Apple has unveiled the new 9.7-inch iPad Pro to an enthusiastic audience as something new, better and more comfortable than the previous iPad Air 2 or iPad Pro 12.9. The idea is simple: the power and versatility of a large iPad with a 12.9-inch screen and support for everyone's favorite Apple Pencil technology and the new Smart Keyboard user now gets in a more compact and familiar form factor iPad Air 2.
On the other hand, it's not all free. If you want a more powerful percentage, and a cooler screen, and proprietary drawing technology along with a super stylus, plus a cool wireless keyboard, but you don't want to buy a large iPad, then get ready to buy the new iPad Pro 9.7. The tradition is this: more new (or not new) functionality - the higher the price.
However, if you already have an iPad Air, and there is a need not to rush to buy a new iPad, then you might think about how to add this very Pro-functionality to your “old” tablet. Fortunately, there are options. You can pick up a stylus with similar sensitivity and accuracy options, covers and cases with and without keyboards, which are at least as good as Smart Keyboard, and a couple of three high-quality applications that allow you to draw and write in almost the same way as on the iPad Pro screen. you can download it too. In other words, if you wish and relatively inexpensively, you can also make almost Pro out of your iPad. But how exactly, we are now going to talk.
Let's start with the hardest part. As you know, the so-called third-party stylus by and large only imitate the functionality of 3D touch technology and on ordinary iPads do not work with the same high level of quality as the branded Apple Pencil on the iPad Pro. In addition, previous iPads do not have a special magnetic connector, thanks to which you can connect a keyboard to iPad Pro via non-Bluetooth. It makes no sense to deny these facts, nevertheless, as we have already said, there are options. So, in order:
an acceptable alternative to Apple Pencil
It is not the first year that Adonit has been producing interesting accessories for the iPad (and not only for them), but a product called Adonit Jot Dash appeared in the company's assortment quite recently. And has already managed to gain fame as the world's best stylus for drawing. The model is made in a light case, in size - no more than a regular pen, is completed with a miniature magnetic USB charger and is turned on with one click. Adonit Jot Dash is suitable, that is, compatible, with all iPads (as well as iPhones and many Aindroid smartphones and tablets), moreover, without additional software and Bluetooth connection. As for the quality and accuracy of the Jot Dash, here's a visual about the capabilities of this device (you can turn on the translation of subtitles):
Another equally interesting alternative to Apple Pencil was offered by fiftythree, by the way, well known to all lovers and professionals of tablet drawing, as the developer of the popular Paper application. The fiftythree stylus is called the "Pencil" "Pencil", and indeed most of all it looks like a plump pencil with flat edges and a sharp tip, which, like the tip of the Apple Pencil, allows you to adjust the thickness of the lines by tilting the stylus relative to the surface of the screen, if you draw in compatible applications like Paper. Pencil also reacts to pressure (the harder it is, the darker the line), its opposite end serves as an "eraser", and with this stylus you can use your fingers to, say, mix or smudge "colors" on the tablet screen. A separate plus: the proprietary Paper application can be downloaded for free, it works both on the iPad and, more recently, on the iPhone.
how to replace Smart Keyboard for iPad Pro?
The new keyboard cover, as you've probably already seen, simply attaches itself to the long side of the iPad Pro case. Branded keyboards iPad Air or iPad Air 2 do not do this. They need to be connected "the old fashioned way" via a Bluetooth-module, and they only work when Bluetooth is turned on on the iPad. And users turn it off quite often in order to save battery power, therefore sometimes unnecessary fuss arises with reconnecting the keyboard. The situation is about the same with third-party keyboards. But there are nuances.
For example, a case-cover released 2 years ago Folio by Logitech although it looks less elegant today than the Smart Keyboard for iPad Pro, its massiveness also has a number of advantages. It protects the tablet, and it has a physical keyboard, however, also Bluetooth, like everyone else. It only charges via a USB cable, but it is equipped with its own battery, which provides it with up to 3 months of battery life (and if you take the Folio with solar panels, then even longer). This case also has magnets, they are hidden inside, hold the cover well in the closed position and automatically turn on the screen if you lift the top of it. The Folio also holds the iPad at a comfortable angle while you type.
In addition to Folio, Logitech also has BLOK - also a case-cover with a keyboard, designed specifically for the iPad Air 2, but different. This accessory makes the iPad look a bit like Microsoft's Surface Pro 3 because it also has a kickstand on the back. But BLOK, which is not only a cover, but also a bumper, unlike many other covers, protects the tablet case not only from the top and bottom, but also from the ends, and protects not only from shocks and other mechanical influences, but also a little from any moist substances. And, what is most interesting in our case, the BLOK keyboard is also magnetized. Not to the tablet, like Smart Keyboard, but to the cover, but some similarity of the effect still takes place.
Pro apps to choose from
One of them - Paper, with which the Pencil's capabilities are best revealed - we have already mentioned. But, of course, this is not the only program that implements the technology of screen response to different pressing forces. There are others.
Apple included Adobe Illustrator Draw and Line in the list of recommended applications for mobile drawing on the iPad. Both in basic versions can be downloaded for free, but, as the developer notes, they work even better in combination with a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, which is paid. The list goes on:
- Adobe Photoshop Sketch and Mix - also free, but after installing them Adobe will ask you to subscribe to Creative Cloud;
- Astropad Graphics Tablet
($ 19) - geared towards professional artists and actually transforms
iPad to Mac graphics tablet, i.e. you can draw on the iPad screen and follow the entire process on the computer screen through serious software like Photoshop;
- Procreate ($ 5.99) - One of the best drawing apps for iPad, with an easy-to-learn interface, extensive tools, and the ability to connect additional accessories.
- Noteshelf ($ 7.99) - A very sophisticated mobile handwritten note manager for iPad;
- Autodesk SketchBook (free) is a professional drawing and sketching app optimized for tablets, it has it all too.
As for the new iMovie , which Apple released exclusively for its iPad Pro, that is, there is such an opinion that it will do quite well on "regular" iPads as an alternative to the sensational novelty Pinnacle studio Is a professional mobile video editor with which you can make storyboards, precise transitions, high-quality transitions, add effects and soundtracks. The program is compatible with Pinnacle Studio for desktops (that is, videos edited on the iPad can be simply transferred to a work computer), supports resolutions up to 1080, it provides a tool for exporting videos to YouTube and Facebook (by the way, we also recall that using the set Apple for camera connection iPad Camera Connection Kit, photos and videos can be imported to the tablet from external memory cards).
Adobe creative cloud also has a similar functionality to IMOVIE (and Pinnacle Studio), moreover, it can sync with Adobe Premiere Creative Cloud - one of the most popular and powerful video editors. Premiere Clip also lets you easily import video, tweak lighting, add transitions and effects, slow down and speed up, edit sound, and more. and then send the finished video to Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, or export to Adobe Premiere Pro CC, the toolkit of which is even more extensive.
and about money
Let's summarize, as they say, the bottom line. With the accessories and applications described above, your iPad Air (or iPad Air 2) will certainly not turn into the new iPad Pro 9.7 by itself, but in terms of functionality it is guaranteed to be much more Pro than it was. Now for some arithmetic.
The "youngest" in the line of 12.9-inch iPad Pro Apple offers today for 71,990 rubles, and the iPad Air 2 for 16GB - for 35,990 rubles, actually half the price. Apple Pencil for iPad Pro 12.9 costs 7,790 rubles, the proprietary Smart Keyboard for it costs another 13,290 rubles. Total: for iPad Pro 12.9 (note, the most inexpensive in the series) with a keyboard and stylus, you have to pay 93,070 rubles (OK. $1400 ). A set of iPad Pro 9.7 with the same stylus and Smart Keyboard of the corresponding size will cost 72,570 rubles (52990 - iPad Pro 9.7 with WiFi, 7790 - stylus, 11790 - keyboard, overall approx. $1100 ).
The new iPad Air 2 with Wi-Fi (35590 r), together with one of two stylus (3300 r) and the most expensive of the keyboards we have listed (8500 r) will cost about 47,500 rubles , plus, perhaps, several hundred more will be needed to purchase paid versions of the application. Such is the alternative. But this is if you buy a new tablet with new accessories. If you already have an iPad Air or iPad Air 2, then the cost of the entire event to bring its functionality to a level close to Pro will be the maximum 12,500 rubles (i.e. less than $ 200).
Yes, the iPad Air 2 and iPad Air, along with cool accessories and a whole set of professional apps, will obviously still be outperformed by the iPad Pro with the original Apple stylus, keyboard and software. BUT here one question arises: is this difference so significant, and is it worth spending 1000 bucks for it?
Personal experience after 48 hours of operation.
What we have been waiting for has come true. Apple released the iPad Pro, we wrote, and two weeks later the guys from Onlyphones.ru offered to plunge into the world of fine art and test all the capabilities of the Apple Pencil stylus.
What is “iPencil” capable of, is it worth the candle, and how does the owner of the iPad Pro, who got the Apple Pencil, live? Let's talk about the pros and cons of the stylus.
Reason # 1: no delays
For people who use the computer as a professional tool, the worst enemy of all time remains delay... The sound engineer strives to minimize the time it takes to convert audio from analog to digital; designer - wins back precious milliseconds by putting the next stroke on a graphic tablet. The Apple Pencil is free of these flaws.
The moment you touch the giant iPad Pro's screen with the tip of the stylus, it instantly responds to your touch. The lines are clear and straight, and the artist has the feeling that they are drawing on a slate board or a piece of parchment. Response speed this accessory is above all praise, and the signal reading frequency reaches 240 times per second.
Reason # 2: very sensitive
Despite its small size, comparable to a regular ballpoint pen, Apple Pencil is packed with all sorts of sensors to ensure it runs smoothly and reliably. The stylus distinguishes not only pressing force(up to 2048 degrees), but also the angle of inclination.
By setting a slight slope, you can quickly shade a section of the drawing as when working with a regular pencil.
Reason # 3: long-lasting
Inside the Apple Pencil is a tiny battery that only holds 80 mAh. Despite its small size, once fully charged, the stylus is ready for use. 12 o'clock continuous work.
What's more, your universal Apple Pencil charger is always close at hand. The gadget is equipped with a traditional Lightning port, and a simple connection to the corresponding port of the iPad Pro for just 15 seconds will give the stylus 30 minutes of work. A full charge takes about 50 minutes.
A miniature adapter is provided for charging via a regular network: an Apple Pencil is inserted on one side, and a Lightning cable on the other.
Reason # 4: the palm is not the enemy
Even an experienced artist knows what the risk of touching with a palm to a drawing just drawn with a slate or charcoal pencil is fraught with. This is the case when the hands that created the drawing can ruin it. Apple has foreseen that as well.
Despite the fact that according to all the "laws of the genre" of the technology of the performance of a capacitive screen, it must respond to the touch of a human hand, while working with the Apple Pencil you can touch the edge of your palm to the screen, leaning on the tablet screen like on a regular sheet of paper. The tablet from this action will not go berserk, and the clarity of the stylus will not deteriorate in the least.
Reason # 5: works through "obstacles"
Another interesting feature of the Apple Pencil is the ability to work through a sheet of paper. Suppose that you want to copy as accurately as possible a fragment of the original drawing, printed on paper.
To do this, just hold the sheet to the iPad Pro screen and trace all the required contours. The tablet counts all touches of the stylus despite the fact that there is an impromptu obstacle between the screen and the tip of the stylus - a sheet of paper.
Reason # 6: instead of a finger
The main purpose of the Apple Pencil is drawing. However, the stylus is compatible with almost everything you would normally do by touching the tablet with your fingers.
Opening links, launching apps, scrolling, interacting with menu items, typing (support for third-party keyboards and handwriting keyboards) - all of this can be done with the Apple Pencil. The accessory's limitations include the inability to open the Notification Center, Control Center, or switch to Slide Over or Split View mode. Most likely, this limitation has a purely programmatic nature, but "so decided by Apple."
Reason # 7: application support
To implement a really good product, the ingenuity of engineers and the bright eye of a designer are not enough. Need software support. The number of apps compatible with Apple Pencil is growing exponentially.
Already today, the following are compatible with the Apple stylus: Pixelmator, Adobe Comp CC, Paper, Adobe Phoroshop Mix, Adobe Photoshop Fix, AutoCAD 360, Autodesk SketchBook, Evernote, Adobe Illustrator Draw, Canva and a number of other applications. The inclusion of stylus support by developers allows not only to optimize the interaction of the accessory with the interface, but also to enable support for such iOS features as Split View.
A little about the sad
Ask any marketer and they will confidently say that there is no “perfect product”. Apple Pencil is no exception, and the list of disadvantages of the "Apple Pencil" looks like this:
- The stylus is compatible only and only with iPad Pro. It will not work with other devices, including Apple products.
- Unavailable multitasking. Apple Pencil does not allow you to switch to Split View and Slide Over modes - the main innovations in iOS 9. You can make such a transition with just a finger.
- Lack of an eraser. Users familiar with alternative stylus pens that work with capacitive screens find an eraser as one of the advantages of this product category. Touching the screen with the other end of the stylus - activated the eraser mode. Apple Pencil doesn't have this feature.
- Apple Pencil does not support multi-touch gestures. However, not a single stylus can do this.
A skeptical user will certainly classify the next Apple development as "expensive and unnecessary toys." A professional designer or artist, being a creative person, will think about purchasing an Apple Pencil, because the desire to experiment is the main engine of creativity. A fan of Apple products and a user who has been waiting for a "big iPad" will take the stylus without a grain of salt.
Where to buy Apple Pencil? We suggest staying at the Onlyphones.ru online store. First, it is available today; secondly, among the impressive assortment of accessories for Apple devices, you will definitely want to buy "something else."
Almost everyone who has ever held an Apple Pencil in their hands had a very ambiguous impression: on the one hand, the stylus is cool, functional and all that, on the other, it's still just a piece of plastic that is sold at an exorbitant price. When he fell into the hands of Dima, the host of our YouTube channel, he was so badly bombed. (like, subscription, and all that).
Design
Of course, a pair of styluses cannot differ too much, but this pair is as different as possible. The Logitech Crayon is made of aluminum with rubber inserts, while the Apple Pencil is all plastic. Apple stylus is one centimeter longer, we have parity in weight. Logitech, unlike Apple, has an indicator light and a power button. With regards to the shape, the Cupertinians got a completely round pencil, and the Logitech resembles a rectangle in cross-section, this shape helps it not to roll off the table.
Connection
Connecting devices to a tablet is different. To connect the Logitech Crayon, you just need to hold down the physical button for a couple of seconds, while the Pencil, on the first connection, requires literally physical pairing: we plug the stylus connector into the iPad port and confirm the connection. In both cases, bluetooth is used for wireless data transmission. Both methods have their subtle advantages. So, the Crayon can be easily given to other users, because the connection is quick and you don't need to “forget” the stylus separately before doing this, but the Pencil is preferable when you don't need to change with anyone, since the bundle is constant here.
The connection in both cases is via the Lightning port, but Logitech looks the same as on any generation of iPhone, in contrast to the unreliable, dangerously protruding Apple Pencil mount, which only the lazy did not scold.
The charging port in both cases is hidden by a cap, but in Logitech it is fastened to the body of the stylus itself.
Software subtleties and technical characteristics
The technical characteristics of the styluses are similar in many respects. The main difference between Apple Pencil is pressure sensitivity. That is, when you press harder on the pen, the line will be thicker and richer.
Latency is minimal in both cases, and both stylus change their stroke width when tilted. By apps, Crayon works with Notability, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and Microsoft Office also has Smart Annotation support. In general, the Logitech stylus is positioned as a device for taking notes, while the Pencil is a tool for designers and artists.
Interestingly, Logitech is able to turn off automatically after 30 minutes of inactivity. The tip of both stylus pens is replaceable, and the Crayon is also drop-resistant up to 1.2 m.
Autonomy
Battery life is nothing to complain about in both cases, although the Apple device still pulls ahead: 8 hours for the Crayon versus 12 hours for the Pencil. In terms of charging time, the situation is about the same: for an additional half hour of operation, Logitech will require a modest 1.5 minutes, and Apple will need even less - some 15 seconds.
Compatibility
And here everything is sad. Apple Pencil, as we remember, works with any representative of the Pro-series: iPad Pro 12.9 (both generations), iPad Pro 10.5, iPad Pro 9.7 and, in fact, the hero of the occasion - the new iPad 6th generation. But Logitech Crayon works only with the latest model - the new iPad (2018). Perhaps it will be compatible with the next generation of cheap iPads, but so far there is no information even about the very fact of their appearance.
Availability
Unfortunately, buying a Logitech Crayon is not as easy as we would like. The priority for the company is educational institutions, and only after this market is saturated - the stylus may be in the public domain. The pen of the Cupertinians can be bought without any problems in any more or less serious store, real or online.
We have announced the price tags before, but let's say it again: Apple Pencil costs $ 100 and Logitech Crayon - $ 50.
As we can see, the comparison turned out to be interesting and ambiguous. And the Apple Pencil isn't always the clear favorite here. In favor of Logitech are the shockproof case, the ergonomic shape, the convenient port and, of course, the low price. In general, this device is clearly created in order to communicate with real barbarians ... oh, I mean, schoolchildren, but let's honestly admit, we are all sloppy sometimes, and there is no need to talk about pets that always climb wherever they ask. Its main drawback is the lack of pressure sensitivity and (even worse) - the absence of the stylus itself in free trade. We sincerely hope that the Logitech Crayon will be available in retail soon.
In favor of the pen, Apple speaks of its status, pressure sensitivity and longer battery life and ... perhaps that's all. In our subjective opinion, it makes sense to buy an Apple Pencil when you need a stylus quickly and without hassles with the purchase. and also if you plan to move to the Pro line in the future. In all other options, it is better to show a little patience and wait for the Logitech Crayon to appear in free trade.
It's easy to install Apple Pencil and start using the stylus!
Apple Pencil stylus makes iPad Pro really pro... With it, you can write and draw quickly and smoothly, and the sensors accurately detect the pressure and the angle of the tilt. All you have to do is install it and get started! Everything is incredibly simple, but if you want to study this issue before starting the practical part, full speed ahead!
How to connect Apple Pencil ToiPad Pro
To get started with Apple Pencil, you need to connect it to your iPad Pro. Only one Apple Pencil can be connected to one iPad Pro at a time.
If you want to use a different Apple Pencil with the same iPad Pro, simply repeat the same steps with the new stylus. Do the same if you want to use your Apple Pencil with another iPad Pro.
How to check the battery level on yourApple Pencil
The Apple Pencil does not have a battery indicator - for example, a light that goes from green to red to indicate a low battery. Instead, you need to check the stylus battery power on your iPad Pro.
How to charge your Apple Pencil with iPad Pro
If your Apple Pencil needs to be charged, all you have to do is reinsert it into iPad Pro.
You can also use the adapter that came with the Apple Pencil to plug into any standard Lightning cable.
15 seconds of charging will allow you to work for 30 minutes, but it will be more advisable to charge the device when no one is using it.
How to useApple Pencil
Apple Pencil looks like a real pencil, but there are differences.
- Use the tip of Apple Pencil to press down on icons, buttons, and other interface elements on your iPad Pro. (Note: Unlike a finger, the stylus does not have many motions and touches.)
- Touch the tip of your Apple Pencil to the iPad Pro screen and start writing a word or drawing a line.
- Press harder on the stylus to get a darker and wider line.
- To create shadows, adjust the angle of the stylus relative to the iPad Pro screen.
Since Apple Pencil does not support multi-touch (multi-tap) functionality, you can use your fingers to navigate as usual. Sometimes you can use both the stylus and your fingers at the same time. For example, tapping Notes with two fingers can bring up a ruler that helps you draw straight lines with a pencil.
The announced Apple Pencil for iPad Pro caused only bewilderment among some skeptical critics: how can a stylus be presented to the public in 2015? However, the developers from Apple had their own views on the use of this device, which were then shared by everyone else. This small overview of all the Apple Pencil chips will show that the new development from the guys from Silicon Valley is far from a stylus or even a pencil.
Create stunning designs with Apple Pencil and iPad Pro
The stylus is a stick that can be poked into the touch screen to control the interface. Steve Jobs warned against this a long time ago, stating that the graphical interface should be adapted for "poking" fingers. Apple Pencil, on the other hand, takes a different path - it is an extremely convenient interactive tool that has a wide range of capabilities and is not intended at all to simply press virtual buttons on your iPad.
Response speed
The main feature that the creators put in priority. Yes, various tools have already been created that allow you to be creative in the virtual space. But Apple's "pencil" is able to leave a mark much faster on paper, that is, on the screen.
The dots that the iPad display registers when using the Apple Pencil is twice as many as when you tap it with your finger. At the same time, the contact is scanned with a huge frequency: 240 times per second. For any professional, the absence of delays will be very important.
Pressure regulation
Another proof that you cannot equate a stylus, a finger and a device for the iPad Pro. You can only lightly draw a "pencil" over the display: then the drawn line will be barely noticeable. You can do it with effort: then you will see a thick stroke on the screen.
Sensors that determine the pressure, unlike the iPhone 6S / 7, are located not in the iPad, but in the "pencil" itself. This makes it possible to apply a much wider variety of effects,. The pen will draw exactly what you want it to be.
Slope matters
Sensors in the interactive pen and Multi-Touch display provide accurate tilt sensing. Thus, the footprint on the screen changes if you tilt the Apple Pencil slightly. Do shading: try to walk the Apple Pencil at different angles and get a different effect each time and, accordingly, a different pattern.
Push up as you like
There is no need to be afraid to "scratch" the screen with your palm and ruin the picture. After all, iPad Pro will distinguish between hand and interactive pen touches. Gloves are worn by professionals when using graphics tablets. Here, as you can see, this is not necessary.
Access to any creativity
Apple Pencil, for all its uniqueness, is a versatile tool. Even if you are an ardent conservative, the device will surprise you. Whatever technique you use to draw, the "pencil" can easily reproduce them.
Many professional artists have tried this gadget and are very happy with it. The resulting drawings were practically indistinguishable from those that were made using the traditional method on paper. And lets you try even more features and effects of Apple Pencil for iPad Pro.
Working hours
More prosaic characteristics of the device are also at their best. Charges Apple Pencil using the Lightning connector located at the tip of the device. To charge, you need to connect it to iPad. The working time is up to 12 hours. Also, the developers assure that 15 seconds of charging will be enough for 30 minutes of work. Yes, in practice a less impressive result is possible, but 12 hours is more than enough for labor.
How to connect Apple Pencil to iPad Pro? It connects to the iPad using Bluetooth 4.0. On the device itself, the charge level is not displayed in any way, but when connected, a corresponding widget will appear on the tablet screen, which will show how many percent is left until the battery runs out.
A few more characteristics for which you can fall in love with this device
- Ease. Apple Pencil is made of white plastic. It is very convenient to hold it in your hand also because it is quite lightweight. At the same time, the low weight did not affect the hardness in any way, which is confirmed by various crash tests.
- Minimalism. Everything here is in the style of Apple: a small oblong box, inside which the device itself, several instructions, an additional tip and an adapter for a standard Lightning wire.
- Dimensions. Apple Pencil is the same length as a regular pencil or pen. Therefore, you will have to get used to a new gadget much less.
Where to use Apple Pencil
Here are some apps that will help you to realize your creative potential in one way or another:
- Notes. The standard one perfectly supports this device. There are several modes available in Notes that you can use to draw with a pen, marker, or pencil. Of course, this application is not suitable for professional use, but as entertainment and for hone skills, it will do quite well.
- Procreate. This app has been specially adapted for the new iPad Pro. There is also a mode for the "pencil". Procreate 3 will allow you to create already much more valuable works of art than Notes.
- Astropad Graphics Tablet. The program makes a graphic tablet out of "iPad". With its help, in connection with a Mac, you can work with Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom and other popular editors.
- Paper. Paper from Fifty Three is already a full-fledged notebook, which is also fully adapted to the new device. With this application it will be very easy to make simple ones, create graphs, diagrams, drawings, presentations and much more.
- Adobe Comp. Several Adobe apps have been optimized specifically for the iPad Pro. In Adobe Comp you can work with various sketches, professional vector and bitmap graphics, easily create layouts and templates, and then import them into the "large" Adobe programs: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign.
Who is the Apple Pencil for?
Here it is worth facing the truth. At its price, and today it is seven and a half thousand rubles (and if we add to this the cost of the iPad Pro 12.9 "), you will not want to buy Apple Pencil as a toy. The interactive pen will be used by professionals for whom this price in exchange for such a high level of quality will not seem high. For entertainment, few people will allow themselves such a device.
Apple has re-established a common standard that is gradually coming into use. Apple Pencil is not a stylus, but a highly precise and convenient tool. It will be a matter of time until all the leaders in creative activity switch to it, and other companies start releasing something similar. And at the moment, a fairly large number of analogs have already appeared.
