iPad Pro 11 or 12.9 Pro ?

[secretk]

I've been down that road too--I do like taking handwritten notes, but I'm not a very good artist. Apple Pencil + the Serif apps is an absolute dream though, especially on the 12.9" model. But more often than not, the 12.9" was too bulky for that. And then if I switch down to the 11" for that purpose, now I don't have my laptop-sized iPad.

I am not an artist either to be honest. Yeah, I do not want a laptop-sized iPad because quite frankly my laptop is better at being laptop than any iPad (I know shocking ).

I had to come to terms with the fact that the overall more versatile device is the iPad, but the more efficient device is the Mac. I think what I'll probably do at some point is get a new mini that I can use with Apple Pencil, but I'm not doing that until they redesign it. Right now it's the same design from 2012, which does not interest me at all.

To be honest I have used both 1st and 2ng gen Pencil, the 1st sucks. Mini would makes sense but once they move to the 2nd pencil IMO. At least this is my preference.

I find the 11 inch good balance though. It is big enough for me to read books, brainstorm and scribble with the pencil, and to comfortably hold it in bed. However I really do go to my laptop for long sessions of work where I hook up external monitors and all that.

 

[Just sayin...]

I’ve got a 2nd gen 12.9” IPP, and was going back and forth about which new device to get (11 vs 12.9). After reading this thread and doing some external comparisons, it dawned on me that the new(er) 12.9” IPP’s are considerably smaller than mine:

Gen 2 12.9” IPP dimensions (in inches): 8.69 X 12.04 = 104.6276
M1 12.9” IPP dimensions (in inches): 8.46 X 11.04 = 93.3984

That is a 10.73% reduction in total size (not including depth). For me, given the > 10% reduction in body size with idential display size, MUCH faster processor, increase in RAM from 4GB to 16GB, and the XDR display have just sealed the deal. No need to consider the 11” unit - I’m getting a smaller IPP with a LOT more capability and (I hope) a huge degree of “future proofing”. Granted, the 11” would be even smaller, but I‘ll be eliminating > 10% of my existing device size and that’s a win for me. Next Friday, I’m near the front of the line and will be ordering a 1TB 12.9” IPP!

 

[MareLuce]

I’ve got a 2nd gen 12.9” IPP, and was going back and forth about which new device to get (11 vs 12.9). After reading this thread and doing some external comparisons, it dawned on me that the new(er) 12.9” IPP’s are considerably smaller than mine:

Gen 2 12.9” IPP dimensions (in inches): 8.69 X 12.04 = 104.6276
M1 12.9” IPP dimensions (in inches): 8.46 X 11.04 = 93.3984

That is a 10.73% reduction in total size (not including depth). For me, given the > 10% reduction in body size with idential display size, MUCH faster processor, increase in RAM from 4GB to 16GB, and the XDR display have just sealed the deal. No need to consider the 11” unit - I’m getting a smaller IPP with a LOT more capability and (I hope) a huge degree of “future proofing”. Granted, the 11” would be even smaller, but I‘ll be eliminating > 10% of my existing device size and that’s a win for me. Next Friday, I’m near the front of the line and will be ordering a 1TB 12.9” IPP!

@Just sayin... did you look at how the weight compared?

 

[Just sayin...]

@Just sayin... did you look at how the weight compared?

Yes - very similar (1.53 lbs for the Gen 2 and 1.50 lbs for the M1 version - no cellular)! Evidently, the new IPP is more dense.

 

[slicktromboner]

The 12.9 is fantastic for reading sheet music. I have the second gen iPad Pro and it does that very well, considering just running that into the ground before upgrading to something else.

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

The 12.9 is fantastic for reading sheet music. I have the second gen iPad Pro and it does that very well, considering just running that into the ground before upgrading to something else.

Is there a particular app you use to purchase/view your sheet music? And what instrument?

I play the piano, and while in some aspects it might be difficult to get used to playing on a digital sheet (I like to mark up the sheet music), I can definitely imagine the benefits.

 

[krspkbl]

Will be getting an 11”.

cheaper. don’t want to be carrying a brick about in my bag. And mini led has blooming.

 

[slicktromboner]

Is there a particular app you use to purchase/view your sheet music? And what instrument?

I play the piano, and while in some aspects it might be difficult to get used to playing on a digital sheet (I like to mark up the sheet music), I can definitely imagine the benefits.

I play trombone and use ForScore, which is awesome in combination with the Apple Pencil and bluetooth pedal for turning pages. You just import a PDF copy of your music and go from there. It can pull files directly from iCloud, Google Drive or you can AirDrop between Apple devices, pretty much the same functionality as the Files app on your device. I think you can link two iPads as well, which might be more relevant for a piano player, though the bluetooth pedal page turning is fantastic for a wind player. I feel so much more relaxed when I play now.

I do a lot of pit gigs, so the roadmaps can change on a daily basis. With ForScore, you just clone the page, cut/paste a section, or highlight with colors. No scraping with a crappy eraser, having to find a copy machine, drawing lines with a pencil, or creasing pages to flip back and forth for repeated sections. You can insert proper symbols too rather than hand drawing accidentals, dynamic markings, key signatures... I'll never go back to pencil and paper. Bonus is that it now works on Apple Silicon, so I can open my scores on my new M1 Mac.

 

[pdoherty]

Will be getting an 11”.

cheaper. don’t want to be carrying a brick about in my bag. And mini led has blooming.

ROFL - So you think the new iPad Pro miniLED display will be worse in some way to the current backlit LCD?

 

[atownguy]

Is there a particular app you use to purchase/view your sheet music? And what instrument?

I play the piano, and while in some aspects it might be difficult to get used to playing on a digital sheet (I like to mark up the sheet music), I can definitely imagine the benefits.

I use Musicnotes and love it. You could buy sheet music, import your own PDF’s, organize everything in folders, and markup sheet music using an Apple Pencil. Most songs also include several transpositions that you could choose from. I’ve used it for years with no problems, and really does it all and it’s extremely well reviewed.

 

[Donka]

ROFL - So you think the new iPad Pro miniLED display will be worse in some way to the current backlit LCD?

Blooming is the Achilles heel of backlit FALD displays. It’s going to better is most ways but this will be the trade off.

 

[pdoherty]

And people have been largely unhappy with iPad Pro screens up to now? Since when?

 

[dafastlane]

Getting 11" to replace my iPP 10.5. I like the portability.

I would consider 12.9 if/when it could replace my MacBook Pro. I need 32 GB memory, Xcode, VMWare Fusion, and SDCARD formatting.

 

[jterp7]

id give it a year before the mini led filters down, but yeah if you plan on actually holding the ipad 12.9 is personally a bit too cumbersome. Desktop replacement sure.

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

I play trombone and use ForScore, which is awesome in combination with the Apple Pencil and bluetooth pedal for turning pages. You just import a PDF copy of your music and go from there. It can pull files directly from iCloud, Google Drive or you can AirDrop between Apple devices, pretty much the same functionality as the Files app on your device. I think you can link two iPads as well, which might be more relevant for a piano player, though the bluetooth pedal page turning is fantastic for a wind player. I feel so much more relaxed when I play now.

I do a lot of pit gigs, so the roadmaps can change on a daily basis. With ForScore, you just clone the page, cut/paste a section, or highlight with colors. No scraping with a crappy eraser, having to find a copy machine, drawing lines with a pencil, or creasing pages to flip back and forth for repeated sections. You can insert proper symbols too rather than hand drawing accidentals, dynamic markings, key signatures... I'll never go back to pencil and paper. Bonus is that it now works on Apple Silicon, so I can open my scores on my new M1 Mac.

I use Musicnotes and love it. You could buy sheet music, import your own PDF’s, organize everything in folders, and markup sheet music using an Apple Pencil. Most songs also include several transpositions that you could choose from. I’ve used it for years with no problems, and really does it all and it’s extremely well reviewed.

Great thanks for the info. I downloaded Musicnotes to test (as it's free) and it seems like a pretty cool concept. Unfortunately, I still only have a 9.7" iPad Pro, so it's not practical as of yet, but definitely a motivation for a 12.9" one...

 

[uktom1986]

Hello all

know this has probably been discussed but I would like some help deciding whether to get the 11 or 12.9 inch iPad Pro. The device will only be used as a tablet- web browsing, watching you tube, playing a few games, and streaming Netflix/prime. The device will never be used on a desk or with a keyboard case - just a folio cover and will be used either on the couch, resting up on my legs or when sitting up in bed. I have a 10.5 inch iPad already which is a lovely size, but now want to upgrade to either of the 2 new pro’s. If apple had made the 11 inch mini led, then my decision would have been easy, but as it’s only on the 12.9, I am considering this size too, but am wary this will be too cumbersome to use.

Does anyone have or have used a 12.9 just as a tablet, never on a desk, and without a keyboard case. If so how comfortable is to use on the sofa / bed.
Or has anyone tried both and decided on 11 because it is the perfect size.

Thank you in anticipation

 

[keeper]

It goes like this.
Go to a shop pick up both and see what suits YOU the best, I cant answer what will suit you.

I have an 11, I went to the shop picked up a 12.9 and decided it’s to big and heavy, would be fine on a keyboard but then you may as well get a Mac air.

 

[LFC2020]

web browsing, watching you tube, playing a few games, and streaming Netflix

You just answered your own question right there, definitely the big bad boy, the ultimate best screen on any tablet in the known universe, amazing contrast, amazing deep blacks, amazing brightness and the list goes on and on and on, unless portability is important to you then get the little fella.

Recommend getting the MINI LED drool worthy, unputdownable display, 12.9" monster from apple, give it a test drive, if you find it to big, return it within 14 days and get the 11" model.

Recommend getting the deep navy folio case, one amazing sexy looking case, no need to thank me, you're welcome. ?

 

[uktom1986]

Thanks for the replies. You‘re right LFC2020, it is because of “wanting” the better display that I am considering the 12.9. You’re both right in

 

[LFC2020]

Thanks for the replies. You‘re right LFC2020, it is because of “wanting” the better display that I am considering the 12.9. You’re both right in

Not always right, just trying to be awesome everyday. ??

On a serious note, you won't regret the gorgeous display on the mini led iPad, just don't listen to all these numb nuts online spreading fake news about blooming.

 

[uktom1986]

Thanks for the replies. You‘re right LFC2020, it is because of “wanting” the better display that I am considering the 12.9. You’re both right in that I should try them out and see which one I prefer. Unfortunately I am to get to a store at present and delivery of the 12.9 seems to be many weeks away. Hence my asking this question on here and hoping other member can help.

 

[keeper]

The screen on the 11 is fine, I actually thought it looked better than the 12 within IOS, maybe different in the right movie content.

Personally I’d get the 11, it’s a lot easier to handle, you don’t have to think about it’s size or weight as it feels balanced in your hand, I have the MKB and it’s great in it.

If I was an artist I’d get the 12, for media consumption I’d get the 11.
if I needed a bigger screen as a non artist I’d get a MacBook.

 

[LFC2020]

If I was an artist I’d get the 12, for media consumption I’d get the 11.
if I needed a bigger screen as a non artist I’d get a MacBook.

He doesn't want a MacBook, For media consumption the 11" is the wrong choice, only time id get the 11" is if portability was very important to me.

For your use case, definitely go with the 12.9" the screen is way better than the 11" had mine since launch, you won't regret it, if you don't like it send it back to apple within 14 days and get the 11" no harm done. ?

 

[Moakesy]

Another vote for the 12.9"

I used to have the 11" but went to 12.9 and never looked back. My use case is similar to yours, never use it at a desk....always on the sofa, bed etc. I'd say the only reason for the 11" is if you take the iPad out of the house regularly, the 12.9 is heavy if you were carrying it out and about every day.

I would recommend the keyboard folio case (so not the magic keyboard). I don't like losing screen estate with the onscreen keyboard popping up. It does add weight though, so you can pop it on and off as you see fit if that is a concern for you.

 

[MrGimper]

I went from my fabulous 10.5 Pro to the new 12.9. I went to a local store and tried the 2020 12.9 and 11 for about 20 minutes and fell in love with the 12.9. It's just over an inch bigger in width and height, not a foot bigger! You don't need a crane to use it. I've never held any of my iPads in my hand unsupported, but it appears that many people do. In bed, I rest it on something. On the sofa, I rest it on my leg. Always have. I just don't wander around with my tablet in my outstretched arm. If I take it out, I carry it in a small messenger bag, with other things like sunglasses etc, I don't walk around with it like a clipboard.

Media consumption, there are 2 choices; the 12.9, or the wrong choice.