iPad Pro 11 or 12.9 Pro ?

[gsal]

For me, as things stand, I would need an incentive other than screen size to go for the bigger model, such as more processing power and more powerful programs to go with it.

The more I use this 11” the more convinced I am that I made the right choice switching from the 12.9” after using that one for a year.

I wish the 12.9” wasn’t such a pain when used in tablet mode as the large display is beautiful. I personally rarely used mine in tablet mode.

All of this bearing in mind that it is my main computing device and money isn’t an object.

ps, I guess it helps that tablets are usually held closer than laptops and these iPads have a higher PPI than most laptops, which means that I don’t lose on image quality due to the closer viewing distance.

If I was to ever switch back to the 12.9”, it would be to use it almost exclusively in laptop mode.

 

[gsal]

I also want to add that the next 12.9” model has to come with the front facing cameras on the long edge as the vast majority of people who own the 12.9” use it mainly in landscape mode.

Video calling is not ideal to say the least how it is now.

 

[leonremi]

i will go for 12,9 but its to replace a 13 inch macbook pro that wasn't seeing much use.......so for me its to have a "laptop replacement" with added mobility....

because with the new magic keyboard and IOS 13.4/14 it seems to me that the Pro can start to replace a secondary computer (i keep my IMAC 27 as my main machine)

 

[el beisbol]

I also want to add that the next 12.9” model has to come with the front facing cameras on the long edge as the vast majority of people who own the 12.9” use it mainly in landscape mode.

Video calling is not ideal to say the least how it is now.

This is annoying on the 11” as well. I tried moving the iPad vertically so I could look straight at the camera but that drastically altered the orientation of my display picture. For work video calls everyone is in the horizontal orientation it seems like.

I’m still working through this, haha. We don’t do a ton of video calls.

 

[subjonas]

For me, as things stand, I would need an incentive other than screen size to go for the bigger model, such as more processing power and more powerful programs to go with it.

The more I use this 11” the more convinced I am that I made the right choice switching from the 12.9” after using that one for a year.

I wish the 12.9” wasn’t such a pain when used in tablet mode as the large display is beautiful. I personally rarely used mine in tablet mode.

All of this bearing in mind that it is my main computing device and money isn’t an object.

ps, I guess it helps that tablets are usually held closer than laptops and these iPads have a higher PPI than most laptops, which means that I don’t lose on image quality due to the closer viewing distance.

If I was to ever switch back to the 12.9”, it would be to use it almost exclusively in laptop mode.

It sounds like you’re happy with the 11”, but it also sounds like a part of you still wants the 12.9”? If you think it would be useful to you, and money is really no object, why not get a big and small iPad for your different purposes?

I have a 12.9” for productivity and a mini for casual consumption, both used constantly because they’re the best at their respective jobs. Splitting the road for me would get me run over by a car. I have no downsides with my setup besides the up front cost. But that’s me and my usage. People are different.

 

[The Game 161]

Bring on magic keyboard next week

 

[lezmace]

Which one will bend more?

 

[massy72]

I've been drastic!
I sell my iMac 27 and my MacBook Air for to take the "only" iPad Pro 12.9
So my choose in the bigger for replace my desktop and portable system
I trust a lot in ipad as my only system... I hope time will prove me right

 

[petvas]

I've been drastic!
I sell my iMac 27 and my MacBook Air for to take the "only" iPad Pro 12.9
So my choose in the bigger for replace my desktop and portable system
I trust a lot in ipad as my only system... I hope time will prove me right

I hope that you will not be disappointed. I would never sell my iMac for the iPad.

 

[massy72]

There’s a reason... in the last year I Think I have never used My iMac. One time i’m used for edit video but my life’s change now.. and I prefer something much smart

*sorry for my english ?

 

[EPiD3MiK]

I went through this thread so many times, constantly going back and forth between 11 or 12.9 and man... everyone claiming that the 12.9 “is great but not as portable” or “not as great to us as a tablet in bed etc’ I’m so glad I didn’t listen to you. You guys made it seem like it’s a beast or heavy burden. I made my decision the moment I finally saw the 11 in person and just realized it’s no different than the full size iPads I’ve owned In the past and I instantly knew the 12.9 would be the iPad "Pro" experience I was looking for. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and just blown away how its Transformed my way of thinking how a computer should be. So much so that keep finding myself touching the screen on my 15in MBP and being annoyed it doesn’t work like that lol.

Anyway, for those like me that kept going back to this thread over and over and watching YouTube videos and still not knowing which is best cause everyone who had the 11 said it’s more "portable" do yourself a favor and go 12.9 it’s incredibly compact still, were not talking about a heavy or akward laptop, it’s a SLIM beautiful glass slate and the screen is amazing for multitasking. Such an amazing experience all around!

12.9 ftw

 

[MisterSavage]

Anyway, for those like me that kept going back to this thread over and over and watching YouTube videos and still not knowing which is best cause everyone who had the 11 said it’s more "portable" do yourself a favor and go 12.9 it’s incredibly compact still, were not talking about a heavy or akward laptop, it’s a SLIM beautiful glass slate and the screen is amazing for multitasking. Such an amazing experience all around!

There's multiple posts from people who switched from 12.9 to 11. I'm one of them. No regrets. Glad you found the one that works for you.

 

[Jamacfer]

I went through this thread so many times, constantly going back and forth between 11 or 12.9 and man... everyone claiming that the 12.9 “is great but not as portable” or “not as great to us as a tablet in bed etc’ I’m so glad I didn’t listen to you. You guys made it seem like it’s a beast or heavy burden. I made my decision the moment I finally saw the 11 in person and just realized it’s no different than the full size iPads I’ve owned In the past and I instantly knew the 12.9 would be the iPad "Pro" experience I was looking for. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and just blown away how its Transformed my way of thinking how a computer should be. So much so that keep finding myself touching the screen on my 15in MBP and being annoyed it doesn’t work like that lol.

Anyway, for those like me that kept going back to this thread over and over and watching YouTube videos and still not knowing which is best cause everyone who had the 11 said it’s more "portable" do yourself a favor and go 12.9 it’s incredibly compact still, were not talking about a heavy or akward laptop, it’s a SLIM beautiful glass slate and the screen is amazing for multitasking. Such an amazing experience all around!

12.9 ftw

Glad that you like it. Bye the way, there is no perfect size for everyone. For myself the 12.9 as a secondary device just for browsing, reading, traveling and sometimes for light working is too bulky (especially together with case or keyboard).

 

[AVBeatMan]

I recently sold my 2018 12.9 and last years mini 5 to keep my 11". After reading this thread I', missing my 12.9! That said I'm still in the 11" is best camp, at least for me. iPhone 11 Pro Max, 11" iPad Pro and 16' MacBook Pro have a nice size gap between them I think.

 

[stanza.richi]

As I wrote somewhere in the past, I find my 12.9" 2018 IPP fabulous. When I'm at home like now, I may use my MacBook Pro 13.3" Retina late 2013 for something like writing my and of residency paper or similar. When I'm outside, I can do everything I need with my IPP and a logitech keys to go keyboard. My only complain is that I picked only WiFi model: coming from Air 2, same configuration, I'm not fully ready to understand how useful could be the LTE model.

Maybe I can also take more gb in the future, but for now I'm feeling quite good with my 1 TB SSD Extreme Sandisk.

 

[ericwn]

I've been drastic!
I sell my iMac 27 and my MacBook Air for to take the "only" iPad Pro 12.9
So my choose in the bigger for replace my desktop and portable system
I trust a lot in ipad as my only system... I hope time will prove me right

I hope you don’t sell everything before you have tried the iPad workflow and lifestyle for at least a few days.

 

[ericwn]

I went through this thread so many times, constantly going back and forth between 11 or 12.9 and man... everyone claiming that the 12.9 “is great but not as portable” or “not as great to us as a tablet in bed etc’ I’m so glad I didn’t listen to you. You guys made it seem like it’s a beast or heavy burden. I made my decision the moment I finally saw the 11 in person and just realized it’s no different than the full size iPads I’ve owned In the past and I instantly knew the 12.9 would be the iPad "Pro" experience I was looking for. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and just blown away how its Transformed my way of thinking how a computer should be. So much so that keep finding myself touching the screen on my 15in MBP and being annoyed it doesn’t work like that lol.

Anyway, for those like me that kept going back to this thread over and over and watching YouTube videos and still not knowing which is best cause everyone who had the 11 said it’s more "portable" do yourself a favor and go 12.9 it’s incredibly compact still, were not talking about a heavy or akward laptop, it’s a SLIM beautiful glass slate and the screen is amazing for multitasking. Such an amazing experience all around!

12.9 ftw

Nobody can make better decisions for you than yourself. Relying on strangers on the internet for a buying decision is usually not the best advice.

In a lot of cases it’s really personal preference what interface/ screen works best hence most buying decision threads are a waste of time.

 

[AVBeatMan]

Nobody can make better decisions for you than yourself. Relying on strangers on the internet for a buying decision is usually not the best advice.

In a lot of cases it’s really personal preference what interface/ screen works best hence most buying decision threads are a waste of time.

Well said. Couldn't agree more.

 

[rui no onna]

Nobody can make better decisions for you than yourself. Relying on strangers on the internet for a buying decision is usually not the best advice.

In a lot of cases it’s really personal preference what interface/ screen works best hence most buying decision threads are a waste of time.

Yep. Just gotta try it yourself to see what works or not for your particular situation.

Even then, the typical 14-day return period may not be enough. First two months, I'm usually on a honeymoon period with new tech and tend to focus on the things I like and ignore all the annoyances. After that, the annoyances start to get to me.

Granted, the current lockdown is allowing for an extended return period (albeit not at normal usage for some since mobility may not be a factor right now).

 

[EPiD3MiK]

[automerge]1587154470[/automerge]

Nobody can make better decisions for you than yourself. Relying on strangers on the internet for a buying decision is usually not the best advice.

In a lot of cases it’s really personal preference what interface/ screen works best hence most buying decision threads are a waste of time.

For sure, and any other time where I can enter a store and physically touch, hold and use one I would never rely on outside opinions lol... unfortunately this time is quite unique

 

[Domdog31]

In my near 40 years of existence, I have never woken up in the middle of the night, grabbed my iPhone and continue to research this dilemma of which is better for me. (After spending way too many hours before I even found this thread.)

Perhaps the current lockdown has something to do with it - but, after 12 days with the 11” 2020 iPP I picked up a 12.9” 2020 iPP to quench a unquenchable thirst.

It’s only been a day, but ooph, after many side by side use cases, and content viewing/creating the 12.9” is what I am keeping and will be sending back the 11”

Now it doesn’t matter what other devices I have - so rather than confuse you by listing my justifications I do want to finish with I am adding another vote and strong opinion that the 12.9” is NOT unwieldy by any means to me.

I can afford to keep both, but am not going to do so.

For what it’s worth - I feel like I am just talking to myself with this post - but for the current 11” iPP population who lusts after the 12.9” the ONLY way to know is to buy it. Lay out the cash or charge it. Return policy’s are relaxed right now should give you until end of May (Best Buy) at the very least.

Thanks to all of you who contributed in this mega thread!

 

[Adelphos33]

After week 5 of work from home, for my current use, I couldn’t imagine not having a 12.9” iPad. My desktop setup at my office has two screens. At home, I have a Macbook Pro and an iPad 12.9”. All day, I am working in multiple apps on the IPad (including work apps that are only available on a Mobile OS). On a smaller screen, it would likely be tougher to run this setup. After work is done, I can still remove the iPad from its smart folio case and use it like a tablet.

The main issue with the iPad currently is the placement of the FaceTime camera - that impacts both models, however. I still use the iPad in horizontal mode when doing video calls...

 

[MacMandy]

After week 5 of work from home, for my current use, I couldn’t imagine not having a 12.9” iPad. My desktop setup at my office has two screens. At home, I have a Macbook Pro and an iPad 12.9”. All day, I am working in multiple apps on the IPad (including work apps that are only available on a Mobile OS). On a smaller screen, it would likely be tougher to run this setup. After work is done, I can still remove the iPad from its smart folio case and use it like a tablet.

The main issue with the iPad currently is the placement of the FaceTime camera - that impacts both models, however. I still use the iPad in horizontal mode when doing video calls...

Same situation here. I’m enjoying the sidecar experience and it really helps. I agree about the cameras. I’ve been using my iPhone for video calls since I don’t need to share screens or anything

 

[rkuo]

After week 5 of work from home, for my current use, I couldn’t imagine not having a 12.9” iPad. My desktop setup at my office has two screens. At home, I have a Macbook Pro and an iPad 12.9”. All day, I am working in multiple apps on the IPad (including work apps that are only available on a Mobile OS). On a smaller screen, it would likely be tougher to run this setup. After work is done, I can still remove the iPad from its smart folio case and use it like a tablet.

The main issue with the iPad currently is the placement of the FaceTime camera - that impacts both models, however. I still use the iPad in horizontal mode when doing video calls...

You might need multiple monitors more than you need a 12.9” iPad. Granted, this situation is temporary, so only you know what’s best for you.

I can say that I have triple 27” monitors and, if I needed more screen space, it wouldn’t fall on my iPad’s form factor to get me there. Work is work. I’ll spare no expense, but picking the right tools for the job is essential.

 

[secretk]

You might need multiple monitors more than you need a 12.9” iPad. Granted, this situation is temporary, so only you know what’s best for you.

I can say that I have triple 27” monitors and, if I needed more screen space, it wouldn’t fall on my iPad’s form factor to get me there. Work is work. I’ll spare no expense, but picking the right tools for the job is essential.

I tend to see both of your points. At work I used the following setup:

1. Laptop with 14 inch (usually open)
2. Two 21 inch monitors
   1. One hooked up to the laptop
   2. One hooked up to work desktop machine
3. iPad

And yep I used all of them. Now that I am working from home it is a bit more challenging as I have only the laptop and one additional monitor and the iPad. I also have less free surface on my desk at home compared to the one at work.

Your setup sounds awesome btw. I do like big screen real estate. I am more productive that way. I spend most of my day in meetings and having one monitor to keep the tool for the meeting, another one for typing notes and a third one if I need to do some research during the meeting is heaven basically.