iPad Pro 11 or 12.9 Pro ?

[MisterSavage]

Good advice! I would also add something specific (that is not relevant for anyone but for people like me). Face ID is really difficult for me to make it work on 11 inch tablet let alone on 12.9 inch. I do not have the strength in my hands to hold the device the way it has to be for Face ID to work. So if people have concerns about this they should consider the screen size as a factor.

You would really benefit from two items I use all the time. When my iPad is on the kitchen counter I use a $10 tablet stand. When I'm sitting down I use a Flippy tablet pillow to prop up the iPad. Both of them are at the perfect angle for Face ID and no grip strength is required.

Well, it’s a year later, and I am more than happy with my choice of going with the 11” iPad Pro. I travel a lot, and it just was the perfect size for that as well as doing serious work on.

I'm still pleased as punch with my 11" also. I can't believe after 110 pages of debate there are still people that proclaim one size is the best for anyone.

 

[ssledoux]

When I ready on my iPad, I do it in landscape orientation with one page on each side--just like an open book. To me, when I read, the 12.9" feels like a large paperback or maybe and average sized hardback book. I either prop it up on a pillow or just hold it. Without all the keyboard and covering attached it's really not hard for me to use that way.

It's roughly the size of a clipboard or a piece of computer paper. Yes, I know both of those objects are much lighter than an iPad Pro, but just size-wise, that's a good way to think about it. It's noticeably bigger than the 11", but with all that bezel gone from the top and bottom, it's no longer ridiculously big like the first 2 generations seemed to be.

I had those first two 12.9 iPads. When I got the pro, I went for the 11”. Honestly if I wouldn’t have kept the keyboard folio on it, I probably would’ve though the size was perfect. I’m just afraid to get the 12.9 and be unhappy with the size. It’s so much more of a pain to return to ATT than Apple.

 

[SurferJoes]

I had those first two 12.9 iPads. When I got the pro, I went for the 11”. Honestly if I wouldn’t have kept the keyboard folio on it, I probably would’ve though the size was perfect. I’m just afraid to get the 12.9 and be unhappy with the size. It’s so much more of a pain to return to ATT than Apple.

Maybe go back re read all your posts on why the 11" iPad was overkill for your needs

 

[ssledoux]

Maybe go back re read all your posts on why the 11" iPad was overkill for your needs

I know why. It's because I had an iMac, and didn't really have enough workflow to require both. I'm selling my iMac, and giving my mini to my grandson (just got one for him, and it's still in the return window, so I'll return his and give him mine). The iPP won't be overkill if it's the main/only device I have other than my phone.

 

[millydog]

Im sure you mentioned this and I just forgot but with you already having the 10.5 and a 12.9, why did you consider the 11 to begin with? And had you kept the 11, would you keep your 12.9 too? (Well I guess your husband already offered to let you keep everything basically right?...which was super nice.)

I begun by taking both devices to work and it was probably pretty much 50/50 on which one I took. I then began taking the 12.9” more and more as it slowly became my main iPad. I like using it in the evenings on the couch, but as I take my iPad everywhere, it was feeling large, heavy and awkward when out and about. Even at my work desk, I thought that the small one would be better.
I thought about keeping my current combination, but then the Magic Keyboard came out and I wanted to get one, but it then sent me on an indecisive path on whether I’d prefer the MK for my 12.9” iPad or if I should get the 11”.
So I had been trying to decide if the 11” could be my main iPad size due tot it’s portability. The reviews with the 12.9” MK all seem to start out by saying how heavy it is, yet how great it is too. I’m not looking to turn my 12.9” into a laptop. I have a MacBook Pro 15”. So I started thinking that the 11” with the MK would be the better configuration for me to take to work and out and about.
It has been hard to decide as I’m coming from the 12.9” size, but after a week, the 11” looks like a better size than it did when I first got it. It looked like a mini then, but looks more normal now.

 

[millydog]

I opened up the iPad Pro 11” box again as I became tempted to keep it, but then I’ve put it back in the box again. I’m certain that it’s too small now as my main iPad. I’m happy that I have my 10.5” still for portability, but it would be overkill for me to have the 11” as I’m going to keep using my 12.9” as my main iPad. I’m sure that the 12.9” is the right size for me now.

 

[cmonkey1976]

I begun by taking both devices to work and it was probably pretty much 50/50 on which one I took. I then began taking the 12.9” more and more as it slowly became my main iPad. I like using it in the evenings on the couch, but as I take my iPad everywhere, it was feeling large, heavy and awkward when out and about. Even at my work desk, I thought that the small one would be better.
I thought about keeping my current combination, but then the Magic Keyboard came out and I wanted to get one, but it then sent me on an indecisive path on whether I’d prefer the MK for my 12.9” iPad or if I should get the 11”.
So I had been trying to decide if the 11” could be my main iPad size due tot it’s portability. The reviews with the 12.9” MK all seem to start out by saying how heavy it is, yet how great it is too. I’m not looking to turn my 12.9” into a laptop. I have a MacBook Pro 15”. So I started thinking that the 11” with the MK would be the better configuration for me to take to work and out and about.
It has been hard to decide as I’m coming from the 12.9” size, but after a week, the 11” looks like a better size than it did when I first got it. It looked like a mini then, but looks more normal now.

I have flip-flopped between thinking about the 11 or 12.9, definitely deciding 11 was ‘the’ size, but now I’m thinking the 12.9.
... I’ve read all the pros/cons of each - the con about the 12.9 feeling too big to use in a coffee shop, doctor surgery, plane etc... but then asked myself ‘How many times would I use it in those situations’, and the answer is pretty much nil, so I think for all the comments you have to ask yourself is that relevant to you.

The BIG thing for me though is what you said above... about the Apple Magic Keyboard, is it taking people down an indecisive path, and even an unnecessary path?

The reason for really wanting to change my IPP 10.5 was for the AMK.
BUT I asked myself why I wanted to turn my iPad into a laptop (which I would effectively be doing)... I have a MacBook which I very rarely use as I always reach for the iPad, so why would I want to change the device I use pretty much 99% of the time for something I use rarely... and it’s because of the AMK looking cool, but I think it’s a distraction.

If you’re using an iPad for work or college I can completely understand how a keyboard enhances the iPad, but for casual use during a lunch time, or for use at home in bed or on the sofa - does it really enhance it? (If it’s to be used At home on a desk or table then why not just get a full sized Bluetooth keyboard etc and use a standard folio case as a stand?).

just because you can (and it’s pretty cool) does that mean you should?
Think that’s very much down to a personal decision, everyone is unique in the way they do things, the way they think - so you really think what works for you, and do you NEED the AMK anyway?

My IPP 10.5 is 3 years old, but it’s as good as when I first got it on Day 1 so really there is no justification on replacing it (as much as the 2018/2020 devices are so nice, there really is nothing wrong with the IPP 10.5 I have).

so, I’m going to resist the lure of a new iPad.
However, if I was going to - it would now be the 12.9

(My partner has just ordered a 12.9 so will be interesting to see if I can fight the urge and stay on track with keeping my 10.5 until the next release)

 

[ssledoux]

I have flip-flopped between thinking about the 11 or 12.9, definitely deciding 11 was ‘the’ size, but now I’m thinking the 12.9.
... I’ve read all the pros/cons of each - the con about the 12.9 feeling too big to use in a coffee shop, doctor surgery, plane etc... but then asked myself ‘How many times would I use it in those situations’, and the answer is pretty much nil, so I think for all the comments you have to ask yourself is that relevant to you.

The BIG thing for me though is what you said above... about the Apple Magic Keyboard, is it taking people down an indecisive path, and even an unnecessary path?

The reason for really wanting to change my IPP 10.5 was for the AMK.
BUT I asked myself why I wanted to turn my iPad into a laptop (which I would effectively be doing)... I have a MacBook which I very rarely use as I always reach for the iPad, so why would I want to change the device I use pretty much 99% of the time for something I use rarely... and it’s because of the AMK looking cool, but I think it’s a distraction.

If you’re using an iPad for work or college I can completely understand how a keyboard enhances the iPad, but for casual use during a lunch time, or for use at home in bed or on the sofa - does it really enhance it? (If it’s to be used At home on a desk or table then why not just get a full sized Bluetooth keyboard etc and use a standard folio case as a stand?).

just because you can (and it’s pretty cool) does that mean you should?
Think that’s very much down to a personal decision, everyone is unique in the way they do things, the way they think - so you really think what works for you, and do you NEED the AMK anyway?

My IPP 10.5 is 3 years old, but it’s as good as when I first got it on Day 1 so really there is no justification on replacing it (as much as the 2018/2020 devices are so nice, there really is nothing wrong with the IPP 10.5 I have).

so, I’m going to resist the lure of a new iPad.
However, if I was going to - it would now be the 12.9

(My partner has just ordered a 12.9 so will be interesting to see if I can fight the urge and stay on track with keeping my 10.5 until the next release)

For casual use, most people don’t need an iPad Pro -they could spend 1/3 of the price for a regular iPad.

For me, to justify the price of an iPad Pro, I want to be using it a lot. That means using it as a casual tablet for games, as well as for my personal organization/planner, and also at the desk with a keyboard setup for work. That’s why I’m going to get the Magic Keyboard. Now, for the money, I’m gonna love it, or I’ll send it back and go for something a little less pricey.

 

[cmonkey1976]

For casual use, most people don’t need an iPad Pro -they could spend 1/3 of the price for a regular iPad.

For me, to justify the price of an iPad Pro, I want to be using it a lot. That means using it as a casual tablet for games, as well as for my personal organization/planner, and also at the desk with a keyboard setup for work. That’s why I’m going to get the Magic Keyboard. Now, for the money, I’m gonna love it, or I’ll send it back and go for something a little less pricey.

Kind of, although the regular iPad is the reason why my partner has just ordered the 12.9 Pro.
The screen on the regular iPad (well, the 2018 6th gen at least) is so plasticky it just doesn’t ‘feel’ as nice and he’s not really used it.

I can completely understand that as my iPad for work is the 6th gen iPad and nowhere near as nice as my own Pro model. Sometimes it is worth paying the extra.

 

[millydog]

I have flip-flopped between thinking about the 11 or 12.9, definitely deciding 11 was ‘the’ size, but now I’m thinking the 12.9.
... I’ve read all the pros/cons of each - the con about the 12.9 feeling too big to use in a coffee shop, doctor surgery, plane etc... but then asked myself ‘How many times would I use it in those situations’, and the answer is pretty much nil, so I think for all the comments you have to ask yourself is that relevant to you.

The BIG thing for me though is what you said above... about the Apple Magic Keyboard, is it taking people down an indecisive path, and even an unnecessary path?

The reason for really wanting to change my IPP 10.5 was for the AMK.
BUT I asked myself why I wanted to turn my iPad into a laptop (which I would effectively be doing)... I have a MacBook which I very rarely use as I always reach for the iPad, so why would I want to change the device I use pretty much 99% of the time for something I use rarely... and it’s because of the AMK looking cool, but I think it’s a distraction.

If you’re using an iPad for work or college I can completely understand how a keyboard enhances the iPad, but for casual use during a lunch time, or for use at home in bed or on the sofa - does it really enhance it? (If it’s to be used At home on a desk or table then why not just get a full sized Bluetooth keyboard etc and use a standard folio case as a stand?).

just because you can (and it’s pretty cool) does that mean you should?
Think that’s very much down to a personal decision, everyone is unique in the way they do things, the way they think - so you really think what works for you, and do you NEED the AMK anyway?

My IPP 10.5 is 3 years old, but it’s as good as when I first got it on Day 1 so really there is no justification on replacing it (as much as the 2018/2020 devices are so nice, there really is nothing wrong with the IPP 10.5 I have).

so, I’m going to resist the lure of a new iPad.
However, if I was going to - it would now be the 12.9

(My partner has just ordered a 12.9 so will be interesting to see if I can fight the urge and stay on track with keeping my 10.5 until the next release)

You are right, most of my usage of my iPad is at home, at my desk, recliner or bed. In normal times, I also take it to work every day and it sits next to my work laptop. I use it sporadically during the day, but especially use it during my lunch break. I also use it in the car as for longer shops I wait in the car for my husband or daughters to shop as I have rheumatoid arthritis. I also have more doctor visits than many my age due to the RA, but yet, it’s not my main usage scenario, so you are right that it shouldn’t dictate my iPad size. I can use my iPhone or 10.5” in that situation anyway. I’d often plan ahead and take my 10.5” to work on the days that I leave work to go to a medical appointment.

I will remove the iPad from the MK to use in my recliner for the majority of the time and that’s how I use it now. The MK will be good to take to my parents house for the weekend though once we can visit overnight again. That should be in place here by time my MK arrives. Plus I have other use cases for it, mostly at home. I’d like to see XCode come to the iPad, but I can’t count on it until it happens.

 

[cmonkey1976]

You are right, most of my usage of my iPad is at home, at my desk, recliner or bed. In normal times, I also take it to work every day and it sits next to my work laptop. I use it sporadically during the day, but especially use it during my lunch break. I also use it in the car as for longer shops I wait in the car for my husband or daughters to shop as I have rheumatoid arthritis. I also have more doctor visits than many my age due to the RA, but yet, it’s not my main usage scenario, so you are right that it shouldn’t dictate my iPad size. I can use my iPhone or 10.5” in that situation anyway. I’d often plan ahead and take my 10.5” to work on the days that I leave work to go to a medical appointment.

I will remove the iPad from the MK to use in my recliner for the majority of the time and that’s how I use it now. The MK will be good to take to my parents house for the weekend though once we can visit overnight again. That should be in place here by time my MK arrives. Plus I have other use cases for it, mostly at home. I’d like to see XCode come to the iPad, but I can’t count on it until it happens.

From your description, it would seem the best solution for you would be to stick to a 12.9, as that’s the device you already have and use at home the most (And purchase the MK for the 12.9 for use around the home when you want to use a keyboard, and to take it away at weekends). Sounds like the MK is a nice to have, and if the price isn’t a worry then why not.

For times in the car, or medical appointments then the 10.5 (with a Smart Cover/folio) sounds a good way forward.
... and for taking to work either the 12.9 with just a Folio cover, or the 10.5 with just the Smart Cover/folio.

(Personally, I think in the situations above when at work or out and about the 10.5 sounds ideal... with the 12.9 for use at weekends away or at home).

just an observation from what you have put above, but only you know what works for you.
You’ve tried the 11” and it’s not the perfect fit to combine the 10.5 and 12.9 into once device for your use - so why not just utilise the devices you have already... both of your existing iPads are fantastic devices.

 

[millydog]

From your description, it would seem the best solution for you would be to stick to a 12.9 (And purchase the MK for the 12.9 for use around the home when you want to use a keyboard, and to take it away at weekends). Sounds like the MK is a nice to have, and if the price isn’t a worry then why not.

For times in the car, or medical appointments then the 10.5 (with a Smart Cover/folio) sounds a good way forward.
... and for taking to work either the 12.9 with just a Folio cover, or the 10.5 with just the Smart Cover/folio.

(Personally, I think in the situations above when at work or out and about the 10.5 sounds ideal... with the 12.9 for use at weekends away or at home).

just an observation from what you have put above, but only you know what works for you.

Yes, this is what I think too. You’ve perfectly explained how I will use my iPads.
I know that it’s taken me some time to realise this. I’m glad that I tried the 11” and now realise that it wouldn’t be my main iPad size, so I can relax now and move on with doing other things with my iPad, rather than just using it to work out what size is best. Lol.
It is relief to have it sorted.

 

[augustya]

What’s causing you to change your mind?

Firstly 50-50 screen gets a little tight when you have two APPS open side by side. It is ok if you have just one single APP/Screen working and if you have a slide over in the background. And also 12.9" being bigger. The simple reason that bigger is better. YouTube Videos, Movies , Netlfix is just better on the 12.9" which is a bigger point of using the iPad. Entertainment is a big-big usability point of using the iPad.

 

[rkuo]

On balance I like the Magic Keyboard, but it weighs a ton on the 11” ... basically feels like a thick slab of metal. Which it is. It makes the iPad a bit unpleasant to flip and carry around with one hand, and that’s the small one.

I have to imagine that balance and feel is substantially worse on the 12.9. The 12.9 with the Magic Keyboard IS laptop weight. It’s all about how much you need to get out of the iPad while you have the keyboard open.

 

[Jamacfer]

On balance I like the Magic Keyboard, but it weighs a ton on the 11” ... basically feels like a thick slab of metal. Which it is. It makes the iPad a bit unpleasant to flip and carry around with one hand, and that’s the small one.

I have to imagine that balance and feel is substantially worse on the 12.9. The 12.9 with the Magic Keyboard IS laptop weight. It’s all about how much you need to get out of the iPad while you have the keyboard open.

Of course since the AMK is not a cover but a "foldable stand".

 

[ssledoux]

Kind of, although the regular iPad is the reason why my partner has just ordered the 12.9 Pro.
The screen on the regular iPad (well, the 2018 6th gen at least) is so plasticky it just doesn’t ‘feel’ as nice and he’s not really used it.

I can completely understand that as my iPad for work is the 6th gen iPad and nowhere near as nice as my own Pro model. Sometimes it is worth paying the extra.

Oh I totally agree with the experience being better. My grandkids all have iPads and quite a few of them still have their 6th gens. I'm just saying (going along with your "just because you can doesn't mean you should" theory) that many people buying pros don't really NEED pros (likely myself included), so the fact that they would also buy the more expensive accessories doesn't really surprise me. If you're gonna have a high end device, why not buy the accessories that make it work for you?
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Yes, this is what I think too. You’ve perfectly explained how I will use my iPads.
I know that it’s taken me some time to realise this. I’m glad that I tried the 11” and now realise that it wouldn’t be my main iPad size, so I can relax now and move on with doing other things with my iPad, rather than just using it to work out what size is best. Lol.
It is relief to have it sorted.

I ordered an 11" yesterday, and am feeling relieved to have made a decision myself. Of course my decision was absolutely based on wanting a single device that could work well at a desk on the MK, and also still be smaller and lighter in my lap as a tablet. I've had an 11, and though I really toyed with the 12.9 since I now have a mini, I like consolidating for minimizing purposes, and so I feel like I'll get my money's worth from my device.

 

[MisterSavage]

I ordered an 11" yesterday, and am feeling relieved to have made a decision myself. Of course my decision was absolutely based on wanting a single device that could work well at a desk on the MK, and also still be smaller and lighter in my lap as a tablet. I've had an 11, and though I really toyed with the 12.9 since I now have a mini, I like consolidating for minimizing purposes, and so I feel like I'll get my money's worth from my device.

Don't forget to add your vote to team 11 in the poll!

 

[millydog]

I ordered an 11" yesterday, and am feeling relieved to have made a decision myself. Of course my decision was absolutely based on wanting a single device that could work well at a desk on the MK, and also still be smaller and lighter in my lap as a tablet. I've had an 11, and though I really toyed with the 12.9 since I now have a mini, I like consolidating for minimizing purposes, and so I feel like I'll get my money's worth from my device.

The 11” will be great and you’ve had one before. The 11” was great and I was very tempted to keep it. I saw your decision to get the 11” and it promoted me to get it out again.

I did so, thinking that I was going to keep it. But after setting it up (again), it felt small again, where as I know that I had started to get used to the size when I used it without looking at my 12.9”. Of course, I had just been using my 12.9” again, so my brain was surely playing tricks on me. But even so, it made me realise that I keep gravitating towards my 12.9” and the 11” would likely be a secondary device for me. I was really trying to see if it could be my main device so it didn’t feel right to keep it this time. I still have my 10.5” and it looks perfect and has a good battery. So I’ll keep the 10.5” going as my secondary device. I can replace it with an 11” further down the track when it isn’t doing so well anymore. But I’m satisfied now that I’ve worked out that the 12.9” is now my main size for the way that I currently use my iPad.
I hope that all goes well for you and your 11”. I’ve got the MK on order for my 12.9” (again) with delivery expected between 9th - 16th June. If only I wasn’t so undecided, I’d have my original order by now. Hehe.

 

[cmonkey1976]

I ordered an 11" yesterday, and am feeling relieved to have made a decision myself. Of course my decision was absolutely based on wanting a single device that could work well at a desk on the MK, and also still be smaller and lighter in my lap as a tablet. I've had an 11, and though I really toyed with the 12.9 since I now have a mini, I like consolidating for minimizing purposes, and so I feel like I'll get my money's worth from my device.

enjoy your 11”
To be fair, I don’t think you can go wrong with either really.

I think I’ve convinced myself if ever I get one it would be the 12.9, saying that, there is just something about the 11.
I don’t feel the 10.5 is too small, and the 11 would be even better.

The important thing is deciding, then enjoying whichever choice you’ve made.

 

[Precursor]

Don't forget to add your vote to team 11 in the poll!

Ha!
You team 11 lewz, you lewzing lewzerz!

 

[MisterSavage]

Ha!
You team 11 lewz, you lewzing lewzerz!

We've made a comeback before!

 

[MacMandy]

Just a quick update. I decided not to change things and keep my 2018 iPad Pro 12.9”. It‘s my main device. I really love it and have had no problems. I will use my iPhone for notes, maybe trying voice memos in my new work role, leaving my iPad at home. I’ve ordered an AMK from O2 with 20% off with Unidays so a real saving. Best of all, it’s in stock and is being delivered tomorrow. It should hopefully make my iPad Pro feel like a new device. Just need to choose a skin for the back of the iPad, but I’ve never used one before so no idea which are good.

 

[mfm77]

My 3 year old IPP 10.5-inch screen is starting to go, so I’m looking at replacing it with a new IPP 11-inch. I wanted to hold out for the rumored mini-LED screen iPads, but my current iPad won’t last that long, lol.

 

[Greenmeenie]

My 3 year old IPP 10.5-inch screen is starting to go, so I’m looking at replacing it with a new IPP 11-inch. I wanted to hold out for the rumored mini-LED screen iPads, but my current iPad won’t last that long, lol.

yeah, the waiting game is always a tough one. The micro LED iphones are coming this Fall, but might be delayed cause of covid...so i would imagine the micro-LED iPad Pros aren’t coming until Spring of next year at the earliest. My 11” iPad Pro is doing fine. I edit photos & 4k video on it without a hiccup. I might not even upgrade next year! Love this thing. I don’t think you‘ll be disappointed.

 

[ericwn]

yeah, the waiting game is always a tough one. The micro LED iphones are coming this Fall, but might be delayed cause of covid...so i would imagine the micro-LED iPad Pros aren’t coming until Spring of next year at the earliest. My 11” iPad Pro is doing fine. I edit photos & 4k video on it without a hiccup. I might not even upgrade next year! Love this thing. I don’t think you‘ll be disappointed.

I believe there is a big difference between mini and micro LED technology. Mini is coming, micro isn’t anytime soon.