I think it is a combination with the size, I find it much harder to have it properly supported when not resting it fully against something. Saying if I am holding it and have my leg as support and so on. I don’t have a ton of experience of writing on the 12.9” mainly because I couldn’t find a way to be comfortable and just put it flat on the table. Never had that problem on my 11”.
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iPad Pro A bigger screen is great, but will I hate holding a 12.9?
- Thread starter Kyle76
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I think it is a combination with the size, I find it much harder to have it properly supported when not resting it fully against something. Saying if I am holding it and have my leg as support and so on. I don’t have a ton of experience of writing on the 12.9” mainly because I couldn’t find a way to be comfortable and just put it flat on the table. Never had that problem on my 11”.
This is a very good point I’ve been wondering about as I make my decision. I upgrade every 4-5 years usually, and for the first time I was thinking of the 12.9 even before the display tech came out.
I use Apple Pencil and want to do some video editing etc on it. I’m guessing the larger screen size will be nice. But I am worried since my current iPad is already difficult to hold with one hand for long periods of time. I would just have to accept the fact it needs to be held differently if I wanted those benefits.
but then I was wondering if I would use it more in portrait mode which I NEVER do with my current iPad. Especially browsing the internet.
time will tell.
I much prefer my mac mini over the larger screen size for use when im not at my desktop. But I hope that Apple will make a mac mini pro and then I can ditch my desktop and current ipad. Then use mini pro as my only computer, at my desk with larger display and keyboard or take it along with me with little fuss as I do my current mini. Since retiring my computer needs have changed a great deal.
The only time I ever hold my 10.5 not rested on anything was when I used to read on it. I ended up buying a Kindle which is better for reading lol. And I don't baby a £100 kindle like I baby an iPad that costs 10+ times more!
I'm in the same boat. I currently have the 11" 2018 IPP, and have always wondered if the larger iPad would suit me. I'd love the extra real estate, but am struggling with the logistics of a larger iPad. I've come to the conclusion that the only way I will ever know is to get one and spend some time with it. If I hate it, I have two weeks to return it.
In the meantime, I might suggest a good lap holder for the iPad. Most of my time with iPad is sitting in recliner, and the lap holder is very comfortable. The benefit here is that the larger size becomes a non-issue.
In the meantime, I might suggest a good lap holder for the iPad. Most of my time with iPad is sitting in recliner, and the lap holder is very comfortable. The benefit here is that the larger size becomes a non-issue.
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I say this with all the respect in the world and hope your purchase works out - however -I'm in the same boat. I currently have the 11" 2018 IPP, and have always wondered if the larger iPad would suit me. I'd love the extra real estate, but am struggling with the logistics of a larger iPad. I've come to the conclusion that the only way I will ever know is to get one and spend some time with it. If I hate it, I have two weeks to return it.
In the meantime, I might suggest a good lap holder for the iPad. Most of my time with iPad is sitting in recliner, and the lap holder is very comfortable. The benefit here is that the larger size becomes a non-issue.
Flippy Tablet Pillow Stand and iPad Holder for Lap, Desk and Bed, Multi-Angle with Storage, Compatible with Kindle, Fire, iPad Pro 12.9, 10.9, 10.2, Air and Mini, Samsung Galaxy (Smokey)
From the plane to the patio, the New and Improved Flippy Multi Angle Tablet Holder with Storage Cubby is here to make reading, scrolling, and streaming cozier than ever. The Flippy offers 3 distinct viewing angles. From sitting, lying down, or even standing, this tablet stand will let you read in...www.amazon.com
When I purchase a device for mobility and to be used as a tablet (especially one this expensive) I refuse to purchase additional products to make it operate like a laptop - which arguably (currently) would have more functionality.
I love iPads and rarely use a laptop. As I said above, I’m also planning on going with the 12.9 for the first time, but I can’t imagine spending more money on another product that I have to keep track of to comfortably hold an ipad (which then takes up the same footprint of a laptop).
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If you’re carrying your 12.9 attached to a magic keyboard everywhere, you might find that a bit tiring.
Personally the 11” meets most of my tablet and typing needs.
Occasionally I wish I had the 12.9” but I don’t use any apps such as video editing where that would come in handy.
Personally the 11” meets most of my tablet and typing needs.
Occasionally I wish I had the 12.9” but I don’t use any apps such as video editing where that would come in handy.
I think it's a real hard horses for courses type question that only individual users can can really answer for themselves. And they might only find the right answer after making the wrong choice. They both have appeal and I'd sort of like both. The additional screen size of the 12.9 is very seductive, and there are times I'd really prefer it. But the smaller footprint and lighter weight is a better match for MY use. I think the choice got especially tough given that the 12.9 got the updated screen technology and the 11 didn't.
Understood completely.
For me, the vast majority of iPad use does not include typing. I have an iMac, so no need for a laptop unless I am traveling. I'm looking for ways to comfortably adapt to the larger screen for my usages. The laptop pillow holders eliminate the need to hold the iPad when sitting or lounging, or even laying down.
I am planning to keep my 2018 11" IPP. As others said, the only real way to know if the larger one works better is to get one and try it out. If it doesn't work, I can return it and wait for the next 11" IPP with micro LED.
I had a 2018 12.9 iPP and sold it last month to get a 2021 11 one. I barely used the 12.9 as a tablet, but more as a MacBook 2.
Agreed. The only way to know is to try. I had a 2-month honeymoon period using the 12.9 almost exclusively before deciding I prefer the 10-11" class models. I have both. I just like the smaller ones most of the time.
Going back and forth between the two sizes takes me back to when the iPhone 6 came out. I was basically dead set on getting the 4.7" because the Plus was just too big and I didn't consider myself a 'phablet' kinda guy, especially coming from the 3.5 and 4" iPhones of yesteryear. Then someone made paper mock ups you could print out and I held both of them. At first it re-affirmed my love of the smaller size. Then over the course of 2 days I found myself holding the Plus printout more and more. Between announcement and pre-orders I flipped and absolutely had to have the Plus.
Since then, every iPhone has been in Plus/Max size (6 Plus, 6s Plus, 7 Plus, Xs Max) and could not imagine going back to the standard size. When I moved from the 13" MBP to the 15" MBP I never went back. My hope is that I'll feel the same going with the iPad and will not be able to imagine going back to the smaller size.
Since then, every iPhone has been in Plus/Max size (6 Plus, 6s Plus, 7 Plus, Xs Max) and could not imagine going back to the standard size. When I moved from the 13" MBP to the 15" MBP I never went back. My hope is that I'll feel the same going with the iPad and will not be able to imagine going back to the smaller size.
Here‘s an interesting piece from The Sweet Setup about moving from the larger to the smaller iPad Pro.
“I didn’t think the trade-offs of not being able to use the iPad on the couch or with one hand was worth the wonderful desk experience of the larger iPad Pro.”
I‘m still torn, but I know that if the 11” had the XDR display then I wouldn't even entertain the thought of the 12.9”, so I have to decide if that display is worth a size upgrade.
“I didn’t think the trade-offs of not being able to use the iPad on the couch or with one hand was worth the wonderful desk experience of the larger iPad Pro.”
I‘m still torn, but I know that if the 11” had the XDR display then I wouldn't even entertain the thought of the 12.9”, so I have to decide if that display is worth a size upgrade.
Same here 11” is a must. I’m probably just gonna keep my 11” Pro and go 14” MBP it’s gonna have the same display minus touch.
You know, this thread makes me feel considerably less crazy for wanting to trade in my 2018 12.9 inch for a 2021 11 inch.
I've been wanting to get into the 11 inch form factor for a while. It's fine docked, but holding a 12.9 inch almost makes me feel like when a parent gives a kid a regular iPad. It's just so large and almost awkward. I think (and judging by this thread, I may be correct) that the 11 inch would be the perfect size to work both portable and docked.
I thought about trading it toward an iPad Air 4 (no ProMotion made me reconsider), but I think the 2021 Pro may be the move.
I've been wanting to get into the 11 inch form factor for a while. It's fine docked, but holding a 12.9 inch almost makes me feel like when a parent gives a kid a regular iPad. It's just so large and almost awkward. I think (and judging by this thread, I may be correct) that the 11 inch would be the perfect size to work both portable and docked.
I thought about trading it toward an iPad Air 4 (no ProMotion made me reconsider), but I think the 2021 Pro may be the move.
Glad to see that I'm not the only one wrestling with this. I had decided to upgrade for the new screen. Once it became clear the 11 inch wasn't going to get it, I had to decide about going up in size to the 12.9 inch. All my iPads have been 10.5 to 11 inches.
Decided to pass on upgrading this time. But then...
I drew out the dimensions of both on a piece of paper. The 12.9 wasn't *that* much larger! I tried carrying it around. Maybe it would work! I ordered a cheap 12.9 inch case on Amazon that will be here in a couple of days. Figured it was an easy way to see how I like the larger size. Changed my mind. I decided to go ahead and order the larger 12.9.
Then I remembered going for the 7 Plus iPhone. It was the only Plus/Max I've had. I hated it. It was too big. If I wanted a larger screen, I had the iPad.
Then I considered weight. The 12.9 is about 50% heavier. When reading, even the 11" seems too heavy at times.
One more thing to think about. Just what exactly do I use the iPad for that the new marvelous screen would be an advantage? I do photo editing, but do that on a desktop with a large screen. Even the 12.9 isn't large enough for that for me. I don't stream on it. I do mostly web browsing, email, reading Apple News +, and some non action packed games. Really, the better screen would be great to look at, but it really won't be adding much value for my usage.
So, I'm back to not ordering it. Instead I'll have some coins to toss at a new 2021 Apple TV 4K and some Airtags, ya'll. And an empty 12.9 inch iPad case. 😁
Decided to pass on upgrading this time. But then...
I drew out the dimensions of both on a piece of paper. The 12.9 wasn't *that* much larger! I tried carrying it around. Maybe it would work! I ordered a cheap 12.9 inch case on Amazon that will be here in a couple of days. Figured it was an easy way to see how I like the larger size. Changed my mind. I decided to go ahead and order the larger 12.9.
Then I remembered going for the 7 Plus iPhone. It was the only Plus/Max I've had. I hated it. It was too big. If I wanted a larger screen, I had the iPad.
Then I considered weight. The 12.9 is about 50% heavier. When reading, even the 11" seems too heavy at times.
One more thing to think about. Just what exactly do I use the iPad for that the new marvelous screen would be an advantage? I do photo editing, but do that on a desktop with a large screen. Even the 12.9 isn't large enough for that for me. I don't stream on it. I do mostly web browsing, email, reading Apple News +, and some non action packed games. Really, the better screen would be great to look at, but it really won't be adding much value for my usage.
So, I'm back to not ordering it. Instead I'll have some coins to toss at a new 2021 Apple TV 4K and some Airtags, ya'll. And an empty 12.9 inch iPad case. 😁
My #1 factor in making a decision will be the formal reviews (not sure when the embargo drops). If the consensus is that in day-to-day use you don't really notice unless it's really dark or your watching HDR content then I will pass. If, however, multiple reviews claim the impact is noticeable, then I may not be able to resist.
Yeah not easy to hold but I tend to just put it on my knee or just use the Smart Cover on my lap so for me it’s not a big deal I do love the bigger screen
I’ve been using a 12.9 since they first came available; currently I have the gen-3 and will probably upgrade to the latest model once we know what iPadOS 15 will enable.
Personally I find the device easily portable. Before COVID I would take it with me everywhere as my work notebook, and use it round the house too. I’m typing this using the screen keyboard on my lap in a lounge chair - super easy.
I have a good case [2018 version of this] which lets the device stand easily, even on the top of my legs. It also props up the iPad nicely for drawing purposes.
I wouldn’t want to stand arround holding the 12.9 all day (I think a regular poster here is a teacher and uses their iPad whilst giving classes) but for any other use case it is fine in my personal experience.
Note that keyboard cases add a lot of weight; I wouldn’t want to walk around all the time with the Smart Keyboard or Magic Keyboard covers on. I use an ‘actual’ Magic Keyboard via Bluetooth if I want to do serious typing with my iPad.
Personally I find the device easily portable. Before COVID I would take it with me everywhere as my work notebook, and use it round the house too. I’m typing this using the screen keyboard on my lap in a lounge chair - super easy.
I have a good case [2018 version of this] which lets the device stand easily, even on the top of my legs. It also props up the iPad nicely for drawing purposes.
I wouldn’t want to stand arround holding the 12.9 all day (I think a regular poster here is a teacher and uses their iPad whilst giving classes) but for any other use case it is fine in my personal experience.
Note that keyboard cases add a lot of weight; I wouldn’t want to walk around all the time with the Smart Keyboard or Magic Keyboard covers on. I use an ‘actual’ Magic Keyboard via Bluetooth if I want to do serious typing with my iPad.
The 12.9 is 1.3" taller and 1.4" wider. When I hold my children's iPad (similar dimensions to the 11") and my Pro, the difference in size is negligible to me. The weight is balanced out over the whole of the iPad, so it never "felt" heavier to me than the regular iPad.
Unless you're going to rest it on desks where 1.4" is going to make a huge difference, I would always grab my 12.9" over something slightly smaller given the benefits of the larger screen real estate.
Unless you're going to rest it on desks where 1.4" is going to make a huge difference, I would always grab my 12.9" over something slightly smaller given the benefits of the larger screen real estate.
No issue with the 12.9". I generally use it sitting in my comfy chair resting on my thigh. Sometimes in bed.
It’s a rare occasion to use one holding it only in your hand.
If standing, I hold it by the top while letting the rest of it lay on my forearm.
It’s a rare occasion to use one holding it only in your hand.
If standing, I hold it by the top while letting the rest of it lay on my forearm.