iPad Pro 11 or 12.9 Pro ?

[petvas]

I have used both (2018 models) for extensive time and I now own a 11" iPad. I would say that if you plan to use the iPad as a tablet, then the 11" model is more mobile and easy to hold. The 12,9 model is better suited for using with two hands, or on a desktop, so I would get it if I planned to use it more as a laptop.

 

[jcshas]

I stuck with the 11” iPad Pro again this time around, but I’m really tempted to return it and go with the 12.9”. I love the portability of the 11” iPad has to offer, but the magic keyboard coming in May could be a game changer; especially when you factor in a larger screen. Decisions. Decisions.

 

[petvas]

My problem with the iPad as a laptop replacement is the lack of desktop quality apps in the field I am working on. I cannot really use the iPad as a productivity tool because I need access to apps like VMWare. Even Office apps cannot be compared to their desktop equivalents. I also use Mail a lot and Outlook is not even close to be compared with the desktop versions. The new magic keyboard won’t change that for me, but will maybe make companies start creating more complicated and feature rich software.

 

[jcshas]

My problem with the iPad as a laptop replacement is the lack of desktop quality apps in the field I am working on. I cannot really use the iPad as a productivity tool because I need access to apps like VMWare. Even Office apps cannot be compared to their desktop equivalents. I also use Mail a lot and Outlook is not even close to be compared with the desktop versions. The new magic keyboard won’t change that for me, but will maybe make companies start creating more complicated and feature rich software.

I agree, but the list of things I wasn’t able to do on my iPad has decreased exponentially year after year. A strong indicator for me is how often I reach for for my iPad instead of MacBook Pro.

 

[AVBeatMan]

I wouldn't say it's too big for reading a book. As someone who temporarily owned both the 12.9 and 11 back in 2018, it's all in how you plan to hold/use it. I tell people visualize your use cases. Will you be sitting mostly? Do you you see yourself walking around with it in one hand with a cup of coffee in the other? This may sound funny, but will you use it on the toilet? I say if you're going to be carrying it and using it a lot, the 11 inch is the better buy in my opinion. It operates as a handheld tablet better due to it's smaller size and dimensions. If most of your use case is at a desk or you'll mostly be sitting with it resting on something, the 12.9 is fine and you get the benefit of the bigger screen.

My general advice is, if you own a MacBook or any laptop, get the 11. If you don't have a laptop or you're looking to replace a laptop, I would go for the 12.9. For me I chose the 11 because for as long as I can only do Plex Server and Emulators on MacOS or Windows, I will always own a MacBook. I know some will say you can just get an iMac or Mac Mini for Plex use, but I prefer a Laptop because I value flexibility even in my main computer. There are times that I will carry both my Laptop and iPad on trips, another advantage I might add for the 11 inch in that it adds less weight to this combo. Mostly, I use my iPad in mobility scenarios and my Laptop stationary and for serious productivity. The 11 for me is better for walking around with my tablet which I love to do, for using in bed, and for taking notes while standing and holding. The 11 fits in more tight spaces. For example, I work from home and use my iPad and MacBook while working from my company issued Laptop and Monitor. My iPad sits right under my monitor perfectly as you can see in my picture. The 12.9 would block the screen. This may not be big for many, but it's a big deal for me. I use my iPad for TV/News while I'm working. I love it right below my work monitor in my line of sight . Fyi, that's as high as my monitor will raise. It's like it was made for the 11


View attachment 901468

Is that a 13’ MBP?

 

[Maukey]

Is that a 13’ MBP?

Yes it is

 

[limesmoothie]

I stuck with the 11” iPad Pro again this time around, but I’m really tempted to return it and go with the 12.9”. I love the portability of the 11” iPad has to offer, but the magic keyboard coming in May could be a game changer; especially when you factor in a larger screen. Decisions. Decisions.

This was my thinking - I already had an iPad Air 10.5, so I went with the 12.9 - the look of the new keyboard setup lead me to choosing the larger screen.

Screen size is great, its still very portable, and at the moment I'm also using it on a desk with a stand, BT keyboard and Magic Mouse 2 - it is really enjoyable to use.

 

[jcshas]

This was my thinking - I already had an iPad Air 10.5, so I went with the 12.9 - the look of the new keyboard setup lead me to choosing the larger screen.

Screen size is great, its still very portable, and at the moment I'm also using it on a desk with a stand, BT keyboard and Magic Mouse 2 - it is really enjoyable to use.

If not for already having a 10.5” iPad Air, do you think the 12.9” iPad Pro would still more appealing to you than the 11” iPad Pro?

 

[limesmoothie]

If not for already having a 10.5” iPad Air, do you think the 12.9” iPad Pro would still more appealing to you than the 11” iPad Pro?

That's trickier to answer. That is a very nice form factor for on the go, throwing in a small bag. Just took it on a trip to France (remember international travel?? ) and it was the perfect size.

Having said that, the 12.9 isn't radically bigger, and is smaller/lighter than my MBP 13, which I carry around all the time. I did worry that it would feel like carrying a small flatscreen TV around, but it is fine.

 

[Osamede]

This is really an "MP3 vs lossless" discussion.

The smaller size of was due to technical limitations in replicating the size of a standard piece of paper.

With the evolution of the technology, you now CAN have a full-sized digital piece of paper that is portable and handy. There's no longer any need to limit yourself to the compressed version.

 

[ericwn]

There were technical limitations? How so, what were those limits at the time and when and how did they get resolved?

 

[Osamede]

There were technical limitations? How so, what were those limits at the time and when and how did they get resolved?

Grab the 12.9 and check it out. That size,performance, durability and battery life, wasnt viable in a tablet when the original Ipad was released. But it is now...

 

[thiagueirass]

This is really an "MP3 vs lossless" discussion.

The smaller size of was due to technical limitations in replicating the size of a standard piece of paper.

With the evolution of the technology, you now CAN have a full-sized digital piece of paper that is portable and handy. There's no longer any need to limit yourself to the compressed version.

So do you think the bigger one can be considered portable?

 

[Davefevs]

So do you think the bigger one can be considered portable?

I had the 1st gen IPP12.9....yes it is. The newer ones are smaller.

 

[Osamede]

Yep. It is. Same as your 11" is portable but less so than your iphone.

BUt go back to what I said: when the original Ipad was made, you could not make an A4 sized tablet in anything near this size of consumer friendliness. So no sugar Apple did not release it in that size. But that does not mean that an A4 size tablet was not something they would have wanted in the vision. Of course they did.

Some of us actually been following and using ultraportables for a long time and remember what Toshiba, Fujitsu, Panasonic and co were doing in the tablet space.

What Apple has delivered here in the 12.9 is phenomenal for the size. I'm buying. And I'm no fanboy that's for sure.

 

[ericwn]

So do you think the bigger one can be considered portable?

Anything smaller than a MacBook is easily portable, isn’t it? At least to me.

 

[ericwn]

Grab the 12.9 and check it out. That size,performance, durability and battery life, wasnt viable in a tablet when the original Ipad was released. But it is now...

Got you. The iPads have come a long way for sure.

 

[jcshas]

I think the biggest concern for me with the 12.9” is that I like to use my iPad on the couch. I would think the size and weight of the 12.9“ are less of a factor for people who use it primarily at a desk. Thankfully though I still have plenty of time left to change my mind before my return/exchange period expires.

 

[Davefevs]

I think the biggest concern for me with the 12.9” is that I like to use my iPad on the couch. I would think the size and weight of the 12.9“ are less of a factor for people who use it primarily at a desk. Thankfully though I still have plenty of time left to change my mind before my return/exchange period expires.

I used my 12.9 on my lap since the 1st gen came out. The new version is lighter than the original. when apple moved to the new size I picked one up and it felt quite a bitter lighter than mine.

 

[thiagueirass]

I think the biggest concern for me with the 12.9” is that I like to use my iPad on the couch. I would think the size and weight of the 12.9“ are less of a factor for people who use it primarily at a desk. Thankfully though I still have plenty of time left to change my mind before my return/exchange period expires.

That’s the biggest concern for me.

Does anyone have a good experience with a 12.9-inch iPad on the couch?

 

[The Game 161]

Just set up my new 12.9 pro...forgot how much I have missed the iPad

 

[metalsiren]

I love the size of the 12.0, as others have said the 11 just looks small in comparsion now. feels a little wierd using in bed, but since I dont have a TV in my bedroom this is a nice replacement.

 

[ericwn]

That’s the biggest concern for me.

Does anyone have a good experience with a 12.9-inch iPad on the couch?

I use my 12.9 on the couch every evening. While it’s a bit less practical from a handling perspective I have no complaints about it.

 

[johnnylarue]

Yep. It is. Same as your 11" is portable but less so than your iphone.

BUt go back to what I said: when the original Ipad was made, you could not make an A4 sized tablet in anything near this size of consumer friendliness. So no sugar Apple did not release it in that size. But that does not mean that an A4 size tablet was not something they would have wanted in the vision. Of course they did.

There’s plenty of evidence to suggest Steve Jobs valued ergonomics too much to have considered making a tablet of this size (which is too large to allow for one-handed use or two-thumb typing.)

Which is not to say he wouldn’t have eventually caved to market demands, but it definitely went against his design ethos.

 

[rui no onna]

I think the biggest concern for me with the 12.9” is that I like to use my iPad on the couch. I would think the size and weight of the 12.9“ are less of a factor for people who use it primarily at a desk. Thankfully though I still have plenty of time left to change my mind before my return/exchange period expires.

Couch is fine for me.

It's in bed where I find it unwieldy. The 12.9" is a lot more painful when it falls on your nose compared to smaller iPads. ??