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Which is the best iPad Pro ?


  • Total voters
    2,370

Phonzoxd

macrumors 6502a
May 28, 2013
672
518
So you prefer the smaller version? Is there anything on the 12.9 that you miss?


That's me, though I feel like for my usage it boils down to usage while holding it. Maybe I'd get used to it, but it just feels like I'd be holding a ginormous slab of glass
Absolutely i prefer the standard size more now

I use both at home only and i always reach for the smaller one now. I think the novelty of the 12.9 has worn off on me. I bought the gen 1 when it released and that was the hot thing at the moment.
 

Painter2002

macrumors 65816
May 9, 2017
1,197
943
Austin, TX
Absolutely i prefer the standard size more now

I use both at home only and i always reach for the smaller one now. I think the novelty of the 12.9 has worn off on me. I bought the gen 1 when it released and that was the hot thing at the moment.
I agree with this. The 11” just feels more manageable for any use other than in a table top. If I really need a bigger screen for editing or computing work, I have a PC with two large monitors, and then a tv if I want to watch media on something bigger than my iPad.

Maybe I’m getting nostalgic, but I even prefer my iPhone X over my gf’s iPhone XS Max. Sometimes larger isn’t better (and then sometimes it is).
 

iMi

Suspended
Sep 13, 2014
1,624
3,201
After much consideration, I decided to stick with the 12.9 and get the pencil and the keyboard case. I’ll give the whole “iPad as laptop replacement” another go. If all works out, I’ll either keep the MacBook Pro for extended travel and any heavy lifting when only macOS will do or sell it along with the current 10.5 iPad Pro this new one is replacing.

iPadOS could be the game changer for me because it addresses many of the shortcomings, such us native font management, better files management, ability to have two windows of the same app open, proper download manager and improved multitasking. The 11 inch is still too small of a screen for me to really be productive on when multitasking.

So, I’m sticking with the 12.9 and have already gotten used to the larger size. I find it plenty portable.
 

gamedrin.93

macrumors newbie
May 12, 2019
7
4
This one.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078X255T5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ycsjDbKG188BF

I haven’t received it yet though. The first gooseneck item didn’t work out. The 12.9 ipad did not fit.

Just an update. I tried the gooseneck mount but unfortunately, it didn’t meet my expectations.
Sure it can hold the ipad pro 12.9” but it doesn’t stay stationary. It bobbles with slight movement in the table (I use a standing desk). The holder itself is very flimsy and the material used is plastic.

Though I don’t regret getting the 12.9”, having the 11” will give you more mount options.
 
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subjonas

macrumors 603
Feb 10, 2014
6,258
6,737
It’s interesting, I’ve never been interested in the “medium” sized iPads, even since the original iPad. It was too small for a sketchbook or to use for serious productivity, and too big to hold and consume for long periods comfortably. It was only when the mini came out that I finally wanted to buy an iPad. Now that was a device I could enjoy reading anywhere for hours. Then when the 12.9 iPP came out with the pencil, that was the digital sketchbook I was waiting for, and as a bonus it made a great laptop alternative. Now I have and use both (12.9 and mini) all the time, with almost no overlap—meaning, I never get confused about which device to use for what/when/where. They fill completely different purposes because of their completely different sizes (and power).

I’ve never wanted both casual holding and productivity in one device. Glad it works out for some, but for me they are polar opposites and only compromise each other.

I just returned the Air 3 after half a week and got the 11 Pro instead. I couldn’t deal with the home button anymore after being spoiled by the iPhone XS Max. It’s not even the lack of FaceID itself, but I kept finding myself trying to task switch by swiping left / right at the bottom of the screen.
Swiping the bottom edge of the screen didn’t work on the air 3? It should work on any iPad with iOS 12 or newer. It works on both my mini 4 and 2nd gen 12.9 iPP. I only ever use the home button to turn on the screen and for Touch ID.
 
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PaulKemp

macrumors 6502a
Jun 2, 2009
569
127
Norway
Man this is a real first world problem :D

I am looking at used iPad pros here in Norway, I can get a 12.9 256 with cellular, used for 6 months for 29% off the 'new price'. That is indeed tempting. However, the portablity of the 11" just looks better! I had the older Pro, the 9.7" with the apple smart keyboard and was really happy with that way back when, and the screen on the new 11" pro is just so much bigger compared to that. So I guess I would be really happy with the size of the 11". Hmm.... what to do.
 

Osamede

macrumors 6502a
Oct 28, 2009
816
513
I can't decide which one to get - can you help me make up my mind ?

Thx :)
There is no “best”.

For anyone not needing for business or professional purposes, the big one is mainly for sitting on your sofa at home and using touch instead of a keyboard and a Mac laptop.

For pretty much most non professional users, the smaller one is optimised to provide a combination of size and portability that you need.
 

The Game 161

macrumors Nehalem
Dec 15, 2010
30,980
20,169
UK
It’s certainly not an easy decision which to pick and having both i would say if i had to choose one to keep it would be the 12.9. The 11 inch pro I mainly use for work for note taking and on my break browsing e.t.c. Smaller screen is certainly better on the go. I struggled to take my 12.9 on the go i must admit which is why i got the 11 inch.
 

Herrpod

macrumors 65816
May 29, 2019
1,000
1,979
I just returned the Air 3 after half a week and got the 11 Pro instead. I couldn’t deal with the home button anymore after being spoiled by the iPhone XS Max. It’s not even the lack of FaceID itself, but I kept finding myself trying to task switch by swiping left / right at the bottom of the screen.
I have an Air 3 and all of those gestures work just fine.
 

Maven1975

macrumors 65816
Aug 24, 2008
1,014
275
Update on my decision....

I absolutely love the 12.9!

Originally, it was was too big and I was convinced that the 11” was the obvious choice. (Smaller, Lighter)

Now...

iPadOS has completely made this a 100% laptop replacement for my needs. Having the extra screen size is so wonderful and makes it a complete joy to use. I have also completely grown accustomed to the additional size and weight.

Since its a computer replacement, it’s actually lighter and more versatile than anything I have ever owned. Once that clicked, it made the large size melt away in my mind.

My mindset has now flipped into, I cant believe how light and portable and versatile this machine is!

The small keyboard option makes one handed typing while holding it a breeze!

I usually game/consume content in the evening while resting. If I choose to do any of this, the keyboard case works PERFECT as a stand. I can game with it resting on my chest, letting the case hold the iPad and my hands still have room behind the back of the iPad for onscreen controls.

At the desk, in the rare occasion I want to game, there is now full controller support.

(Just an observation)

I did have a issue/observation with the 11”. After giving it a week, I noticed a significant amount of eye strain during use.

This was not the case with the 12.9.

Anyways...

I think the 12.9 will take off further now that iPadOS inches closer to full release.

It’s really been engrained that iPads, and how we use them, are not capable enough to replace or make it a full time machine.

I run a few businesses and have above average use needs.

If this can work for me, I’m confident that an average user, without specific use case / software needs can make the transition once iPadOS is released.

Best of luck to all of you with this choice.

It was very difficult to make a decision/choice between models. I would say to that, if your considering the 12.9, it may be that you have always wanted the iPad to be more than it has been.

If you strictly want to consume/game, use the iPad the same way as we have been conditioned to, then the 11” kicks!
 
Last edited:

Herrpod

macrumors 65816
May 29, 2019
1,000
1,979
I travel with my iPads, so the 12 is an absolute no-go. Tablets of that size are a chore to travel with. The 11 imo is the perfect size. If I was only going to be using it at home, the 12 would be better, but since even iPadOS doesn't negate the need for a laptop, I see no point in paying more for the 12.
 
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Cnasty

macrumors 68040
Jul 2, 2008
3,336
2,106
Probably not a good sign that I got the 12.9 Pro on the insane BestBuy sale and have used it a total of once since purchase as it sits in my bag and my MBP/phone get all the use.

Will probably return as I don't NEEEEEED it but man sale envy and perusing these boards is a recipe for unneeded purchases.
 

rug1111

macrumors newbie
Apr 24, 2018
11
2
Probably not a good sign that I got the 12.9 Pro on the insane BestBuy sale and have used it a total of once since purchase as it sits in my bag and my MBP/phone get all the use.

Will probably return as I don't NEEEEEED it but man sale envy and perusing these boards is a recipe for unneeded purchases.

Is that your model S in your avatar? What color is it?
[doublepost=1563993736][/doublepost]I have the 10.5 but recently purchased the 12.9 (2nd gen). I am debating whether I keep the 10.5 but I rarely travel. Both have cellular/LTE function.
 

Cnasty

macrumors 68040
Jul 2, 2008
3,336
2,106
Is that your model S in your avatar? What color is it?
[doublepost=1563993736][/doublepost]I have the 10.5 but recently purchased the 12.9 (2nd gen). I am debating whether I keep the 10.5 but I rarely travel. Both have cellular/LTE function.

It was my old S. I have a 3 now. :)

I just have always wanted an iPad Pro. The sale was spectacular on the model I wanted. I then get it and find I am still reaching for my phone and Mac for my needs and realize I made an impulse buy of want vs need.

I assume BB will have a restocking fee, ugh.
 

rug1111

macrumors newbie
Apr 24, 2018
11
2
It was my old S. I have a 3 now. :)

I just have always wanted an iPad Pro. The sale was spectacular on the model I wanted. I then get it and find I am still reaching for my phone and Mac for my needs and realize I made an impulse buy of want vs need.

I assume BB will have a restocking fee, ugh.

What was your reason(s) for going from Model S to M3? How do you like M3? Any regrets? I'm debating between a used/certified Model S vs a new Model 3 performance.
 

Hawaiian Starman

macrumors regular
Oct 27, 2001
126
83
Somerset West, South Africa
I travel with my iPads, so the 12 is an absolute no-go. Tablets of that size are a chore to travel with. The 11 imo is the perfect size. If I was only going to be using it at home, the 12 would be better, but since even iPadOS doesn't negate the need for a laptop, I see no point in paying more for the 12.
I travel a lot with the 12. Wouldn’t have it any other way. Feel much more productive on a bigger screen. Using a Logitech Slim Folio keyboard with it. Fits perfectly in my backpack. Excited about the coming IPadOS
 

Cnasty

macrumors 68040
Jul 2, 2008
3,336
2,106
What was your reason(s) for going from Model S to M3? How do you like M3? Any regrets? I'm debating between a used/certified Model S vs a new Model 3 performance.

Newer battery technology at the time, much more sporty/fun to drive and I preferred the interior. Also enjoyed still having all the perks of a Tesla at 50% less of the cost at the time (2016).

I love both for different reasons but much thoroughly enjoy my 3 over my S. We have 2 of them (wife and I) so if that gives you any semblance.

Feel free to PM me any questions so we can stay on topic here. :)
 
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htnt7919

macrumors member
Sep 22, 2014
59
29
Questions for college students out there, which size of ipad pro is the best for daily usage on campus ?
 

Jarrodbcall

macrumors 6502
Jan 28, 2013
304
211
Curious, why just 11? I recall how huge and heavy my textbooks used to be and even my binders and notebooks were A4/letter size. Even carried a 15" laptop.

The Pro 12.9 seems a good fit amongst A4/letter print-outs and a much lighter replacement to textbooks and laptop.
The 11 is convenient for portability, but I just got the 12.9 and am liking it. I don’t have a laptop (recently sold my MacBook Pro to get this and an iMac), so the larger screen real estate is nice. It seemed WAY unwieldy at first, but even a few days later I feel comfortable slipping it out of the keyboard and carrying it around. It makes a great Netflix machine while running at the gym haha.
 

rui no onna

Contributor
Oct 25, 2013
14,920
13,266
The 11 is convenient for portability, but I just got the 12.9 and am liking it. I don’t have a laptop (recently sold my MacBook Pro to get this and an iMac), so the larger screen real estate is nice. It seemed WAY unwieldy at first, but even a few days later I feel comfortable slipping it out of the keyboard and carrying it around. It makes a great Netflix machine while running at the gym haha.
I own the last gen models (2017 10.5 and 12.9) and I do understand the portability thing. If I can only keep one, I'm definitely going for the smaller one. I still find the 12.9 quite unwieldy most of the time.

In a college setting though, it doesn't seem like 12.9 would be a particular hardship. Of course, I did carry 3lb textbooks that were around the same dimension as the iPad 12.9 (but way thicker) so the iPad seems a much better (if more expensive) alternative.
 
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