iPad Pro 11 or 12.9 Pro ?

[Osamede]

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.

The danger with kneeling at the altar of Steve Jobs is one can end up in a cult-like loop.

The product is a tablet. For the use case, this is the classic size: a page.

Why it was difficult to execute the device in this size at the time, was technical reasons. By now you have AI-driven voice dictation and voice recognition and automcompletion tool that are available mastered on levels unheard of at the time the first version of the tablet was released. Plus much better pen capabilities.

Typing with your thumbs is not a religiously fixed action - it's just a data entry method. Ergonomics is about ability to complete your desired outcome easily and seamlessly.

These by the way are also the reasons why the Apple Watch and the HomePod exists today - because the technology now allows that to be an ergonomically great device, using a totally new set of data entry and user interface methods.

There's a term in process design: "paving the cowpath". It desrcibes the above mental tralp

Don't Pave the Cow Path

A few weeks ago, I enjoyed reading a compilation of foreign sayings. They included gems like: Eating tough meat is harder for a toothless lion (Africa).

www.linkedin.com

 

[DaPhox]

12.9 is too big. For digital artists, great though, but Macbook 12” is much more comfortable to use. And also smaller...

 

[petvas]

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.

It hasn't changed for me. I still prefer to use my Macs. Only for casual browsing and video chat I prefer to use my iPad. This might change sometime when Microsoft and other major software companies start developing real software for the iPad, that offers the same functionality as the desktop apps. If I compare Microsoft Office on the Mac to the iPad version, then the functionality differences are so big, that I don't ever run Office on my iPad. No reason too. The same applies to Microsoft Outlook and also for many other apps I use on my Macs. Even fun things, like organising my photo library is much better on a Mac. On the iPad I cannot even move an album to a different folder..Basic functions are missing from too many apps and that is my main issue with the iPad as a laptop replacement. The form factor is great and the appeal of using an iPad is certainly there, but I need something that is pretty on the inside and the outside too. The iPad is not there yet.

 

[Abazigal]

It hasn't changed for me. I still prefer to use my Macs. Only for casual browsing and video chat I prefer to use my iPad. This might change sometime when Microsoft and other major software companies start developing real software for the iPad, that offers the same functionality as the desktop apps. If I compare Microsoft Office on the Mac to the iPad version, then the functionality differences are so big, that I don't ever run Office on my iPad. No reason too. The same applies to Microsoft Outlook and also for many other apps I use on my Macs. Even fun things, like organising my photo library is much better on a Mac. On the iPad I cannot even move an album to a different folder..Basic functions are missing from too many apps and that is my main issue with the iPad as a laptop replacement. The form factor is great and the appeal of using an iPad is certainly there, but I need something that is pretty on the inside and the outside too. The iPad is not there yet.

I personally find that because Microsoft opted not to release office for the iPad in the beginning, this has given many people years to adjust to a life without office. Personally, factoring away the need for cross-compatibility, I find there are so many other better apps out there that can be used in place of the office suite.

 

[rogueGT]

I have a 2018 12.9’’ and I have bookmarked this thread, and I enjoy picking Up this 82 page thread to read every now need then.

I have been toying with the idea of going to a 11’’ for Portability as so many of you mentioned. I’m still not totally decided .

In my opinion, however, I think the whole point of the Pro in the iPad line was meant to be that - as a laptop replacement, capturing market share from the very successful Surface/detachable TAM.

The market that this is targeted at is the 12-13” market.

From the iPad Pro targeted advertising (”what‘s a computer?”), the Apple Pencil (targeting content creators), now with the Magic keyboard (basically a cantilever desktop stand for the iPad Pro, laptop keyboard with backlit keys), iPad OS (an evolving desktop class OS) are all designed for one thing , and one thing only - to replace the 12” , 13” detachable laptop.

Sure the 11” is portable, and great to use. However, i think for anyone who wants that form factor, the traditional iPad (not the pro), would suffice (for a few hundred dollars less?).

the 12.9” , in my opinion, armed with shiny new accessories and newly developed operating system; brings the PRO to the iPad Pro.

 

[The Game 161]

Going to use the Logitech folio until the new magic keyboard is out...feels a better typing experience than the Apple one but the Apple one is certainly better for weight

If I still had my 2018 12.9 I would have not upgraded but seeing as I foolishly sold it and got a MacBook Air then I’m happy with the 2020 12.9 128GB

AR I’ve used but can’t say I will use it much. Will basically never use the camera I don’t think

The more ram is a nice upgrade though certainly when watching YouTube

 

[ofarlig]

That’s the biggest concern for me.

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

I am trying to decide if I should stick with my 11" or switch to the 2020 12.9". Wife currently has the 12.9" 2018 model and I have been trying it out a bit. My usage is mostly on the couch and I can't get over how the 12.9" just feels not as nice to use, it becomes more clunky.

On the 11" I can hold it with 2 hands and use my thumbs to reach all the UI elements easily both in landscape and portrait. But on the 12.9" it becomes more of a hassle even in portrait mode where I have to shift my hands up and down, in landscape it is downright annoying having to reach the middle of the screen. It kind of feels like using a Surface Pro as a tablet but it is the OS not being made for such a big screen rather than the OS not being made for touch that is the problem.

So basically I want the bigger screen because it would help multitasking loads while using it at a table, I want to get the new magic keyboard as well. But using it as an actual tablet for sure is more unwieldy compared to my 11".

 

[ascender]

Sure the 11” is portable, and great to use. However, i think for anyone who wants that form factor, the traditional iPad (not the pro), would suffice (for a few hundred dollars less?).

I totally agree with this - the "normal" iPad is a very capable machine in its own right. What I will say though is that once you've got used to the Pro screen (both in how it looks and feels), the speakers and the form factor, it is difficult to go back the way so to speak.

 

[The Game 161]

I am trying to decide if I should stick with my 11" or switch to the 2020 12.9". Wife currently has the 12.9" 2018 model and I have been trying it out a bit. My usage is mostly on the couch and I can't get over how the 12.9" just feels not as nice to use, it becomes more clunky.

On the 11" I can hold it with 2 hands and use my thumbs to reach all the UI elements easily both in landscape and portrait. But on the 12.9" it becomes more of a hassle even in portrait mode where I have to shift my hands up and down, in landscape it is downright annoying having to reach the middle of the screen. It kind of feels like using a Surface Pro as a tablet but it is the OS not being made for such a big screen rather than the OS not being made for touch that is the problem.

So basically I want the bigger screen because it would help multitasking loads while using it at a table, I want to get the new magic keyboard as well. But using it as an actual tablet for sure is more unwieldy compared to my 11".

The size is the draw backs for many usages...holding it is not ideal. For me I treat it as my laptop replacement which it is for me....my phone is big enough to do most basic tasks that I would do when holding a device...so for me the 6.5 pro max and 12.9 is the perfect combo.

 

[ofarlig]

The size is the draw backs for many usages...holding it is not ideal. For me I treat it as my laptop replacement which it is for me....my phone is big enough to do most basic tasks that I would do when holding a device...so for me the 6.5 pro max and 12.9 is the perfect combo.

Yeah, but when we start talking not using it as a tablet and more of a laptop replacement I feel like I could just as well get a 13” MBP or something. Would have more capabilities as a laptop. To me the appeal of iPad Pros are the combination of tablet and desk usageand I am not yet sure how much of that I would miss with a bigger one.

The bigger screen sure is nice for content consumption though.

 

[The Game 161]

Yeah, but when we start talking not using it as a tablet and more of a laptop replacement I feel like I could just as well get a 13” MBP or something. Would have more capabilities as a laptop. To me the appeal of iPad Pros are the combination of tablet and desk usageand I am not yet sure how much of that I would miss with a bigger one.

The bigger screen sure is nice for content consumption though.

MacBook having no good apps is a major drawback for me...you can still use the 12.9 as a tablet though just holding it one one hand just isn’t realistic.

You can however have it balanced on your lap perfectly fine...for a lot the ipads are used as media devices.

Unless you can get the 12.9 and get maybe a cheap mini for when you want one handed use?

 

[Osamede]

I would say actually the real move is:
- get the 12.9" Ipad, for simple browsing, reading and media consumption
- get a low end mac mini or a used one and add a cheap 4K screen, for when you want to type

Skip the laptop form factor entirely - it's yesterday's news really.

Bear in mind that when you get the 12.9" Ipad, that's also a secondary screen for your mac mini, or a drawing tablet.

 

[ofarlig]

MacBook having no good apps is a major drawback for me...you can still use the 12.9 as a tablet though just holding it one one hand just isn’t realistic.

You can however have it balanced on your lap perfectly fine...for a lot the ipads are used as media devices.

Unless you can get the 12.9 and get maybe a cheap mini for when you want one handed use?

Yeah we will see. I switched with the wife now and will try using her 12.9” for a while and see if I get used to it. i can already tell it will take some getting used to, typing on it while holding it like a tablet is really awkward. Will see if I even last a few days before I want mine back.

 

[The Game 161]

Yeah we will see. I switched with the wife now and will try using her 12.9” for a while and see if I get used to it. i can already tell it will take some getting used to, typing on it while holding it like a tablet is really awkward. Will see if I even last a few days before I want mine back.

Really is an adjustment. I don’t think I would be able to handle using the 12.9 if I didn’t have the keyboard and trackpad. It’s fine every now and then but not for every time you use it.

 

[AJ_1878]

I would say actually the real move is:
- get the 12.9" Ipad, for simple browsing, reading and media consumption
- get a low end mac mini or a used one and add a cheap 4K screen, for when you want to type

Skip the laptop form factor entirely - it's yesterday's news really.

Bear in mind that when you get the 12.9" Ipad, that's also a secondary screen for your mac mini, or a drawing tablet.

See I’d probably have agreed to this until I got the iPad Pro 12 inch. Now I got a keyboard for it, a stand too and when I want to take it anywhere got a Logitech slim folio case and it’s doing the job of both for me. Saved money on a Mac Mini. Only thing its missing really is a larger monitor.

As a tablet its ok (I’m sure the 11inch is more comfortable) but you can always buy a one handed case or strap for the back to.

 

[ofarlig]

Really is an adjustment. I don’t think I would be able to handle using the 12.9 if I didn’t have the keyboard and trackpad. It’s fine every now and then but not for every time you use it.

Yeah, I have the keyboard for the 11” but when I’m just laying on the couch I usually just type on the on-screen keyboard while holding it, doing it right now. Used it for half an hour and my arms are already tired, lol.

 

[The Game 161]

Yeah, I have the keyboard for the 11” but when I’m just laying on the couch I usually just type on the on-screen keyboard while holding it, doing it right now. Used it for half an hour and my arms are already tired, lol.

Know what you mean, All i used for my 2018 12.9 pro was the Apple Pencil and keyboard and even then my hands did start to hurt. Now with the magic track pad 2 it feels a natural thing to do with no hand ache. So i can totally sEE why the 11 inch pro is better for so many people.

 

[MisterSavage]

Know what you mean, All i used for my 2018 12.9 pro was the Apple Pencil and keyboard and even then my hands did start to hurt. Now with the magic track pad 2 it feels a natural thing to do with no hand ache. So i can totally sEE why the 11 inch pro is better for so many people.

Agreed. I specifically had the "it's the size of a sheet of paper" argument in mind when I bought a 12.9 IPP without trying it. One size does NOT fit all and I'm very glad that I switched to an 11.

 

[sparksd]

That’s the biggest concern for me.

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

No problem for me. I also read in bed with it. Prefer it over my 10.5 Pro.

 

[el beisbol]

Sure the 11” is portable, and great to use. However, i think for anyone who wants that form factor, the traditional iPad (not the pro), would suffice (for a few hundred dollars less?).

the 12.9” , in my opinion, armed with shiny new accessories and newly developed operating system; brings the PRO to the iPad Pro.

The 11” iPP can do everything the 12.9” can do, and is more comfortable to me when I’m holding it standing or on the couch or whatever. It’s my full laptop replacement, and I don’t think it’s any less PRO. It’s just a simple trade off between screen real estate and portability and that comes down to our individual use cases. Both are great options.

 

[ascender]

Yeah, but when we start talking not using it as a tablet and more of a laptop replacement I feel like I could just as well get a 13” MBP or something. Would have more capabilities as a laptop. To me the appeal of iPad Pros are the combination of tablet and desk usageand I am not yet sure how much of that I would miss with a bigger one.

The bigger screen sure is nice for content consumption though.

I love macOS, I really do, but there’s an awful lot of advantages to using iOS if you can get all your work done in it. It really is a nice OS to be working in, but for me the lack of mouse support was always the one thing I couldn’t do without.

The other thing is, the iPad Pro lineup just now has all the latest tech which the MacBooks don’t have - FaceID and the screen tech are tow big pluses for me. Using a 12.9 in landscape mode, with FaceID seamlessly authoring anything you need without needing to take you hand off the keyboard is a great experience.

 

[ofarlig]

I love macOS, I really do, but there’s an awful lot of advantages to using iOS if you can get all your work done in it. It really is a nice OS to be working in, but for me the lack of mouse support was always the one thing I couldn’t do without.

The other thing is, the iPad Pro lineup just now has all the latest tech which the MacBooks don’t have - FaceID and the screen tech are tow big pluses for me. Using a 12.9 in landscape mode, with FaceID seamlessly authoring anything you need without needing to take you hand off the keyboard is a great experience.

Well for me the iPad is just a device I use in my free time, for work it is very computationally heavy and very much Office based. Excel on iOS is nowhere near optimized enough for me to use it for work, even on MacOS it would be impossible.

Know what you mean, All i used for my 2018 12.9 pro was the Apple Pencil and keyboard and even then my hands did start to hurt. Now with the magic track pad 2 it feels a natural thing to do with no hand ache. So i can totally sEE why the 11 inch pro is better for so many people.

I tried your tip about resting it on my lap and even without the keyboard and just using a smart folio it is very nice typing on, thanks For the tip! I can most likely change my routine, upgrade my iPhone XS to the Max version in the fall when it is time to upgrade and use that if I want to browse the web while laying down.

 

[Monte2]

I would say actually the real move is:
- get the 12.9" Ipad, for simple browsing, reading and media consumption
- get a low end mac mini or a used one and add a cheap 4K screen, for when you want to type

Skip the laptop form factor entirely - it's yesterday's news really.

Bear in mind that when you get the 12.9" Ipad, that's also a secondary screen for your mac mini, or a drawing tablet.

Bingo...This is my exact setup and love it

 

[jcshas]

I ended up returning my 11” iPad Pro this morning and picked up the new 12.9” iPad Pro. I haven’t spent much time with it yet, but its interesting how quickly Ive been able to adapt to the larger screen. I don’t have the Smart Keyboard yet, so I will probably just pair with my Bluetooth Apple keyboard until Apple releases the new Magic keyboard in May. Overall, I really like the 12.9 compared to my previous 11” iPad Pro.

 

[Jamacfer]

I ended up returning my 11” iPad Pro this morning and picked up the new 12.9” iPad Pro. I haven’t spent much time with it yet, but its interesting how quickly Ive been able to adapt to the larger screen. I don’t have the Smart Keyboard yet, so I will probably just pair with my Bluetooth Apple keyboard until Apple releases the new Magic keyboard in May. Overall, I really like the 12.9 compared to my previous 11” iPad Pro.

What about using (reading, surfing etc.) the 12.9” while lying on the bed compared to the 11”. Which one do you feel more comfortable?