The iPad Pro isn't for everyone: It performs well, but iOS 9 isn't as adept at multitasking as a laptop operating system, and the lack of any mouse input can get tiresome. That said, its fast performance and smooth pen input could be useful for creative pros who need a way to stay productive while...

T his year, for the first time since 2010, Apple didn't update its flagship iPad. Except it did. Suddenly, the iPad Air 2 isn't Apple's classiest tablet any more. It's been overtaken by a more advanced, bigger brother.

You can argue that all of what I've said works well on Microsoft's Surface Pro 4. And you're absolutely right. But would you rather use a device that handles everything designed twenty years back really well, or are you willing to take a chance on a platform that will set the tone for the next...

+ Beautiful Screen + Amazing Speakers + Good Multitasking + Apple Pencil

- Platform needs to evolve - Older version of TouchID

When I first picked up the iPad Pro at an Apple event this past September, I couldn't help but laugh a little bit. For one, its size: it is holy-crap-look-at-this-iPad big. And with a price tag that easily jumps up to around a thousand dollars, it's the most expensive iPad ever.

Large; beautiful display; Powerful processor; Precise stylus; Split-screen multitasking

It's expensive; It's really big; Overpriced accessory keyboard; Not quite a PC replacement

Apple's 9.7-inch iPad Pro is the best tablet you can buy.

Best tablet cameras and speakers ever; Powerful enough for real productivity; Thin and portable; Apple Pencil is the best stylus available; iOS has best tablet apps; frequent updates

Expensive at every option level; Cramped screen for multitasking; Not a true laptop replacement

Apple-or at the very least, its CEO-thinks the iPad is the future of computing. It's not shy about that idea. "Why would you buy a PC anymore?" Tim Cook, who reportedly does 80 percent of his work on the device, asked the crowd at an Apple store in London this week.

The screen is big and beautiful; This tablet is crazy fast; It still has the same battery life, performance, and great app selection as any iPad; With the accessories, the Pro becomes a do-everything sort of device

Its PC-killing visions imagine a world in which nobody lives; It's really big; The price gets high fast

A brilliant iPad that takes the devices into a new realm. We've loved using it, but just make sure you're ready for the larger size and weight.

Apple may have reinvented the tablet for today, but it has plans to give artists a tablet for tomorrow, and it arrives in the form of the iPad Pro, Apple's biggest tablet yet. On the next page, you'll find out just why the iPad Pro has a Pencil, and it's not just because pencils are awesome.

The screen is freakin' spectacular; Same typical brilliant and sturdy design as the other iPad models; Comfortable to hold; despite its massive size; Great performance with little to no lag; Four speakers (woot!

Every accessory is optional; Nowhere to put the Pencil; Very expensive

The Good A9X chip has power to burn 12.9-inch Retina display is stunning Incredible audio performance Extensive iPad-optimized app ecosystem Smart Keyboard is a welcome addition Apple Pencil is the best stylus on the market The Bad iOS still has some limitations Peripherals add considerably to cost...

A9X chip has power to burn; 12.9-inch Retina display is stunning; Incredible audio performance; Extensive iPad-optimized app ecosystem; Smart Keyboard is a welcome addition; Apple Pencil is the best stylus on the market

iOS still has some limitations; Peripherals add considerably to cost; Built-in apps could have been taken further

I purchased this for a specific reason, to use with on song and a page turner for sheet music and chord charts. The other things I use it for quite incidental to me, but it works great and the 12.9 inch screen makes it very nice for my use. It's fast and the set up and connectivity is easy.