iPad Pro 11 or 12.9 Pro ?

[Grid]

I was hoping my 2016 9.7 iPP would get me through until Apple released an iPP 11 with OLED or something similar, but my 9.7 died a couple of months ago. Tried the iPad Air but returned it because I wasn't happy with the display and realised the iPP is much a better deal if you are getting more than the base storage on the Air. (I should have spent more time on MacRumors where this has been pointed out many times!) Since the M1 iPPs were announced, I have cycled between:

1. going without an iPad for a year and hoping for an OLED or mini LED 11 in 2022;
2. getting the 12.9 (and hoping it would not be too big); and
3. getting the 11 (knowing I'll probably want to upgrade in 12 months).

After going back and forth many times, I finally ordered the 11 today. I mostly use it hand held for media consumption, love the portability of the smaller iPads, and have an M1 MBA so I don't need the iPad to serve as a laptop.

This is the first time in about 15 years of buying Apple products that I have made a major purchase after the release date - I always do my research ahead of time and pre-order to ensure a day 1 delivery. Apple has clearly driven many of us slightly crazy by upgrading the screen on the 12.9 and not the 11.

 

[Traverse]

I’ve been a big advocate of the 10.5” - 11” size since the larger iPad Pro came out. Prior to the 2018 redesign, I don’t think the 12.9” iPad was practical for many users. Even after the redesign I was all-in on the smaller size (even after four trips to the Apple Store over the years to compare them).

I’m a bit over a month into having the 12.9” iPad Pro and I have to say that my apprehension was not warranted. Yes, it is bigger and heavier, but I rarely used my iPad without leaning it against something. I’ve adapted to the larger screen space and keyboard and have found it awesome for both consumption and light productivity. When I pick up my old 10.5“ it feels almost weightless and I do miss that, but I think the trade off is worth it.

TL/DR: While the 12.9” is noticeably larger, it’s far more useable than I expected and the additional screen size is a joy when in use.

 

[xxray]

So, I’ve been interested in upgrading to a 12.9 Pro from my 10.5 Pro since 2017, because it can be both a tablet with the Pencil and both a laptop when paired with the Magic Keyboard. Best of both worlds. I went to a store to try out the 2021 12.9” Pro, and here are my stages of thoughts:

1) Screen is a huge upgrade from 10.5 screen. I mean noticeably a lot better. The experience is very cool for the first 5-10 minutes.

2) I then notice the size starts feeling a bit fatiguing, though it’s gorgeous and a very immersive canvas. I start thinking about my current use cases with my iPad and realize that this iPad would likely not work well in those situations - too wieldy and cumbersome.

3) Well, with the Magic Keyboard, this thing would be awesome. Better screen compared to MacBook, FaceID, could interact with the screen with my finger, and draw on it.

4) But, it probably wouldn’t work well as a tablet. I also can’t get rid of my MacBook, so it makes no sense to get an iPad I’d primarily use as a laptop. I’d just lose an enjoyable tablet experience and have redundant devices.

5) 11” Pro is not much of an upgrade either. Screen looks exact same, nothing huge to really benefit from.

6) I go home empty-handed, but with a full wallet.

 

[Traverse]

4) But, it probably wouldn’t work well as a tablet. I also can’t get rid of my MacBook, so it makes no sense to get an iPad I’d primarily use as a laptop. I’d just lose an enjoyable tablet experience and have redundant devices.

While I feel that the 12.9” can make a good tablet as well, I think the 11” is a superior device if you’re wanting the best possible tablet that can also serve as a sort-of laptop on occasion.

For me, while my iPad is used 90% of the time as a tablet, I am fortunate in that the iMac + iPad combo is ideal for me so I can more freely push my iPad into laptop territory without that feeling of redundancy. At one point I had a 10.5” iPad Pro and an iPad mini and while I know there are many users on this forum that can fit multiple iPads into their workflows, THAT felt overwhelming redundant for me.

Thought a 12.9” + mini combo…no, stop it - I’m tempting myself to spend money again.

 

[fitcious]

Just recently bought a 2018, 11, 256gb wifi+cellular off here for $450. Perfect portability size

 

[Jamacfer]

I’ve been a big advocate of the 10.5” - 11” size since the larger iPad Pro came out. Prior to the 2018 redesign, I don’t think the 12.9” iPad was practical for many users. Even after the redesign I was all-in on the smaller size (even after four trips to the Apple Store over the years to compare them).

I’m a bit over a month into having the 12.9” iPad Pro and I have to say that my apprehension was not warranted. Yes, it is bigger and heavier, but I rarely used my iPad without leaning it against something. I’ve adapted to the larger screen space and keyboard and have found it awesome for both consumption and light productivity. When I pick up my old 10.5“ it feels almost weightless and I do miss that, but I think the trade off is worth it.

TL/DR: While the 12.9” is noticeably larger, it’s far more useable than I expected and the additional screen size is a joy when in use.

I think that the 12,9 " could make sense only giving up the MacBook using it both as a tablet and as a laptop while taking into account that you will give up a "real" tablet (the 11" in my opinion) and a "real" computer (iPadOs can not be compared to MacOs).

 

[Cosmo M3]

Thought a 12.9” + mini combo…no, stop it - I’m tempting myself to spend money again.

I had this combo and it's far the best combo. I'm waiting for the 6th Gen Mini

 

[Woodstockie]

Have the 9.7 Pro with a Logitech keyboard/pencil since 2016, but just ordered the 12.9 256GB M1 and a Logitech keyboard. Next to the iPad I have a late 2013 15" MBP and 2015 iMac 27", but want to try to make the switch to the 12.9 as my (main) portable work/free time station and if needed do the big screen stuff on the iMac. Over the years I have spent more and more time on the iPad compared to the MBP, but find the 9.7 screen size a bit limited to do actual work. Typing emails, etc was okay, but Excel or making presentations didn't work for me on the iPad. So, for work I ended up carrying both the iPad and MBP in my backpack. Looking forward to the bigger screen and especially the M1, should be a big jump.

 

[littlepud]

Tried the 12.9 for a week and a half. Loved the screen but hated the size / weight. Went and got the 11. I’m happy now.

 

[Surfman]

Should of kept for 2 weeks

 

[Username-already-in-use]

The perfect iPad is the specific one I’ve got, but I’m not telling you what it is.

 

[ericwn]

Should of kept for 2 weeks

I of my doubts that three more days make it lighter or more comfortable.

 

[Surfman]

I of my doubts that three more days make it lighter or more comfortable.

3 more days in the gym

 

[ericwn]

3 more days in the gym

Comfortable comes from the size / dimensions. Hence half buy size a and the other size b. Nobody needs gym lessons for their tablets, most rest them completely or partially somewhere anyway.

 

[Surfman]

Comfortable comes from the size / dimensions. Hence half buy size a and the other size b. Nobody needs gym lessons for their tablets, most rest them completely or partially somewhere anyway.

Forget yes only needed for 12 pro max on here

 

[zehcnassurfero]

I can’t decide between: iPad Pro 11” and MBP 13”, or iPad Pro 12.9” and MBP 16”. Also, I was thinking to buy a 11” and MBP 16”.

Someone of you have one of these combinations?

 

[kp98077]

Hands down the 12.9, the 11 feels not even like an iPad to me, not productive on it!

 

[BATman.Berlin]

I can’t decide between: iPad Pro 11” and MBP 13”, or iPad Pro 12.9” and MBP 16”. Also, I was thinking to buy a 11” and MBP 16”.

Someone of you have one of these combinations?

I run MBA and 11 pro. Productivity on the MacBook and consumption + note taking on the 11 pro. Works well for my type of work

 

[mi7chy]

Went with 11" iPad Pro 512GB. Didn't want the mini-LED downgrade and since it's gimped by iPadOS it's not a productivity device and barely a consumption device so didn't want to pay $300 extra for the 12.9".

 

[iZollo]

I've used the 12.9 for a couple of years, and just downsized to the 11. I can see both positions about the keyboard... if I were typing in "desktop mode" with the iPad horizontal and propped up with a smart cover style case, yeah, the 12.9 would be easier. But handheld vertically, it's far easier to thumb-type on the 11.

I did just that myself. I traded my 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 and purchased a 2021 iPad pro 11inch with MK. What I noticed in the 1 1/2 week of using the 11inch I finally use the iPad like a tablet. With my 12.9 I would keep it on the MK all the time. The 11inch is a pleasure to use and the MK size is fine don’t miss the larger MK.

 

[DeepSix]

C'est bien pour moi, trois produits important dans la même capsule. Pour le bon maintien d'une bonne santée, on a toujours besoin de vitamines supplémemtaire dans l'année.

 

[rui no onna]

C'est bien pour moi, trois produits important dans la même capsule. Pour le bon maintien d'une bonne santée, on a toujours besoin de vitamines supplémemtaire dans l'année.

Wrong forum?

 

[MisterSavage]

I did just that myself. I traded my 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 and purchased a 2021 iPad pro 11inch with MK. What I noticed in the 1 1/2 week of using the 11inch I finally use the iPad like a tablet. With my 12.9 I would keep it on the MK all the time. The 11inch is a pleasure to use and the MK size is fine don’t miss the larger MK.

Yeah I'm really glad I switched my 12.9 for an 11 in 2018. Still use mine every day and love it.

 

[Dealmans]

I prefer the square shape of the 12.9" after 2 years with a 11" it just looks weird now, my wife has it.

 

[bondr006]

I have my M1 iPP in the field with me a lot for my Real Estate work. I chose the 11" and it is perfect for the work I do, and more portable also. Couldn't ask for a better device for Realty and property management.