iPad Pro 11 or 12.9 Pro ?

[ZEEN0j]

I do believe the entire thing is blown slightly out of proportion. The 12.9" is a little better for desk use, the 11" is a little better if you use your iPad a lot while standing/walking, while lying in bed, or while sitting on a couch/recliner holding it as oppose to attaching the keyboard folio and using it like a laptop. However, both can be used in either scenario and you'd be fine.

In my opinion it comes down to how you use your iPad, and what other devices you have. If I'm replacing a laptop, it would be the 12.9" hands down for me. If I already have a MB/MBP, I'd probably go 11" which to me compliments the MBs better. The only exception would be the 15" MBP, I would consider the 12.9" in that scenario especially if I had the iPhone XS Max.

I've had the 11" for a couple of weeks. I was sold on it. Said I wouldn't even try the 12.9" because I knew my use cases. Well, like many here, I stayed on MacRumors reading this thread and got curious about the 12.9". Picked it up a few days ago. Up until last night I was sold that I was keeping the 12.9". I had boxed up my 11" and everything. The wow factor of the 12.9" can't be denied. Well, last night I decided to open my 11" and give it a final look to make sure I would be at peace with my decision. I am now downloading everything back on to my 11" and will box up the 12.9".

For me and my use cases, the 11" is more practical. I have a 13" MBP and an iPhone X. A lot of the advantages I have on the 12.9", is offset by my 13" MBP. I carry my iPad everywhere with me. Most of my use is mobile use, couch, recliner, and bed. I also like to use my iPad in Portrait mode holding it in one hand. While the 12.9" isn't a ton heavier than the 11", the bigger size in general makes it weird to use in portrait mode and not very comfortable/practical.

Bottom line, discover your use cases. Don't fall for the hype here, God knows I almost did LOL. It's nothing wrong with getting different perspectives, but the one that matters the most is your own. In the end, they're both amazing devices and in my opinion it's a win win no matter which device you choose.

Great post. I sold my MacBook Pro 13" as I noticed I didn’t use it that much. But I still wanted a bigger screen running iOS. Apple really should release the shortcuts app on Mac. I have a iMac as well for computer needs. After testing both I landed on the 12,9". It fit best in my devices, iPhone XS, iMac 21,5" and now iPad 12,9"

 

[JagdTiger]

The sizes should be 7,9,11 inches, they fit perfectly.

 

[The Game 161]

The sizes should be 7,9,11 inches, they fit perfectly.

Why? 11 inch as biggest size is too small

 

[Inked]

Have just sold on my 11” purchased it hoping that it would feel big enough (coming from the 1st gen 12.9”) but after 2 weeks I was hankering after the larger screen again.

The weight and size of the 11 was fantastic for carrying round and using 1 handed, but most of my use is sat down either on the sofa, at the desk, or in bed and very little one handed use. If I had the cash I’d happily have both, but a I don’t the 12.9" is definitely the one for me.

 

[Dexterama]

Is the split screen view on the 11” that much better than the 10.5” for those of you who’ve had both? The 11” in landscape is not taller but is wider so that would be the only difference. In fact I think the 11” is a little bit shorter in landscape.

I don’t have the 10.5 but when I compared my 11 to my 9.7 pro, the 9.7 displays a tad more vertical content in landscape than the 11 depending on the app. The 9.7 displayed a bit more in Notabilty in landscape, but the text is smaller compared to the 11 that is displaying less in landscape. Below are a couple examples. It’s nothing significant, but you can see it.

I think it depends on how the developers are handling the home bar and status bar. For example, youtube reserves a black space for the home bar and status bar. Whereas Notability does not.

 

[Chairman.Jobbie]

I don’t have the 10.5 but when I compared my 11 to my 9.7 pro, the 9.7 displays a tad more vertical content in landscape than the 11 depending on the app. The 9.7 displayed a bit more in Notabilty in landscape, but the text is smaller compared to the 11 that is displaying less in landscape. Below are a couple examples. It’s nothing significant, but you can see it.

I think it depends on how the developers are handling the home bar and status bar. For example, youtube reserves a black space for the home bar and status bar. Whereas Notability does not.

View attachment 806514 View attachment 806515

View attachment 806516 View attachment 806517

All im thinking is "is that your handwriting?!" pretty neat - take your seat at the top of the class!

 

[jazz1]

I purchased the 12.9, w/cellular service, on release day from my local Apple Store. So I've got to spend a good amount of time using it. I did post initial impressions, but thought it might be time to share some thoughts and opinions at this point in time.

Previously I've owned the 9.7", original 12.9" and10.5" iPads. I made the decision to go to the new 12.9" instead of the 11" after handling both. I was looking for a bigger screen with smaller dimensions than the original 12.9". The new 12.9" did achieve somewhat smaller dimensions in comparison with the old one. The screen size of the new 12" gave me a laptop like screen from which to work from.

I certainly can see that the 11" iPad is probably the right choice for people who are using an iPad on the go almost of the time. Even the 10.5 would fit the bill for ultimate mobility.

I've concluded that with the right sleeves/bags I can go mobile with the 12.9" without a lot of fuss. Know that most of the public use I'm talking about are in coffee shops, my public library, my doctor's office and brew pubs On any given excursion I just take my iPhone Xs if I think the 12.9" will be too much of a hassle.

I do have to add that I used to use the Kindle app. on 9.7" and 10.5 iPads

All im thinking is "is that your handwriting?!" pretty neat - take your seat at the top of the class!

I'm thinking "Big Bang Theory" Sheldon

 

[pshady]

I purchased the 12.9, w/cellular service, on release day from my local Apple Store. So I've got to spend a good amount of time using it. I did post initial impressions, but thought it might be time to share some thoughts and opinions at this point in time.

Previously I've owned the 9.7", original 12.9" and10.5" iPads. I made the decision to go to the new 12.9" instead of the 11" after handling both. I was looking for a bigger screen with smaller dimensions than the original 12.9". The new 12.9" did achieve somewhat smaller dimensions in comparison with the old one. The screen size of the new 12" gave me a laptop like screen from which to work from.

I certainly can see that the 11" iPad is probably the right choice for people who are using an iPad on the go almost of the time. Even the 10.5 would fit the bill for ultimate mobility.

I've concluded that with the right sleeves/bags I can go mobile with the 12.9" without a lot of fuss. Know that most of the public use I'm talking about are in coffee shops, my public library, my doctor's office and brew pubs On any given excursion I just take my iPhone Xs if I think the 12.9" will be too much of a hassle.

I do have to add that I used to use the Kindle app. on 9.7" and 10.5 iPads


I'm thinking "Big Bang Theory" Sheldon [/QUOTE

Thanks for posting the screenshots. Definitely a difference.

 

[ZEEN0j]

I don’t have the 10.5 but when I compared my 11 to my 9.7 pro, the 9.7 displays a tad more vertical content in landscape than the 11 depending on the app. The 9.7 displayed a bit more in Notabilty in landscape, but the text is smaller compared to the 11 that is displaying less in landscape. Below are a couple examples. It’s nothing significant, but you can see it.

I think it depends on how the developers are handling the home bar and status bar. For example, youtube reserves a black space for the home bar and status bar. Whereas Notability does not.

View attachment 806514 View attachment 806515

View attachment 806516 View attachment 806517

Just an FYI. Apps that have a black status bar and home bar have not updated their apps yet for the new rounded corners. So instead of having clipping issues apps get squished so they retain their sharp corners.

 

[Dexterama]

All im thinking is "is that your handwriting?!" pretty neat - take your seat at the top of the class!

Haha, thanks. More of the credit goes to Notability’s feature that cleans up penmanship, but I’ll take the compliment.
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Just an FYI. Apps that have a black status bar and home bar have not updated their apps yet for the new rounded corners. So instead of having clipping issues apps get squished so they retain their sharp corners.

This is what I thought as well, but I wasn’t sure. When YouTube got updated to support the new screen, they kept the black bars. I guess they’ll incorporate the home bar and status bar at some point.

 

[BaddAdvice]

Haha, thanks. More of the credit goes to Notability’s feature that cleans up penmanship, but I’ll take the compliment.
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Toally off topic, but what is this Notability setting you speak of? I’m not seeing anything like that in my Notability settings and lord knows my penmanship could use some help!

 

[Dexterama]

Toally off topic, but what is this Notability setting you speak of? I’m not seeing anything like that in my Notability settings and lord knows my penmanship could use some help!

I should reword, it’s not so much a feature as it is a tool. It’s the pen tool where there are two stroke options. I choose the first one because it disregards the amount of pressure applied on the screen by the pencil, so the weight of strokes come out even every single time.

 

[Seansolo]

I think it makes sense that, say as a guesstimate, 60% of people are best served by the 11-inch. But for the rest thinking about the 12.9-inch, here's a video (not mine):

Big fan of your channel! Looking forward to more amazing content. Would love to see your podcast gear setup and workflow in a future vid.

 

[JohnnyQuest]

I’m using mine less as a pro device, and more as my all-around travel, entertainment, news, web, gaming, and mail device, so the 11” is perfect for me.

I’d say, if you’re going to use this as a travel device, or primarily on the sofa or bed, get the 11. The 12.9 is superior for desk use.

 

[masciam]

Big fan of your channel! Looking forward to more amazing content. Would love to see your podcast gear setup and workflow in a future vid.

Sorry to disappoint, but he said the video is not his

 

[Seansolo]

Here’s my experience:

Got the 12.9 a few days after launch and was coming from a 2016 9.7 Pro.

Seeing it in the store took my breath away and I fell for the bait.

My immediate impression for the first few hours of use is this is gorgeous but a little too big to use as a tablet for reading etc.

So I went back to the store and tinkered with the 11. I just couldn’t return the 12.9 for a number of reasons. The 11 seems like same old same old and the 12.9 is a mind-blowing experience! I found that the 12.9 started shrinking for me over the course of a few days. It’s no longer awkward or hard to hold in bed or on the couch. Love taking the folio keyboard case off for reading it just feels amazing in hand.

The final factor for me may seem small to you, but to me made all the difference. Regarding portability, I travel quite a bit (once a month for a week for work) and could not think of a time where I brought my 9.7 without a bag. Neither one of these things should be held while standing for long periods of time, and I’ve never carried a bag that couldn’t handle at least a 13 inch laptop. So all this fuss about portability is nonsense for a few ounces difference. It passed the airplane tray table test with flying colors and is an absolute joy to use.

I’m all in on the 12.9!!!!
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I’m using mine less as a pro device, and more as my all-around travel, entertainment, news, web, gaming, and mail device, so the 11” is perfect for me.

I’d say, if you’re going to use this as a travel device, or primarily on the sofa or bed, get the 11. The 12.9 is superior for desk use.

What bag will not hold the 12.9 for travel?

 

[JohnnyQuest]

What bag will not hold the 12.9 for travel?

I didn’t say a bag can’t hold the 12.9. But it is larger, and the 11 is more manageable and lighter on the go, and takes up less space.

I prefer to have a larger screen iPad in a smaller form factor, so the 11 is optimal.

 

[BaddAdvice]

I should reword, it’s not so much a feature as it is a tool. It’s the pen tool where there are two stroke options. I choose the first one because it disregards the amount of pressure applied on the screen by the pencil, so the weight of strokes come out even every single time.

View attachment 806518

Ah, yes, got it. I use the pressure stroke option, but may have to give the other one a try! OK, back to the never-ending 11” vs 12.9" debate!

 

[Dexterama]

Have just sold on my 11” purchased it hoping that it would feel big enough (coming from the 1st gen 12.9”) but after 2 weeks I was hankering after the larger screen again.

The weight and size of the 11 was fantastic for carrying round and using 1 handed, but most of my use is sat down either on the sofa, at the desk, or in bed and very little one handed use. If I had the cash I’d happily have both, but a I don’t the 12.9" is definitely the one for me.

I would like to have both as well. Maybe in a few years...

 

[Seansolo]

I didn’t say a bag can’t hold the 12.9. But it is larger, and the 11 is more manageable and lighter on the go, and takes up less space.

I prefer to have a larger screen iPad in a smaller form factor, so the 11 is optimal.

How is it more manageable on the go unless it is handlheld or loose in a bag? I legitimately am trying to figure out why this is a big problem for people.

To me it’s either I’m bringing a bag or not, and I don’t wear fanny packs or carry a murse so I can’t find a scenario for most people where traveling with the 12.9 is a huge deal.

 

[JohnnyQuest]

How is it more manageable on the go unless it is handlheld or loose in a bag? I legitimately am trying to figure out why this is a big problem for people.

To me it’s either I’m bringing a bag or not, and I don’t wear fanny packs or carry a murse so I can’t find a scenario for most people where traveling with the 12.9 is a huge deal.

Because it’s a smaller, more manageable size....It’s not a “big problem” lol. It’s a preference.

Just as you prefer a larger device, some people prefer a smaller one for more portability and handling. I don’t think that’s so hard to understand, is it?

 

[Seansolo]

Because it’s a smaller, more manageable size....It’s not a “big problem” lol. It’s a preference.

Just as you prefer a larger device, some people prefer a smaller one for more portability and handling. I don’t think that’s so hard to understand, is it?

It clearly is hard to understand/a difficult decision - look at this thread. I think the 11 inch gang is telling themselves the 12.9 isn’t portable to ease the pain of possibly making a poor buying decision. To those that can still return their device or are on the fence, get the 12.9 and see how truly unmanageable it is/isn’t before going for the 11.

 

[thadoggfather]

It clearly is hard to understand/a difficult decision - look at this thread. I think the 11 inch gang is telling themselves the 12.9 isn’t portable to ease the pain of possibly making a poor buying decision. To those that can still return their device or are on the fence, get the 12.9 and see how truly unmanageable it is/isn’t before going for the 11.

The poll is 49.9 to 50.1

Right now it’s riding the 12.9 wave but a few pages back it was 11

Fortunately I genuinely don’t care what others bought as I’ll be the one using it

 

[Maukey]

How is it more manageable on the go unless it is handlheld or loose in a bag? I legitimately am trying to figure out why this is a big problem for people.

To me it’s either I’m bringing a bag or not, and I don’t wear fanny packs or carry a murse so I can’t find a scenario for most people where traveling with the 12.9 is a huge deal.

I think what many are saying is that the smaller form factor of the 11” is more convenient in some scenarios. For example, here’s me holding my 11” as we speak while reading this thread....



I’ve been holding it like this for well over 30 mins now. During my time with the 12.9”, it just wasn’t as comfortable to hold when sitting or lying. And not necessarily because of its weight, but because it’s size can sometimes make it unstable and uncomfortable; and I’m a 6ft 200lb man. Sitting in my recliner I pretty much always rested it against my legs or stomach. Is it a big deal? No. But my neck likes that I can comfortably hold the 11” in a lot of different positions. The 11” gives you a little more flexibility when it comes to mobility and using it as a tablet that you’re holding.

 

[masciam]

I got the 12.9" mainly for drawing as I'm trying to switch from traditional to digital art (just a hobby), and while it's not as good as the 11" to use sitting on your couch or lying in bed, I have adapted to its size and it's getting a lot more use than my mini ever did.

Now that I think about it, even if I wasn't going to use it for drawing, I probably would've gotten the 12.9" anyway. We don't know what Apple has in store for iOS 13 and future updates, but considering how powerful the iPad hardware is at this point, it's safe to assume it will get more and more capable and (in my opinion) the larger screen makes it more versatile and "future-proof".

Of course there are all sorts of use cases and for a ton of people the 11" is still the better choice. If I had to commute by public transportation or if I had to fly very frequently I'd definitely get it.

On a final note, did you notice that in the official announcement video pretty much every actor is using the 12.9" iPad?