Apple may be playing catch-up, issuing its first oversize tablet, but the iPad Pro cuts no corners: It's a fittingly luxurious take on the form.

Gorgeous; large display; Surprisingly thin and light for size; Exceptional graphics processing; Four powerful speakers; Can connect keyboard sans pairing; wires; or batteries

Stylus is pricey; not attachable; Keyboard case has few stand positions; So-so battery life; No built-in stand; USB ports; MicroSD slot

Great purchase, paired with a smart connect keyboard makes it great for on the go business. Large screen is better than squinting at your phone. My only issues are that it is a bit heavy to hold if you plan on reading on it. It also takes a very long time to charge.

So, does iPad Pro do enough to replace a laptop (even a MacBook)? Some might be quick to say no, but we think it depends on the user. There are many out there who wouldn't wish to leave behind the extended power capabilities of OS X or Windows, and certain heavy laptop users may dismiss the notion...

A big, beautiful screen that improves many tablet experiences, including watching videos and looking at photos; Extremely fast; Very good, intelligent speakers for an unparalleled audio experience on iPad; Smart Connector opens up new accessory possibilities and adds to device's versatility.

Expensive; Can be unwieldy and uncomfortable to use at times; Accessories add to price, making it no less expensive than a laptop; Portability suffers due to larger size; Some apps look "off" on huge screen.

The iPad Pro 12.9 is the tablet equivalent of a gaming laptop. It’s incredibly powerful, undeniably fast, and a visual treat every time you turn on the noticeably improved screen. iOS 12 gives it a few multi-tasking powers. It’s big to carry around everyday and rather expensive compared to the more mainstream iPad Pro 10.5 that has same specs. It’s very easy to love theiPad Pro’s expansive size, and to also wish it was smaller.

Expansive, bright 12.9-inch screen; iOS 12 has tablet-focused perks; Tests prove its laptop-beating power;

Expensive at any level; Dimensions make it cumbersome; iOS 12 still has limitations

The iPad Pro 12.9 from 2017 might still make a decent purchase if you can find stock online, especially if it's at a reduced price.. Just bear in mind that this older model isn't compatible with the new Apple Pencil or Smart Keyboard.

Even though many users think that it is an affront that Apple has developed a large tablet and even a corresponding pen, the result is very convenient. The Californians certainly did not reinvent the device class, but once again, they have managed to integrate a high-quality product into their own...

great design and build quality; very good stylus (optional; fast SoC; excellent display; great speakers; very good runtimes

scaling of iOS, weak and hot power adaptor, long charging times, no NFC, only LTE Cat; 4, expensive accessories

"This is stupid," said my partner when I first showed her the iPad Pro, "why would anyone want a tablet this big?" After five minutes doodling with the Apple Pencil, her tone had changed completely. "Do you have to give this one back?

Gorgeous screen; Apple Pencil is amazing; Great speakers

Smart Keyboard is underwhelming; iOS isn't optimised for two-in-one experiences; Expensive

The iPad Pro is Apple's response to the growing demand for notebooks that double as tablets. It is an iPad supersized to 12.9-inches and it benefits from the support of a ‘Smart Keyboard' and the Apple ‘Pencil' stylus.

Four speakers; 5 million pixel display; Excellent split-screen multitasking; Powerful innards for a tablet

Smart cover has a poor form factor and is uncomfortable to use; Pencil Stylus needs to be recharged and cannot be stowed; Heavy users will have to settle for less than ordinary battery life; Accessories are overly expensive

A gigantic, powerful iPad with some unique 2-in-1 capabilities… if you're willing to fork out for the accessories.

We've seen iPads before. We've seen keyboard cases. We've even seen lots of styli. But as happens so often, Apple has remixed existing elements into something new, driven by design, ease-of-use, and compelling third-party apps.

Laptop-level power; Surprisingly light; Pencil accessory is the best stylus experience on a mainstream tablet

Very expensive; Touch-centric UI with keyboard is awkward; Apps don't quite complete your workflow