I’ve given the 11” a good try, but it still feels small to me after coming from a 12.9”. It’s light to hold in my hands, but I miss the bigger screen of the 12.9” when using it. I love browsing the web and watching video on my 12.9”, plus there are some games that I prefer on the 12.9” screen too.
If I was coming straight from my 10.5”, it would have been great, but I can’t adjust after using the 12.9”. I feel that the 11” would remain a second iPad to me, so not worth the upgrade until my iPP 10.5” breaks.
I prefer the on screen keyboard on the 12.9 and always seem to press the wrong key to get to numbers or alternate keys on the 11”. I’ve also been trying the ASK on the 10.5” (same width as the 11”) and the Brydge Pro for the 12.9” and the Brydge Pro is a much better width and feels like my work laptop keyboard, so I make fewer mistakes on the larger one and it feels less cramped. I regretted getting the Brydge Pro as it’s awkward to attach and detach the iPad. It’s also heavy and I found that I don’t take it to the office, so I doubt that will change with the Magic Keyboard for the 12.9”, but I’ll enjoy the typing experience at home more and that is what matters. Since I only use my iPad at work during my lunch break and usually for consumption (reading news or forums) in that time, I’ll continue to take my 12.9” to work with just the Smart Cover and I’ll have the on screen keyboard for the limited typing I do at that time anyway.
It’s not all about the keyboard, even just using it as a tablet, I prefer the 12.9” for the majority of the time. I enjoy the 12.9” as a tablet in my recliner and even in bed, reading or watching video.
The times that I would prefer an 11”, like when sitting in a cafe or doctor’s waiting room are far less often and it doesn’t make sense for me to get the 11” based on those times that make up 5% of the time that I’m using the iPad. I can use my iPhone or iPP 10.5” in those situations.
It was worth a try to see how I’d go with the 11”, but I’d miss the bigger screen. Yes, I would have kept both sizes if I kept the 11” and then just upgrade the 12.9” less often. But this was about me trying to figure out which iPad I wanted to use as my main iPad. I will keep my 10.5” for those times that I need extra portability and want a tablet and perhaps replace that down the track when it’s no longer usable, but for now, it still goes great.
The decision has been made. I’m packing up the 11” to return it. Thanks for helping and listening everyone.