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Which is the best iPad Pro ?


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    2,370

eamonn345

macrumors newbie
Dec 30, 2018
2
1
Last year I purchased both the 10.5 and 12.9 gen 2. Found myself using the 10.5 nearly all the time, the 12.9 being awkward to use on the couch and carry around.

I ended up selling both the 10.5 and 12.9 on eBay, and purchased the 2018 11 and 12.9.

This year it’s the exact opposite, I’m using the 12.9 almost exclusively and the 11 intermittently. The 12.9 feels much more stable on my lap, and even though it’s slightly heavier and thicker with the keyboard folio, it’s definitely more compact. If I had to choose only one, I’d go 12.9 all the way.

I’m exactly the same!
 
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Donka

macrumors 68030
May 3, 2011
2,851
1,443
Scotland
As a pure tablet, then the 11 inch will always win.

That is my view. If you are looking to replace a laptop or have it as a laptop alternative though, the extra size of the 12.9 makes that a better option imho. It all depends on what you intend to use it for and how you use it.
 
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jonboyspencer

macrumors newbie
Jan 8, 2019
11
3
That is my view. If you are looking to replace a laptop or have it as a laptop alternative though, the extra size of the 12.9 makes that a better option imho. It all depends on what you intend to use it for and how you use it.

I do think it's very possible to use the 12.9 as a "pure tablet" but I think the 12.9 feels more like a cut-out from a MacBook Pro & the 11 inch feels like an iPad.
 
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happyhippo1337

macrumors 6502
Jul 3, 2013
260
143
Got the 11'' and the only thing that's making me want the 12.9'' is the problem with screen protection on the 11.

Otherwise, the 11 is excellent for tablet use while the 12.9 is better if you want to replace a laptop. I really like the 12.9'' form factor but I know if I'd switch then I'd never use it on the couch or in bed for regular surfing. Simply to unwieldy.
 
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augustya

Suspended
Feb 17, 2012
3,331
464
As a pure tablet, then the 11 inch will always win.

I do think it's very possible to use the 12.9 as a "pure tablet" but I think the 12.9 feels more like a cut-out from a MacBook Pro & the 11 inch feels like an iPad.

Got the 11'' and the only thing that's making me want the 12.9'' is the problem with screen protection on the 11.

Otherwise, the 11 is excellent for tablet use while the 12.9 is better if you want to replace a laptop. I really like the 12.9'' form factor but I know if I'd switch then I'd never use it on the couch or in bed for regular surfing. Simply to unwieldy.


This is exactly that I have been wanting to hear, and is increasingly becoming my personal opinion too. 11" Pure Tablet Form, 12.9" more of an actual Laptop Replacement.
 
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Fthree

macrumors 65816
Mar 14, 2014
1,313
506
y'all are killing me on this thread. I bought the 11 (already having a 10.5) and returned it as the 10.5 IMO is not much different. Ive been reading ALOT about the 12.9 lately. My ONLY issue with the 12.9 is I bought the 1st gen 12.9 and it was too big. I was able to use it OK but found the 10.5 to be perfect. Maybe I was just suffering from having a huge iPad. Before these new pros came out I thought about how amazing it would be to have a smaller form factored 12.9. Anyone coming from my situation think that the new 12.9 is perfect and I should just go with it?
 

BSquared_777

macrumors newbie
Oct 16, 2017
10
7
California
I voted 12.9". I have had the 1st and 2nd gen 12.9" and the new form factor on the 3rd gen 12.9" is truly the sweet spot on these iPads. I use mine all day long and could not be happier. It is such a beautiful device. I really do think this is the perfect iPad. Whatever you do on this, it is so immersive.
 

Seed101

macrumors 6502
Nov 11, 2015
366
263
y'all are killing me on this thread. I bought the 11 (already having a 10.5) and returned it as the 10.5 IMO is not much different. Ive been reading ALOT about the 12.9 lately. My ONLY issue with the 12.9 is I bought the 1st gen 12.9 and it was too big. I was able to use it OK but found the 10.5 to be perfect. Maybe I was just suffering from having a huge iPad. Before these new pros came out I thought about how amazing it would be to have a smaller form factored 12.9. Anyone coming from my situation think that the new 12.9 is perfect and I should just go with it?

Hello, I came from a first gen 12.9 to the 2018 12.9.

I primarily use it for drawing ( the experience is very similar but the button is a nice addition and thank the gods for the magnet charge!), also use it for social use and games etc etc of course!

It feels a hell of a lot smaller to me and lighter in use than the 1st gen. (I'm around 6' 2...if that's relevant here) I love the bezel size and the screen brightness in comparison...it's a nice step forward if not a giant leap as many of the functions are similar...but yeah, the size difference feels impressive from the heavier first gen. (though I am pining a bit for that heavy solidity..as I did with my old phones..this feels more fragile in comparison! :D )
 

Greenmeenie

macrumors 68020
Jan 14, 2013
2,123
3,305
Over a month with the 11” and no regrets. And i am an artist! I find it the perfect sketching and travel size for me actually. Closer to an A5 sketchbook which is the size i prefer when on the go. The screen is plenty big enough, and i am really enjoying the new aspect ratio for media consumption. The 11” also feels more tablety to me which i prefer as well. I can type with my thumbs in both portrait and landscape. It just feels more holdable in my opinion. Loving it. Like it’s larger 12.9” sibling, this thing crushes video & photo editing. You really can’t go wrong with either size. Whatever floats your boat. It’s all good.

I will be adding a new ipad mini to replace my ipad mini 2 whenever they are announced. For those times when i want an ipad but dont want to carry a backpack or hold anything. The mini slips right into my cargo pants pocket. I don’t have an iphone currently, and the mini with my grandfathered unlimited AT&T data plan fills that need quite nicely. I have been phoneless for a few years now.
 

The Game 161

macrumors Nehalem
Dec 15, 2010
30,980
20,169
UK
Still very happy with my 12.9 fits a need for at work and at home personally. Use my max more I feel than if I had the 11 inch.
 

dawgfang

macrumors regular
Jun 10, 2005
110
26
Atlanta
I bought both. First the 12.9 and then the 11 with the intention to return the 12.9 as I thought I needed smaller.
I can’t decide which is better so I’m keeping both. I actually have use case scenarios for both.
 

Fthree

macrumors 65816
Mar 14, 2014
1,313
506
Forgive my stupidity,.,, How would i go about getting all my photos, videos (basically everything) from the cloud downloaded on the TB IPad Pro? (Want to stop paying for iCloud)
 

oarx

macrumors 6502
Mar 7, 2015
285
527
OKC
I bought both. First the 12.9 and then the 11 with the intention to return the 12.9 as I thought I needed smaller.
I can’t decide which is better so I’m keeping both. I actually have use case scenarios for both.

This is me now....I have the 11 that I kept (purchased both and returned the 12.9 because I thought I only wanted one)but I know I have use for both and will be getting the 12.9 soon. It's the first year that I've been so unable to narrow down one over the other and ultimately I think it's because they both serve a different purpose and I can see both in my life.

DAMN YOU APPLE!!!!!!!!!!
 

jongriff

macrumors regular
May 28, 2003
192
128
Lawford, UK
y'all are killing me on this thread. I bought the 11 (already having a 10.5) and returned it as the 10.5 IMO is not much different. Ive been reading ALOT about the 12.9 lately. My ONLY issue with the 12.9 is I bought the 1st gen 12.9 and it was too big. I was able to use it OK but found the 10.5 to be perfect. Maybe I was just suffering from having a huge iPad. Before these new pros came out I thought about how amazing it would be to have a smaller form factored 12.9. Anyone coming from my situation think that the new 12.9 is perfect and I should just go with it?

I got the 12.9 a month ago, came from an iPad Air. I still amazed at how small and light it feels to me, 80% or more of my use is on the couch or in bed and don’t find it problematic at all. Never use a keyboard case and usually use it without a cover. When I first got it I was 50/50 as to whether I would have to return it for the 11 but now I have no doubts at all.
 

MCube74

macrumors 65816
Nov 22, 2010
1,323
611
Hong Kong
You can’t go wrong with either.

I have more use with it for typing so 12.9” was a must. It is my notebook and tablet 2in1.

I had used the Surface Pro tablets before switching to the iPad Pro 12.9 in 2015 and now the 12.9” 2018 model.
 

ascender

macrumors 603
Dec 8, 2005
5,021
2,897
I bought a 12.9 with the view to replacing my laptop (and 10.5" iPad) with it but found iOS too limiting. The new form factor is amazing though in terms of size and weight. The only caveat to this is that for the things I use my 10.5" iPad for all the time - web, email, videos & content - around the house, i.e. on the sofa, bed, kitchen etc, I found the new 12.9 too unwieldy. Don't get me wrong, the larger screen is great, but doing this stuff I never found it comfortable and it was too heavy.

There's posts on this page from people who would disagree with this as they've had the exact opposite experience, but that's maybe all you need to know about this question - there is no right answer and you probably need to try it for yourself.
 

augustya

Suspended
Feb 17, 2012
3,331
464
11"
Over a month with the 11” and no regrets. And i am an artist! I find it the perfect sketching and travel size for me actually. Closer to an A5 sketchbook which is the size i prefer when on the go. The screen is plenty big enough, and i am really enjoying the new aspect ratio for media consumption. The 11” also feels more tablety to me which i prefer as well. I can type with my thumbs in both portrait and landscape. It just feels more holdable in my opinion. Loving it. Like it’s larger 12.9” sibling, this thing crushes video & photo editing. You really can’t go wrong with either size. Whatever floats your boat. It’s all good.

The only gripe some would have is the 11" Tiny bit just by a thread by a whisker smaller compared to the 10.5" iPP in Length when held in Landscape Mode, I don't know how much of noticeable difference does that makes in Viewing in Real Life Scenario ? with respect to content appearing less on the 11" when compared to the 10.5" iPP ?
 
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dawgfang

macrumors regular
Jun 10, 2005
110
26
Atlanta
This is me now....I have the 11 that I kept (purchased both and returned the 12.9 because I thought I only wanted one)but I know I have use for both and will be getting the 12.9 soon. It's the first year that I've been so unable to narrow down one over the other and ultimately I think it's because they both serve a different purpose and I can see both in my life.

DAMN YOU APPLE!!!!!!!!!!
Agreed. I REALLY wanted to consolidate but each offers a different experience and qualities the other one lacks.
 

Fthree

macrumors 65816
Mar 14, 2014
1,313
506
Ok I caved. Got the 12.9 (kept my 10.5 JUST IN CASE- didn’t do the trade in credit). Added the pencil and folio keyboard. Dang this thing is nice so far. It is big but there isn’t any wasted space. Screen is amazing! I think that’s what makes it so great. Definitely has the wow factor. Hope it’ll last as it was $$$$$$$$$$$
 
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