iPad Pro 11 or 12.9 Pro ?

[maiya]

Not sure what they meant, but a lot of people do seem to think bigger = better.
What they ignore is that smaller also = better.
Big screen size vs portability. It’s completely subjective!
(In my case, 12.9 fits my uses better.)

This is true! On the subjectivity bit. I adore my 11 inch. I travel quite a bit via train to visit fam. I was looking for something light and easy to take with me. I have a 15.6 gaming PC laptop at home and an old 13 inch macbook pro (from 2009 or 2010 thats a backup to my PC). So the 11 inch is perfect fit. Its also my first ipad pro and felt this was the perfect way to get the feel of a tablet.

 

[xxray]

I currently have the 10.5" and I finally got to check out a 12.9" in store today. I want the 12.9" to be my next laptop soooo bad. The 10.5" has become my main work device and the screen is often just too cramped and limiting. The 12.9" felt like heaven with the more screen real estate and desktop feel.

 

[MCube74]

Welllll I doubt that will be for awhile, at least at the mainstream level. The ones I’ve seen have all been way too thick and clunky looking. The tech has a long way to go.

Samsung and LG will have theirs released very soon. We will know soon enough.

 

[millydog]

I’ve had my 12.9” LTE 1TB for a month and it’s now my favourite device. I have the Apple Folio cover for it and pencil and this combination will go everywhere with me. I have ordered the Brydge and will dock it at home for sure. I’m not sure yet how often I will take the Brydge with me out and about. Maybe for daily use, it will stay at home for evenings, but will go with me when I travel.
My 10.5 now feels like a mini and I have hardly used it since the 12.9 arrived. I am sure that I’ll still use as an e-reader and for travelling light with my smaller handbag though....but the 12.9 has moved to being my main device.

 

[scotsmandc]

had the 10.5" and upgraded to the 11". upgrade didn't feel significant so i went up to the 12.9. best thing ever. after a few days it doesn't feel so big anymore.

 

[ssledoux]

I’ve had my 12.9” LTE 1TB for a month and it’s now my favourite device. I have the Apple Folio cover for it and pencil and this combination will go everywhere with me. I have ordered the Brydge and will dock it at home for sure. I’m not sure yet how often I will take the Brydge with me out and about. Maybe for daily use, it will stay at home for evenings, but will go with me when I travel.
My 10.5 now feels like a mini and I have hardly used it since the 12.9 arrived. I am sure that I’ll still use as an e-reader and for travelling light with my smaller handbag though....but the 12.9 has moved to being my main device.

What’s the Brydge? Please share.

 

[millydog]

What’s the Brydge? Please share.

Sorry, it’s the Brydge Keyboard. It’s a solid aluminium keyboard with a MacBook type look and feel. Brydge make the keyboards for a few different brands, so they use Bluetooth. However, the battery life is very long (12 months with 2hrs use per day and backlighting turned off), the charger is now USB-C (can recharge it via the iPad charger or from the USB-C port on the iPad), the keys are backlit, it has a function key row including a home button, screen brightness controls and volume controls, plus a Siri button. The Brydge website is https://www.brydge.com.
There are a couple of reviews on YouTube and a few written reviews including one by Jason Snell. I found it useful to watch reviews of the previous versions too.
It’s not as light and portable as the Apple Folio Keyboard Cover, but it has backlit keys, function keys and more of a laptop feel.

 

[ssledoux]

Sorry, it’s the Brydge Keyboard. It’s a solid aluminium keyboard with a MacBook type look and feel. Brydge make the keyboards for a few different brands, so they use Bluetooth. However, the battery life is very long (12 months with 2hrs use per day and backlighting turned off), the charger is now USB-C (can recharge it via the iPad charger or from the USB-C port on the iPad), the keys are backlit, it has a function key row including a home button, screen brightness controls and volume controls, plus a Siri button. The Brydge website is https://www.brydge.com.
There are a couple of reviews on YouTube and a few written reviews including one by Jason Snell. I found it useful to watch reviews of the previous versions too.
It’s not as light and portable as the Apple Folio Keyboard Cover, but it has backlit keys, function keys and more of a laptop feel.

Oh cool! It looks like those are still showing as a preorder for the 2018 iPads. They are really nice! It’s probably not something I’d haul with me if I went somewhere, but for a desk setup - very cool!

Right now I have a knockoff Bluetooth keyboard that’s a lot like an iMac keyboard, and an aluminum stand my iPad sits on that elevates it closer to where a computer screen would be. I like the setup, but I know I’ll be itching to get that keyboard folio from Apple. I loved the ASK on my 12.9, and I like that they have a couple different angles on the new one. I’m gonna go play with it in the Apple store this week and see what I think.

Meanwhile, I’ll keep on with my cheapo setup (cost me under $30 for the keyboard and stand, and it’s been going strong for nearly 10 months with zero issues). I like that i can keep a back case and flip cover on my iPad in the stand, so I can just grab it and go when I’m leaving.

 

[xxray]

So the 12.9" Wifi models are $150 off at Micro Center. As I posted above, the 10.5" has become my main computing and work device, so I could really use the extra screen real estate. I'm tempted, especially if I could get it price matched at bhphoto so I could get no tax on it. However, I'd still be paying around $700 after selling my 10.5", buying the new Apple Pencil, and buying a case, which is just way more money than I can justify when my 10.5" still works as well as the day I bought it. I'm thinking I'll appreciate the decision not to buy one now in a few years when iPads have gained even more performance, capabilities, and improvements, and when my 10.5" has started to show its age.

 

[millydog]

Oh cool! It looks like those are still showing as a preorder for the 2018 iPads. They are really nice! It’s probably not something I’d haul with me if I went somewhere, but for a desk setup - very cool!

Right now I have a knockoff Bluetooth keyboard that’s a lot like an iMac keyboard, and an aluminum stand my iPad sits on that elevates it closer to where a computer screen would be. I like the setup, but I know I’ll be itching to get that keyboard folio from Apple. I loved the ASK on my 12.9, and I like that they have a couple different angles on the new one. I’m gonna go play with it in the Apple store this week and see what I think.

Meanwhile, I’ll keep on with my cheapo setup (cost me under $30 for the keyboard and stand, and it’s been going strong for nearly 10 months with zero issues). I like that i can keep a back case and flip cover on my iPad in the stand, so I can just grab it and go when I’m leaving.

Yes, they are pre-order with shipping starting in April. I pre-ordered this time since last time they sold out of pre-orders and I gave up waiting and got the Apple Smart Keyboard cover instead. I was reasonably happy with the Apple one, but had hoped that they’d add a function key row this time.
You are right about not being sure about taking the keyboard out and about. I do feel like that and anticipate that I’ll probably only take it places when I’m staying out of town. As for my day to day outings, like to work, I’ll probably just use the Apple Folio Case (non-keyboard) that I have since I usually use my iPad for consumption during my lunch breaks. If I decide to install my work profile on it though and start using it for Office 365 including email, Skype, Word and OneNote, along side my work laptop as a lighter device and extra screen, then it would be useful with the keyboard in the office. As much as I dislike the settings they impose on us, I am tempted to do this since I enjoy using my iPad that much.
Your cheap Bluetooth keyboard actually sounds good and that could even be another option that I could consider if I want to leave a cheap keyboard in the office and just use the Brydge at home, although I drive to work so taking the Brydge keyboard if I decide to shouldn’t be a hassle, it when I go other places that it would be too heavy.

 

[kp98077]

I’ve been on the fence between the 11 and 12.9:
- have a work PC I use for work stuff only
-travel for work and fun (when fun just being IPad Pro)
-often use iPad Pro for reading, surfing, pics, emailing, travel planning
I like the thought of the 11” but love the sexiness of the 12.9”. Just worries I couldn’t use the 12.9 on the plane? Usually Delta coach plus.
The 12.9 just looked large in the apple store not sure why! maybe it’s the keyboard added?
I had a surface and loved that but can’t remeber the size ....
The other apple devixes I have is just iPhone Max. No Macbook (sold that last year).....
Oh the struggle lol!

 

[Fthree]

I’ve been on the fence between the 11 and 12.9:
- have a work PC I use for work stuff only
-travel for work and fun (when fun just being IPad Pro)
-often use iPad Pro for reading, surfing, pics, emailing, travel planning
I like the thought of the 11” but love the sexiness of the 12.9”. Just worries I couldn’t use the 12.9 on the plane? Usually Delta coach plus.
The 12.9 just looked large in the apple store not sure why! maybe it’s the keyboard added?
I had a surface and loved that but can’t remeber the size ....
The other apple devixes I have is just iPhone Max. No Macbook (sold that last year).....
Oh the struggle lol!

Honestly I think that with the next software update my 2018 12.9 ipad will end up being more of a laptop replacement. I do not need anything more to do all the things I like to do already softwarewise but did buy this ipad knowing that. I also purchased this ipad knowing that I will not get another laptop anytime soon. I think that the people that are buying the 11s and still using a laptop will stop using their laptops when the next update comes and they may upgrade to the next 12.9 when it comes. Im hoping to get a good 3-5 years of usage out of this one.

 

[kp98077]

Honestly I think that with the next software update my 2018 12.9 ipad will end up being more of a laptop replacement. I do not need anything more to do all the things I like to do already softwarewise but did buy this ipad knowing that. I also purchased this ipad knowing that I will not get another laptop anytime soon. I think that the people that are buying the 11s and still using a laptop will stop using their laptops when the next update comes and they may upgrade to the next 12.9 when it comes. Im hoping to get a good 3-5 years of usage out of this one.

Yeah good points. I haven’t missed my MBP too much and I can do what I need to on iPad. Worst case on work PC (yuk) lol.
maybe I was tiered when trying it at the store. Maybe worth another trip to look st 12.9

 

[tps3443]

11” iPad Pro here for me. It looks like the voting has gone to 50/50.

 

[Fthree]

Yeah good points. I haven’t missed my MBP too much and I can do what I need to on iPad. Worst case on work PC (yuk) lol.
maybe I was tiered when trying it at the store. Maybe worth another trip to look st 12.9

I haven’t regretted it at all. It is a on the bigger side but when you actually get used to it you wont really notice. I notice how unbelievably immersive the screen is every time I use it. Way more so than on my 10.5. I tried the 11 it was not enough IMO of an upgrade to justify the price so I took it back and got the 2018 12.9. Everyone is different but I really do feel that the people who bought 12.9s thinking they would like the 11 better have been pleasantly surprised.

 

[kp98077]

I haven’t regretted it at all. It is a on the bigger side but when you actually get used to it you wont really notice. I notice how unbelievably immersive the screen is every time I use it. Way more so than on my 10.5. I tried the 11 it was not enough IMO of an upgrade to justify the price so I took it back and got the 2018 12.9. Everyone is different but I really do feel that the people who bought 12.9s thinking they would like the 11 better have been pleasantly surprised.

thanks for the feedback yes everyone is a little different I assume... both are beautiful units of course!

 

[microtubule]

So the 12.9" Wifi models are $150 off at Micro Center. As I posted above, the 10.5" has become my main computing and work device, so I could really use the extra screen real estate. I'm tempted, especially if I could get it price matched at bhphoto so I could get no tax on it. However, I'd still be paying around $700 after selling my 10.5", buying the new Apple Pencil, and buying a case, which is just way more money than I can justify when my 10.5" still works as well as the day I bought it. I'm thinking I'll appreciate the decision not to buy one now in a few years when iPads have gained even more performance, capabilities, and improvements, and when my 10.5" has started to show its age.

Same here. I have the 10.5 but will wait a bit more for a 12.9 that further differentiates itself from my 2017 model.

 

[tps3443]

F

Same here. I have the 10.5 but will wait a bit more for a 12.9 that further differentiates itself from my 2017 model.

Wow, I thought the 2017 Pro, and 2018 Pro were miles apart in differences. No home button, different bezels, and around a 100%+ improvement in multithreaded processor performance, plus faceID. With normal technology advancements We’re talking a average 25-35% performance boost is pretty good with a next gen model over the previous generation. Apple did that about 3 times over lol. We also got a 30% die shrink 10NM to 7NM. We are at our technology limits at 7NM, as most 7NM consumer desktop processors and desktop graphics card are not even available yet as this is a tough process to make.

Something that takes hours on the 2017 model, will take minutes on the 2018 iPad Pro. We received a huge IPC gain, insanely HUGE. So the 2019 version doesn’t have much room to go from here. They cannot shrink the die anymore, I just can’t see it..so the 2019 model is gonna be so so..minimal gains.

Without the home button you’ve also go a nice looking wireless touch display too.

The 1st gen IPad Pro to the 2nd gen IPad Pro was really minimal. The 3rd gen IPad Pro has blown the doors off everything.

I’ve never owned a iPad in my life, until now. Sure, while I’ve got a iPhone SE. I’ve never bought in to apple products like most people. That all changed with this iPad.

 

[kp98077]

I guess also for carrying it around - most carry a back pack or case so I would assume it’s nit a big deal for either? I still don’t see many who have experience on the plane with the new 12.9, seems ok - but that’s what’s holding my decision.

 

[tps3443]

I guess also for carrying it around - most carry a back pack or case so I would assume it’s nit a big deal for either? I still don’t see many who have experience on the plane with the new 12.9, seems ok - but that’s what’s holding my decision.

You’ll be just fine on a plane with the 12.9” model. But, it’s all about what suits you. The 12.9” only offers 17% more screen size, but it is over 20% wider and 14% taller than the 11” iPad Pro.

The 11” is literally providing 98% of the experience, in a much smaller package. Based on the much larger dimensions , I don’t think 16-17% more screen is worth it to me. That’s like going to a 37” TV from a 32” TV..

 

[Porterhouse]

There’s several people in this thread that used the 12.9 on a plane. I think I read it during the first few pages.

 

[Donka]

You’ll be just fine on a plane with the 12.9” model. But, it’s all about what suits you. The 12.9” only offers 17% more screen size, but it is over 20% wider and 14% taller than the 11” iPad Pro.

The 11” is literally providing 98% of the experience, in a much smaller package. Based on the much larger dimensions , I don’t think 16-17% more screen is worth it to me. That’s like going to a 37” TV from a 32” TV..

The 12.9 is actually about 37% bigger in screen size.

 

[tps3443]

The 12.9 is actually about 37% bigger in screen size.

You also get 37% less frames per second to in PUBG, and fortnite lol, that’s only a guess. I have no idea what the performance loss is.

Nothing wrong with the 12.9. If your at a table sure it’s great. But it is to big for me. And I’m 6.1 200lbs, with large hands.

The 12.9” feels flimsy too compared to my 11”

One handed operation is not as secure either. And (2) thumb portrait typing is not nearly as good.

The only time I think about the 12.9” is when I’m watching a movie.

They should make a case with it 4 telescopic legs, and it could easily double as a small end table for my recliner in the morning when I’m having coffee.

With all that said, it’s still cool and if I buy a 2nd iPad which I might. I will get a 12.9” but at the end of the day, the 11” is the leaner, lighter, faster version of it.

 

[subjonas]

Some comments here grossly over or under exaggerate the perception in size difference, but in the end the difference is an objective number. Perception is subjective to the indivual, so it doesn’t do much good to take the word of another. To make a decision, the only facts one needs to know are that the smaller iPad is better for some things, and the bigger is better for others, as people are explaining and giving examples, which can be helpful. Then the choice depends entirely on how you as an individual want to use the iPad and your personal preferences.

 

[scotsmandc]

I haven’t regretted it at all. It is a on the bigger side but when you actually get used to it you wont really notice. I notice how unbelievably immersive the screen is every time I use it. Way more so than on my 10.5. I tried the 11 it was not enough IMO of an upgrade to justify the price so I took it back and got the 2018 12.9. Everyone is different but I really do feel that the people who bought 12.9s thinking they would like the 11 better have been pleasantly surprised.

lol exactly how i felt and did to the T.