iPad Pro 11 or 12.9 Pro ?

[iAdamator]

I believe that if you think to use it "only" as a classic tablet (reading novels, browsing, watching movies, sometimes light work) and especially on the go better the 11". If you think to use it also as a laptop and want to exploit (even if only as a possibility) all the already present great potential and hopefully also future (next iPadOs) then better the 12.9" (the model I chose). PS Consider also your eye-sight, for myself sometimes was a bit difficult to read on the 11".

Thank you for the reply and your thoughts. Thank you actually to everyone in this thread who lets us all get our questions out and thoughts down regarding which iPad to buy. That being said, I wanted to get some more of my own thoughts out regarding this Decision.

I have owned 3 iPads, including the 9.7 Pro and the 10.5, which my new iPad, whatever size It may be, will be replacing. My usage has always been primarily consumption, browsing, and mostly entertainment. I got the Pro for the pencil support, as I love using the device with the pencil.

I have always intended to do more with my iPad but of course we know what they say about intentions. I’m married with 2 kids and I have a backlog of home videos I need to edit from various trips and events in our lives. Some of the videos I do for our trips to places like Disneyland are too complicated for something like LumaFusuion, so for those I will always use Premiere on my desktop. But for simpler videos, it would be fine to edit them on a iPad. As a way to catch up with some of this editing, if I do it on an iPad I of course don’t need to be stuck at my desk at home. I could edit at work on my break for example. I’ve honestly tried to convince myself several times before even this current decision, that if I had the bigger iPad I would do all this editing I keep talking about. But on the other hand, I could of did it with my 10.5.

My wife challenged me to edit a short video on both size iPads and see what I thought. I already did one on the 12.9 over the weekend and really enjoyed It. I was sitting back on the couch with the iPad on my outstretched legs and it was surprisingly comfortable. I found it great to have a keyboard with a Trackpad, not to mention shortcut keys. I found myself using a combo of the touchpad and Pencil depending on the task and I finished a 5 minute video in under 2 hours. I still need to make one with the smaller iPad 11.

But still, I don't want to base what size I get on what editing I MAY do on it. I want to choose it based on stuff I already do on an iPad And that may benefit from the bigger size.

I should mention I dont and have never used Mac computers, only PCs. I have ADell laptop up in a closet somewhere I haven’t used in years, probably ever since I got my first iPad and built myself a really good desktop PC. So whatever iPad I get, it’s not a laptop replacement. With the new Magic keyboard, I hope for it to enhance my iPad usage but an iPad for me will remain a tablet first with occasional laptop functionality second.

I purposely wrote this Post with the smaller iPad and I can just feel myself cramping up my fingers when I type so I don’t bumping anything.


Some more thoughts:

I don't actually do that much typing unless I am doing something like this, responding on a forum.

When I do type, I feel like I dont want To be compromised. However I could always just use my desktop if I need A full size keyboard that bad. But why spend $300 on a keyboard case that I am not using?

***

Today I feel myself leaning heavily towards the bigger one. My wife and I agree the extra cost isn’t that big of a deal, so I dont have that to worry about at least. The only actual downside to the bigger one is portability but once I get where I want to go, I have had no trouble using the bigger one even in tablet mode. I absolutely love that I can quickly pull it off the MK.

I feel in the end, I just don’t see myself saying “Oh darn, I have the bigger iPad.” Not to mention my wife does have an Air 3 if for some reason I need A smaller iPad that badly.

I am just getting my thoughts down so forgive me. I’m hoping to decide once and for all by the end of this week.

 

[millydog]

I actually prefer the 4:3 ratio of the 12.9” for everything but video. It gives extra height when the iPad is horizontal for viewing webpages, etc. Video is different in that modern video shows black bars, but that doesn’t bother me at all. I prefer that height for other things. Plus, when I’m watching YouTube, I watch the video in the corner while I scroll through comments below, so all of the screen is used anyway. It’s only if I watch a TV show or Movie that there are black bars on the screen. Not an issue at all for me. Just my own perspective.

 

[iAdamator]

I actually prefer the 4:3 ratio of the 12.9” for everything but video. It gives extra height when the iPad is horizontal for viewing webpages, etc. Video is different in that modern video shows black bars, but that doesn’t bother me at all. I prefer that height for other things. Plus, when I’m watching YouTube, I watch the video in the corner while I scroll through comments below, so all of the screen is used anyway. It’s only if I watch a TV show or Movie that there are black bars on the screen. Not an issue at all for me. Just my own perspective.

I hear ya. Trying the 11 for a week I got use to the wider display to the point where the 12.9 seemed odd to me when I began testing it out. But thinking about it more, it uses that space Better and 4:3 is what ALL iPads have been. The 11 is the ONLY iPad with that ratio and in the end, it kind of wastes it. Instead of trying to do 2 full size apps it just makes wider iPhone apps in split screen which in my option is kind of useless in the end.

I am a big home theater buff so if I watch anything on an iPad, its going to be some show I dont care all that Much about so bigger or smaller back bars wont really bother me.

 

[urbancity]

I have been thinking long and hard about the size of my next iPad Pro for the last two weeks. I really enjoy the portability and one-handholdability of the 11-inch, and at the same time I am envious of the screen real estate of the 12.9-inch, which is much desired when I am doing research, working on emails or writing reports for work.

Then it dawned on me today that I could connect the 11-inch to an external monitor. And I did just that - hooking it up to my 31.5-inch monitor - and it was fantastic. I think this is the best compromise: using the 11-inch for its portability, and connecting it to an external monitor for extended writing / researching sessions.

 

[millydog]

Agree with this in theory. In practice? I’m finding myself using it less as I used to an iPad, like reading in Apple Books for a few hours or reading through an article without the keyboard attached while sitting on the couch in Apple News or Reeder. Those activities seem more relegated to the iPhone now, which is cramped despite the max size for things like long ebook sessions.

It’s not the weight itself I’m finding uncomfortable for long stretches; it’s the distribution of said weight. The center of gravity is off just enough that I need to prop it up on something for it to be comfortable.

I think that you might want to consider the 12.9” with MK and a mini 5 for portability and reading books.
I have the 12.9” 2018, iPP 10.5” and mini 5. I had been considering consolidating to just an 11”, but I’d miss the bigger screen if I didn’t have the 12.9”, so I may continue to alternate upgrades between the 12.9” and the 11” (unless Apple release a 12” which I think would be perfect for me). I could also decide to stick with the 12.9” and mini combination going forward after my 10.5” breaks or becomes too slow.

 

[hipnetic]

How do you know humans have a significantly wider field of vision than 4:3 (since I did say “or similar”)? Is that an assumption or do you have supporting facts? Because the only info I could find after a quick search online was that it was between 4:3 and 3:2, or “it’s complicated”. But definitely didn’t see anything saying it’s 16:9 or wider, as you seem to be saying.

I know people have gotten used to wide screen now, but people can get used to anything, that doesn’t mean it’s innately superior. I agree if it happens, it would be a long way off, which is why I said distant future. Just a personal wish.

This may not answer your question, but it may be a fun rabbit hole for you (and/or others) to go down:

Your reply made me Google the word combination: "human field of view aspect ratio" and on the first page of results, the 3rd one is for a thread that I started on AVSForum.com way back on 5/7/2012 (just a few days over 8 years ago!). Here's the link:

What is the perfect aspect ratio for the human field of...

www.avsforum.com

 

[Arran]

Yes, but the Ratio
The 11" has a 10:7-Ratio (12,9 only 4:3)
With 10:7 the contents (movies with their black bars) are "larger" (despite the same display-size)
4:3 isnt up to date anymore...

Good point - I hadn't thought of that.

(But then again, I hardly ever watch movies on my iPad.)

 

[kamikazeeMC]

One week update with my 11”, not missing my desktop which had a 34” ultrawide, even went full send and got rid of it so this is my main now. I can only speak for myself, but imo you don’t have to go for the 12.9 if you want to use it as a replacement.

 

[subjonas]

This may not answer your question, but it may be a fun rabbit hole for you (and/or others) to go down:

Your reply made me Google the word combination: "human field of view aspect ratio" and on the first page of results, the 3rd one is for a thread that I started on AVSForum.com way back on 5/7/2012 (just a few days over 8 years ago!). Here's the link:

What is the perfect aspect ratio for the human field of...

www.avsforum.com

I saw that in my results too, but it was further down so I didn’t get to it. I just read through the thread (fairly quickly so I may have missed something), but all I saw was speculation, unscientific extrapolations, and claims without real evidence (whether in favor of 4:3 or 16:9 or other). I’m really just looking for precise scientific measurements or an official answer by a real authority. I wouldn’t trust “eyeballing” something like this, so to speak.
But based on initial search results, it doesn't seem like there is anything close to an “official” answer to this. That’s unfortunate, but then again I’m not too hung up on this.

 

[millydog]

I expect the 11” that I ordered to be delivered tomorrow. I realise that I am still flipping on whether I should keep it or not. It is exciting to get a new iPad and I had been wondering if I could make the 11” my main iPad as I value portability and I mostly use my iPads for consumption activities. I’d still have my 12.9” 2018 at home and would not upgrade it for some time if I choose to keep the 11”. The reason for initially ordering the 11” now instead of next year was to pick the MK for the 11” instead of the 12.9” for portability, but I’ve been undecided on that too. I have a MacBook Pro 15” at home, so I thought it might make more sense to get it for the 11” as I’d be more portable with the 11” and MK than with the 12.9 and MK, I’d end up leaving the 12.9” MK at home.
So my husband has now said that if I keep the 11” then I am making the decision to stick with the 11” going forward and I won’t be upgrading my 12.9”. Logically, I know he’s right, I should make the decision one way or the other. If I then want to upgrade the 12.9” again down the track, I’d need to stretch my upgrades out first and not have upgraded the 11” for around 4 years.
If I chose to keep the 11”, then I will also get the MK for the 11”. Otherwise, I’ll get the MK for the 12.9” and I’ll end up taking the 12.9 with me out and about. But picking the 11” means that I won’t be able to upgrade my 12.9” for some time to come..as my husband wants me to pick either the 11” or the 12.9” for my upgrade path to stick to, not alternate like I was wanting to. I’m finding it hard to decide.
I wonder which is heavier, the 11” with MK or the 12.9” with Smart Folio (non Keyboard).

 

[jaybar]

I expect the 11” that I ordered to be delivered tomorrow. I realise that I am still flipping on whether I should keep it or not. It is exciting to get a new iPad and I had been wondering if I could make the 11” my main iPad as I value portability and I mostly use my iPads for consumption activities. I’d still have my 12.9” 2018 at home and would not upgrade it for some time if I choose to keep the 11”. The reason for initially ordering the 11” now instead of next year was to pick the MK for the 11” instead of the 12.9” for portability, but I’ve been undecided on that too. I have a MacBook Pro 15” at home, so I thought it might make more sense to get it for the 11” as I’d be more portable with the 11” and MK than with the 12.9 and MK, I’d end up leaving the 12.9” MK at home.
So my husband has now said that if I keep the 11” then I am making the decision to stick with the 11” going forward and I won’t be upgrading my 12.9”. Logically, I know he’s right, I should make the decision one way or the other. If I then want to upgrade the 12.9” again down the track, I’d need to stretch my upgrades out first and not have upgraded the 11” for around 4 years.
If I chose to keep the 11”, then I will also get the MK for the 11”. Otherwise, I’ll get the MK for the 12.9” and I’ll end up taking the 12.9 with me out and about. But picking the 11” means that I won’t be able to upgrade my 12.9” for some time to come..as my husband wants me to pick either the 11” or the 12.9” for my upgrade path to stick to, not alternate like I was wanting to. I’m finding it hard to decide.
I wonder which is heavier, the 11” with MK or the 12.9” with Smart Folio (non Keyboard).

I can’t believe the nature of many of these posts. People are agonizing over their choices as if they are facing high risk heart surgery! It is only a device—albeit an expensive one. There is no perfect decision.

I purchased the 12.9 in 2018. Found it awkward to use in bed. Purchased the 11 inch IPP in 2019. Found it more comfortable, but cramped. I found myself using the smaller IPP less than the larger one, even though it was more comfortable and easier to hold. My vision issues probably had something to do eith that and made the larger one the better alternative. Since I hardly take my iPad out from home, I never saw lack of portability as a major issue. On the rare occasions, I take if out, I have a purposely designed leather iPad cross body shoulder bag from SFbags, which makes outside Cary-very easy.

I purchased the MK I don’t know how often I will use it as a keyboard. I see myself using it more as a dock, where I can easily remove the iPad when in bed. If I use it more often as a keyboard then so much the better. I had the folio keyboard and hated it. Having gray keys without back lighting was a major issue for me.

In the final analysis, I have no idea if I will grow accustomed to the larger iPad or how I will ultimately interact with the keyboard. I have taken as many steps as I can reasonably take, given disability issues, to make this a positive experience and if it proves not to be, then I will Move on and learn. There is no perfect choice.

 

[millydog]

I can’t believe the nature of many of these posts. People are agonizing over their choices as if they are facing high risk heart surgery! It is only a device—albeit an expensive one. There is no perfect decision.

I purchased the 12.9 in 2018. Found it awkward to use in bed. Purchased the 11 inch IPP in 2019. Found it more comfortable, but cramped. I found myself using the smaller IPP less than the larger one, even though it was more comfortable and easier to hold. My vision issues probably had something to do eith that and made the larger one the better alternative. Since I hardly take my iPad out from home, I never saw lack of portability as a major issue. On the rare occasions, I take if out, I have a purposely designed leather iPad cross body shoulder bag from SFbags, which makes outside Cary-very easy.

I purchased the MK I don’t know how often I will use it as a keyboard. I see myself using it more as a dock, where I can easily remove the iPad when in bed. If I use it more often as a keyboard then so much the better. I had the folio keyboard and hated it. Having gray keys without back lighting was a major issue for me.

In the final analysis, I have no idea if I will grow accustomed to the larger iPad or how I will ultimately interact with the keyboard. I have taken as many steps as I can reasonably take, given disability issues, to make this a positive experience and if it proves not to be, then I will Move on and learn. There is no perfect choice.

Yeah, you are right. I know myself it’s a first world issue and while I’m worrying about something as trivial as this, there are worse things that I could be worried about and I consider myself lucky. On the other hand, I have crippling rheumatoid arthritis and had both of my knees replaced at age 40 because I was wheelchair bound, so I’m not without issues and this is a welcome worry in my life. It can be nice to only have trivial issues to worry about like iPad sizes.
Now I’m only wanting to decide on the right device size as my husband doesn’t want me to change my mind after I’ve purchased and used one, like a month later when I can’t return it. Last week, I had ordered the 11” and it should arrive tomorrow. In the mean-time, I have seen a number of posts where people with the 11” are now switching to 12.9” after getting the MK for the 11”, so it makes me think that maybe I should just return the 11” and not even open it and be tempted. I’m only trying to make the right decision that will see myself not having regrets.

 

[Ghost31]

Yeah, you are right. I know myself it’s a first world issue and while I’m worrying about something as trivial as this, there are worse things that I could be worried about and I consider myself lucky. On the other hand, I have crippling rheumatoid arthritis and had both of my knees replaced at age 40 because I was wheelchair bound, so I’m not without issues and this is a welcome worry in my life. It can be nice to only have trivial issues to worry about like iPad sizes.
Now I’m only wanting to decide on the right device size as my husband doesn’t want me to change my mind after I’ve purchased and used one, like a month later when I can’t return it. Last week, I had ordered the 11” and it should arrive tomorrow. In the mean-time, I have seen a number of posts where people with the 11” are now switching to 12.9” after getting the MK for the 11”, so it makes me think that maybe I should just return the 11” and not even open it and be tempted. I’m only trying to make the right decision that will see myself not having regrets.

I just came across this video I thought you might like. One thing that stood out was about 12 minutes in when he goes to YouTube videos on both sizes and remarks that because of the aspect ratio, the video isn’t that much bigger on the 12.9 than the 11. The 11 displays video a bit better.

ive had both sizes and went from 12.9 down to 11 for a lot of reasons, but one being that I didn’t feel anything was compromised moving down and everything gained. I’m able to use my iPad SO much more now.

 

[blaugrana69]

Went with the 12.9 ultimately after much indecision. No regrets having been using it for a couple of weeks, particularly with the Apple Magic Keyboard at my desk at home where I’m likely going to be spending a fair amount of time this year.
However a definite factor in my decision was that I’ve retained my 2016 9.7 iPad Pro for a bit of extra “portability” should I ever specifically need it - it will also be my main travel device (when the possibility of that returns) replacing an iPad Mini 4 which I have now sold.

 

[millydog]

I just came across this video I thought you might like. One thing that stood out was about 12 minutes in when he goes to YouTube videos on both sizes and remarks that because of the aspect ratio, the video isn’t that much bigger on the 12.9 than the 11. The 11 displays video a bit better.

ive had both sizes and went from 12.9 down to 11 for a lot of reasons, but one being that I didn’t feel anything was compromised moving down and everything gained. I’m able to use my iPad SO much more now.

Thanks for the video link. I had seen that one recently, but just watched it again. The video makes me feel like the size difference is not that great when I see them side by side like that, yet I feel that web pages and apps look a bit better for the 12.9”. I think that I am leaning towards the 12.9” and I do have my other iPads for portability for when I am going to places other than work or home.

 

[millydog]

Went with the 12.9 ultimately after much indecision. No regrets having been using it for a couple of weeks, particularly with the Apple Magic Keyboard at my desk at home where I’m likely going to be spending a fair amount of time this year.
However a definite factor in my decision was that I’ve retained my 2016 9.7 iPad Pro for a bit of extra “portability” should I ever specifically need it - it will also be my main travel device (when the possibility of that returns) replacing an iPad Mini 4 which I have now sold.

Before having to work from home, my plan was to upgrade to the 11” for more portability, but I did put that off due to having to work from home as the 12.9” is great at home. But then the MK came out and I wondered if I would upgrade to the 11” next release and therefore want the MK for the 11”. At it’s price, I don’t (or rather my husband doesn’t want me to) buy it for both size iPads.

I think that after all of this indecisiveness, I will stick to my 12.9” 2018 and get the MK for it. I just need to be strong tomorrow when the 11” is delivered and not open it, then click the issue return button, print it out and take it to the post office before I am tempted to open it. It will be a more worth while upgrade next year, right.

 

[Ghost31]

Before having to work from home, my plan was to upgrade to the 11” for more portability, but I did put that off due to having to work from home as the 12.9” is great at home. But then the MK came out and I wondered if I would upgrade to the 11” next release and therefore want the MK for the 11”. At it’s price, I don’t (or rather my husband doesn’t want me to) buy it for both size iPads.

I think that after all of this indecisiveness, I will stick to my 12.9” 2018 and get the MK for it. I just need to be strong tomorrow when the 11” is delivered and not open it, then click the issue return button, print it out and take it to the post office before I am tempted to open it. It will be a more worth while upgrade next year, right.

Open it. I double dare you

 

[millydog]

Open it. I double dare you

Hehe..are you giving me a excuse to open it?
It might make my decision harder or it could solve all of my problems.

 

[rkuo]

Hehe..are you giving me a excuse to open it?
It might make my decision harder or it could solve all of my problems.

The amount of waffling you are doing is really over the top. You’ve ordered it, it will be there. Take advantage of Apple’s generous return policies and figure out which one you like hands on. You’re like someone trying to learn how to play tennis by reading a book. If you like one more than the other, that’s a good thing ... then your decision will be made.

 

[ericwn]

Yes, but the Ratio
The 11" has a 10:7-Ratio (12,9 only 4:3)
With 10:7 the contents (movies with their black bars) are "larger" (despite the same display-size)
4:3 isnt up to date anymore...

Let’s just say that watching movies is maybe a lower priority on a tablet marketed as a content creation device. Not impossible but it’s generally nicer for productivity and versatility to have a screen ratio that’s a bit more square rather than movie-like.

 

[0128672]

I'm baffled why you wouldn't want to open it and try it. With Apple returns (and Best Buy) you can return opened boxes. Did you buy this from a seller that charges a restocking fee? I say open it, try it, enjoy it and it will add to your confidence about your decision between the two devices. It's the best way to know for sure.

 

[ericwn]

Before having to work from home, my plan was to upgrade to the 11” for more portability, but I did put that off due to having to work from home as the 12.9” is great at home. But then the MK came out and I wondered if I would upgrade to the 11” next release and therefore want the MK for the 11”. At it’s price, I don’t (or rather my husband doesn’t want me to) buy it for both size iPads.

I think that after all of this indecisiveness, I will stick to my 12.9” 2018 and get the MK for it. I just need to be strong tomorrow when the 11” is delivered and not open it, then click the issue return button, print it out and take it to the post office before I am tempted to open it. It will be a more worth while upgrade next year, right.

If you buy from Apple you usually have a two week return period in which it’s fine to test and use the device. This might be different in other countries of course but that’s why they offer this option, so that you can make your own decision right away.

 

[hipnetic]

I saw that in my results too, but it was further down so I didn’t get to it. I just read through the thread (fairly quickly so I may have missed something), but all I saw was speculation, unscientific extrapolations, and claims without real evidence (whether in favor of 4:3 or 16:9 or other). I’m really just looking for precise scientific measurements or an official answer by a real authority. I wouldn’t trust “eyeballing” something like this, so to speak.
But based on initial search results, it doesn't seem like there is anything close to an “official” answer to this. That’s unfortunate, but then again I’m not too hung up on this.

Yeah, I'm surprised that there isn't a more definitive answer online, either, but there are a lot of factors at play. The human field of vision isn't rectangular, as you can imagine it's more oblong. Vision in the perimeter isn't as sharp as in the middle. Eyes can move (without moving your head) while much of the info I've found online seem to cite studies/measurements where the eyes are not moving (useful, but not the full picture). And there is also info which suggests that moving your head up is more uncomfortable than in the other directions. So I'm sure all of that plays a role. Still, what I did find suggests a wider field of view than 4:3. Is it a *LOT* wider like 2.35:1, or closer to 16:9? From what I've read, it seems to be closer to 16:9.

All of this is useful info for discussing the "ideal" aspect ratio for movies, but it ultimately doesn't matter much, because they've been making movies for a long while now, and they've always been wider than 4:3. Only early television was 4:3. And a *LOT* of early movies were wider than 16:9, and they continue to make a *LOT* of movies wider than 16:9. If someone some day decided that the next "new" thing would be to start making more content in a narrower aspect ratio (e.g., 4:3) it will be a *LONG* ways away before more than 50% of the content would be in that new aspect ratio. Whatever iPad you purchase today would be outdated by the time that ever happened.

So you need to make your purchase decisions based on what you plan to do with it today. If you plan to watch a *LOT* of movies on your iPad, the aspect ratio of the 11" model has definite advantages, comes at a lower cost, and is more portable.

Having said all of that, I personally would never make the decision of purchasing an 11" vs a 12.9" based on the aspect ratio for movie watching. I have a front projector and a very large screen, and the only time I would have any interest in watching a movie on an iPad (even a "big" one like the 12.9") is if I was on a plane or train. And, even then, I'd prefer to be surfing the web or doing something else. I would imagine that most people who are shelling out top dollar for an iPad Pro (vs a basic iPad) are doing it primarily for the other things that the iPad Pros offer, and are likely considering the 12.9" over the 11" because of the added screen real estate for more productive purposes, rather than to maximize their movie watching experience (which, as has been noted, would actually provide a smaller movie image than the 11" much of the time).

 

[subjonas]

Yeah, I'm surprised that there isn't a more definitive answer online, either, but there are a lot of factors at play. The human field of vision isn't rectangular, as you can imagine it's more oblong. Vision in the perimeter isn't as sharp as in the middle. Eyes can move (without moving your head) while much of the info I've found online seem to cite studies/measurements where the eyes are not moving (useful, but not the full picture). And there is also info which suggests that moving your head up is more uncomfortable than in the other directions. So I'm sure all of that plays a role. Still, what I did find suggests a wider field of view than 4:3. Is it a *LOT* wider like 2.35:1, or closer to 16:9? From what I've read, it seems to be closer to 16:9.

All of this is useful info for discussing the "ideal" aspect ratio for movies, but it ultimately doesn't matter much, because they've been making movies for a long while now, and they've always been wider than 4:3. Only early television was 4:3. And a *LOT* of early movies were wider than 16:9, and they continue to make a *LOT* of movies wider than 16:9. If someone some day decided that the next "new" thing would be to start making more content in a narrower aspect ratio (e.g., 4:3) it will be a *LONG* ways away before more than 50% of the content would be in that new aspect ratio. Whatever iPad you purchase today would be outdated by the time that ever happened.

So you need to make your purchase decisions based on what you plan to do with it today. If you plan to watch a *LOT* of movies on your iPad, the aspect ratio of the 11" model has definite advantages, comes at a lower cost, and is more portable.

Having said all of that, I personally would never make the decision of purchasing an 11" vs a 12.9" based on the aspect ratio for movie watching. I have a front projector and a very large screen, and the only time I would have any interest in watching a movie on an iPad (even a "big" one like the 12.9") is if I was on a plane or train. And, even then, I'd prefer to be surfing the web or doing something else. I would imagine that most people who are shelling out top dollar for an iPad Pro (vs a basic iPad) are doing it primarily for the other things that the iPad Pros offer, and are likely considering the 12.9" over the 11" because of the added screen real estate for more productive purposes, rather than to maximize their movie watching experience (which, as has been noted, would actually provide a smaller movie image than the 11" much of the time).

Again, without any proper data to cite, I can’t agree with the conclusions you’re making. Especially when the unbiased, somewhat authoritative data I have seen seems to point toward 4:3. According to a combination of info I saw on an optometry site and a science paper (links below), normal field of vision is 180 degrees horizontally and 135 degrees vertically. I’m not a scientist so I can’t say if that translates over exactly, but if one divides those numbers, it very coincidentally comes out to exactly 4:3. Or maybe that’s not a coincidence since that was the original predominant aspect ratio for movies, tv, and still to this day photographs.

FYI movies were 4:3 for about 60 years before moving to wider aspect ratios to distinguish themselves from tv to attract more moviegoers. It was done as a marketing tactic. TVs remained 4:3 until relatively recently, in 1996 when it moved to 16:9 to try to accommodate both 4:3 content and wider AR movies. (Cited link below)

So getting back to it, the argument that widescreen movies are superior because it better fits of our natural field of vision still holds no water for me. If anything, it seems to be a reason for 4:3. But until I find more conclusive data, I reserve judgement.

My wish for 4:3 (or similar) movies doesn’t have anything to do with choosing the 12.9” or 11”. Either aspect ratio would work since they are similar. It’s about going back to a unified aspect ratio that works well for as many types of content as possible. And again, I know my wish won’t happen any time soon if ever.

Also why would the 12.9” ever produce a smaller picture than the 11”? The 12.9 is bigger in every dimension.

Links:

Chadwick Optical: Optical Technology and Vision Solution Experts

Welcome to Chadwick Optical. We are a team of optical experts who really know our stuff when it comes to addressing vision problems.

chadwickoptical.com

Visual Fields - Clinical Methods - NCBI Bookshelf

A Brief History of Aspect Ratios, aka Screen Proportions

www.scientificamerican.com

 

[Jára Tyky]

Hehe..are you giving me a excuse to open it?
It might make my decision harder or it could solve all of my problems.

I have returned 12.9” after 2 weeks for 11”. After 1 week I went to return it back for 12.9”. It is not on stock so I have 11” already for 1 month and still waiting (the Apple guy allowed me to return it later). But as I am waiting.. I am still not sure ?
So, you will never know ??