil, although the company emphasizes in every possible way that this is not a stylus at all, but something else, for example, a pencil, as the name suggests. The reason for the dislike of the word “stylus” is clear. Founder of Apple Steve Jobs claimed that all management is on touch devices companies will be carried out by hand, and the stylus is a relic of the past. Steve Jobs is no more, which means that the current leaders of the company can release whatever they want, which is what they are doing. Nevertheless, you still have to give explanations for your ingenious discoveries, otherwise the crowd of fans will remain perplexed and do not know what to tell others about the next great invention. Jonathan Ive, who hasn’t come up with anything interesting or worthwhile in the last few years, in an interview with Wallpaper Magazine explained why and how the idea for the pencil came about, here is his direct speech: “We realized that there is a clearly defined group of people that can appreciate a tool that will allow them to draw or sketch, but not in the same way as drawing with their fingers. And I suspect it’s a large group of people.”

Almost five years after its release first note, the launch of this line from Samsung and the rise of its popularity, Apple suddenly saw that there was a niche in the market for those who loved to draw. And we decided to make our own product. There was no need to invent anything here, since all kinds of styluses for Apple tablets were produced by many companies, but they all suffered from one drawback: they were poking sticks, while other manufacturers created full-fledged devices input that responds to pressure, pen tilt and other “little things”. In particular, such devices include all styluses from Samsung, as well as the stylus for Microsoft Surface, which latest versions tablets are part of the standard supply. Once again, Apple is entering a market with its solution, where there are already analogues that have passed long haul in several generations. If Apple had not ignored other people’s experience, they could have created their own “pencil” completely different, and it would have been much more useful for iPad tablet users, but everything turned out differently, the story developed as usual.

Let's start with the fact that the Apple Pencil is additional accessory, is sold separately from the iPad Pro and is positioned as an optional part of the tablet. This accessory is not for everyone, and the fact that it receives so much attention is solely due to the company's successful PR efforts. Every day there are more and more revelations from designers and developers user interfaces, as well as those who design cars, planes and ships, in which these people admit that they had no life before, and with the advent of the iPad Pro and Apple Pencil, for the first time they were able to work fully, and not as they did before Togo. Of course, in this PR hubbub there are also adequate reviews, but they are often drowned in the delight of those who have never worked with a stylus and for whom the Apple Pencil is their first such experience.

The price of the Apple Pencil in the USA is $99 excluding taxes, in Russia - 7,790 rubles, which makes this pencil, if not gold, then close to it. On the other hand, professional styluses from Wacom are not cheap, but they are a completely different class of product, and their consumers know exactly what they are paying for. This is not a mass-produced toy for bored people who want to depict something on their tablet screen. I doubt that professionals in graphics, design and the like will start using the Apple Pencil en masse, it all comes down to force of habit, but the main thing is the software that will be available to work with the pen. As for the software, everything is very sad so far, but more on that later.

So, we take the Pencil out of the box, open the cap at the top end and see the Lightning connector. The box shows how it needs to be inserted into the tablet to recharge.

Forgive me, but this is pornography in the literal and figurative sense. Apple engineers lost all their skills, as they created a visually ugly, bad and unreliable solution; in this position, it is not difficult to break off the connector. And they sincerely warn about this! Caring, crooked creators of the Apple Pencil, who quickly realized that their solution was not very good, and therefore added an adapter to the kit for charging the pencil from a computer or from the network. This is a small adapter, on one side we plug in a regular iPhone/iPad charger, on the other side - the pencil itself. Adapter! For the stylus! If Steve Jobs were alive, he would have had a very harsh conversation with Jonathan Ive, after which the latter would have rushed to fix and redo everything.

I didn’t dare post a photo of what it looks like when charging, I was afraid that we would be closed for pornography, so look at this moment in the video, everything is shown there. But I can say one thing, Apple engineers exceeded my worst assumptions, they made the pencil in the worst way possible. The same stylus on MS Surface does not require charging and works great with the built-in software. But more on that later.

Apple's pencil is glossy, and if your hands are wet, it starts to slip. No rough surfaces; a creative tool should be smooth and gliding, both on the surface and in human hands. Speaking seriously, it is clear that it is not for nothing that the majority of those who produce styluses do not make them smooth, but prefer a rough body. Let's guess why. Apparently, they value the ergonomics of the device higher than its appearance, but Apple does exactly the opposite.

From an ergonomic point of view, the Apple Pencil has another drawback - it does not attach to the iPad body. It is magnetized from the bottom, but the attractive force is not enough, so you won’t be able to wear it like that. You will have to carry it somewhere else, but not with the device. This is silly? In my opinion, this is damn stupid and short-sighted, and most importantly, inconvenient. But you can deny quite obvious things and say that this is correct and the only way it is necessary.

Now about the good and pleasant. The Apple Pencil only works with the iPad Pro; it cannot be connected to other tablets. The reason is that the company slightly changed the screen technology to support such a stylus. I don’t know whether it will be supported in other products, but it is justified only on large diagonals; on the iPad Mini, for example, the pencil makes little sense.

We insert the pencil to charge, and immediately the iPad Pro offers us to synchronize the device via Bluetooth and connect it. We agree. In notifications you can find a widget that shows the charge level of your Apple Pencil. The company claims that a fully charged pencil will last about 12 hours, with 15 seconds giving you a runtime of 30 minutes. Fully charged Apple Pencil from iPad will take about 45-50 minutes. In principle, this is a small problem; charging this stylus from time to time will not be difficult. Upon reaching low level charge, a corresponding warning will appear.

Eat back side a medal that no one thinks about or pays attention to. iPad Pro uses more power when you use Apple Pencil. After half an hour of working on the screen, the battery loses 7-8 percent of its charge. For comparison, watching a movie at maximum brightness eats up 10% per hour. Feel the difference and differences.

Software - all the names are familiar

Apple's stylus understands up to 2048 degrees of pressure, as well as horizontal deviation. This means that by pressing it you can make lines thicker, and by tilting the pencil you can create shading. And in this way it resembles an ordinary pencil, which is very good.

But now is the time to talk about which programs support working with the Apple Pencil and how. With it you can move around the screen and select icons. And there are no problems here, everything works. Another thing is that creativity requires programs that can work with the Apple Pencil, and there are already more than a dozen such programs. For example, in standard notes you can write by hand, but your text will not be recognized; there is simply no such function in iOS9. This is the first disappointment, no handwriting or typing this way, this pencil is for creativity, not for boring handwritten notes.

I tried a dozen programs that were recommended to me App Store for a pencil, most of them already had stylus support, that is the emergence of Apple Pencil didn't come as a surprise. For example, in Evernote it has long been possible to enter notes by hand; on the iPad you could draw with your finger, as, indeed, this can still be done now. It’s approximately the same in each of the programs; the Apple Pencil does not provide any special accuracy; you draw exactly the same as you drew before, with the same programs or similar input devices.

I conducted a small experiment and asked my colleague, who is interested in drawing, to try out the device and give her opinion. She enthusiastically began to draw from a photograph taken on one of her trips, but very quickly put her Apple Pencil aside and said the following: “I don’t really need it, here you can draw it all by hand in the program, some parts are probably more difficult.” than usual, but not fundamentally more difficult.” After chatting about this topic, I realized a simple thing: to draw, you don’t need a miracle device, you only need desire, and the choice of tool is secondary. The surface of the device cannot replace paper, its quality and other sensations, since it is not only the pencil, brush or paint that is important, it is how they interact with the paper and what result you get. In theory, it would be possible to emulate paper in software, but no one has done this yet.

All the software that I tried can be used with any stylus; the Apple device is extremely simple and does not have any special functions. Moreover, there is no integration into the operating system. And this puts an end to the most popular use cases that have emerged from the Note line in almost five years of its existence. For example, people often cut something out of pictures and send it by mail, adding annotations to such pictures. And on the same Note, this can be done in a matter of seconds, there is an option “write on the screen”, you instantly get a screenshot, which you decorate to the best of your ability. Or you can cut out a piece of a picture and simultaneously recognize the text on it, send both the picture and the text from it, in any language. But this is already like this high class, that I won’t even talk about it, since Apple in this case looks like a poor relative. The key advantage of Note is deep integration stylus for everything you can do on your device. It was created not only and not so much for those who draw, but for everyone who wants to gain new opportunities, and the device provides these opportunities to the fullest. It is possible that they are not always needed, but sometimes they are necessary and very useful.

What's with the stylus integration on MS Surface? Exactly the same story, at Microsoft, oddly enough, they understand that the stylus itself is not important, it is necessary to integrate it into the system, for example, to make it possible to launch OneNote with one click, enter handwritten text or drawings, and recognize all this. If necessary, erase without resorting to additional movements and pressing the button on the stylus. And on the same Surface Pro 4, the stylus is attached magnetically to the body, it can be carried along with the device. It turns out that Microsoft's engineers are much better than those at Apple, where they were unable to implement the simplest function, although they themselves came up with a lot of chips with magnets during the time of Steve Jobs.

Also a slightly different level of software and binding of the stylus to the system. Why is this so? Probably the answer lies in what people think, why and why they do it, and to whom it might be important. They are working on use cases. At Apple, they don’t do this, but rest on their laurels. In fact, by copying other people's products, Apple brings nothing to them, and the implementation from an engineering point of view is the worst possible. Why is that? We relaxed, there is no owner inside the company who would monitor how everything should work.

I wonder how Apple release Pencil, many “leading world publications” discovered this topic and began writing about it. And it doesn’t matter that dozens of styluses existed before, and the software initially supported them, including on the iPad. It doesn't matter that the only advantage of the Apple Pencil in the small stylus market is the name of the manufacturer, and not anything else. The main thing is that the company was able to create a myth that time after time it produces successful products that are needed by millions. And it doesn’t matter at all that the same watch didn’t take off and Apple doesn’t say anything about it in terms of real numbers. It doesn't matter that the iPad Pro is a very niche device with an idea that was stolen from Samsung and Microsoft, with a little bit of each. And it’s not so important that no one thought to charge a hundred dollars for a stylus. On the other hand, you have to pay for stupidity. Apple believes that stupidity is worth a hundred dollars. And it's the right price.

As an additional comment, a review of the Apple Pencil from our UI/UX design reader.

This accessory, like a drop of water, reflects where the company is going and how its helmsmen have relaxed and rested on their laurels. This is not the best product that Apple has released, however, over the past couple of years it is difficult for me to name something that would attract attention. Copying other people's ideas, poor implementation, but for now Apple can afford it. But the credit of trust is a rather fragile thing, it can disappear.

We thank UP-house.ru for providing the Apple pencil.

Steve Jobs once said that styluses are a thing of the past. On our devices, the mastermind and creator claimed Apple, there will never be styluses. But Steve left. And the new managers decided not to listen to his opinion on this issue, based, by the way, on a unique instinct, thanks to which perhaps the most successful brand in the world was born.

In the fall of 2015, the apple giant presented, along with a new iPad tablet Pro accessory under called Apple Pencil. At the presentation, however, they assured that this was by no means a stylus, but handy tool for drawing and working, a niche product for our most creative fans. Well let's figure out whatWhat Apple Pencil really is, and it’s not for nothing that the successors of Jobs’s work disobeyed him.

It's not for nothing that the Apple Pencil was introduced along with the iPad Pro. This device became the pioneer of a new line of Apple “tablets”. The Pro was positioned as a tablet that could replace a work laptop. Got the gadget most powerful processor, 4 gigs of RAM, unprecedented for Apple devices, an almost 13-inch screen, as well as a special connector into which a removable keyboard could be connected. Thus, Pro has become, at a minimum, just an ideal tool for demonstrating presentations and other materials to partners, while connecting a keyboard, you can quickly make edits to the document.

But on the other hand, it was even more convenient, easier and faster to make changes using... Apple Pencil! Well, if we think in this vein (let's be honest - the above reasoning can hardly be called illogical), the release of an accessory that suspiciously resembles a stylus can be considered completely justified. And, perhaps, given the circumstances that caused the appearance of this product, even Steve Jobs would not be against his “birth”.

A real exclusive: Apple Pencil for iPad Pro

iOS gadgets have eternal compatibility problems, and this is no secret to anyone. However, Apple Pencil for iPad Pro has crossed the line. The company was not afraid to present an accessory that at the time of presentation was compatible with only one device in the line!

In fairness, however, it should be said that the reason for the “limitations” of the Apple Pencil was quite valid - in order for the stylus to be convenient, fast and functional, the iPad Pro screen had to be equipped with a number of new technologies. Well, you understand that it was not possible to add them to already released devices, thus making the field of application of the accessory wider. However, now the second Pro has already been released and it is promised that the third will be released soon, so little by little the field of application of the Pencil will expand...

Owners of Apple Pencil are unfamiliar with the pangs of creativity

...as well as the functionality of the accessory, which at the time of release could hardly be called impressive. However, while the functionality was being expanded, skeptics managed to write a bunch of negative reviews on new device from the Apple giant and talk about a lot of its much cooler analogues. However, today, when Pencil has found its niche and become more functional, there is no need to talk negatively about its abilities.

The accessory is most loved by users who often have to face the task of drawing something - in other words, designers, and the most different areas. You can make the first sketches of, say, a logo directly at a meeting with the customer; you can make edits, like “is it possible to make black blacker”, as they say, without leaving the cash register, without wasting time on a bunch of post-approvals.

Today there are quite a few applications for drawing, the most advanced of which is currently, probably Procreate - its capabilities are appreciated by both designers and artists. However, you can make a simple sketch even in native app“Notes”, which with Apple Pencil turns into something like Paint - different colors and tools are available - marker, ruler, eraser, etc. The thickness and type of line can also be selected in the program, but (!) the same thickness can also be changed, as they say, with a slight movement of the hand - press the i-pencil lighter, the line will become thinner, show a little more diligence - the thickness will increase.

Another cool feature is drawing through paper. What does it mean? And the fact is that if you want to quickly redraw something from a sheet of paper, you can put it on the display and quickly trace it with an i-pencil - and voila - the drawing is already on the tablet screen! Of course, the sheet should not be too thick, but, for example, classic printing paper is quite suitable.

Or maybe a stylus?

Apple Pencil, however, is good not only as a drawing tool - it is suitable wherever, as Apple itself assures, additional precision may be required. To be honest, it is very convenient even if you use it as... yes, an ill-fated stylus. The last century is the last century, but on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro the stylus can often be more convenient than a finger. For example, your hand is tired of being suspended, and you still have a lot of work to do - you need to look through your mail - take an i-pencil and start working with it, and you can put your hand on the screen - special technology will allow the display not to respond to palm pressure if you use an Apple Pencil .

Now let’s imagine that you don’t just need to look at your email - let’s say you work as an editor and have received texts for editing. You don’t necessarily have to turn on your computer, open Word and use the special “Review” tool; it’s much faster and more convenient to make notes from the iPad, and you don’t even need to sit at the table, you can, for example, lie on the sofa. In general, there may not be as few scenarios for using the Apple Pencil as it seems at first glance.

Fast and long lasting

As we said above, everyone knows about the compatibility problems of iOS devices, but it is also no secret that all Apple technology is very fast and responsive, and it also has no problems with autonomy. All these “compliments” are relevant for the i-pencil - its response speed is amazing. It’s also easy and quick to create a Bluetiich pair between an iPad and an Apple Pencil - you need to connect the device to the connector and, when prompted, tap “Create a pair.”

You can charge the Apple Pencil either through the tablet itself or through an outlet, full charge occurs in about half an hour, after which the accessory can exist autonomously for up to 12 hours. In general, very decent. It's also nice that the charge level can be monitored through the notification center, and a notification appears when the charge level is low.

A few but...

However, no matter how fast and autonomous the Apple Pencil is and no matter how many possibilities it offers, there is no escaping its obvious shortcomings. Firstly, the Apple company’s engineers came up with a wildly strange charging mechanism - you need to remove the “cap” from the accessory and insert it into the Lightning connector of the tablet. It’s supposed to be convenient - they say you can charge it directly from the iPad, but in reality the design turns out to be wildly awkward and fragile - a very long “stick” sticks out of the tablet - one awkward movement and the connector will break.

Apparently, having realized the horror of the situation, when it was too late to fix something, it was decided to add a special adapter to the i-pencil kit - it is put on the accessory and is already attached to the adapter charging cable, which is inserted into the socket. Of course, you’re not afraid to break the connector here, but, you see, the “vegetable garden” turns out to be a notable one, it’s almost tempting to say that this would not have happened under Jobs.

Another obvious design disadvantage is the lack of a mechanism for attaching the Apple Pencil to the tablet - yes, it seems to be magnetic to the case, but it’s very flimsy, that is, you can magnetize it so that it doesn’t get lost on your desktop among papers, but it’s unlikely to be moved somewhere in this form If anyone makes up his mind, he will fall.

And finally, it should be noted that when working with iPad i-pencil Discharges very quickly - after half an hour of operation, 10 percent of the charge is lost.

A matter of taste

Also, many people attribute the disadvantages of the Apple Pencil to the fact that this accessory does not look at all Apple-like, they say, it lacks grace and soul. However, this, of course, is a matter of taste - one might say boring, or one might say organic. Besides, an artist shouldn’t be distracted, right?

Price issue

Stop. You didn’t think until now that the i-pencil comes completely free with the iPad Pro? No. Apple in this case would not be Apple. Of course, you have to pay quite a bit for the accessory - its official cost is $100. As before, the exchange rate still doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, but at the current price, it’s not a bit of a bite and it immediately seems that you can draw with your finger, whatever. The average cost of an Apple Pencil (MK0C2ZM/A) is now about 7,500 rubles.

Who needs it?

The question - “Who needs it for that kind of money?”, of course, is on the tip of the tongue, but here you need to remember that this is a niche product, whatever one may say, Apple does not hide this and does not say that it is absolutely necessary for any user. But, nevertheless, in this world there are quite a few people who will find this instrument a very successful acquisition. All these people can be divided into two groups: creative people - designers, artists, etc., and people on whose opinion a lot depends - editor, director - quickly making changes to the current project is worth a lot. As you can see, the niche is not so narrow.

Another question is, why don’t all these people buy a similar tool from another brand? Yes, we will not hide the fact that the Apple Pencil has quite a few competitors - some of them are cheaper, some are more expensive, some have more features, some have less. But, you need to understand that not a single stylus will work with the iPad Pro as smoothly and quickly as the Apple Pencil. Moreover, do not think that good styluses, which can be called worthy competitors of the Apple giant’s product, will cost much less.