cpsro

I'm greatly enjoying an Ubuntu 20.04-based 64-core/128-thread AMD 3990X Threadripper system that trounces my 28-core Mac Pro -- well over 3X faster on computational loads for half the price. And I'm able to swap Thunderbolt 3 drive arrays as needed between Linux and Mac using OpenZFS. The 3990X is almost able to keep up with the native throughput of 6xSSD striped array in computing ZFS checksums, whereas the MP is less than half the throughput. Downside to Threadripper is support for only 256GB RAM. For a couple thou more, an AMD Epyc would support more.

The 12.9" is far better for media consumption and only fails in this regard because it's difficult "as is" to hold for significant periods, plus most cases add considerable weight.  I would argue the 11" suffers the same failing.  My solution is to use a Zerochroma Solo stick-on stand to either prop the iPad on a surface or to use as a handle. It adds very little weight. Unfortunately, the Solo was discontinued a few years ago. Fortunately, I stockpiled several and identified replacement 3M sticky tape used to secure the Solo to the iPad. A light-weight, removable handle/stand is a major opportunity for 3rd parties, if they would just wake up. IMHO any accessory that makes the combination with iPad nearly as heavy as a MacBook Air is a loser.

IMHO, LiDAR on the new iPad Pro is there primarily to help Apple's developers work on unannounced/secret AR projects without divulging anything about the unannounced, still-in-development hardware. 6GB memory on even the low-end models might also fall in that category but might be more likely the result of lower anticipated sales in the current environment combined with minimum purchase requirements from memory suppliers.

While I'm okay with giving Apple access to the camera and LiDAR sensors, I'm not okay with giving 3rd parties access. For instance, no way do I want Google, Facebook, or the PRC seeing the interior or exterior of my home.

Non-programmers—and more specifically, people who don't know assembly language—can't appreciate the significance of ARM64's support for twice as many general purpose registers as X64. For most high-level code, with all else being equal, this gives ARM64 a 20-30% speed advantage over X64, without any tweaking, because it avoids the CPU having to access relatively slow caches and main memory so often.
Intel is stuck with X64 and the world is ready to move on.

btw: AppleCare+ for the XDR is $499. (For any configuration of the new Mac Pro, it's only $299.) This covers up to two incidents of accidental screen damage coverage or external enclosure damage for a $99 fee, or other damage for a $299 fee. If it appears you didn't use the certified cleaning cloth, I wonder if those fees still apply. And how bad does a nano-surfaced XDR look if the display is scratched? (Hello, iFixit?)