Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Which is the best iPad Pro ?


  • Total voters
    2,370

jazz1

Contributor
Aug 19, 2002
4,677
19,818
Mid-West USA
I do love my 2018 12.9". I will admit that for mobile use, on the lap, I do struggle a little using the Apple cover/Apple Keyboard. Maybe it is my physical build, but the iPad tends to slide down my not perfectly level lap. Maybe I should work out ;)

But, I'd hesitate to go much smaller as I enjoy the multiple screens. To be fair my eyesight requires a bigger iPad screen as I struggle with some of the smaller fonts. So the 12.9" fits that bill.

For home use on the couch I found this to be fantastic! The pad, and the various angles work well. You can also put the iPad in portrait which I've found useful for reading long articles. Scroll less read more :D


It isn't really all that portable, as the bottom padding adds to the thickness of the stand. Though the holder does fold flat. So I can't recommend it for on the go.

For desktop or table use I use the Apple folio/keyboard or the Twelve South Compass Pro portable stand.


Heck, sometimes I wonder if I'd be better off with a second and smaller iPad for mobile, or a MacBook Air. But I'm so used to iPad OS I'm pretty happy to make adjustments to use the 12.9" 2018.

To each his own I guess. It is good to read these forums and learn what works for other people and adapt their ideas.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mikehalloran

subjonas

macrumors 603
Feb 10, 2014
6,258
6,737
Yeah but how can you use your iPad while typing on it without using your other hand?? Like the way you use your iPhone 11 does.. of course you still need the other hand to touch the screen. You can barely use one hand on an iPhone 11 Pro Max to type faster without other hand it would take 48 years without the support of the other hand.. as for the Picture it only shows how they can grip the iPad Mini but they aren't typing something on it (like the way how they use a big phone) i can see all the veins in their palm trying hard
(Sorry for my bad english)
And yes you can grip an iPad, MacBook Pro 15 Inch with one arm only to carry it even an iMac but just to Carry it.. not to type on it while holding it on one hand use.. since all of them are meant to be use in Laps and table
Ok so that’s what you meant by one handed. Usually when people talk about using an iPad one handed, they mean holding it one handed (or in one arm), with the other hand free to interact with the screen. I don’t think anyone thinks an iPad can be used completely one handed like a phone. (Actually, I don’t even think most phones these days can be used one handed without an accessory like a pop socket.)
 

mikehalloran

macrumors 68020
Oct 14, 2018
2,239
666
The Sillie Con Valley
(Actually, I don’t even think most phones these days can be used one handed without an accessory like a pop socket.)
Trust me, it can be done but sometimes ain't pretty. As I mentioned earlier, I am handicapped and have only one working arm.

The X, XS and 11 Pro can while the smaller 7/8/SE cannot due to pinch-zoom on the camera.

I'm a tall guy with a very large hand but found my iPhone 7+ to be just too big and a bit clumsy—this would apply to all Max sized iPhones. Although I could use the camera one-handed, it was awkward as was using Contacts, texting or even using the dialer.

If the rumored SE update actually happens and the camera can be operated entirely with my thumb, I will buy it in a heartbeat.
 

pdaholic

macrumors 68000
Jun 22, 2011
1,962
2,933
I’m absolutely certain I can use my iPad mini one handed. When I’m surfing the web, one hand is manipulating the iPad, while the other hand is doing various things...

...like eating a sandwich.
 
  • Love
Reactions: Vivian125

subjonas

macrumors 603
Feb 10, 2014
6,258
6,737
The X, XS and 11 Pro can while the smaller 7/8/SE cannot due to pinch-zoom on the camera.
The camera operation is different between these phones? How do the newer phones zoom in and out?

I’m absolutely certain I can use my iPad mini one handed. When I’m surfing the web, one hand is manipulating the iPad, while the other hand is doing various things...

...like eating a sandwich.
How?? I have a pop socket on my mini which allows me to hold it with one hand, and I can scroll with my thumb but that’s about it.
 

mikehalloran

macrumors 68020
Oct 14, 2018
2,239
666
The Sillie Con Valley
The camera operation is different between these phones? How do the newer phones zoom in and out?
Single lens cameras use the pinch-zoom motion to frame the shot — as they have from the beginning.

Dual and triple lens iPhones show a small square on the screen. When you touch, it moves in an arc adjusting the zoom and moving between the lenses. This can be done with your thumb while holding the phone but it's a little bit awkward on the Max sized iPhones, even with a hand as large as mine — still doable, however. Go to any Apple or cell phone store and you'll see it in action.

There's no reason this motion can't be adapted to the single lens iPhones. The only thing missing would be the transition from one lens to another.
 
  • Like
Reactions: subjonas

rogueGT

macrumors member
Nov 27, 2018
41
25
Hi all,

1 year+ later,

any regrets to your purchase ?

i.e. if you got an 11", would you look at getting the new 2020 12.9" iPP?

vice versa,

if you go the 12.9", would you look at getting the 2020 11" iPP?
 
  • Like
Reactions: jazz1

jazz1

Contributor
Aug 19, 2002
4,677
19,818
Mid-West USA
Hi all,

1 year+ later,

any regrets to your purchase ?

i.e. if you got an 11", would you look at getting the new 2020 12.9" iPP?

vice versa,

if you go the 12.9", would you look at getting the 2020 11" iPP?

Interesting question! I’ve pretty much adapted, my EDC, to the 2018 12.9” after coming from smaller iPads over the years. I will say the 12.9” made me give away a few bags as the 12.9” just didn’t fit anymore. I think I’d be tempted to put my 12.9” side by side with an 11 during the next release. I probably won’t be walking the earth when the iPad gets a folding screen :)
 
Last edited:

MisterSavage

macrumors 601
Nov 10, 2018
4,854
5,755
Hi all,

1 year+ later,

any regrets to your purchase ?

i.e. if you got an 11", would you look at getting the new 2020 12.9" iPP?

vice versa,

if you go the 12.9", would you look at getting the 2020 11" iPP?

I will admit when I was in the Apple store to exchange my 12.9 for an 11 I hesitated a little because the 11 looks like a Tic Tac compared to the 12.9. Absolutely no regrets and still love my 11 inch IPP. No desire for a size change.
 

subjonas

macrumors 603
Feb 10, 2014
6,258
6,737
Hi all,

1 year+ later,

any regrets to your purchase ?

i.e. if you got an 11", would you look at getting the new 2020 12.9" iPP?

vice versa,

if you go the 12.9", would you look at getting the 2020 11" iPP?
I’ve had a 12.9 for about 4 years now and I’ve never had a desire to downsize. But that’s probably because I use it exclusively for productivity—as a laptop with the smart keyboard and as a drawing canvas—and for traditional tablet/casual use, I have an iPad mini. For what it’s worth I’ve never wanted to upsize the mini either.
 

T-Bob

macrumors 6502a
Oct 23, 2013
676
365
Hi all,

1 year+ later,

any regrets to your purchase ?

i.e. if you got an 11", would you look at getting the new 2020 12.9" iPP?

vice versa,

if you go the 12.9", would you look at getting the 2020 11" iPP?

Nope. Moved past the smaller form factor. I started with 2015 12.9, then went 10.5, tried the 11 briefly as well before settling on 2018 12.9.
 

bobsamm

Suspended
Oct 6, 2019
1,017
636
I am happy with my 11” as I have a 2015 iMac 27”, if it dies I will probably just go the 12.9 iPad only with the new bridge keyboard with track pad and swap my iPhone 11 Pro to a max.
Not paying 3.5k plus for another base model iMac.
 

sparksd

macrumors G4
Jun 7, 2015
10,000
34,320
Seattle WA
Hi all,

1 year+ later,

any regrets to your purchase ?

i.e. if you got an 11", would you look at getting the new 2020 12.9" iPP?

vice versa,

if you go the 12.9", would you look at getting the 2020 11" iPP?

I went from Air 2 -> 10.5 Pro - > 2018 12.9 Pro. I'll never again buy an iPad smaller than the 12.9 - I love the size and I use it everywhere, not just a tabletop.
 

The Game 161

macrumors Nehalem
Dec 15, 2010
30,980
20,169
UK
I think I may flip flop and get the 12.9 pro next. Certainly would want to hope apple do bring out the improved keyboard with scissor switch keyboard.

Those who use skype does it work well with ipads for like conference calls as that’s the main thing I use my macbook air for….if it works the same in terms of the speaker so people can hear you then I could get rid of my air for the 12.9
 

MisterSavage

macrumors 601
Nov 10, 2018
4,854
5,755
Those who use skype does it work well with ipads for like conference calls as that’s the main thing I use my macbook air for….if it works the same in terms of the speaker so people can hear you then I could get rid of my air for the 12.9

Briefly used Skype for group video calls but have settled with using Google Duo instead. Both worked fine audio wise on the IPP.
 

Closingracer

macrumors 601
Jul 13, 2010
4,317
1,849
Hi all,

1 year+ later,

any regrets to your purchase ?

i.e. if you got an 11", would you look at getting the new 2020 12.9" iPP?

vice versa,

if you go the 12.9", would you look at getting the 2020 11" iPP?

I’ve played around with the 12.9 and no. That’s still huge and as much as it’s better for video consumption it’s not worth the price tag tbh. I rather have more storage. I could of gotten the 12.9 around the same price as my 512gb 11 inch but would have to deal with 64Gb. It was around $800 while the 11 was $740.
 

Ludatyk

macrumors 603
May 27, 2012
5,965
5,133
Texas
I’ve had a 12.9 for about 4 years now and I’ve never had a desire to downsize. But that’s probably because I use it exclusively for productivity—as a laptop

I echo this same sentiment. Been rocking the 12.9 since first introduced, don't ever see me downsizing. I'm accustomed to taking it with me everywhere I go...
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nautilus007

ejin222

macrumors 6502a
Oct 12, 2011
564
432
Went from a 2nd gen 12.9” to a 3rd gen 12.9”. The reduction in overall size helps a lot. Now, wish Apple made an even bigger iPad hahha
 

sparksd

macrumors G4
Jun 7, 2015
10,000
34,320
Seattle WA
Went from a 2nd gen 12.9” to a 3rd gen 12.9”. The reduction in overall size helps a lot. Now, wish Apple made an even bigger iPad hahha

That was the game changer for me - the reduction in overall size. My brother has the older version and I didn't care for it but the 3rd gen got me on the 12.9 for good.
 

millydog

macrumors 6502a
Oct 21, 2007
564
516
Australia
I found that the 12.9 seemed so big when I first got it, but after some time, it felt like a normal size to me. I had considered switching to the 11” upon the next release for more portability since I take my iPad everywhere. But, I now think that I’d miss the bigger screen and regret my decision. The 12.9 is a joy to use and the added size and weight when transporting it is a worthwhile trade off as the size is now just perfect for me.
I admit to still having my iPP 10.5 and a mini 5, but the 12.9 3rd gen is my main iPad and if I had to pick one, it would be the 12.9” now.
I have the Brydge (non trackpad version) for it which is a bit bulky and heavy, so that is my main regret now. I should have picked Apple’s Smart Keyboard Folio. I use the regular Apple Folio cover mostly. I’m waiting to see if Apple brings out a new Smart Keyboard Folio with backlit keys and perhaps a row of function keys and hope that it’s compatible with my 2018 model. If so, I will snap that up. If not, I might buy the current version.
 
  • Like
Reactions: rogueGT

EmlynDewar

macrumors regular
Aug 17, 2011
175
96
Chengdu, China
I own the 12.9, but I'm gonna put 11 as the better tablet size.
For me it's great at home, I'm not sure about my feelings when traveling around though. Only rarely do I use it in the office, and it feels too thin to be throwing in a bag.
I feel the 11" might fare better being a daily traveler?
 

millydog

macrumors 6502a
Oct 21, 2007
564
516
Australia
I own the 12.9, but I'm gonna put 11 as the better tablet size.
For me it's great at home, I'm not sure about my feelings when traveling around though. Only rarely do I use it in the office, and it feels too thin to be throwing in a bag.
I feel the 11" might fare better being a daily traveler?

This is what I’ve been wondering too. The 11” would be more portable, but I’m not sure how I’d go trying to adapt to the 11” size after having used the 12.9” for ~18 months. I wonder if I’d love the smaller one or miss the bigger one and regret my decision.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.