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iPad Pro 11 or 12.9 Pro ?
- Thread starter George Dawes
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Fthree said: ↑
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.
This is what I don’t understand, so in the next year or two if apple doesn’t release a 15” tablet it’s not gonna feel like a good upgrade from your 12.9”?
If you came from a 10.5” to a 11” and it didn’t feel like a large upgrade then you must not be stretching the 11” tablets legs out.
The 10.5” and 11” are miles apart from each other. And if you only look as far as how big they can make the screen every year, then your going to be in for a big disappointment for the next generations of tablets to come.
I like performance, speed, IPC improvments, higher resolutions, more cores, more everything, higher FPS in games. These are all exciting advances!
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.
This is what I don’t understand, so in the next year or two if apple doesn’t release a 15” tablet it’s not gonna feel like a good upgrade from your 12.9”?
If you came from a 10.5” to a 11” and it didn’t feel like a large upgrade then you must not be stretching the 11” tablets legs out.
The 10.5” and 11” are miles apart from each other. And if you only look as far as how big they can make the screen every year, then your going to be in for a big disappointment for the next generations of tablets to come.
I like performance, speed, IPC improvments, higher resolutions, more cores, more everything, higher FPS in games. These are all exciting advances!
I have a problem with getting the latest and greatest. I struggled for a while whether I should get the new pros.when I finally decided to upgrade I went for the 12.9. Within 2 hours I returned it and decided to keep my 10.5 as it felt the same for what I need an iPad for in terms of performance and the 12.9 felt way too big. Fast forward a month I had an opportunity to sell my 10.5 at a good price so it was worth while to upgrade without spending too much out of pocket. I went with the 11 this time. For some reason it felt smaller than my 10.5 even though I know it wasn’t. 95% of my media consumption was done through my iPad or phone. I just prefer it that way and rarely watch on my tv. I tried the 12.9 again and after a few days it doesn’t seem that big anymore. Now when I see the 10.5 or 11 it’s too small. They look like iPad minis to me now. I don’t think I’d go any bigger unless it fits within the same chassis as the current 12.9 (smaller bezels). This is the perfect size for me. I’m a non-rev traveller so I go on vacations a lot. Any bigger it won’t fit on my seat tray.
Anyone who’s contemplating between the two, I’d advise to try the 12.9 for a week or more. The size isn’t a problem after a while. It’s so much better for media consumption.
I’ve now traveled a few times with my 11” IPP - I made the conscious decision each time to leave my Air at home and see how I got on. It’s a really nice experience and very versatile - with the normal cover, keyboard folio and pencil its great for the different needs I have when and working. It’s an incredibly lightweight and portable setup compared to every other option out there.
The only time I wish I had the 12.9 is when I’m sitting at a table for hours on end and would love a bigger screen.
I just found the 12.9 to be too awkward when using it to consume media. I guess I could try a 12.9 with a normal 9.7” iPad for using around the house, but I don’t know about anybody else, once you get used to the new screens, it really is a step backwards to use one of the older ones.
The only time I wish I had the 12.9 is when I’m sitting at a table for hours on end and would love a bigger screen.
I just found the 12.9 to be too awkward when using it to consume media. I guess I could try a 12.9 with a normal 9.7” iPad for using around the house, but I don’t know about anybody else, once you get used to the new screens, it really is a step backwards to use one of the older ones.
I honestly do not understand what you are trying to say. BUT- My 10.5 I felt was a perfect size given that the only 12.9s available at that time were HUGE. I will definitely say here and now that a 15 inch would be obscene for my use AND if the 12.9 wasn’t so condensed I would have waited it out another year to see what was on the horizon. While I noticed the speed improvements on the 11 I didn’t feel like they justified the $1600 it required to upgrade as there was not a “wow” factor from me (on both the screen and speeds I require). TRUST ME I tried everything to justify it next to my 10.5 even my basic use speed tests (which the 11 was faster in those processes ill admit) but in the end I just felt like the 11 was just a luxury purchase that was slightly better to me than my 10.5. I decided then to give the 12.9 a try and did notice the wow factor as the screen literally drew me in. My 10.5 next to it was definitely showing its age compared to it and even though I tried to think of every reason to take the 12.9 back it i couldn’t. Yes the advances you speak of are great but i really didn’t notice much in terms of gaming speed changes or anything (I) do on a daily basis. My daily basis consists of excel, Procreate, (various photo editing apps, gaming (mostly COC), of course Netflix youtube and web surfing. All of the above my 10.5 handled with ease but the 12.9 (and the 11 to be fair) RIPPED through them with blazing speed. I can also say (probably just specific to me again) it seems that the screen in split view is way easier on the eyes. I didn’t really notice how much strain i was putting on them trying to multitask on the 10.5 and the 11. No or very little strain on the 12.9. The specs on mine- 1tb/SG/Cellular
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I see where your coming from. I need to try this 12.9 for a week, I keep hearing of this euphoria it provides over the 11”, I’m seriously considering upgrading to the 1TB IPad Pro too myself. I learned the hardway, thinking I could get by with 64GB trying to make my iPad a laptop replacement. 64GB is a pretty tight window to work with.
Do you always pick the highest storage iPad? I could see why upgrading was tougher anyways, as the 1TB version is pretty expensive.
I’ve got mine on the used market right now. In desire for more storage.
I see where your coming from. I need to try this 12.9 for a week, I keep hearing of this euphoria it provides over the 11”, I’m seriously considering upgrading to the 1TB IPad Pro too myself. I learned the hardway, thinking I could get by with 64GB trying to make my iPad a laptop replacement. 64GB is a pretty tight window to work with.
Do you always pick the highest storage iPad? I could see why upgrading was tougher anyways, as the 1TB version is pretty expensive.
I’ve got mine on the used market right now. In desire for more storage.
I do believe that the 12.9 is not for everyone as many are super happy with the 11. (Heck some still the 10.5 and below) I feel that if you have the chance to try it and are on the fence you should. I do not always get the max capacity however I did on This one as I will no longer carry/use much my 2015 15 MacBook Pro and id like to keep it until it dies . It truly is a laptop replacement for me I do not think that the 11 would suffice screenwise to last me 5 or so years using it how I would like to.
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SO I finally made a decision (LOL!) got the 12.9! However, finding that the smart keyboard is nearly impossible to come by for at least 3-4 weeks 
Heavy work usage today on the new device and it was great, very light and portable compared to any notebook IMO. Still have the PC as needed. I did some GotoMeetings, word, emails, newsletters, X ray reviews... worked well! Impressive. Sure its large, but no larger than any laptop really. And honestly, for any serious work I would not imagine anything smaller.
Heavy work usage today on the new device and it was great, very light and portable compared to any notebook IMO. Still have the PC as needed. I did some GotoMeetings, word, emails, newsletters, X ray reviews... worked well! Impressive. Sure its large, but no larger than any laptop really. And honestly, for any serious work I would not imagine anything smaller.
SO I finally made a decision (LOL!) got the 12.9! However, finding that the smart keyboard is nearly impossible to come by for at least 3-4 weeks
Heavy work usage today on the new device and it was great, very light and portable compared to any notebook IMO. Still have the PC as needed. I did some GotoMeetings, word, emails, newsletters, X ray reviews... worked well! Impressive. Sure its large, but no larger than any laptop really. And honestly, for any serious work I would not imagine anything smaller.
There was one in the marketplace here a few days ago, not sure if it's still available though. Congrats on the 12.9!
SO I finally made a decision (LOL!) got the 12.9! However, finding that the smart keyboard is nearly impossible to come by for at least 3-4 weeks
Heavy work usage today on the new device and it was great, very light and portable compared to any notebook IMO. Still have the PC as needed. I did some GotoMeetings, word, emails, newsletters, X ray reviews... worked well! Impressive. Sure its large, but no larger than any laptop really. And honestly, for any serious work I would not imagine anything smaller.
the size will feel like a normal tablet after a week a so.
I know I would absolutely love a 12.9 for my desktop usage - no doubt about it! My issue, and the reason I sold my previous generation 12.9s, is portability. I realize that isn’t a factor for everyone; many people are used to toting around laptops, so a 12.9 iPad is pretty light/small in comparison. However, I never left the house with my 12.9 - just bigger than I really wanted to take anywhere.
The 11” is such a great size to give me a nice desktop experience, AND the portability I really want.
Now, depending on what happens with the minis, I could see potentially going back to a 12.9 down the road, with a mini for my travel device. The only thing there is giving up the pro quality to get the size, whereas with the 11” it’s all in one perfect package...
The 11” is such a great size to give me a nice desktop experience, AND the portability I really want.
Now, depending on what happens with the minis, I could see potentially going back to a 12.9 down the road, with a mini for my travel device. The only thing there is giving up the pro quality to get the size, whereas with the 11” it’s all in one perfect package...
I don't find portability to be an issue. In what aspect of the size/weight make you feel like it's not portable enough to carry around. Where do you put your smaller iPad? In a bag? I bet the 12.9 will fit in that same bag. I carry mine in a Hershel back pack. It has the laptop compartment with a soft lining on the inside. I don't put anything else with my iPad. Everything else goes in the other compartment. People keep mentioning portability is not as good as the 11 and I totally agree but the 12.9 is not much bigger.
I typically use my iPad 80% on a desk as it's the device I use At work when work is slow. The other 20% I use in bed. I don't find it cumbersome at all. The off chance I use it in portrait and holding it (super rare), I think.. wow it's much more immersive. It's awesome to carry such a thin sheet of metal of basically all screen right in your face.
My typical usage includes media consumption, web browsing and forums. I've stopped playing games for many years now and lately because of this iPad, it made me start playing games again. Something that didn't take up all of my time. Currently I'm playing alto Odyssey. The big screen and the 120hz enabled game makes its that much more immersive and it's also updated to fit the full aspect ratio. It's so pleasing to the eye and makes it that much more enjoyable.
Again, I recommend people going with the new 12.9 pro and give it the full 2 week test. The extra screen size is definitely worth adding to the experience you get out of an iPad. If you give a real shot with the larger iPad, you won't even notice how big it is anymore compared to when you had it on day one.
Well that’s why I said, for me, it’s a portability issue. I realize that isn’t the case for everyone, or maybe not even most. I can put my 11” pro in my purse. A 12.9 will not fit in my purse. I like it because when I need to be able to take it with me, I don’t have to worry about having an extra bag or anything to fit it in; I can just slide it in the outer section of my purse (I keep that spot empty), and I’m good to go.
Also, I’m a fairly small person, and like the size/weight of the smaller one for using on my lap. Now granted, I’ll admit to not trying the new 12.9, but I had the first 2 generations, and though I know the new one is smaller, I really got used to the portability of the 6th gen 9.7” iPad. The 11” pro definitely fits the bill a little better for me.
Portable in the sense of carrying it, I agree. But for using the device while on the go I definitely find a difference. I can easily type on an 11" while holding it, but on the 12.9" there's basically no way for me to type unless I can find a flat surface to set it down. The screen is too wide for me to reach the entire keyboard with my thumbs while holding it.
That definitely wasn't my experience. But, that's what's so great about this generation -- Apple made it so nobody has to compromise. Both sizes are equally powerful so there's no reason to feel forced into one or the other.
This is what I’m worried about, I’m auctioning my 11” Pro 64GB Cellular to get a 1TB/6GB ram version in either size as a replacement. And, I might just go with another 11” model.
The thing about the 12.9 model is, it’s only about 12% taller than the 11” but, the 12.9 is over 20% wider than the 11” so I can see portrait typing tough. It’s so wide. It’s like super wide lol.
The 12.9 is the best for multitasking and using the keyboard on a desk or table. The 11" is the best IMO for holding with one hand and portability.
It is amazing how accustomed you get to holding an iPad 11” I’ve never dropped it, I dont use cases or screen protectors, I’m living dangerously lol!
But really, you get good a holding them one handed, and flipping them around quickly on the move! It’s almost as if your using is own weight against the device.
One handed is pretty good with the 11”
Anyone know what I’m talking about? I’m sure there’s people in here who are pretty handy with a big ole 12.9 in there hand! Haha that didn’t sound right, anyways you know what I mean!
Just an example. The 11 is pretty nimble.
But really, you get good a holding them one handed, and flipping them around quickly on the move! It’s almost as if your using is own weight against the device.
One handed is pretty good with the 11”
Anyone know what I’m talking about? I’m sure there’s people in here who are pretty handy with a big ole 12.9 in there hand! Haha that didn’t sound right, anyways you know what I mean!
Just an example. The 11 is pretty nimble.
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We’re losing to the 12.9 people, c’mon vote already lol!
No winning or loosing silly! lol.. if I were rich i'd have both!!
This is something I debated endlessly before finally settling on the 11”. To be fair, I’ve never owned a 12.9” iPad, but I just don’t think it’ll ever be for me.
I can see the benefits of having some extra screen real estate when multitasking, but I generally am using my iPad one app at a time. If we ever get to a point where more than 2 apps can be displayed at a time, I think more screen real estate would be beneficial in that scenario.
I primarily use my iPad Pro for music production, and while having a bit more room to play with in my DAWs would be nice sometimes, I also think it would be too much iPad when I’m winding down in the evenings and want to use it to read comics or play games.
My biggest hesitation was the difference in keyboard size, but the smaller Smart Keyboard Folio for the 11” is proving to be just as capable as the keyboard on my 13” MacBook Pro now that I’ve gotten used to it.
I think the 12.9 is great for some very specific use cases, but overall the 11” is much more versatile. For me portability in a bag doesn’t have so much to do with it as comfort when using in the hand, which is primarily how I use my iPad. If your iPad Pro is going to spend most if it’s time on a desk with the keyboard attached... I say go for the 12.9”. If you’re going to be holding it in your hands and interacting with it via Touch or even Pencil input most of the time, go for the 11”.
I can see the benefits of having some extra screen real estate when multitasking, but I generally am using my iPad one app at a time. If we ever get to a point where more than 2 apps can be displayed at a time, I think more screen real estate would be beneficial in that scenario.
I primarily use my iPad Pro for music production, and while having a bit more room to play with in my DAWs would be nice sometimes, I also think it would be too much iPad when I’m winding down in the evenings and want to use it to read comics or play games.
My biggest hesitation was the difference in keyboard size, but the smaller Smart Keyboard Folio for the 11” is proving to be just as capable as the keyboard on my 13” MacBook Pro now that I’ve gotten used to it.
I think the 12.9 is great for some very specific use cases, but overall the 11” is much more versatile. For me portability in a bag doesn’t have so much to do with it as comfort when using in the hand, which is primarily how I use my iPad. If your iPad Pro is going to spend most if it’s time on a desk with the keyboard attached... I say go for the 12.9”. If you’re going to be holding it in your hands and interacting with it via Touch or even Pencil input most of the time, go for the 11”.
Well, tomorrow is my last day I have before I can’t return my 12.9. I’m still not sure what to do. I really prefer the 12.9 to my old 10.5 and find myself being much more productive and just overall enjoying it a lot more. It’s my main work device and consumption device. However, the $800 difference is making it hard to swallow. It’d be easier if I could just sell my 10.5 AND my laptop, but I can’t. I’m in school for Finance, and Excel for iOS is still missing out on a lot of capabilities I will need to use.
The 12.9 is hands down one of my favorite Apple products I’ve ever had. It’s made me vastly prefer iPads to computers for work and for fun. The flexibility and capabilities it has are very freeing and fun. But should I really spend $800 when I’m still tied to my laptop at times, and I could get 75% of the experience on my 10.5 that would be more portable and therefore go better with my laptop anyways? I just don’t know. I don’t like seeing my bank account down $800 and I still can’t rely on this 12.9 fully yet, but it’s also one of my favorite devices I’ve ever used. Ugh.
The 12.9 is hands down one of my favorite Apple products I’ve ever had. It’s made me vastly prefer iPads to computers for work and for fun. The flexibility and capabilities it has are very freeing and fun. But should I really spend $800 when I’m still tied to my laptop at times, and I could get 75% of the experience on my 10.5 that would be more portable and therefore go better with my laptop anyways? I just don’t know. I don’t like seeing my bank account down $800 and I still can’t rely on this 12.9 fully yet, but it’s also one of my favorite devices I’ve ever used. Ugh.
Only you can really determine the value of it for your situation, and whether, in your use case, the 12.9 is $800 worth better than the 10.5.
I think if I was still using a laptop, I’d probably like the 10.5 for the portability factor. Hell, I sold off my iMac and went iPP only a few years ago, and I still found the 12.9 to be a bit too big to give me everything I wanted in one device, so I wound up with the 11” pro and am loving it. The portability factor matters a lot to me though. YMMV
I think if I was still using a laptop, I’d probably like the 10.5 for the portability factor. Hell, I sold off my iMac and went iPP only a few years ago, and I still found the 12.9 to be a bit too big to give me everything I wanted in one device, so I wound up with the 11” pro and am loving it. The portability factor matters a lot to me though. YMMV
Sounds like and easy one to me , sell the 10.5 and move on!! Enjoy the 12.9. It’s ovbioously amazing
I maybe late on this response. If i were you and was still tied to the laptop i would take it back and use the 10.5 and save the $800. I have a 12.9 2018 and can do all i need to from it so I can justify the cost as I’d like to make it my main for the next 5 years.
No I think he prefers the newer to the 10.5, or preferably the 12.9...... maybe 11” as compromise? Lol