Hey everyone, let's dive deep into the Apple iPad Pro 10.5-inch (2017), a tablet that, even years after its release, still holds a special place in the hearts of many tech enthusiasts and creative professionals. We're talking about a device that redefined what a tablet could be, offering a potent blend of power, portability, and a stunning display. If you're someone who appreciates a crisp, vibrant screen and the flexibility to work and play on the go, then this iPad Pro might just be up your alley, or perhaps you already own one and want to reminisce or understand its enduring appeal. This article is all about dissecting what made this particular model a hit, exploring its features, performance, and why it remains a relevant consideration in today's fast-paced tech world. We'll cover everything from its design and build quality to its impressive screen technology and the processing power that allowed it to handle demanding tasks with relative ease. Get ready to get nostalgic or discover why the iPad Pro 10.5-inch (2017) was such a game-changer.

Design and Display: A Visual Feast

When the Apple iPad Pro 10.5-inch (2017) first hit the market, one of the most striking aspects was its design and, more importantly, its display. Apple managed to shave off a significant amount of bezel compared to its predecessors, creating a much more immersive viewing experience. This wasn't just a minor tweak; it was a substantial upgrade that made the tablet feel more modern and premium. The 10.5-inch Retina display was, and frankly still is, absolutely gorgeous. It boasts a 2224 x 1668 resolution, which translates to an incredibly sharp 264 pixels per inch (PPI). But it wasn't just about sharpness; this display was packed with True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the color temperature of the display to match the ambient lighting. This made reading and viewing content so much more comfortable, reducing eye strain and making colors appear more natural. Furthermore, it supported a wide color gamut (P3), meaning it could display a broader range of colors than standard displays, which is a massive plus for anyone involved in photo editing, graphic design, or even just enjoying HDR content. The 120Hz ProMotion technology was another revolutionary feature for a tablet at the time. This adaptive refresh rate technology dynamically adjusts the display's refresh rate up to 120Hz, making everything from scrolling through web pages and apps to drawing with the Apple Pencil feel incredibly fluid and responsive. The difference is noticeable; it makes the user experience feel buttery smooth and significantly reduces motion blur. For artists and note-takers using the Apple Pencil, this 120Hz refresh rate was a game-changer, making the digital drawing experience feel much closer to traditional pen and paper. The build quality, as expected from Apple, was top-notch. The aluminum unibody felt sturdy and premium in hand, and the slightly larger screen size compared to the 9.7-inch models offered more screen real estate without making the device unwieldy. It struck a perfect balance between portability and usability for a wide range of tasks, from productivity to entertainment.

Performance Powerhouse: A10X Fusion Chip

Under the hood, the Apple iPad Pro 10.5-inch (2017) was powered by the A10X Fusion chip. Now, this wasn't just any chip; it was a beast for its time, and frankly, it still holds up remarkably well. This chip featured a 6-core CPU (three high-performance cores and three high-efficiency cores) and a 12-core PowerVR Series7XT Plus GPU. What does this mean for you, guys? It meant serious power. This iPad Pro could handle pretty much anything you threw at it. We're talking about complex multitasking, editing 4K video, running demanding creative apps like Photoshop and LumaFusion, and playing graphics-intensive games without breaking a sweat. The A10X Fusion chip delivered performance that rivaled many laptops of the era, making the iPad Pro a true productivity tool rather than just a media consumption device. The 6GB of RAM also played a crucial role here, allowing for more apps to be open simultaneously in Split View and Slide Over without any lag or stutter. This seamless multitasking capability was essential for professionals and power users who relied on their tablets for complex workflows. Even today, many apps run smoothly on this hardware. While it won't run the very latest, most demanding apps at their highest settings compared to current-generation iPads, its performance is more than sufficient for everyday tasks, browsing, media consumption, and even moderately demanding creative work. For anyone looking for a capable tablet for drawing, writing, or general productivity without needing the absolute bleeding edge of performance, the iPad Pro 10.5-inch (2017) remains a strong contender. The efficiency of the A10X chip also meant good battery life, allowing users to get through a full day of moderate use on a single charge, which is always a huge win for a portable device.

The Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Experience

What truly elevated the Apple iPad Pro 10.5-inch (2017) from a great tablet to a professional-grade creative tool were its accessories: the Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard. The first-generation Apple Pencil, when paired with the 120Hz ProMotion display, offered an unparalleled digital drawing and writing experience. The latency was practically imperceptible, making it feel incredibly natural. Whether you were sketching ideas, taking detailed notes in class, annotating documents, or creating digital art, the Pencil felt responsive and accurate. The pressure and tilt sensitivity allowed for a range of artistic expression, mimicking the nuances of real drawing tools. For students, artists, designers, and anyone who prefers handwriting over typing, this combination was a revelation.

Complementing the Pencil was the Smart Keyboard. While it wasn't as refined as later iterations, it provided a tactile typing experience that was vastly superior to typing on the on-screen keyboard. It connected seamlessly via the Smart Connector, meaning no charging or pairing was required – just snap it on and go. This transformed the iPad Pro into a capable laptop alternative for tasks like writing emails, drafting documents, and even coding (with the right apps). The keyboard case also doubled as a protective cover and a stand, making it a versatile accessory for productivity on the move. The iPad Pro 10.5-inch (2017), with these accessories, offered a flexible ecosystem that could adapt to different user needs. You could use it as a casual tablet for browsing and watching videos, a powerful drawing canvas, or a portable workstation for typing and productivity. This versatility is a huge part of why the device continues to be sought after, even by users who might not need the absolute latest specs. It represented a significant step forward in making tablets truly productive and creative devices.

Camera, Speakers, and Connectivity

Let's not forget the other essential aspects of the Apple iPad Pro 10.5-inch (2017). The cameras on this device were surprisingly capable for a tablet. It featured a 12-megapixel rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a 7-megapixel front-facing FaceTime HD camera. While most people don't buy iPads primarily for their cameras, these were more than adequate for scanning documents, participating in video calls with excellent clarity, and even snapping decent photos in good lighting conditions. The OIS on the rear camera was a particularly nice touch, helping to reduce blur from shaky hands, which is always a plus when you're trying to capture a moment on a larger device.

Audio quality was another strong point. The iPad Pro 10.5-inch featured four speaker audio, strategically placed to provide a rich, immersive sound experience, whether you were watching movies, playing games, or listening to music. The stereo separation was excellent, and the speakers delivered surprisingly good volume and clarity, making it a pleasure to consume media without needing headphones. For connectivity, the device offered Wi-Fi 802.11ac for fast wireless networking and Bluetooth 4.2. Cellular models were also available, providing LTE connectivity for internet access on the go. The inclusion of a headphone jack was something many users appreciated back then and continue to miss on newer models! The Lightning port served for charging and data transfer. Overall, these features combined to create a well-rounded package that catered to both entertainment and productivity needs, reinforcing the iPad Pro 10.5-inch (2017) as a versatile and capable device for a wide range of users.

Software and Longevity

One of the biggest advantages of owning an Apple device, including the Apple iPad Pro 10.5-inch (2017), is the software support. iPads run iPadOS (which evolved from iOS), a mobile operating system that has become increasingly powerful and capable over the years, especially with features like multitasking (Split View, Slide Over), Stage Manager (on compatible OS versions), and a vast App Store filled with optimized applications. Even though this model is no longer the latest and greatest, Apple has a strong track record of providing software updates for its devices for many years. This means that the iPad Pro 10.5-inch (2017) continues to receive security updates and access to new features of iPadOS, ensuring it remains functional and secure for a considerable period. This longevity is a significant factor in the device's enduring value. While it might not be able to run the absolute newest, most resource-intensive applications at their peak performance compared to the latest iPads, it can still handle a vast majority of apps and tasks effectively. For users looking for a reliable tablet for web browsing, streaming, reading, note-taking, light photo editing, and using many of their favorite apps, this iPad Pro remains a solid choice. Its ability to run a wide array of apps from the App Store, coupled with Apple's commitment to software updates, means that the iPad Pro 10.5-inch (2017) has a lifespan that extends far beyond many other electronics. This makes it an economical and sustainable option for many users who don't necessarily need the absolute latest specifications.

The Verdict: Still Worth It?

So, guys, is the Apple iPad Pro 10.5-inch (2017) still worth considering today? For many people, the answer is a resounding yes, especially if you can find one at a good price. Its stunning 120Hz ProMotion display, powerful A10X Fusion chip, excellent build quality, and support for the first-gen Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard make it a remarkably capable device even by today's standards. It excels as a digital canvas for artists, a versatile note-taking tool for students and professionals, and a fantastic media consumption device. While newer iPads offer more advanced features like faster chips, USB-C ports, and newer Apple Pencil support, they also come with a significantly higher price tag. If your needs don't demand the absolute cutting edge of performance or the latest Apple Pencil features, the iPad Pro 10.5-inch (2017) offers incredible value. It’s a testament to Apple’s design and engineering that a tablet from 2017 can still feel so fluid, responsive, and useful. Just be mindful of the battery health if buying used, and remember that it uses the Lightning port and supports the first-generation Apple Pencil. For anyone looking for a premium tablet experience without breaking the bank, this model is definitely worth investigating. It's a classic for a reason, and its legacy continues to impress.