iPad Pro 11 or 12.9 Pro ?

[Maukey]

Yeah the 12.9 is huge, I really thought I would leave my Air 2 for it but after trying the 2018 12.9 I was immediately put off and settled for a 2020 11” and simply could not be happier.

With the above said, there seems to be plenty of people who prefer the 12.9 especially for things like Photo editing, video editing and design/drawings/CAD, so I do wonder if reducing from 12.9 to 12 would not be a move in the wrong direction? The 12.9 strikes me as a device for niche users who require the larger display for some specific uses be it professional, hobbyist or even due to needing a larger screen due to poor vision etc...

I get the feeling there are many people who buy a 12.9 iPad Pro simply because it’s the most expensive iPad, they perceive it as being the best, I have noticed a lot of this “go big or go home” attitude with many Apple consumers who then realize they don’t need something so big and are better off with the smaller variant most times, think there is a lot of buying simply from perception and not actual need.

I would hope that people who are choosing to spend the amount of money a 12.9” requires aren’t doing it just because it’s the most expensive or because of a “feeling”. I personally have walked into Best Buy numerous times and seen people shopping iPads and marveling at the 12.9 in comparison to the 11. They’ll pick up the 11” and then the 12.9” and give comments like, “this is much nicer”, or, “I much prefer the bigger screen“. Best Buy reviews and even the 12.9 vs 11 poll on these forums suggest that many enjoy the 12.9 more for multiple reasons.

I myself moved from a 2018 11” to a 2020 12.9”. I work from home and my iPad sits under my work monitor as a TV/Movie watching device. I also use it as a second monitor for my MacBook Pro. I much prefer the extra screen real estate for these tasks including web browsing and multitasking/split screen usage. The 11” was not as enjoyable for me when it came to these tasks. It’s nothing for me to pop the iPad off my magic keyboard and carry it around the house. I don’t find it unwieldy or heavy at all. Now, if I was a portrait mode type of user 90+ percent of the time, I would probably want one of the smaller iPads as they are easier to handle and work better in portrait mode. I personally use split screen too much and always use my iPad in landscape when holding it. I found very little difference in holding the 12.9 in landscape when compared to the 11.

I personally couldn’t go back to a smaller iPad only. However, I’m not opposed to picking up an Air 4 or the rumored iPad Mini 8.5” as a more go anywhere device for note taking and quick browsing. I just can’t do it at the expense of my 12.9. It fits my day to day better.

 

[Tsepz]

I would hope that people who are choosing to spend the amount of money a 12.9” requires aren’t doing it just because it’s the most expensive or because of a “feeling”. I personally have walked into Best Buy numerous times and seen people shopping iPads and marveling at the 12.9 in comparison to the 11. They’ll pick up the 11” and then the 12.9” and give comments like, “this is much nicer”, or, “I much prefer the bigger screen“. Best Buy reviews and even the 12.9 vs 11 poll on these forums suggest that many enjoy the 12.9 more for multiple reasons.

I myself moved from a 2018 11” to a 2020 12.9”. I work from home and my iPad sits under my work monitor as a TV/Movie watching device. I also use it as a second monitor for my MacBook Pro. I much prefer the extra screen real estate for these tasks including web browsing and multitasking/split screen usage. The 11” was not as enjoyable for me when it came to these tasks. It’s nothing for me to pop the iPad off my magic keyboard and carry it around the house. I don’t find it unwieldy or heavy at all. Now, if I was a portrait mode type of user 90+ percent of the time, I would probably want one of the smaller iPads as they are easier to handle and work better in portrait mode. I personally use split screen too much and always use my iPad in landscape when holding it. I found very little difference in holding the 12.9 in landscape when compared to the 11.

I personally couldn’t go back to a smaller iPad only. However, I’m not opposed to picking up an Air 4 or the rumored iPad Mini 8.5” as a more go anywhere device for note taking and quick browsing. I just can’t do it at the expense of my 12.9. It fits my day to day better.

Absolutely get you and to my point, I believe it would be terrible if Apple went from 12.9 to 12 when people like you who truly appreciate it exist, the same way it would be a shame to lose the 11inch when people like me exist who want the Pro features in a smaller chassis.

Apple could collapse the 11inch Pro and the Air into one and simply call it the Air while giving it the 11inch screen and Pro features and keep the 12.9 as the Pro, either way, I just want to the Pro features in this size.

Had Apple not done a 11inch Pro, I would have had to settle for a Air 4 and missed out on the amazing ProMotion Display, 6GB RAM, Camera with LiDAR, Quad Speakers etc.... Not cool.

 

[solideliquid]

Since getting a M1 MacBook Pro 13” I’ve used my 12.9” iPad Pro less and less. The screen sizes of the two are too close together so I’ve decided to sell the 12.9 and get an 11”. Seems a better combination to me.

I’m in the same situation! I’ve used the 12.9 2020 iPP with AMK since it launched, and I really enjoyed the AMK since it came out earlier this year. Of course there are things about this setup I don’t like - I am sort of tired of FaceID on iPad, battery drain, awkward balancing issues on your lap (iPad wants to fall over all the time), and the weight of it. It‘s pretty solid sitting on a desk all day, but as I mentioned FaceID is hit/miss as often the iPad is sitting on the desk, not too close to your face.

Since getting the new M1 MPB13, I’ve really enjoyed using MacOS again as it’s been about 5-6 years since I’ve had a Mac. I’ve gotten along with iPhone, iPad, and PC-Gaming. I enjoy the keyboard, the larger trackpad, the balanced weight, and I think the screen aspect-ratio Is better suited to watching video and YouTube compared to iPad. The new M1 macs have an amazing battery life and MacOS Big Sur is very enjoyable to use.

Now I’m really thinking about selling the ipad 12.9 and the AMK and getting an iPad Air 2020 for my use when I leave my phone and laptop upstairs and want to read a book on the comfy couch. Or when I throw it in my bag and take it to work for downtime and lunch to watch a show during my 10 hour work-day. For these things, the 12.9 iPad has seemingly become too heavy and cumbersome.

 

[Robbosan]

11” iPad and M1 air is the perfect combo.

 

[Jamacfer]

I’m in the same situation! I’ve used the 12.9 2020 iPP with AMK since it launched, and I really enjoyed the AMK since it came out earlier this year. Of course there are things about this setup I don’t like - I am sort of tired of FaceID on iPad, battery drain, awkward balancing issues on your lap (iPad wants to fall over all the time), and the weight of it. It‘s pretty solid sitting on a desk all day, but as I mentioned FaceID is hit/miss as often the iPad is sitting on the desk, not too close to your face.

Since getting the new M1 MPB13, I’ve really enjoyed using MacOS again as it’s been about 5-6 years since I’ve had a Mac. I’ve gotten along with iPhone, iPad, and PC-Gaming. I enjoy the keyboard, the larger trackpad, the balanced weight, and I think the screen aspect-ratio Is better suited to watching video and YouTube compared to iPad. The new M1 macs have an amazing battery life and MacOS Big Sur is very enjoyable to use.

Now I’m really thinking about selling the ipad 12.9 and the AMK and getting an iPad Air 2020 for my use when I leave my phone and laptop upstairs and want to read a book on the comfy couch. Or when I throw it in my bag and take it to work for downtime and lunch to watch a show during my 10 hour work-day. For these things, the 12.9 iPad has seemingly become too heavy and cumbersome.

I agree, I am also in the same situation. Last Spring I decided to replace my 2017 iPad Pro with a 12.9" (along with the magic keyboard) thinking of using it as both a tablet and a laptop. At first I was fine with it but gradually I'm realizing that the 12.9" is too big as a tablet and too limited (and heavy along with the keyboard) as a laptop. Moreover the arrival of the Mac M1 has changed the cards on the table and now I think the best combo is a MacBook Air and an iPad 11" only as a tablet. So I will wait until spring to buy the possible new iPad Pro 11" or (I hope not) an iPad Air.

 

[ericwn]

Ditto to all of this. It’s really bizarre listening to people argue that the 12.9 is too big. I know we’re discussing a tablet, but a lot of us put it into a keyboard case so there really is no effective difference in handling between the 11 and 12.9.

It would be like finding people arguing about Mac external monitors and suggesting a 24” was too big and how they‘d prefer a 17”.

And for those who do use their tablet as a tablet size and weight are personal deciding factors as they have always been with really zero “bizarre” in there.

 

[The Game 161]

11” iPad and M1 air is the perfect combo.

M1 air and 12.9 pro works well for me

 

[subjonas]

I get the feeling there are many people who buy a 12.9 iPad Pro simply because it’s the most expensive iPad, they perceive it as being the best, I have noticed a lot of this “go big or go home” attitude with many Apple consumers who then realize they don’t need something so big and are better off with the smaller variant most times, think there is a lot of buying simply from perception and not actual need.

Some of this may be true for large phones as well.

 

[subjonas]

They dont have to turn the iPad into a computer, but they should make the iPad PRO actually do more than an iPad.

But the MacBook Pro does the same things as MacBook Air. The “pro” just indicates better specs.

 

[Digitalguy]

I am a multi-device (and multi-iPad) person, and fortunately I don't have to choose. I like to have the mini, the mid and the large. But if I really had no choice I'd keep the 11, which is the one I use most, but I would miss the 12.9 terribly for reading magazines, pdfs, sheet music, and many other things. However, I keep my iPads always with the smart keyboard and the 12.9 is too heavy to carry around the house like I do with the 11in. And the last gen 12.9 are no lighter than the 2015 first gen once you add a keyboard or a smart cover, since these accessories are heavier because of the new magnetic system. So I see no point in replacing my first gen 12.9, other than swapping it for a new battery for $100, which I have just done....

 

[NastyMatt]

Some of this may be true for large phones as well.

My mates with the large phones get them out of their pockets, hold them at arms length, with the largest fonts, squinting saying "what does that say?"

 

[Precursor]

I get the feeling there are many people who buy a 12.9 iPad Pro simply because it’s the most expensive iPad, they perceive it as being the best, I have noticed a lot of this “go big or go home” attitude with many Apple consumers who then realize they don’t need something so big and are better off with the smaller variant most times, think there is a lot of buying simply from perception and not actual need.

Just stop!

12.9 iPP is not better because it is more expensive, it's more expensive because it is better. Period. You don't have to create a mob to march to congress to prove otherwise. 1850+ people took the poll here and 12.9 is voted to be the best. People have spoken.

 

[secretk]

Just stop!

12.9 iPP is not better because it is more expensive, it's more expensive because it is better. Period. You don't have to create a mob to march to congress to prove otherwise. 1850+ people took the poll here and 12.9 is voted to be the best. People have spoken.

I would offer I guess a third point of view or something in the middle. I do hope that most people don't buy expensive stuff just for ego you know. I hope that they buy expensive stuff because they get benefits from it - whether it is how they feel or how they work.

Are they people that buy stuff for status? Most probably yes but I am not sure that those people are the ones writing and reading in those forums. Or at least most of them would not.

That being said I would not say that iPad Pro 12.9 is more expensive than say 11 inch because it is better per say. It is more expensive to produce it hence more expensive to buy it. I do hope that people buy it because they believe it is the best iPad for them.

To sum up - all people that voted for 12.9 inch did it because it is better for them. 12.9 inch is more expensive than 11 inch because it costs more to produce it.

 

[Tsepz]

I would offer I guess a third point of view or something in the middle. I do hope that most people don't buy expensive stuff just for ego you know. I hope that they buy expensive stuff because they get benefits from it - whether it is how they feel or how they work.

Are they people that buy stuff for status? Most probably yes but I am not sure that those people are the ones writing and reading in those forums. Or at least most of them would not.

That being said I would not say that iPad Pro 12.9 is more expensive than say 11 inch because it is better per say. It is more expensive to produce it hence more expensive to buy it. I do hope that people buy it because they believe it is the best iPad for them.

To sum up - all people that voted for 12.9 inch did it because it is better for them. 12.9 inch is more expensive than 11 inch because it costs more to produce it.

I think he was being satirical, lol, but I am not sure

 

[George Dawes]

After using my mom’s 11 for a few day’s , I’m glad I bought the 12.9 for myself . Just an inch or so makes a huge difference on an iPad . The 11 seems cramped in comparison to the big one , especially when using the on screen keyboard/

 

[Australianapplefan]

12.9 it’s perfect for me not to big and not to small just right.

 

[Digitalguy]

After using my mom’s 11 for a few day’s , I’m glad I bought the 12.9 for myself . Just an inch or so makes a huge difference on an iPad . The 11 seems cramped in comparison to the big one , especially when using the on screen keyboard/

it's actually virtually 2 inches, that's why is so much bigger...there more difference between it and the 11in than between the mini and the 9.7 ipad... Having both sizes I can really tell how complementary the feel...

 

[Apple_Robert]

After using my mom’s 11 for a few day’s , I’m glad I bought the 12.9 for myself . Just an inch or so makes a huge difference on an iPad . The 11 seems cramped in comparison to the big one , especially when using the on screen keyboard/

Why not get the 13" MBA instead, if you think 12.9" is the perfect size?

 

[Digitalguy]

I would offer I guess a third point of view or something in the middle. I do hope that most people don't buy expensive stuff just for ego you know. I hope that they buy expensive stuff because they get benefits from it - whether it is how they feel or how they work.

Are they people that buy stuff for status? Most probably yes but I am not sure that those people are the ones writing and reading in those forums. Or at least most of them would not.

That being said I would not say that iPad Pro 12.9 is more expensive than say 11 inch because it is better per say. It is more expensive to produce it hence more expensive to buy it. I do hope that people buy it because they believe it is the best iPad for them.

To sum up - all people that voted for 12.9 inch did it because it is better for them. 12.9 inch is more expensive than 11 inch because it costs more to produce it.

People on these forum don't buy because of status, at least not to a significant extend, but they do not necessarily buy because they really "need" these devices either... Many buy because they "want" them, because they can't resist the appeal, and, let's say it, because they can afford them... But being able to afford them does not mean being rich, just that they don't have to borrow money or get into financial trouble to buy them. A lot more people could afford the iPad pro probably, but it's not a priority for them, theyare not passionate about these things, while a lot of people here are....

 

[The Game 161]

After thinking it over think my next version will be the 11 inch pro think will fit in better with my devices

12 pro max and M1 air I think 11 inch will fit in nicely for sofa usage

 

[Precursor]

Why not get the 13" MBA instead, if you think 12.9" is the perfect size?

Do you know the difference between Macbooks and Ipads?

 

[Apple_Robert]

Do you know the difference between Macbooks and Ipads?

The OP said nothing about needing to be mobile. For the screen size and ability, the OP might consider the M1 MBA instead, seeing how he mentioned he liked the 12.9"size. That is all my post was about.

Do you have any other rude comments to make? If you do, keep them to yourself and don't waste my time.

And yes, I am well aware of the difference. I have both products. If you saw my signature, you would know that.

 

[Precursor]

The OP said nothing about needing to be mobile. For the screen size and ability, the OP might consider the M1 MBA instead, seeing how he mentioned he liked the 12.9"size. That is all my post was about.

Do you have any other rude comments to make? If you do, keep them to yourself and don't waste my time.

And yes, I am well aware of the difference. I have both products. If you saw my signature, you would know that.

The OP is a poll titled "11 or 12.9 Pro ?"
And 12.9" leads in the poll I should add. Comments like "Why not M1 MBA instead?" does not belong here. Neither does your pugnacity and mischief. You are the one wasting everyone's time.

 

[George Dawes]

I ended up swapping my old air 2 for my mother’s iPad 11 which I bought her for Xmas

She just couldn't cope with not having a home button

Now I've got an 11 and a 12.9 ? !

‘The best of both worlds’ to paraphrase Van Halen

 

[MisterSavage]

I can tell you why I am one of those people that claims that 12.9 is too big.

I'm in the "12.9 was too big" club also. I exchanged my 12.9 for an 11 with no regrets and I still love mine.