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Which is the best iPad Pro ?


  • Total voters
    2,370

Dukat

macrumors 6502
Mar 9, 2012
306
76
OK I went back for a second visit to the Apple Store and have reversed my opinion completely.

Now I want the 12.9 over the 11. This device will be my laptop.

haha, I feel you.
I have both sizes on my desk, I keep switching which one I'm using and I like them both a lot. Ridiculous I'm having such a hard time picking.
 

jpiszcz

macrumors 6502
Mar 28, 2010
413
76
haha, I feel you.
I have both sizes on my desk, I keep switching which one I'm using and I like them both a lot. Ridiculous I'm having such a hard time picking.

How is using the iPad Pro 12.9 (holding it in one hand) while swiping with other in terms of the weight etc?
 

triangletechie

macrumors 65816
Apr 21, 2017
1,016
1,748
NC
I have the 11 model and really like it. I was at the Apple store today picking up the folio case and checked out the 12.9 model. Very impressed that the footprint has shrunk. It's tempting to get but I don't know how I'll like it as an actual portable device. It is still huge.
 
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Estel

macrumors newbie
Sep 17, 2008
11
3
Sweden
I am SO stuck on this. I've not owned an iPad before so this will be my first, which makes the decision even harder as I can't be certain exactly how I'll use it. But I'm a maths teacher, and my plan is that the iPad will replace all my paper. So I'll be doing (hand-written) lesson plans on it, as well as solving a lot of maths exercises. The larger form-factor of the 12.9" is therefore tempting because it's closer to a standard A4 piece of paper (that said, I currently do my planning in an A5 notebook...). +1 for 12.9"?

BUT, I will then need to use the iPad to teach from, which means I need to be able to comfortably hold it in one hand whilst writing on the white board with the other. Tried them both in store and while the new 12.9” is a much more manageable size than the old one, it still feels really heavy after you’ve held it for a while (maybe my muscles would strengthen?? :rolleyes:). +1 for the lighter 11".

I am also thinking I will have some of my textbooks on there in pdf format, which means some split-screen work, with the textbook on one side and writing in my notes app on the other. Definite +1 for the 12.9" there..

Will carry it around a lot to and from work, plus when travelling (which I do a fair bit of), so portability is on my wish list. +1 for the 11”.

But will also likely watch films on it, where a larger screen is of course preferable. +1 for 12.9”. Although I think I read some people don’t like the larger one for watching films in bed? Why is that?

So basically it's an even split. NOT very helpful! Previously it was a no-brainer for me that the 10.5 was better. Now? No idea. :(
Anybody use their iPad in similar ways and have thoughts that might aid my decision?

Also, anyone got any pictures of Files, Dropbox or Books apps in 50/50 split screen with Goodnotes or Notability on the 11” that they want to share? The demo models in store didn’t have any third party apps installed at all...!

Btw I have my October 2008 13" aluminium MacBook as my main device (still going strong ten years later with a new battery, upgraded memory and a 1TB SSD - they really nailed the first aluminium MacBooks), so no laptop replacement for me.
 
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Dukat

macrumors 6502
Mar 9, 2012
306
76
How is using the iPad Pro 12.9 (holding it in one hand) while swiping with other in terms of the weight etc?

I find the 12.9 too heavy to use 1 handed. It's not so much the 0.4lb more than the 11" but also the added weight of the large keyboard cover but primarily the size puts the center of gravity further from your hand so it feels much heavier if holding with 1 and using other to navigate or type.

The majority of my use is on a desk using the keyboard cover as a stand.
It works quite well on my lap as well but I can't see myself ever using it standing up.

That said, I almost never used my 10.5" standing up either.

12.9 screen is so nice and awesome for games and apps that use the space, but for other things it's a pain as you have to go from top to bottom passing lots of white space, someone mentioned the 11" is cozier and information is closer together.

A 12" would be the sweet spot and help with my indecision :)
 

Greenmeenie

macrumors 68020
Jan 14, 2013
2,121
3,304
Here’s the thing - everyone says “compact” like it’s a bad thing. I actually appreciate seeing more content instead of having it obstructed by additional UI elements. Sometime I just want the tabs or mailboxes to fade away so I can read the email or see the web page larger. That is what I am looking at on the screen anyways.

I have the 12.9 1st gen. I love the big screen and the larger keyboard. But it’s heavy and the size makes it unwiedly to carry around regularly. And it’s annoying that it feels like I’m just using a blown up display since so few developers take advantage of the size. I would ideally love the 12.9 and a mini with pencil support as a moleskin notebook replacement. BUT, right now I am going with the 11 inch, 256 gb, space gray. Should get a little more use in a more portable size I think. Just my two cents.

Actually, I thought about that too. A 12.9” & iPad mini with pencil support would be a great combo. But I wonder if the rumors about an iPad mini update coming soon are true. And if they are, will it have pencil support? I would assume the mini will be updated alongside the regular 9.7” iPad in March. But will Apple keep producing the first gen Apple Pencil? Or will they change the look of the regular iPad and mini to mirror the new iPad pros and enable them to use the 2nd gen Apple Pencil. Interesting.
 

Nismo73

macrumors 65816
Jan 4, 2013
1,205
1,041
For me...I was coming from an Air 2 and wanted to do more photo editing on an iPad besides my iMac...also I like having split view where I can have YouTube going on one side and browser on the other half. Plus I love the sound of it certainly coming from an Air 2.
I thought about a MacBook Pro because of still the iOS file system, but I’ll be getting a new one sometime in the coming months to replace a work provided 2010 Air.
The other thing is this is my first device with Face ID and I’m amazed at how it works in the dark at the lowest level brightness setting.
 
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MrT-Man

macrumors regular
Jan 22, 2008
128
26
Honestly, I think something like 12" would be the perfect size. But that said, I picked up a 12.9 today, coming from a 10.5 previously. I'm strictly using it for casual web browsing, reading the news/magazines, watching Netflix etc.

So far so good. If you're sitting in a chair while reading, and resting it on your lap, the 12.9 size is absolutely fantastic. Lying in bed and holding it in portrait mode is very do-able, albeit not ideal. Reading while laying on your side, and having the iPad resting on the bed, is fine.

I think the only real downside is if you plan to hold it for an extended period, whether one-handed or two-handed, without resting it on something. But I don't typically don't hold my iPad like that anyway.

So it's still early days, but at the moment I'm quite satisfied with my decision.
 
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augustya

Suspended
Feb 17, 2012
3,331
464
Those of you who had both sizes, did you notice the 12.9" is a fair bit brighter and whites look a lot more white than the 11"?
My 11" is much warmer than my 10.5 or new 12.9, wondering if they're all like that.

So the 11" iPad Pro does not have the typical Apple trademark Blueish whites display ?
 

vapourtrails

macrumors regular
Jul 18, 2016
206
76
Just picked up the 11”. I tried both in the store and decided the larger model was nice but portability and weight for me was am important factor. Either way both sizes are fantastic
[doublepost=1541820407][/doublepost]Just picked up the 11”. I tried both in the store and decided the larger model was nice but portability and weight for me was am important factor. Either way both sizes are fantastic
 

Madmischief

macrumors regular
Nov 16, 2013
108
70
Oxford, UK
I had a 10.5 before.

I find the 11 is much more travel friendly and, for me, easier to use one handed, I spent 30 mins in store playing with both before buying it.

Using it without a cover and really enjoying the experience
 

cibonak

macrumors 6502
Oct 15, 2014
349
262
Montreal
I am SO stuck on this. I've not owned an iPad before so this will be my first, which makes the decision even harder as I can't be certain exactly how I'll use it. But I'm a maths teacher, and my plan is that the iPad will replace all my paper. So I'll be doing (hand-written) lesson plans on it, as well as solving a lot of maths exercises. The larger form-factor of the 12.9" is therefore tempting because it's closer to a standard A4 piece of paper (that said, I currently do my planning in an A5 notebook...). +1 for 12.9"?

BUT, I will then need to use the iPad to teach from, which means I need to be able to comfortably hold it in one hand whilst writing on the white board with the other. Tried them both in store and while the new 12.9” is a much more manageable size than the old one, it still feels really heavy after you’ve held it for a while (maybe my muscles would strengthen?? :rolleyes:). +1 for the lighter 11".

I am also thinking I will have some of my textbooks on there in pdf format, which means some split-screen work, with the textbook on one side and writing in my notes app on the other. Definite +1 for the 12.9" there..

Will carry it around a lot to and from work, plus when travelling (which I do a fair bit of), so portability is on my wish list. +1 for the 11”.

But will also likely watch films on it, where a larger screen is of course preferable. +1 for 12.9”. Although I think I read some people don’t like the larger one for watching films in bed? Why is that?

So basically it's an even split. NOT very helpful! Previously it was a no-brainer for me that the 10.5 was better. Now? No idea. :(
Anybody use their iPad in similar ways and have thoughts that might aid my decision?

Also, anyone got any pictures of Files, Dropbox or Books apps in 50/50 split screen with Goodnotes or Notability on the 11” that they want to share? The demo models in store didn’t have any third party apps installed at all...!

Btw I have my October 2008 13" aluminium MacBook as my main device (still going strong ten years later with a new battery, upgraded memory and a 1TB SSD - they really nailed the first aluminium MacBooks), so no laptop replacement for me.

Im a math teacher and i also give private maths lessons to students house

As a main device i use my ipp 12.9 1st gen and in class i use a regular ipad 9,7 (Not a pro) that you can buy for 200-300$ easily
 

jsmitty

macrumors 6502a
Sep 18, 2016
557
540
NC
I’m still torn. I’ve tried both in store but I’m only trying the 11 at home. The overall device being the same size is a plus because I have the leather sleeve and there is also a pocket in my work bag perfectly sized for the 10.5/11. I’m sure the 11 will travel easier through airports while the 12.9 would be nice on long flights.

Most things are pointing me towards the 11 but then - I just want the bigger screen and I’m really impressed with the device downsizing from the last 12.9. I’ll keep trying the 11 for a few days and probably make a trip or 5 to hold the 12.9 to help make the final decision. This one is hard. I’m amazed at the perfectly even split in this poll.
 

PuntNL

macrumors member
Nov 15, 2015
31
28
The Netherlands
I’m still torn. I’ve tried both in store but I’m only trying the 11 at home. The overall device being the same size is a plus because I have the leather sleeve and there is also a pocket in my work bag perfectly sized for the 10.5/11. I’m sure the 11 will travel easier through airports while the 12.9 would be nice on long flights.

Most things are pointing me towards the 11 but then - I just want the bigger screen and I’m really impressed with the device downsizing from the last 12.9. I’ll keep trying the 11 for a few days and probably make a trip or 5 to hold the 12.9 to help make the final decision. This one is hard. I’m amazed at the perfectly even split in this poll.

Exactly this for me.. have the 11 at home still and yesterday evening I was leaning towards keeping that one as it’s so comfortable when sitting on the couch with it. Than this morning, still thinking if the new 12.9 would be almost as comfortable but with the added amazing screen real estate. First world problems, but very hard to decide.
 
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Rck1984

macrumors 6502
Jun 5, 2017
398
1,167
The Netherlands
  • If you use your iPad often in portrait mode, holding it one handed then I think your best bet would be the 11 inch (readers)
  • If you use your iPad often in landscape mode, supporting it with your chest (laying) or lap (sitting) then I think your best bet would be 12.9 (media consumption)
Shorter periods of time, no problem. But for long sessions, the 12.9 is a little top heavy while using in portrait mode, especially one-handed.

Using it solely as a laptop (lap or desk) to do work? Go 12.9 inch.

My 2 cents.
 

augustya

Suspended
Feb 17, 2012
3,331
464
  • If you use your iPad often in portrait mode, holding it one handed then I think your best bet would be the 11 inch (readers)
  • If you use your iPad often in landscape mode, supporting it with your chest (laying) or lap (sitting) then I think your best bet would be 12.9 (media consumption)
What if someone wants a perfection for both, for using the iPad in Portrait aswell as the Landscape mode ? Which one would that be 12.9" or 11" ?
 
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Dukat

macrumors 6502
Mar 9, 2012
306
76
After an absurd amount of deliberation I decided to keep the 12.9 and return the 11.
I like the 11" a lot and wish I could keep both but as I only travel ~2-3 weeks per year and use iPads, even the 10.5" on my desk rather than hand held the larger screen benefits me more.

Team Viewer remote desktop is excellent on the larger screen!

Good luck with your decisions!
[doublepost=1541853990][/doublepost]
What if someone wants a perfect for both for using the iPad in Portrait aswell as the Landscape mode ? Which one would that be 12.9" or 11" ?

It really depends on the person.
I finally decided on the 12.9 but I find it near impossible to use while holding (unless it's on your lap).
I also find it too big to use in bed, but others have no such issue so it's highly subjective.

The 12.9" in portrait while viewing magazine PDF's is glorious though. I would need to be sitting down and have it propped up on my legs to view it that way.

Best advise I could give given the subjective nature of what feels right for someone is..
- If you use your iPad mostly on a desk propped up in a stand (like keyboard cover), 12.9" is great
- If you use your iPad hand held while walking around or if you take it with you everywhere you go, then go 11"

Good luck deciding!
 

Rck1984

macrumors 6502
Jun 5, 2017
398
1,167
The Netherlands
What if someone wants a perfect for both for using the iPad in Portrait aswell as the Landscape mode ? Which one would that be 12.9" or 11" ?

  • 11 inch for most comfort at the cost of screen real estate.
  • 12.9 inch for most screen real estate at the cost of comfort.
12 inch would have probably the best size for both screen real estate and comfort, but obviously that is not an option.

I went for the 12.9.

I have above general sized hands, use my iPad mostly in landscape (working incl keyboard), media consumption (couch/bed). Short periods of portrait mode is fine for me, since I don’t use my iPad in that position so often. Besides, if you’re just a reader and use the iPad mostly in portrait mode, you might want to look for a cheaper non-pro iPad anyway.
 
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roblin

macrumors regular
Apr 5, 2007
222
47
Like everyone else I am torn. Went to store, played with both for like 30min. The decision is very close. Don't think I have ever been so torn between sizes. AW44 vs AW40, MBP15 VS MBP13, iBook 13 vs 11 etc etc. This one is very close.

12.9:
+keyboard on screen is nice to type on
+better for desk work

11
+smaller screen makes pictures looks very crisp
+webpages seems to be better optimized for the size

both:
++really nice product
-slightly heavy
-slightly slippery

In the end I ended up going for the 12.9. As it will be a laptop replacement for me I will want to be able to use it in desktop mode a lot.
 

augustya

Suspended
Feb 17, 2012
3,331
464
The 12.9" in portrait while viewing magazine PDF's is glorious though. I would need to be sitting down and have it propped up on my legs to view it that way.

Why is viewing in standing position in portrait mode also difficult on the 12.9" ? Why would that be difficult ??
 

melman101

macrumors 68030
Sep 3, 2009
2,751
295
What surprised me is how close in weight they both were at least with the amount of time I had with them in the store. I stuck with my 12.9”. It’s coming in a few weeks
 

Lowhangers

macrumors regular
Nov 26, 2017
195
305
I had the old 12.9 and moved to the 11. So far I love the 11! It's just the right size for me. The screen is large enough to easily view, draw, paint, run two apps side by side, but it's not too large to hold or carry around with me. I think the 11 is the sweet spot for me between comfort, portability and screen space.
 
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