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Which is the best iPad Pro ?


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    2,370

pshady

macrumors 6502
Mar 10, 2005
267
192
los angeles
Sitting here reading all of this drama on my 10.5 makes me laugh. “Anyone have any screenshots on how APPS look between the 10.5 and 11 inch iPad?” HAHAHAHAHAHAAHA.
 
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augustya

Suspended
Feb 17, 2012
3,331
464
Same here bro.

HK's consumer law sucks. I remember the time when we still had the 14-day return window. The rest was history. Damn scalpers.

Correct me if wrong guys but Since Apple directly operates in HK that is without any resellers or dealers and has its own Stores in HK so don't they offer a 14 days return policy with no questions asked? I was under the impression HK had a 14 day return policy at one point I was even thinking about buying from HK during my visit there ! So is it not there ??
 

Codeseven

macrumors 6502a
Dec 31, 2008
849
344
I am only trying to let those people know have never seen an iPad Pro 12.9” before to compare previous generations with this year’s model and then you will know what is big.

This year model has a smaller form factor with the same screen size. That is all.

Agreed. I mentioned earlier that after seeing the Gen 2 12.9’s unweilding (to me) size the day before, I mistook the GEN 3 12.9 for an 11”. The new 12.9” is incredibly compact, thin and lightweight.
 
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augustya

Suspended
Feb 17, 2012
3,331
464
Sitting here reading all of this drama on my 10.5 makes me laugh. “Anyone have any screenshots on how APPS look between the 10.5 and 11 inch iPad?” HAHAHAHAHAHAAHA.

Looks like you read only what amuses you ! do you do selective reading ? That too which is flawed ! Correction for you ! it is APPS how they look between 11" and 12.9" that also in split view ! That was the crux of the issue !!
 

inimeg81

macrumors member
Nov 18, 2018
62
40
Welp. Registering just to get my thoughts out on this. I reckon just creating an elaborate post will help me decide.

I've been struggling with this since launch. I have exactly 2 days to make a decision because I got a great 11 I don't want to exchange. On the contrary, I've been through 3 12.9's.. yes 3.

Let's talk about why I exchanged the 12.9 a few times. I noticed all but the one I have now had backlight bleeding on the top left corner of the ipad if holding it in portrait mode. If you flip it to landscape with the camera being on the top left, it would be your bottom left. This was noticeable in Netflix or youtube with the black bars. One of the 12.9s had perfect backlight uniformity but the display was too warm, almost yellow, so that one went in. Here's my thing. We're paying A LOT for these devices. They should be damn near close to perfect.

So at this point I have my original 11 and the 12.9 - I've gone back and forth on this matter more than I'd like to.. with using the 11 for a few days, then swapping to the 12.9

11 pros n cons (for me, highly subjective)

pros

-More portable, but is it THAT much portable?
-My 11 copy seems to be as close to perfect as I'd like on panel uniformity.
-Aspect ratio makes the decision for movie watching so much more difficult. The size different on videos is not that much.
-Doesn't weigh anything

cons
-Feels like a bit of a toy next to the 12.9 (upon switching)
-seems to have larger bezels making it look a little more dated than the 12.9
-Great for one handed use.. but I also have a XS Max - not that 6.5 is anywhere comparable to 11, but there's that.

12.9

pros

- better speakers
- bigger screen
- bezels seem to be a hair, but a noticeable hair thinner than the 11 - this appears to be subjective as well, but for my eyes, the 11 looks a little dated with the screen to body ratio
-Bigger is better right??? :)
-For my use, I plan to get into photography and having the larger screen for that is a win
-This is my Netflix machine in many cases and the 12.9 doesn't feel overly uncomfortable when laying in bed
-Split screen functionality is better (not that I use it)
-iOS 12 is limited now, but if I keep the 11 and they update iOS to better blend a full OS and the ipad OS, I'm going to feel like I should have kept the 12.9

cons
-While not as portable as the 11, it's not night and day either. I thought people with the old 12.9 looked silly on planes and out n about.. this one is much more manageable, but still not perfect
-Typing is a another story. I can much easier on the 11
-Weight with the folio cover is hefty.
-Web pages have more info, but also in some cases more white spaces
-Black bars on videos sucks.
-iOS for a machine of this price (1500+ with pencil + kb)
-price compared to 11


I could probably do some more... ultimately for me, I don't have a macbook.. or a laptop other than the crappy work one I have. I have a desktop gaming PC and now my 12.9 - for my use case I think the 12.9 is going to be better than 11. However, and this is a big one.. I do plan to get a macbook some point in the foreseeable future, likely when Apple puts these chips in the MBP line. At that point I feel it would make the two devices a bit redundant and I would have wanted the 11. I guess I could sell at that stage. I just feel the 12.9 for me RIGHT now is going to fit more use cases and is a bit more versatile than the 11.

Today I feel like it's the 12.9, but that could change tomorrow! I'm to the point where I'm going to eeny meanie miny mo
 

Rck1984

macrumors 6502
Jun 5, 2017
398
1,167
The Netherlands
However, and this is a big one.. I do plan to get a macbook some point in the foreseeable future, likely when Apple puts these chips in the MBP line. At that point I feel it would make the two devices a bit redundant and I would have wanted the 11. I guess I could sell at that stage. I just feel the 12.9 for me RIGHT now is going to fit more use cases and is a bit more versatile than the 11.

It looks like you prefer the 12.9, but a possible macbook makes you unsure.

My take on this... I'm fairly certain it's still going to take quite a while before Apple will put their own silicon in their macbooks. You might be waiting for a long time.

There is one thing I avoid, and that is skipping/waiting for something better to come. Because there will always be better.

I'd say go for the 12.9 and enjoy it.
 

Frankfurt

macrumors 6502a
Dec 4, 2016
740
889
USA
The new iPad Pros are truly beautiful devices and if I had not bought the 10.5 last year at a super low price (micro center sale), I would certainly be upgrading this year. I use a 2017 MBP 15" as my main device and the IPP as my (business) travel companion. In that set-up I would have chosen the 11" again because portability is what I seek.

However, whenever I am done working with the MBP and can do work truly only on an iOS device, then I would certainly pick the 12.9 as its form factor is truly amazing after the redesign.
 

HarryWild

macrumors 68020
Oct 27, 2012
2,050
720
I returned my iPad Pro 11" and exchanged it for a 12.9" model! Just for additional $200 more; you get alot more iPad functionality and it still great for one handed use too! I love it! The 11" felt sort of small when I was using it along side the 12.9" at the Apple store!

I am using this as my replacement for my iPad Mini 2! It like crazy futuristic experience. I still use my Mini 2 however while watch stuff like TV and my 12.9" is for the bedroom and lounging web surfing and YouTubing!

It going to take some time for for all the apps to make the adjustment for videos and other stuff!
 
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haruhiko

macrumors 604
Sep 29, 2009
6,689
6,240
Correct me if wrong guys but Since Apple directly operates in HK that is without any resellers or dealers and has its own Stores in HK so don't they offer a 14 days return policy with no questions asked? I was under the impression HK had a 14 day return policy at one point I was even thinking about buying from HK during my visit there ! So is it not there ??
It’s no longer true. Apple used to have the 14-day return window since the first Apple Store opened in 2011 in Hong Kong, but they cancelled this policy (and HK's consumer law allows) in 2016 or 2017.
 

Platocplx

macrumors newbie
Nov 18, 2018
16
10
Struggling to decide on the 12.9 which I have now vs the 11. I feel the 12.9 is too big even though it’s literally the same size as an 8.5 x 11 piece of paper. However it’s a bit harder to hold one handed etc. I think I may return the 12.9 and go back to the 11 I was going to buy originally. If this gave me a more hybrid experience I may have stuck with the 12.9. But it does just seem too large for me. Even though I have a surface pro currently which I plan to sell and go with a MacBook and iPad combo for grad school etc.

But I’m thinking more of this being for reference, note taking and taking when I’m traveling etc. and have a MacBook Pro for more heavy lifting when needed.

I almost also consider getting a Mac mini and use it on my tv and keep the 12.9. But I think it will be the 11 inch for me. The 12.9 is super nice however.
 

MCube74

macrumors 65816
Nov 22, 2010
1,323
611
Hong Kong
Correct me if wrong guys but Since Apple directly operates in HK that is without any resellers or dealers and has its own Stores in HK so don't they offer a 14 days return policy with no questions asked? I was under the impression HK had a 14 day return policy at one point I was even thinking about buying from HK during my visit there ! So is it not there ??

It used to be there. They stopped that when people started to line up to buy phones and devices and then sell them outside the store. Yes, lots of people from China sit outside the store and buy devices off people.

Not only that, Apple had issues where people used to return devices with parts removed or changed.

I know Apple is trying to avoid this problems but then they don’t realize that not every customer in HK do such things.
 

MCube74

macrumors 65816
Nov 22, 2010
1,323
611
Hong Kong
It’s no longer true. Apple used to have the 14-day return window since the first Apple Store opened in 2011 in Hong Kong, but they cancelled this policy (and HK's consumer law allows) in 2016 or 2017.

But it is not right.

Think about it. We pay the same price as other countries, don’t we deserve to get the same liberty to try out the product to see if they Suit our needs like other countries tries. It is not we are getting the refurbished stock.

Yes, Apple do have the stock on display for people to try out but then they also charge high prices where many people need more time to rethink if they need the device for their use or not.

Other Apple resellers are worse. They don’t accept returns but they also hike up the prices due to the demand. Apple again does nothing about it.

I have noticed that the demand for iPhones are slowly declining and soon it will also happen with the iPads. Sooner or later Apple will have to do something to increase their sales in HK.

They should not allow people to buy more than 1 iPhone or iPad or they should make it a policy for people to activate their devices at the store. This way they can stop people from selling stock. This way we can get back the 14 days return policy.

For now it is like buy it and it there is a problem go to Genius Bar for warranty. If you want to change the model, go to eBay and sell it and come back and buy a new one.
 
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MCube74

macrumors 65816
Nov 22, 2010
1,323
611
Hong Kong
is the 11 sharper than the 12.9? same ppi with less screen to fill?

I find the 11” to be not so bright. When you compare both scenes at full brightness you can notice it but then not everyone will set the screen at full brightness.

The clarity is similar though.
 

6749974

Cancelled
Mar 19, 2005
959
963
then they don’t realize that not every customer in HK do such things.
I'm almost certain Apple knows not all customer's do such things. Often the few ruin it for the majority, and if enough of "the few" systematize a "weakness" and create exploitation in an Apple policy, Apple will have to change that policy to obstruct exploitation. It's unfortunate for honest customers, but what else can they do? Maybe if the authorities could assist Apple in minimizing scalping or faulty-returns, you could again benefit from a 14-day return policy.
[doublepost=1542608973][/doublepost]
They should not allow people to buy more than 1 iPhone or iPad or they should make it a policy for people to activate their devices at the store. This way they can stop people from selling stock.
Isn't the problem, if I recall, that scammers would hire a line of people to go into Apple stores, day-in and day-out, buying and returning phones? They would buy the phone, take out the quality components, swap them with bad components, then return the phone for a warranty claim.

Having a two-iPhones per person rule would be ineffective because the scammers hire gangs of people to to buy and return. Apple had to shut down their return policy.

Also, I don't think you can force customers to activate in the store. I'm sure there are laws pertaining to that. And what if you're buying it as a gift? Probably many logistical issues with making mandatory in-store-activation a policy, that we're just not thinking of.

I'm honestly at a loss for what Apple can do here.

EDIT: Here's an article to read more: https://appleinsider.com/articles/1...fraud-forced-apple-to-develop-countermeasures

Here's some damning points:
  • In 2013, an Apple data scientist started to monitor the number of iPhones that would switch to a new Apple ID following a warranty replacement, as a way to check for fraud due to legitimate replacements usually using the most recently used Apple ID. It was found that more than 60 percent of replaced iPhones in China were using a new ID.
  • An internal fraud methodology known as Mismatch was adopted, using 300 employees fighting the problem, which had ballooned in size. While Apple had set aside $1.6 billion at the start of the 2013 fiscal year to handle global warranty claims, the amount spent ended up being $3.7 billion, with China said to be a significant contributor.
  • The first step to reduce fraud was the addition of a reservation system that also required proof of ownership, but the system was then swarmed by hackers who managed to fill up all of the available time slots instead of allowing legitimate customers access.
  • Diagnostic software was also created to help retail employees detect fake parts without needing to disassemble the hardware, but again this was thwarted by fraudsters simply disabling iPhones to a point where they would not turn on at all.
  • The fraudsters also obtained customer records and serial numbers for iPhones that had already been sold in China, configuring the returning iPhones with the stolen serials, and even etching the numbers on back covers.
  • As it became harder to illegally gain replacements the criminals coerced and bribed Apple retail employees, including threatening one Chengdu manager with a cattle prod.
  • Apple later stopped performing in-store replacements, instead requiring the devices to be sent to distribution and repair centers for inspection. A space was set up with assembly partner Pegatron to test suspicious devices, but the high numbers of devices forced the creation of four other screening centers.
  • By 2016, fraud claims had reduced down to between 30 percent and 50 percent of all warranty claims, depending on the model. By contrast, fraud claims in the U.S. ranged between 5 percent and 10 percent of all claims.
Then after making fraud-prevention attempts in 2017:
  • In China, the fraud effort appears to be working, with overall repair fraud now making up 20 percent of claims. Apple's warranty expenses also declined for the first time since the iPhone's release in 2017, dropping to $4.32 billion from $4.66 billion the previous year.
So even after changing the policy and taking every step they could think of, China still creates 20% claims fraud, costing Apple $4.32 billion. Thats... a lot of money expense being caused by Chinese criminals.

I don't see how we can blame Apple here.
 
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Mainsail

macrumors 68020
Sep 19, 2010
2,430
3,235
I do understand but in the future there will probably not be any 9.7” being sold by Apple.

11” is a bigger firm factor then 9.7” and it is exactly the same as the 10.5” model.

So ideally 11” should be compared to 10.5”. For 9.7” users it is a no brainer if they want a smaller choice then it will have to be 11”.

For 10.5” users to upgrade to 11” for 5% screen increase is a question only they can answer if they should upgrade. I wouldn’t.

11” model should have been released as a standard iPad 2018 model and only 12.9” should have been released as the Pro. I feel this time Apple’s marketing may have made a mistake.

The specs also should have been changed like all 12.9” models should have the 6gb Ram or something and also may be a faster CPU.

I don’t see a 11” as a pro model even with the same specs. It is a good thing the specs are the same but a pro model needs to be large and big and be able to do more multi tasking.

The 9.7 iPad is very reasonably priced. You can get a 2018 32 GB iPad for $250 during Black Friday. There are a huge number of people that just use their iPads as a casual consumption device (Books, web, mail, videos). There is a big difference between $250 and $800 for the 11 inch iPad. Especially for people that don’t need anything too sophisticated for causual use.

You can buy the 9.7 inch iPad with an inexpensive case and take it anywhere for consumption and light productivity for well below $300. If you buy the Pro, it will start at $800 but then you will probably feel compelled to accessorize with keyboard case and pencil plus maybe increase the storage......it won’t take much to get over a grand. Nevertheless, you have the same OS and run the same Apps as the 9.7......and, you are paying a big premium. Bottom line: I think there is still a place for the 9.7 in budget iPad.
 

MCube74

macrumors 65816
Nov 22, 2010
1,323
611
Hong Kong
The 9.7 iPad is very reasonably priced. You can get a 2018 32 GB iPad for $250 during Black Friday. There are a huge number of people that just use their iPads as a casual consumption device (Books, web, mail, videos). There is a big difference between $250 and $800 for the 11 inch iPad. Especially for people that don’t need anything too sophisticated for causual use.

You can buy the 9.7 inch iPad with an inexpensive case and take it anywhere for consumption and light productivity for well below $300. If you buy the Pro, it will start at $800 but then you will probably feel compelled to accessorize with keyboard case and pencil plus maybe increase the storage......it won’t take much to get over a grand. Nevertheless, you have the same OS and run the same Apps as the 9.7......and, you are paying a big premium. Bottom line: I think there is still a place for the 9.7 in budget iPad.

In 2016 I bought the iPad Pro 9.7” for my 5 year old daughter and my wife to share and use at home. Till now they are still using it. I plan on getting them a new one next year. Hopefully the 11” iPad Pro.
 
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cardfan

macrumors 601
Mar 23, 2012
4,431
5,627
Getting close to decision time. I think I’ve pretty much decided it’s go big 12.9 or go cheap such as regular iPad or 10.5. IMO, the 11” one isn’t worthwhile. I had a 9.7” pro I let my daughter basically take over because she draws so much and is now taking art classes.

The new 12.9 is nice, very nice. However, there’s the cost. It’s still just an iPad. And the fragility which is more worriesome considering my kids foam at the mouth as it is to try it. Plus I’d rather have an easier time of taking it with me without needing a bigger laptop bag or stress out over babying a more expensive device. Most likely I’ll return it as sanity prevails as that little voice keeps saying what an idiot I am for spending around 1500 for an iPad...lol. For what I use it for, i’ll keep an eye out for a 10.5 most likely and hopefully keep the spending at 500 or under saving a grand. Or I may get my daughter a reg one and get the 9.7 pro back from her.
 

haruhiko

macrumors 604
Sep 29, 2009
6,689
6,240
But it is not right.

Think about it. We pay the same price as other countries, don’t we deserve to get the same liberty to try out the product to see if they Suit our needs like other countries tries. It is not we are getting the refurbished stock.

Yes, Apple do have the stock on display for people to try out but then they also charge high prices where many people need more time to rethink if they need the device for their use or not.

Other Apple resellers are worse. They don’t accept returns but they also hike up the prices due to the demand. Apple again does nothing about it.

I have noticed that the demand for iPhones are slowly declining and soon it will also happen with the iPads. Sooner or later Apple will have to do something to increase their sales in HK.

They should not allow people to buy more than 1 iPhone or iPad or they should make it a policy for people to activate their devices at the store. This way they can stop people from selling stock. This way we can get back the 14 days return policy.

For now it is like buy it and it there is a problem go to Genius Bar for warranty. If you want to change the model, go to eBay and sell it and come back and buy a new one.
I completely agree with you. Hong Kong used to be the place where Apple gadgets are the cheapest in the world. But it is no longer true too. Despite the lack of sales tax in the city, Apple increased the price so that they're even more expensive than Japan. Also, given the abundance of supply for mainland China and the decline of interest in iPhone in the area due to challenges brought by Huawei, scalping iPhones is no longer profitable. But Apple took away our benefit as their customer forever.
 

MCube74

macrumors 65816
Nov 22, 2010
1,323
611
Hong Kong
I completely agree with you. Hong Kong used to be the place where Apple gadgets are the cheapest in the world. But it is no longer true too. Despite the lack of sales tax in the city, Apple increased the price so that they're even more expensive than Japan. Also, given the abundance of supply for mainland China and the decline of interest in iPhone in the area due to challenges brought by Huawei, scalping iPhones is no longer profitable. But Apple took away our benefit as their customer forever.

I have a feeling Apple will probably bring back the 14 days return policy. The iPhone X’s sales were horrible but the iPhone XR sales were decent but still not as how the sales were a couple of years ago.

The high rents and expenses in HK may force Apple to bring back costumer confidence.

The problem is HK sales even when they are lower are still better than many counties and not only that many people buy the goods in cash (Especially the people from China). This is something very rare in the USA. Since everything in the US is on credit.
 
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haruhiko

macrumors 604
Sep 29, 2009
6,689
6,240
I have a feeling Apple will probably bring back the 14 days return policy. The iPhone X’s sales were horrible but the iPhone XR sales were decent but still not as how the sales were a couple of years ago.

The high rents and expenses in HK may force Apple to bring back costumer confidence.

The problem is HK sales even when they are lower are still better than many counties and not only that many people buy the goods in cash (Especially the people from China). This is something very rare in the USA. Since everything in the US is on credit.
Hopefully! But I don’t give much hope on it... :(
 

Traverse

macrumors 604
Mar 11, 2013
7,711
4,491
Here
So I finally made it to my local Apple Store. Here is a quick picture I took. I know they’re not perfectly straight, but the store was crowded and people were waiting. :/

39BF2D1C-5930-433D-B5D3-4902E7EEB84C.jpeg
 

MK500

macrumors 6502
Aug 28, 2009
434
550
So I finally made it to my local Apple Store. Here is a quick picture I took. I know they’re not perfectly straight, but the store was crowded and people were waiting. :/

View attachment 805203

Couple things to think about with this picture:

1) Notice much bigger screen on 12.9, but exactly the same number of icons? Same 5x4 grid. Almost like the development team isn’t really thinking things through, huh? Trust me this is an issue throughout iOS. Lots of wasted space.
2) Ever shopped for a TV at a retail store? The 55” looks WAY smaller in the store than in your living room. Ever wonder why?

I bought the 12.9 and used it heavily with my many real-world apps (which they would not let me test in the store). Apple salesperson told me apps would give me “two full screen iPad apps next to each other” on the 12.9. Not true with any of my apps; many of which still don’t even support side-by-side. I ended up returning it for the 11” and honestly see little difference in screen density for real world apps.

That 12.9” is almost 40% heavier than the 11”. The casing of both feels a bit flimsy; but it’s much more noticeable with the larger screen and same thickness. Buy a really good hard backed case if you get the 12.9”!

That said - I completely get where there are use cases the 12.9 is clearly better for; like full time artists.
 

HarryWild

macrumors 68020
Oct 27, 2012
2,050
720
Going to return my 12.9” and wait for Apple to release a new iPad Mini! It to big for me to use comfortably!
 

vapourtrails

macrumors regular
Jul 18, 2016
206
76
Going to return my 12.9” and wait for Apple to release a new iPad Mini! It to big for me to use comfortably!

I’d try the 11”. To me it’s more comfortable to hold for reading and at the end of the day it’s a pleasure to use. People get too hung up on hypothetical specs and scenarios. I swapped my 12.9 for the 11” after realizing ergonomics and portability are my top requirements and at the end of the day the 11” does everything the 12.9”.
 
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