iPad Pro A bigger screen is great, but will I hate holding a 12.9?

[Digitalguy]

this is so personal that you'll get tons of different opinion that match ton of different use cases...
If you use your iPad "à la Steve Jobs" on a sofa then probably no, 12.9 is probably too big for that.
I never, ever, use it like that.
I have the first gen 12.9 and the 11 pro so all the incentives to use the 11 pro more, right? Much faster, much lighter (first gen pro was the largest and heaviest), much nicer bezels, 120hz, better pencil etc... Well the one I use most is still the 12.9....
I never hold the iPad while sitting, I only hold it while moving around the house doing other things, but when I am in a room it sits on a stand (every room has at least one stand), and most of the time it's in my home office on his stand just above an Apple keyboard, ready to be used either in landscape or portrait mode....
It's still light enough (I used it naked) and snappy enough, and the larger screen is a treat even compared to the 11 pro....

 

[RevTEG]

I've been using the 12.9 as my “daily driver” since it was released in 2015. It took me 7-10 days to adjust to the size difference. Since the 12.9 got smaller since the gen 1, its just been even more easy. I use it just like I did every other gen iPad since iPad 1. Planes, trains, on the crunch and in the bed. My laptops were always larger, I used them from the couch to the bed and carried them all around... so the 12.9 wasn’t any issues (For me).

 

[Scarboose]

I’ve owned the 2018 12.9 for a year now. Just like what everyone else said, the screen is beautiful, but the size can be too much at times to hold. Here is what I learned about my self:

Desk:
The iPad didn’t do much for me while at my desk as my Mac did everything I needed there (Texting, calls, YouTube, twitch, iOS games because of M1 now, mail, etc.)

Travel:
The size is a little too big, especially on planes, but not a deal breaker. Awesome in hotels when you want to watch your shows/play games though.

Couch:
This is where I learned the most about my self. I had purchased a Magic Keyboard case as I wanted this to be my laptop and at first I loved it. However, I wanted to lay down or just sit more casually instead of feet on the floor back straight (like at a desk). Eventually, I learned that the iPad is at its best when using touch though. That is what it was designed to do and excels best then. I stopped using the magic keyboard and started to love the iPad more, but the 12.9 has just become too big. Because of this, I determined that an 11” iPad (Pro or Air) is the ultimate tablet.

It will be a good size for notifications at my desk, a little smaller than I like while traveling (easily worth the trade off), and perfect for the couch. If you want your iPad to be a laptop replacement with a magic keyboard or plan on using it most at a desk, then the 12.9 is an easy decision!

 

[AutomaticApple]

The 11 inch is much easier to hold with one hand. Might also depend on the size of your hands.

Good point. What's the size of the OP's hands?

 

[danmart]

If you use your iPad "à la Steve Jobs" on a sofa then probably no, 12.9 is probably too big for that.
I never, ever, use it like that.

Conversely, I do that all the time.

 

[Digitalguy]

Conversely, I do that all the time.

Exactly, everyone uses their tablets in a different way. I don't like to lay on a couch, it's only for guests in my house....
Maybe it's because I mainly work from home and so there is no clear boundary between work and non work, so I am either at my desk or around the house and outside my desk I don't browse, I either watch a video or listen to something while doing something else....

 

[Ludatyk]

Good point. What's the size of the OP's hands?

I chuckled a bit.

 

[Bokes]

I have the 2018 11-inch pro.
Very excited to go to 12.9- the new screen is going to rock.
I borrowed my dad's 12.9 - on desk- with the magic keyboard- it works great for my needs.
I also slapped on the smart folio and- resting in my lap is no issue.
It's the same size as a piece of paper. Editing video on it was snappy.
Writing apps was smooth- the keys are a bit tight- but I got used to it fast. External files played fine through VLC app.
I like to read magazines and comics and watch Sling, etc- lall ook great on the larger screen- XDR will be better.

 

[ofarlig]

Been trying the 12.9” without the keyboard properly today, holding it while watching YouTube, trying to read on it and I cannot get comfortable, it is just too heavy to hold for longer periods for me. And the 2021 model is going to be 40 grams heavier as well. Made me fully decide to go for the 11” again.

 

[Royksöpp]

I love being able to use the 11 inch with one hand. It's easy to hold in landscape and portrait mode. I tried the 12.9 and found it uncomfortably heavy. Eventually I just kept it propped up in the smart folio on top of a pillow on my lap. Or I would just rest it on my legs or stomach. Suffice to say, I returned it and went back to the 11 Inch. The smaller model feels more intimate and less cumbersome to use. Where is the fun of a tablet if you have to keep it docked all the time?

 

[Kyle76]

Good point. What's the size of the OP's hands?

Pretty large. I’m 6-5 and mostly sit in a comfortable chair, legs crossed, with my regular iPad resting on my thigh. I never just hold it without some type of support. At work, it’s propped up in its case, landscape. In bed, it’s on my stomach With my head propped up on a couple of pillows.

 

[MrGimper]

I'm honestly shocked how many people appear to just hold their tablet in their hand without supporting it on something, even if it's a thigh etc. I don't even do that with my kindle Oasis, which weighs about as much as a fart.

 

[ofarlig]

I'm honestly shocked how many people appear to just hold their tablet in their hand without supporting it on something, even if it's a thigh etc. I don't even do that with my kindle Oasis, which weighs about as much as a fart.

I am suprised about the opposite, people resting their tablets on thighs and forearms and whatnot. If I am reading a physical book or magazine I am holding it 99% of the time, so if I am reading on a tablet I want to do the same. I don’t even see how I could rest it on something if I am sitting in an armchair/on the couch reading.

 

[MrGimper]

I am suprised about the opposite, people resting their tablets on thighs and forearms and whatnot. If I am reading a physical book or magazine I am holding it 99% of the time, so if I am reading on a tablet I want to do the same. I don’t even see how I could rest it on something if I am sitting in an armchair/on the couch reading.

Strange isn't it. As I reply to this I'm doing so on my iPhone.... I'm sat on my sofa (UK lol), iPhone is in my hand, and my hand/wrist is resting on my thigh.

 

[slplss]

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.

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I just got something similar for bed reading and watching, not as fancy but costs less

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[MrGimper]

I suppose the "should I up-size to the 12.9" scenario at the moment is quite easy. Get the 12.9 and if it's not good enough, then return it. I would assume that most people who do this would then wait for the inevitable 11" with Mini-LED? and not get FOMO they'd missed the boat with the new 11"?

 

[ofarlig]

Strange isn't it. As I reply to this I'm doing so on my iPhone.... I'm sat on my sofa (UK lol), iPhone is in my hand, and my hand/wrist is resting on my thigh.

Yeah, I almost never rest my arm or device on something when not "docked" in the magic keyboard. So it seems people are doing it very differently, that is why I am guessing the 12.9" is hard for me to use as a tablet. But it is good to test both, I have had both in periods to try them out.

 

[Gregg2]

I'm sat on my sofa (UK lol),

Yeah, it's a sofa in the US also, or a couch. I use both terms, but probably favor sofa by a small margin. Couch also has other meanings, but as far as I know, sofa does not. I've also heard divan, which technically is without a back or arms.

Lucky you, being able to see your phone clearly enough with it in your hand resting on your thigh. Now, if I was a foot shorter, that might be close enough for me. But I have to have my iPad closer to my face than that.

 

[Momof9]

I hope this can give perspective to this discussion....

from left to right - iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPad mini 2019, iPP 11" 2018, iPP 12.9" 2018.... the 12.9" is more at 90 degree while the others are laying back a little more. I have the bigger one on an arm, it is also turned a bit more from my usual work area at my desk.

 

[Scarboose]

I hope this can give perspective to this discussion....

View attachment 1765064

from left to right - iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPad mini 2019, iPP 11" 2018, iPP 12.9" 2018.... the 12.9" is more at 90 degree while the others are laying back a little more. I have the bigger one on an arm, it is also turned a bit more from my usual work area at my desk.

What kind of arm are you using with your iPad Pro 12.9? Recommended?

 

[Momof9]

This is the one I am using.... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SDFFHSW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I like it.... you tighten/loosen at 4 points. Because of the weight, the one next to the iPad is the one I tighten the stiffest - or it will not hold it upright. but I can put it at most angles. The only thing to watch out is making sure you have it seated in well - it adjusts to way bigger... I just have the magnetic folio cover (no side coverage) - if you have a thicker or side coverage on your case you should not have any problems. But it is more the top side, I just need to make sure it is small enough to hold it in.

I have been using this daily since October.

I am doing the lighter case so that when I am holding the iPad it would be less weight. Originally I was going to take the cover off when I held it - so magnets are easiest to take off. But the case is so lightweight....

 

[Selcher]

That picture makes the 12.9" look huge compared to the 11".

 

[Momof9]

Yea the different angles does that.... here is them stacked.... I can do them all lined up flat on a table if someone would like.... I also have a couple of regular iPads that my kids use LOL

 

[Adelphos33]

I think I can help with this. I own two iPads - the 2018 12.9” and the iPad 8th Generation, which is I think similar sized to the iPad Pro 11” and iPad Air.

At home, when I have both devices, I generally use the iPad 8th Gen for simple iPad stuff - reading news, quick twitter check, e-mail, etc. The smaller iPad is definitely a more potable device for basic consumption stuff.

When I have work to do, I am often sitting at my desk with a laptop and iPad - the iPad Pro is superior due to the larger screen for financial documents, PDFs, etc. It is a much better work experience.

For some stuff, like watching movies or content, if I don’t want to use my TV for whatever reason, the iPad Pro gets used.

Both sizes are a compromise. Frankly for most people that are used to doing regular iPad stuff, I recommend any of the medium size iPads. iPad Pro 12.9” is primarily if you want a beautiful movie/streaming screen, or you want to use the iPad Pro in a lot of work situations. I will have both as long as Apple makes both sizes. The great thing is that Apple’s medium size iPads can be great values.

 

[limesmoothie]

I think I can help with this. I own two iPads - the 2018 12.9” and the iPad 8th Generation, which is I think similar sized to the iPad Pro 11” and iPad Air.

At home, when I have both devices, I generally use the iPad 8th Gen for simple iPad stuff - reading news, quick twitter check, e-mail, etc. The smaller iPad is definitely a more potable device for basic consumption stuff.

When I have work to do, I am often sitting at my desk with a laptop and iPad - the iPad Pro is superior due to the larger screen for financial documents, PDFs, etc. It is a much better work experience.

For some stuff, like watching movies or content, if I don’t want to use my TV for whatever reason, the iPad Pro gets used.

Both sizes are a compromise. Frankly for most people that are used to doing regular iPad stuff, I recommend any of the medium size iPads. iPad Pro 12.9” is primarily if you want a beautiful movie/streaming screen, or you want to use the iPad Pro in a lot of work situations. I will have both as long as Apple makes both sizes. The great thing is that Apple’s medium size iPads can be great values.

This is my thinking - iPad 8th gen for watching YouTube on the sofa or note taking on the go. 12.9 iPP for work. I have a slight neurological condition which affects my hands and arms, so the touch interface on the iPad is a huge deal for me.