Apple iPad Pro 10.9" 2017 Review

Let's talk about the 2017 iPad Pro. This thing is a bit of a time capsule now, but it's still kicking around the used market for a reason. It's the 10.5-inch model with that classic iPad Pro design, and honestly, for someone who just needs a solid tablet for basic stuff, it can still be a decent pick.

Who is this for? Well, if you're an artist on a tight budget, that 94th percentile feature score is mostly about the Apple Pencil support. It's still a fantastic tool for drawing and note-taking. For general productivity like emails, web browsing, and streaming, it's perfectly capable. But you have to know what you're getting into: this is a seven-year-old device.

What makes it interesting today is the price. At around $132, it's a fraction of what a new iPad costs. You're getting that premium Apple build quality, a really nice laminated display, and four-speaker audio. It's a way to dip your toes into the Apple ecosystem without spending a fortune, as long as your expectations are set right.

Performance is a mixed bag, and the benchmarks tell the story. The A10X Fusion chip lands in the 72nd percentile for CPU and 71st for GPU. That means it's still faster than a lot of basic tablets out there, especially from that era. For everyday tasks, it feels smooth. Apps open quickly, and you can run most modern iPadOS apps without too much fuss, though some heavier ones might start to chug.

The real-world implication of those numbers hits you in two places. First, the 4GB of RAM is in the 30th percentile. That's the biggest bottleneck. Don't expect to have a dozen Safari tabs, a video call, and a drawing app all running at once. It'll start closing apps in the background. Second, that 64GB of storage is in the 29th percentile. You'll be managing your space constantly, especially with updates. It's fine for a handful of apps and some photos, but forget about a large media library or game collection.

At $132, the value proposition is simple: you're paying for the Apple Pencil experience and a quality screen on a budget. Compared to a new $300 Android tablet, you're getting worse specs on paper but a much better stylus ecosystem and a more polished overall feel. It's a trade-off.

Just remember, you're buying used. The battery might be worn, and there's no warranty. For the price of a cheap Kindle, you get a device that can actually do creative work. That's the hook. If your main need is a digital notebook or a light sketching pad, this price is hard to beat. If you need it to be your primary computer or media hub, the storage and RAM limitations become a real problem fast.

The most direct competitor is a modern budget Android tablet, like a Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+. For similar money new, you'd get more storage, potentially more RAM, and faster Wi-Fi. But you lose the precision of the Apple Pencil and the smooth iPadOS app experience. For drawing, the iPad Pro still wins.

If you can stretch your budget, the Lenovo Idea Tab Pro or a used newer iPad are worth considering. The Lenovo gives you a bigger, higher-resolution screen and more RAM for productivity. A used 2020 iPad Air would get you a much faster A14 chip and support for the newer Apple Pencil 2, but you'd pay over $300. Compared to the modern Surface Pro or Galaxy Tab S10+, this iPad Pro isn't in the same league for performance or as a laptop replacement. It's a niche pick for a specific, budget-conscious creative task.

So, who should buy this? If you're a student, a hobbyist artist, or someone who just wants a nice tablet for reading and videos without spending much, and you specifically want Apple Pencil support, this is a compelling deal. Think of it as a dedicated sketchbook or a couch tablet. It serves that purpose well.

But if you need to do real multitasking, store lots of files locally, or plan on using this as your main device for years to come, look elsewhere. The limited RAM and storage are deal-breakers for heavy use. For everyone else, it's a charming, capable relic that proves good design lasts. Just go in with your eyes open about its age and limits.