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Which is the best iPad Pro ?


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    2,370

TheMadBrewer

macrumors regular
Feb 11, 2008
206
44
Marina del Rey, CA
I considered doing the same, when I saw the 12.9's weight hadn't been reduced, I decided it wasn't for me. Plus, that price, ouch.

I originally ordered the iPhone Xs Max but returned it because it was just too darn heavy (not the size -- I have no problem with Pixel 2 XL which was the same size). I have the original IPP 9.7 and that is about as heavy as I want to go. so I went with the 11.

One other thing I didn't like about the Xs Max was that even though it had a bigger screen you didn't get any more icons per page -- they were just spread out more. From the video it looks like 12.9 has the same issue. Not a major thing but still irritating to me (especially with the $$$ being spent)
 

Jonathantuba

macrumors 6502
Oct 6, 2017
423
393
UK
Depends on how you are going to use. If using mostly in the hand, or on the move, then get the more portable 11”, but if using mostly on desk or lap with keyboard, and with split screen, then the 12.9” will give the better experience.

All depends on individual use which is probably more varied between users on the iPad Pro than any other device.

For me the iPad Pro has entirely replaced a MacBook (I prefer touch screen) as mu main business device, so the 12.9” for me.
 

flur

macrumors 68020
Nov 12, 2012
2,391
1,174
I got the 11” because I have both a 13” MBP and SP4, so another screen of the same size is way too redundant. I also really like the size, weight, and portability of my Air 2. I use it daily and am used to the 9.7” screen size, so I’ll still get a decent bump up in screen size without losing the things I love about my Air 2.
 

Salazes123

macrumors member
Aug 29, 2018
37
11
Difficult choice. I don’t know either what to offer to my parents 11 or 12.9 . They currently use an iPad 4th generation 9.7 and it stays mainly at home.
Therefore i would prefer the 12.9 but they think it might be too big.

-Current iPad actuel 4th gen they own: 653g, 185,7mm X 9,4mm X 241,3mm
-iPad Pro 11: 468g, 178,5mm X 5,9mm X 247,6mm
-iPad Pro 12.9: 631g, 214,9mm X 5,9mm X 280,6mm
 
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augustya

Suspended
Feb 17, 2012
3,331
464
entering laptop/MBP 13” territory.

Also keep in mind the 11” has a wider aspect ratio, so it’s still quite nice for media!

Uh ? So is this something that the 12.9" Pro's do not offer ?
[doublepost=1541407897][/doublepost]
The 11 doesn’t provide that much more screen space compared to the previous 10.5 in my opinion. Saw this in one of the developer videos:
View attachment 800830

So do you mean to say the Screen Display on the 2018 11" iPad Pro would appear smaller even when compared to the 2017 10.5" iPad Pro ??
 

jcmendes

macrumors regular
Aug 22, 2012
156
106
Portugal
I already said earlier that I ordered the 2 sizes on different dates.
The 11 arrives first and is for now the main option. What I want and see youtube videos and movies, lots of browser and emails. Getting to bed this size tb seems to me better ... hehehehe

I also have a recent Imac 27, but it remains a complicated decision, maybe save € 200 with the 11" and invest in the new Apple watch 4
 

SHKLMRE

macrumors 6502a
Nov 30, 2013
557
382
Pennsylvania
Found these amazing comparisons in some review videos: the size difference between the 10.5” (which is the same dimensions as the 11”) and the 12.9” are making it tougher for me to decide. Also, the dramatic height decrease of the 12.9” model is lovely

Here’s the 10.5, 2018 12.9”, and the old 12.9”

B15DE5AB-55DB-4850-A656-A06B3BE79940.jpeg
F6A99A3D-DD49-4803-A9F8-A1581DF626DE.jpeg
B8648220-BE6B-4721-B546-801B45605A9A.jpeg

B15DE5AB-55DB-4850-A656-A06B3BE79940.jpeg
 

jsmitty

macrumors 6502a
Sep 18, 2016
557
540
NC
Found these amazing comparisons in some review videos: the size difference between the 10.5” (which is the same dimensions as the 11”) and the 12.9” are making it tougher for me to decide. Also, the dramatic height decrease of the 12.9” model is lovely

Here’s the 10.5, 2018 12.9”, and the old 12.9”

View attachment 801409 View attachment 801410 View attachment 801411
View attachment 801409
That second photo makes the decision harder. I'm trying not to justify the 12.9 to myself but the larger screen in not that much of a larger device is appealing.
 
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SHKLMRE

macrumors 6502a
Nov 30, 2013
557
382
Pennsylvania
That second photo makes the decision harder. I'm trying not to justify the 12.9 to myself but the larger screen in not that much of a larger device is appealing.

Im having the same dilemma. Can’t truly decide. Of course the price of the 11” is nicer, but the smaller body of the 12.9 and the two full sized apps in multitasking is pulling me to spend more money v
 
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jsmitty

macrumors 6502a
Sep 18, 2016
557
540
NC
Im having the same dilemma. Can’t truly decide. Of course the price of the 11” is nicer, but the smaller body of the 12.9 and the two full sized apps in multitasking is pulling me to spend more money v
I have an 11 for pickup at Best Buy on Wednesday but I ordered both 11 and 12.9 folio keyboards just in case. I'll go to the Apple store on Wednesday to hold and touch them both.
 

mark-in-mk

macrumors 6502
Mar 24, 2011
476
392
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ryuok

macrumors regular
Feb 27, 2011
164
158
Hong Kong
Until Apple reduce the weight of the 12.9inch iPad to around 1 pound, and trim down the weight of the keyboard folio, 12.9inch remains an iPad that you’ll only pick up occasionally for Netflix, especially if you use MacBooks for work.

This is coming from personal experience. When the iPad Pro first came out, I bought both sizes (I thought I might as well spend the countless hours needed to contemplate the issue on something more productive). The 12.9 at 1.5 pound, especially when attached to the Smart Keyboard, was way too heavy for carrying around, and way too big for a carryall bag. It’s also quite silly using it as an ebook reader. So I ended up only using it for occasional Netflix binge in bed.

The smaller iPad on the other hand never felt like a big metal slab. It felt so densely designed, a capable little device. Something you could hold casually while you collapse into your sofa, instead of rigidly as if you are about the read the Declaration of Independence off it to an audience. It will never fall into your own face due to the weight and balance when held with a single hand. Something you could slot into airplane seats, the side door bin of your car, the font pocket of your briefcase...

While the expensive option of buying both sizes seem to solve all the problems, keeping both up to date and keeping all the apps logged in on both devices is such a pain. So this year I have decided to order the 11 inch only. Ultimately I think this is meant to be a mobile device that you could effortlessly carry around in your house. Something you spend absolutely no mental effort before picking it up. The thoughts of picking up the 12.9inch one, with the keyboard folio which will not only double the thickness but most likely also double the weight, is so dreadful that the lovely screen is not going to compensate.

I think the perfect iPad Pro would be 12 inch screen, between the 11 and 12.9, weights less than 1 pound, with material breakthroughs that make the keyboard half the weight.
 

Oreon

macrumors 6502
Oct 30, 2011
300
465
Cancelled 12.9 and ordered 11 for end of next week. 12.9 still looks huge in comparison after watching videos. Sticking with that now lol got it for £873 Education pricing on the NUS Extra Store.
 

ConfusedChris

macrumors 6502
Jul 29, 2013
302
224
U.K.
So far, I’ve ordered the 11” - then cancelled it. And today I’ve ordered 2 sizes of cheap clear cases (back protectors) now they are appearing on eBay.

I think I will end up with 11”. The other is just a little too big for my usage.
 
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jsmitty

macrumors 6502a
Sep 18, 2016
557
540
NC
I started with an order for an 11 wifi on Friday. Then added a 12.9 folio keyboard on Saturday just in case I may need one. Then today ordered a 12.9 lte from my carrier so I can decide once they both come in...
 
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Marshall73

macrumors 68030
Apr 20, 2015
2,713
2,837
I had the first 12.9 got rid of it for the 10.5 but the overall size reduction has made me go for the new 12.9 this time. Kinda missed the bigger display but not the overall size so looking forward to the new one pitching up.
 

tekchic

macrumors 68020
Apr 19, 2010
2,056
1,763
Phoenix, AZ
I do *love* the 12.9" but my 9.7" has been my daily driver since it was released, just due to the size. I carry a backpack-style purse that's always fit iPads, but I had to change to a much larger bag to carry the 12.9" around to and from work every day.

So my 12.9" became a "couch device". The screen is gorgeous and huge, but I'm compromising this time and consolidating on the 11" just from a practical travel standpoint. I work for an airline and travel quite a bit, and on trips when I needed both my Macbook Pro and iPad, it became much easier to haul the 9.7".

That being said, I'm sure I'll drool over the 12.9" in the store on Wednesday :) It'll be that same gorgeous, huge screen in a smaller footprint. Just not as small as I'd like for everyday "toting".
 

canyonblue737

macrumors 68020
Jan 10, 2005
2,229
2,785
I just thought of something that may muddy the waters even further...Does anyone know what it is like to fold the Keyboard folio back and hold it? The original Keyboard case had a design in which the keyboard was protected/not exposed, but it looks like the new one does not have this fold-away nature.

It may turn out to be rather difficult to fold back and use iPad without hitting keys back there. It looks like the "ledge" of the case will fold back and be on the left-hand side of the device, so this isn't the case. But then, for lefties like myself, who hold the device in the right hand, how will this work aside from using the device upside down? (Which may be OK since Face ID works every way, but it would still feel weird, especially when using the front camera).

A big selling point of 12.9" that I am considering is the full sized keyboard, but in my case I RARELY use the keyboard - I just like having it for peace of mind when I am traveling solely with the iPad. If that messes with the experience of using it folded back though, I think I'll have to return my keyboard folio regardless of whether I end up with 11" or 12.9". This of course diminishes the benefit of the full size keys of the 12.9".

EDIT: This thread will be helpful for those interested. It does seem to be an on going issue! https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/how-does-this-folio-work.2151367

it seems when folded back, yes, the keys are now exposed which isn't quite as nice in the past. HOWEVER now it does magnetically hold itself in the folded position unlike in the past which is better. further when it is in that position the keys are disabled so you won't accidentally press one and create an input.
 
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canyonblue737

macrumors 68020
Jan 10, 2005
2,229
2,785
Try a new experiment I just did and see if it had the same odd effect... we all know the new 12.9 is the size of an 8x11 sheet of paper and many of us have a 10.5 or 9.7 current gen iPad...

1. Hold up a sheet of paper horizontally or vertically in front of you. It will seem relatively small and reasonable.
2. Place your current 10.5 or 9.7 iPad (with a case if you have it to simulate the even heavier 12.9) BEHIND the piece of paper so the paper covers and hides your iPad but you are holding them together in one hand.
3. For me suddenly my brain makes me feel like the same "small" piece of paper is much, much larger even though your eyes are seeing the same thing as step 1.

Weird.
 
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