iPad Pro 11 or 12.9 Pro ?

[sracer]

I know people keep bringing up the split screen issue, but I went to the Apple store and compared the two. Sure. The split screen is bigger on the 12.9”...but duh...EVERYTHING is bigger on the 12.9”! Lol. Seriously tho, you can do split screen on the 11” and it looks totally fine to me. I know people like to say “But it’s not full size iPad apps”...but come on... It’s not like you can’t see anything. It’s just smaller. And you can have a third floating app over the split screen too... Just like on the 12.9”. Again...just smaller. Lol. Split screen is not a huge thing for me anyway. I like to focus on one thing at a time. Besides, I find you can easily swipe to diff open apps just as easily as using split screen. But hey, that’s me.

No, it's not just smaller on the 11" Pro. The content (and often times the UI) is different between "compact" and "full".

Because Split view is not important to you, you have made a good decision in going with the 11. But for those who DO rely heavily on split view, the difference IS important, and the 12.9 is the preferred option. Trying to explain why there is no difference between the two devices (when clearly there is) is not helpful, IMO.

 

[Greenmeenie]

No, it's not just smaller on the 11" Pro. The content (and often times the UI) is different between "compact" and "full".

Because Split view is not important to you, you have made a good decision in going with the 11. But for those who DO rely heavily on split view, the difference IS important, and the 12.9 is the preferred option. Trying to explain why there is no difference between the two devices (when clearly there is) is not helpful, IMO.

I don’t think I was not being helpful. Just providing an alternative view, which is always helpful. Of course there is a difference. As an artist, I can see how having more room on a split screen to draw with a photo on the other as reference would be nice. But I was just pointing out that although there are differences in some apps, it’s not always night and day. Some apps in split screen btwn the two are very similar...only slightly smaller on the 11”. I encourage people to actually go into an Apple store and see for themselves. Test out the apps they plan to use in split screen. Again, my point is that even if there are differences, some people make it seem like split screen on the 11” is crap...when it’s not. And for many it may indeed be totally fine.

 

[DoubleFlyaway]

I have just read through the 19 pages of this thread and I went to the store to see the 11" and 12.9" Friday, and I am still so undecided on which size to buy.

I have an Air 2 I use for simple games and control Spotify. I have an iPhone 8 I do a surprisingly high amount of reading and browsing on, so I only take the iPad with me out for overnight travelling, and in those cases I use it for browsing, Netflix and mail. I also have an MBP 15" I use at home for most tasks the iPhone is too small for. The Air 2 has very little use.

The thing is I think that the iPad Pro with ASK and pencil will not only be a replacement for the Air 2, as I assume it is a better device, i.e. screen and performance. So I think I will use it sometimes instead of the MBP at home for writing, Netflix and maybe photo editing, and reading and browsing on it instead of using the iPhone.

Not even sure what I'm asking from you guys, other than help to decide - haha. First world problem...

It would be helpful to me if someone coming from Air 2 can comment on their use of iPad Pro so far, either the 11" or the 12.9". Also a picture might be useful, and maybe also some real life experience of the weight differences between either models.

Thanks in advance!

I just replaced my Air 2 with the 11 inch. I also have a 12.9 from last year, which replaced my MBP 15. So my position would be that if you plan on keeping your MBP, then go 11. If you think you might not need your MBP, go 12.9.

When I got the 2017 12.9, it was meant as a replacement for the Air 2, not the MBP. But I found I didn’t use my MBP anymore and I really liked having two iPads, because I do my actual work on the 12.9 (online teaching, including video chat and solving problems on a white board with Apple Pencil), and I would often use the Air 2 to look at PDFs while doing that. The improvement of having the 11 inch over the Air 2 is that now I can mark up the PDFs. And I really, really like the ASK, so now I have the more compact 11 inch with keyboard folio to throw into my purse and feel super prepared for anything at all times.

(If you carry a medium to large purse, the new 12.9 may also fit in... my 2017 definitely does not fit... I have to use a tote bag or backpack for that. But when I was in the Apple store, I put the new 12.9 in my purse (in front of a sales lady!) to see if it would fit, and it did.)

 

[Greenmeenie]

I just replaced my Air 2 with the 11 inch. I also have a 12.9 from last year, which replaced my MBP 15. So my position would be that if you plan on keeping your MBP, then go 11. If you think you might not need your MBP, go 12.9.

When I got the 2017 12.9, it was meant as a replacement for the Air 2, not the MBP. But I found I didn’t use my MBP anymore and I really liked having two iPads, because I do my actual work on the 12.9 (online teaching, including video chat and solving problems on a white board with Apple Pencil), and I would often use the Air 2 to look at PDFs while doing that. The improvement of having the 11 inch over the Air 2 is that now I can mark up the PDFs. And I really, really like the ASK, so now I have the more compact 11 inch with keyboard folio to throw into my purse and feel super prepared for anything at all times.

(If you carry a medium to large purse, the new 12.9 may also fit in... my 2017 definitely does not fit... I have to use a tote bag or backpack for that. But when I was in the Apple store, I put the new 12.9 in my purse (in front of a sales lady!) to see if it would fit, and it did.)

I totally agree, the new 12.9” is definitely more portable than the last. I don’t use a MacBook. But I do travel a lot. Backpacking, international travel, lots of running around. Ideally, i’d love a 12.9” when at home or stationary, and an iPad mini with pencil support for when traveling. I love to sketch & edit video on the road. But since that’s not an option(at least not yet), I decided to split the difference and go with the 11” and new Apple Pencil. Portabilty & power.

 

[DoubleFlyaway]

The new 12.9” is definitely more portable than the last. I don’t use a MacBook. But I do travel a lot. Backpacking, international travel, lots of running around. Ideally, i’d love a 12.9” when at home or stationary, and an iPad mini with pencil support for when traveling. I love to sketch & edit video on the road. But since that’s not an option(at least not yet), I decided to split the difference and go with the 11” and new Apple Pencil. Portabilty & power.

I travel a lot, too, and I tend to work while I travel. I think my current position is that if I’m going to just do a handful of teaching sessions on a trip, I’ll take the 11. If I’m going to work a lot, I’ll take the 12.9 (or both, depending). Earlier this year, I did a month-long co-working retreat in Bali— taking 12.9 and Air 2. I’d still do that with the 12.9 and 11. Most other trips, though, I’d just take the 11.

 

[Greenmeenie]

I travel a lot, too, and I tend to work while I travel. I think my current position is that if I’m going to just do a handful of teaching sessions on a trip, I’ll take the 11. If I’m going to work a lot, I’ll take the 12.9 (or both, depending). Earlier this year, I did a month-long co-working retreat in Bali— taking 12.9 and Air 2. I’d still do that with the 12.9 and 11. Most other trips, though, I’d just take the 11.

I hear ya. I am trying to minimize my gear when traveling too. Embrace the whole zen philosophy of less is more. It’s very liberating. Bali is definitely on my list of places to visit.

 

[augustya]

Wow ! I am just imagining how much and how do people have a need for 2 iPads !
[doublepost=1541949131][/doublepost]

I hear ya. Bali is definitely on my list of places to visit.

Mind you Indonesia is one island country which is always cursed some or another calamity keeps happening there ! Be it earthquakes, terrorist act, Tsunami, Floods, Air Crash etc... It is the Bermuda Triangle in the South East Asia Region !! Don't tell me I did not warn you !!

 

[DoubleFlyaway]

Wow ! I am just imagining how much and how do people have a need for 2 iPads !
[doublepost=1541949131][/doublepost]

Mind you Indonesia is one island country which is always cursed some or another calamity keeps happening there ! Be it earthquakes, terrorist act, Tsunami, Floods, Air Crash etc... It is the Bermuda Triangle in the South East Asia Region !!

Two iPads, but no laptop and no desktop.

 

[augustya]

Two iPads, but no laptop and no desktop.

Well ! For me everything has a special task and capability in life ! for on the go Mobile Phone, while semi-mobile something like iPad. When wanting something extensive and task oriented a Laptop ! There are specific things which you can do on all these individual devices which cannot be swapped or replaced. Just my two cents !!

 

[DoubleFlyaway]

Well ! For me everything has a special task and capability in life ! for on the go Mobile Phone, while semi-mobile something like iPad. When wanting something extensive and task oriented a Laptop ! There are things which you can do on all these individual devices which cannot be swapped or replaced. Just my two cents !!

I just don’t have a use that an iPad can’t handle pretty easily. Every now and then I use Puffin for a web page that Safari isn’t loading correctly. That’s it.

 

[PuntNL]

I decided I’ll settle on my first choice and keep my 11 inch. Was very tempted, went to the store 2 times to test out the 12.9 inch but all things taken together, for my personal use case the 11 inch seems like the right choice. I have my XS Max, my 15 inch MBP Pro and my ultimate media consumption, reading device in my 11 inch iPad pro which fits in between perfectly.

 

[jazzer15]

It's interesting hearing the different opinions and reasoning why people ultimately choose one over the other. I would be interested to know for those who ultimately decide to go with the 11 inch how much the difference in price is a factor in the decision vs. simply concluding that the form factor is more appropriate for their needs. Some have suggested that if you can afford it, the 12.9 inch is the way to go, but I would imagine the additional cost is not the most important issue for many, although I could be wrong.

 

[lsh]

It's interesting hearing the different opinions and reasoning why people ultimately choose one over the other. I would be interested to know for those who ultimately decide to go with the 11 inch how much the difference in price is a factor in the decision vs. simply concluding that the form factor is more appropriate for their needs. Some have suggested that if you can afford it, the 12.9 inch is the way to go, but I would imagine the additional cost is not the most important issue for many, although I could be wrong.

I decided on 11 and price wasn't a factor. I really like it now that I can appreciate the display, form factor, and speed vs. trying to decide between the two.

 

[marmiteturkey]

I’ve just spent the afternoon sketching and using the 11 as a laptop replacement and I’m now completely happy that the 11 is the right choice for me to go with my 15in MBP. I can’t replace a laptop with an iPad 100% but for four days in five I can, and the 11in is a perfect size for the things I do on those days, including MS office work, meeting notes, doc markup and email/browsing/research.

Hurrah! Now I can let this decision go, it was taking up far too much attention....

 

[tomdwan]

It's interesting hearing the different opinions and reasoning why people ultimately choose one over the other. I would be interested to know for those who ultimately decide to go with the 11 inch how much the difference in price is a factor in the decision vs. simply concluding that the form factor is more appropriate for their needs. Some have suggested that if you can afford it, the 12.9 inch is the way to go, but I would imagine the additional cost is not the most important issue for many, although I could be wrong.

Price was not a consideration at all, only usability and portability which led me to buy the 11“

 

[BaddAdvice]

It’s funny how, initially, the front runner was the 12.9. Now, after more folks have gotten their mitts on the 11”, it seems to be swinging back that way. I’m wondering if more folks were swayed by the 12.9 when they directly compared it to the 11” in person. I was fully in “Camp 11” before I saw them next to each other and had a chance to do a side-by-side.

Having had the 12.9 for a few days and putting it through its paces in various situations, I’m still happy with my decision. In fact, I tried using the iPad for work on Friday instead of firing up my laptop and made it through the entirety of the day until I needed to logon to one of our systems at work. Looking back, I could’ve done that from the iPad as well, but habit dictated and I switched over to the laptop.

Couch surfing is just fine, for me, as well. However, I can see where the 11” would be great for that too.

All in all, still a happy dude here.

 

[richpjr]

This... I have a family of four, and we each have at least 2 Apple devices (some have 3). Let’s say we upgrade each device on average every 2-3 years, and the minimum storage bump to the next level is $125. Over a 5 year period that would be roughly 20 devices, which would equate to paying $2500 of extra onboard storage over a 5 year period, and that’s being conservative!

We also have 2TB of iCloud storage with our shared family plan for $10 month. Over a 5 year period, that equates to $600 in monthly storage fees. $600 vs at least $2500 - you do the math.

I use 32/64GB on my iPhone, and only 24/64GB on my iPad. Granted my Wife and Daughter tend to use more, we have had no problem making everything fit by leveraging iCloud. So yes, while it’s only $100 or $150 more to go to the next storage level to get a better “value” per device, you end up paying much more in the long run, rebuying storage over and over again across multiple devices!

Tim

This is a very valid point and it is quite expensive - IF you can live using cloud storage and don't need more local storage. As always, it comes down to how you use your devices.

 

[MCube74]

After using the 12.9 first gen for 2 years the 11” felt too small for me.

The new 12.9 model is smaller and lighter and my obvious choice.

The 11” model looks like the 9.7” model with more screen real estate. It’s great for portability but not so much for productivity.

 

[nperei]

Look like everyone had different prefer and how they feel comfortable with size. I was gonna get 12.9 when everyone say awesome and big. I have original iPad Air 9.7 4 years when to Apple Store took look at 11 and 12.9 Both look awesome! I did go with 11 realize plenty room on 11 screen. !2.9 is huge for my small hand. As long you can read well and feel comfortable with size for your work production. 11 was great choice to me. if you own 10.5 and jump to 11" you might not notice much about size. Well just pick out and you will be happy either way it is best products!

 

[MisterSavage]

I decided on 11 and price wasn't a factor. I really like it now that I can appreciate the display, form factor, and speed vs. trying to decide between the two.

Same with me. Price was not a factor at all when selecting the 11.

 

[lillefot]

@jazzer15 @iseras @DoubleFlyaway Thanks for your input, that was very helpful. I am not looking for a replacement for the MBP, but on the other hand - when bringing the iPad outdoors, it sounds like I might as well carry the 12.9".

@jazzer15: Price is not a factor for me.

I have boiled down my decision to this:

I am wondering if I'll miss out on something on the media experience with the 11". But I am concerned the 12.9" will be too heavy for me to hold for normal use.

Since I probably will keep on using the 15" MBP in most cases watching Netflix anyway (I don't watch TV), I think I'll go for the 11".

 

[metalsiren]

Yea I keep wanting to go 12.9, but I have to realize its overkill for me at least. If I used my IPP as a PC replacement etc and did tons of work on it then sure 12.9 all the way. I use my IPP as a companion device, media consumption light gaming etc and for that the 12.9 would be to much. Hell the 12.9 might not even fit in the table next to my bed.

But I keep thinking about it.. (punches himself in the head to make it stop) lol

 

[C225]

Price was not a factor in my decision. After having the 12.9 1st gen I sold it after a couple years and it was hardly used for the last year of that. Instead I’d be using my MacBook as it was just as cumbersome to use.

Now I’m selling my MacBook and went in to get an iPad to replace it basically. On holding the new 12.9 whilst substantially better than before it’s still too big for me in bed or on the couch as I like to use it browsing and reading in portrait and the bigger one encourages landscape more.

I like the smaller form factors more anyway. Last month I went in to upgrade my iPhone X to the XS Max but I literally picked it up in the apple store and immediately put it back and walked out of store as it’s just too big for me. Made me realise quickly how much I like the iPhone X size now.

 

[Greenmeenie]

@jazzer15 @iseras @DoubleFlyaway Thanks for your input, that was very helpful. I am not looking for a replacement for the MBP, but on the other hand - when bringing the iPad outdoors, it sounds like I might as well carry the 12.9".

@jazzer15: Price is not a factor for me.

I have boiled down my decision to this:

I am wondering if I'll miss out on something on the media experience with the 11". But I am concerned the 12.9" will be too heavy for me to hold for normal use.

Since I probably will keep on using the 15" MBP in most cases watching Netflix anyway (I don't watch TV), I think I'll go for the 11".

Actually, i don’t think you’ll miss anything on the media experience at all. Check this out... I was at the Apple Store the other day comparing the 11” & 12.9”. One of the tests i did was playing the same 4k video of Tokyo on both ipads side by side. Both beautiful. And with the 11” ipads different aspect ratio, it’s actually closer to cinema 16:9. Yes, the 12.9” picture is obviously bigger, but Notice how the black bars on the top and bottom are actually bigger on the 12.9” and less on the 11”. The 11” actually fills more of it’s screen with video.

Just something to ponder. Again, both beautiful media consumption devices to be sure.

 

[lsh]

It’s crazy how in the store, the 12.9 looks great and the 11 looks mini. I took back my 12.9 and bought the 11 for my husband (I have the 11). They sold out of all covers for 12.9 today, and someone wanted to buy the keyboard folio I returned.
The sales guy said his mom wanted the 12.9 until she carried it around at work and home and switched.

For me, this time, the 11 is perfect. There’s always next release!

Now if I could just get the smart folio in a color! I like the magnet coverstyle. I’d love to switch out the keyboard when not needed.