iPad Pro goes on sale

After much anticipation, the iPad Pro is available for purchase. The starting price is $799 for the base-line 32GB model with the most expensive model priced at $1079. Like its predecessors, the iPad Pro is available with silver, gold and space-gray finishes.

 Despite the similarities in color, the latest iPad model is 78% larger than the iPad Air 2. With a 12.9″ screen and a 5.6 million pixel display, the iPad Pro has the highest resolution display of any iOS device.

The large screen makes the most of the multitasking features introduced in iOS 9 earlier this year. Users are able to run two apps simultaneously on the equivalent of a full-size vertical display.

In addition to the large screen, the iPad Pro has two additional speakers built in to create a stereo sound system that has 61% more back volume than other systems. This will provide a wide frequency range with three times the output of previous models.

Because of the iPad Pro’s massive size, it is difficult to hold in one hand, but the addition of a Smart Connector along the side of device allows it to connect to a Smart Cover, which houses a keyboard encased in two-way conductive fabric.

An additional accessory unique to the iPad Pro is the Apple Pencil. A new multi-touch subsystem enables pressure and tilt sensors to allow for variation in line weight, shading and other artistic effects. A lightning cable connector at the end of the pencil allows it to be charged directly from the iPad. Fifteen seconds of charging allows for 30 minutes of use.

The iPad Pro, pencil and Smart Keyboard are available for sale in stores and online as of Nov. 11.