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iPad Pro 11 or 12.9 Pro ?
- Thread starter George Dawes
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I had the 13“ MBP and I am getting the 16“ tomorrow. I wanted to have a clear separation of tasks between my devices. My iPad Pro 12,9“ will be my on the go device and I will also use it on the couch and on the bed. The 16“ MBP will be used when doing heavy duty work that is just not possible on an iPad and my iMac is for when I am working from my desk. Overkill? Maybe, but I love technology, so I would say that if you can afford it, go for it.
Me. I have both. My MBP sits in my office at home and my 12.9 I use when watching TV or in bed. I did have the 11 but prefer the 12.9.
Cool. The biggest issue in my mind is using it in bed (12.9). It works, just bigger. Need to get used to it?
Yes, definitely. If you use it naked it does feel fine in the bed.
it’s hard to capture on photo, but looking and using both today, what I think I realize is that the 12.9 doesn’t require as steep of a tilt to have a proper viewing angle compared to the 11”, and it’s only at the steepest angles where you run into issues with it hitting the iPad. in practice, I find the 12.9 to require a few degrees less tilt for proper viewing when compared to the 11.
You really hold the 12.9” in vertical position with one hand easily? lol
Buts it’s quite easy with the 11”
The 12.9” is better if you keep in docked in laptop mode with a keyboard
I have been on a Apple device roller coaster this year. As far as iPads go, I switched from the 11 to the 12.9, and just today back to the 11. I think which device you prefer depends so much on the other devices you already own and ENJOY using.
I went all in with the iPad Pro 12.9 as my only computer for work. I am a speech-language pathologist at a school, and I orginally used the 11' model. The versatility of the iPad with the pencil for session notes and PDF annotation, the keyboard case for quick documentation, the versatility of the apps for different tasks, and the portability of the device have made using an iPad essential to my workflow. I also genuinely love using it. To access certain network functions I'm required to use a PC at work, so some of the more demanding documentation that goes with my job is typically completed on the PC, but the iPad being used for 95% of my workload led me to the impression that I could do my job without a computer, iPad only.
With COVID-19 and school closures, I have had to adjust to working from home. With the release of the Magic Keyboard for iPad and trackpad support, I finally literally went all in. I sold my iPad 11 and bought a refurbished 2018 12.9 with the magic keyboard. I immediately ran into problems. Working from home placed new demands. I needed to toggle up to a dozen tabs at a time (memory management of iOS leads to constant reloading, losing my place), participate in zoom/google meet conference calls (the iPad cannot multitask well and simultaneously use the front camera), and wanted to take advantage of an external display (iPad just doesn't have real support for this and proper window management). The other shortcomings (still inadequate browser support for some important requirements of my job, inconsistent trackpad/keyboard support with apps and webpages, awful google suite apps for iPad/inconsistent browser support with same suite on safari) combined to make it untenable. I wasn't enjoying the workflow, and the size of the iPad made me enjoy reading ebooks and news/magazines a little bit less fun (iPad 12.9 is awkward when lying down).
I returned everything, bought a like-new 2018 iPad 11 (actually got a cellular version this time for the same price I sold my last 11), and a new MacBook Air for nearly the same price as my previous setup. For my job, the iPad isn't there yet as a computer replacement. But together with a Mac, it's the perfect coupling. And for my use, the 11 iPad is the most fun and beloved electronic device I've ever owned.
I went all in with the iPad Pro 12.9 as my only computer for work. I am a speech-language pathologist at a school, and I orginally used the 11' model. The versatility of the iPad with the pencil for session notes and PDF annotation, the keyboard case for quick documentation, the versatility of the apps for different tasks, and the portability of the device have made using an iPad essential to my workflow. I also genuinely love using it. To access certain network functions I'm required to use a PC at work, so some of the more demanding documentation that goes with my job is typically completed on the PC, but the iPad being used for 95% of my workload led me to the impression that I could do my job without a computer, iPad only.
With COVID-19 and school closures, I have had to adjust to working from home. With the release of the Magic Keyboard for iPad and trackpad support, I finally literally went all in. I sold my iPad 11 and bought a refurbished 2018 12.9 with the magic keyboard. I immediately ran into problems. Working from home placed new demands. I needed to toggle up to a dozen tabs at a time (memory management of iOS leads to constant reloading, losing my place), participate in zoom/google meet conference calls (the iPad cannot multitask well and simultaneously use the front camera), and wanted to take advantage of an external display (iPad just doesn't have real support for this and proper window management). The other shortcomings (still inadequate browser support for some important requirements of my job, inconsistent trackpad/keyboard support with apps and webpages, awful google suite apps for iPad/inconsistent browser support with same suite on safari) combined to make it untenable. I wasn't enjoying the workflow, and the size of the iPad made me enjoy reading ebooks and news/magazines a little bit less fun (iPad 12.9 is awkward when lying down).
I returned everything, bought a like-new 2018 iPad 11 (actually got a cellular version this time for the same price I sold my last 11), and a new MacBook Air for nearly the same price as my previous setup. For my job, the iPad isn't there yet as a computer replacement. But together with a Mac, it's the perfect coupling. And for my use, the 11 iPad is the most fun and beloved electronic device I've ever owned.
I considered selling my 2016 13" MBP and going all in with the 12.9". However, I still have files and projects on my Mac that I need to consolidate and it's always good to have a "full OS". I decided to get the smaller 11" iPad Pro to have an portable device that didn't compete in size with my laptop. I got a 2018 on discount which I believe is future proof enough to start my journey into the iPad-only life.
At the moment i have the 2015 Macbook Pro 13" and the 2018 iPad Pro 11".
I'm now buying the 2020 iPad Pro 12.9" and the new Magic Keyboard to replace both.
I already used the iPad Pro all the time and the macbook only once in a while.
I've waited until now because i wanted to see the new MBP 14" but this didn't happen.
So having the best of both world in one device is all i ever wanted.
All the things which are missing on the new Macbook Pro (13" and 16") like 120Hz, Face ID and ARM Chip are already on the iPad Pro, for me it would feel like taking a step backwards to buy a MBP now.
I'm now buying the 2020 iPad Pro 12.9" and the new Magic Keyboard to replace both.
I already used the iPad Pro all the time and the macbook only once in a while.
I've waited until now because i wanted to see the new MBP 14" but this didn't happen.
So having the best of both world in one device is all i ever wanted.
All the things which are missing on the new Macbook Pro (13" and 16") like 120Hz, Face ID and ARM Chip are already on the iPad Pro, for me it would feel like taking a step backwards to buy a MBP now.
As usual there is no wrong or right. Do you have a use case for both? Get them.
Just like to buy some new gear? Treat yourself, get them.
Want to just try them out to see what it’s like? Get them and enjoy the two weeks return period and use the hell out of them.
So I have been using the 12.9 2020 iPad Pro (first iPad since iPad 2) for a few weeks now. I have also been using the magic keyboard for 14 days with it. I love the keyboard and the flexibility this device brings but sometimes I can’t help but wonder if the 11" would have been even better for me. I keep reading this thread, keep watching comparison videos but I simply can’t make my mind up. To me the iPad is a work + entertainment device (I don’t play games on it).
At home the 12.9 has been pretty awesome, though I sometimes feel that when using it in tablet mode sitting on the couch it is a bit big to handle. But I am more worried about “after corona” times. The 11" seems to be so much more portable.
The only way to truly answer this question for myself would be to get another iPad in 11" with the magic keyboard and I just can’t see myself doing that.
At home the 12.9 has been pretty awesome, though I sometimes feel that when using it in tablet mode sitting on the couch it is a bit big to handle. But I am more worried about “after corona” times. The 11" seems to be so much more portable.
The only way to truly answer this question for myself would be to get another iPad in 11" with the magic keyboard and I just can’t see myself doing that.
Finding the 11” great and not like I’m claustrophobic of the space. I do a lot of web browsing, found the default 100% page scale a little big, have it set to 85% and it’s perfect. Reserving final judgement when my Pencil comes in, but when I work on paper, I work in a small area, so this should be more that enough, plus I get the ability to zoom in and out.
Been using it on the bed and couch, laying on my side, stomach, sitting down with it in front or on my lap and resting on my forearm holding with one hand. For me this has been perfectly comfortable!
Been using it on the bed and couch, laying on my side, stomach, sitting down with it in front or on my lap and resting on my forearm holding with one hand. For me this has been perfectly comfortable!
dude I’ve been right where you are. Had the first iPad Pro 12.9 and even though I was mesmerized by how big it was, I was always thinking “man this thing is just a tad big. I can’t actually hold it!” But I kept going on with the bigger is better idea and telling myself to shut up about my complaints. Even got the 201712.9since it got the promotion display. And after using it for a bit, I finally decided nope. I’m done. I realized I think way too much about using it and how I’m positioning it and that there were times when I would sit and think “do I really wanna take that big ol thing out of my bag and read on it? Go through all that trouble?”
so I stepped down to a 10.5 pro and couldn’t be happier. I found I used it WAY more often and my experience wasn’t compromised by the smaller size at all. Then I got the 11inch when it came out and it was like pure perfection. There was no weird adjustments I had to make when using on the couch or 2nd thoughts about “should I take it out or just use my phone”. No I just pick it up and use it. I use my iPad way more often now. Even just at home. I don’t think twice about just picking it up and going from the bed to the couch or even the bathroom
This is also me. I have the 12.9” 2018 and iPad Pro 10.5” though and I’ve had the Magic Keyboard on order for the 12.9. But I’ve been considering for some time that my use cases suit an 11” better. I keep using the 12.9” now since we are at home due to covid, but I’m also trying to think ahead to when things return to normal.
If Apple release XCode for the iPad in June, I might change my mind again, but I am now considering that when I’m in the office, I prefer my 10.5. It’s smaller and lighter to take in and takes up less room on my desk. I like to take my iPad everywhere. I use it for consumption most of the time and games. The 12.9 is also great at this, but now I’ve realised that I wouldn’t like carrying the 12.9 & MK to work together. I haven’t liked taking the Brydge with it and the MK will be the same weight. So the MK would stay home and I’d just take the 12.9 again (or 10.5 as I tend to alternate). I have a 15” MacBook Pro (2019) at home anyway, so for longer typing sessions, I already have that.
So then I’ve been considering that when covid is all over, I’d prefer the 11” with MK & Smart Cover (non Keyboard) as my portable. I have been constantly thinking about this and it has been weighing on my mind as I only want to buy the MK once at its price and have it last me 4-5 years. The trouble is that I then use my 12.9 again and think how great the screen is and I think that I should stick to it. Then I get on here and see how many have the 12.9 or upgraded from the 11” to the 12.9” this year and it has me wanting to do the same. Lol
Anyway, I’m going to cancel my MK order for the 12.9” again and just wait. I still have my 10.5” for portability now and will wait for the 3rd gen of the 11” (2021?) and keep my 12.9” for at home when I want the larger screen...at least that’s my thought for today. I do keep changing my mind on this and that’s why I think I should just hold off on the MK for now.
The work + entertainment combined function can be a conflict if you like big for one and small for the other. Also depends how much you do of each, how important each is to you, what other devices you can use, etc.
As it seems you’ve realized, reading up and watching videos of other people’s opinions really can’t do much in the way of helping you decide, because it’s almost 100% a matter of personal taste and needs. There’s only a couple specific bits of objective info one should know—exact dimensions and weight, iPhone layout or full iPad layout apps in 50/50 split screen, and I guess fingers might hit the bottom of the screen more on the 11” when typing on the magic keyboard. Not sure if there’s any more.
I agree with you, if you‘re having trouble deciding, the only way to answer the question is to try both. If you have the spare funds, you could order the 11” and mk and return it, but that does seem a little wasteful if you’re not even leaning toward keeping it. If stores were open you could get your hands on it. But just as far as how it feels to handle and carry around, I’ve seen an interesting suggestion of making or getting ahold of a dummy iPad, maybe made of dense wood to try to match the weight. It’s a little extreme, but if one has access to such materials and is so inclined...
...following up on that last reply, I'll also just point out (again) that the iPad mini is yet another option, if you are looking for a *supplement* to a MacBook, rather than a *replacement* for it. The 11" will put a lot less strain on your wrist, compared to the 12.9", when holding it for a while. The mini vs 11" will take that to another level.
That's exactly what I did. Great screen size jump with not much size increase.
As someone who upgrade from a 9.7 IPP to an 11 after returning a 12.9 I could not disagree more.
And that is why everyone is entitled to a subjective opinion. Only you and every on this board knows their workflow the best. To assume others do is simply not the case. All of us try different things and it works, others options not so much. The 12.9“ is going to be massive and huge to some. Others, not so much, thinking that it is not enough especially if they have dealt with either a 16-, 17-, or 18-inch laptop. It’s all a matter of perspective.
I fall squarely in that camp. Well, except I use a 12.9 ipp as my laptop. But regardless, I much prefer an ipad mini as my supplemental dedicated consumption device. The bigger iPads, to me, overlap too much in function with my existing productivity device, and are just not nearly as much of a pleasure to use for long periods. Personally, I wouldn’t want to deal with anything bigger than my iPad mini for ereading, browsing, and short videos. It’s even perfectly fine watching shows/movies very casually. For more “serious”/dedicated viewing, I prefer sitting on my couch watching my tv anyway. But that may not be the case for everyone.
My 11-inch iPad Pro Experiment
If you’re in the market for an iPad Pro, choosing the ideal model size is not easy. It used to be simpler, back when the big option was made bigger by its bezels, and the small option had a significantly smaller display. I’ve used a 12.9-inch iPad Pro as my primary computer for five years,
www.macstories.net
My 11-inch iPad Pro Experiment
If you’re in the market for an iPad Pro, choosing the ideal model size is not easy. It used to be simpler, back when the big option was made bigger by its bezels, and the small option had a significantly smaller display. I’ve used a 12.9-inch iPad Pro as my primary computer for five years,
Interesting read. I was especially interested in the tablet section. Basically it turned out that he does not want to use the iPad as a tablet. He wants to use it as a sort of laptop replacement with a keyboard. In general I agree with him for the most part. Out of the things he mentioned for tablet usage the only ones where I kind of used the iPad as tablet is for ebooks and Apple Pencil usage. For the rest I completely agree with him which is why I never needed tablet as consumption device.
For me I choose the 11 inch for the portability. I did used to bring the iPad everyday with me for work while keeping the company laptop only in the office. Now I am working from home so portability currently is not an issue, but it will be the moment I start going to the office.