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I tried both for a week (each). I wouldn’t say the 12.9 is uncomfortable; it’s more like “clumsy”. The difference in portability and size / weight can be summed up as:

  • The 12.9 is a device I’ll bring with me when I know I’ll use it. If I‘m not sure, then I’ll likely leave it at home / on the desk connectors to the Magic Keyboard.
  • The 11 is a device I’ll bring with me when I think I might use it. If I’m not sure, I’ll bring it anyway just for the hell of it.

Similar except I always bring the 11" with me (fits inside my purses).

The 12.9", I need to carry a separate laptop bag so I don't bring it everywhere.
 
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Similar except I always bring the 11" with me (fits inside my purses).

The 12.9", I need to carry a separate laptop bag so I don't bring it everywhere.

Excellent point! That’s my favorite thing about my 11”—that, and the fact that it fits within the straps of my iPad pillow when I’m reading at home.

However, I’ll admit I’m considering trying the 12.9 again—in 2018 when I went through this quandary, the new Air—which is 10.9–wasn’t a thing, and then as we all know, the new 11 inch didn’t get the updated screen.

I know there are other Pro features with the 11 other than the size, but if I’m going to pay for a Pro, I figure I might as well get the full Pro experience. So, yes, yet again, I find myself torn–—and a little frustrated at the choice. I’m probably going to go with the 12.9 to at least keep it reserved, as my local Apple Store keeps selling out, and then I’ll go play with them at the Apple Store. I still haven’t seen either device in person, so perhaps that will make a difference.
 
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Excellent point! That’s my favorite thing about my 11”—that, and the fact that it fits within the straps of my iPad pillow when I’m reading at home.

However, I’ll admit I’m considering trying the 12.9 again—in 2018 when I went through this quandary, the new Air—which is 10.9–wasn’t a thing, and then as we all know, the new 11 inch didn’t get the updated screen.

I know there are other Pro features with the 11 other than the size, but if I’m going to pay for a Pro, I figure I might as well get the full Pro experience. So, yes, yet again, I find myself torn–—and a little frustrated at the choice. I’m probably going to go with the 12.9 to at least keep it reserved, as my local Apple Store keeps selling out, and then I’ll go play with them at the Apple Store. I still haven’t seen either device in person, so perhaps that will make a difference.

Lol, that's why I use both size classes. I just alternate generations when buying. This year, it's the 12.9. Next gen, I'll grab the 11.
 
The 11” is the best TABLET. It is a marvel of miniaturized electronics…so fast and capable, a joy to hold and carry, and to me it is quicker to use:
I have used both.
I ordered the 12.9 and after getting it realized it is not what I would consider a TABLET. It is overweight thick and unwieldy. I predict that this gen of 12.9 will end up as the bastard stepchild, once they learn to reduce the weight and thickness, which is coming in at least 2 generations but possibly next gen.

So I found an 11” M1 and purchased it, loved it!.
My advice is to get the 11”. An 11” 512 wifi is HALF the cost of a 12.9 1TB cellular And yet same basic electronics board but only 1/2 of the storage. Reading a book and general email, surfing etc is a joy.

However, in the end, I am returning the 11 and keeping the 12.9. But only for two reasons. I don’t think the screen was up to spec on the 11 I received. Bad screen lottery.
The other reason is that I use this for work, and I can simply see the screen better. It IS also a better screen, maybe one reason it is easier for me; I could easily see screen door effect on the 11. So hopefully it will pay off in productivity. I almost live on these things, having to be available on web 14 or so hours a day.
 
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I received my 11” today. While unboxing, the first thought that came to mind was, “it’s pretty small”. I don’t do huge drawings these days, so I’m not concerned. I look forward to using the 11” for scanning and hopefully creating decent meshes, as my iPhone doesn’t have LIDAR. Noted that color temp is a bit warmer than my 2017 10.5”.
 
One thing to consider is the 11 is more rectangular, while the 12.9 is more squarish. I found that on the 11, in landscape mode, I did a lot of scrolling up and down.
 
…..However, in the end, I am returning the 11 and keeping the 12.9. But only for two reasons. I don’t think the screen was up to spec on the 11 I received. Bad screen lottery…..
I’m curious what the issue was that you saw with the 11 screen? I have the 2018 Pro 11 inch and bought/returned an M1 11 inch. The display was noticeably warmer on the the M1. More towards the yellow/brown shade than the 2018. almost as if the M1 had a “touch” of “true-tone” on….even though it was off! I’m just not a fan of the warmer displays. was thinking also….could be bad screen lottery

Actually, I “had” the 2018 Pro 11 inch (256gb WiFi). I’ve had it up on Craigs list for about 3 week for $585. I bought it 12 months ago new at Microcenter for $535…best deal ever (right at the release of the 2020 pros). Someone bought it today for $585. I’m using the proceeds to fund the M1 11 inch. Just going to drop it in my magic keyboard case and keep going.
 
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I don't regret getting the 11". I've tried the 12.9" iPP and it's just too big to hold into my hands and especially when I'm laying on the bed, the 11" serves it's purpose for that. No doubt 12.9" is good for it's screen estate but I'd I honestly don't need that big.

That's very true Shadow. I'm even of the shameful who went smaller and own the mini for that very reason. I need/want a compact form for couch, bed, beach etc that is easy to carry.
It comes down to individual use case. I have an MBA and a larger external monitor. I'm covered for the need for more viewing real estate and computing power. But if someone has a use case where their iPad is going to be used much more at a desk etc? The 12.9 may be the way to go. (but I just can't see holding a 12.9 at the beach or in bed -- to each their own)
 
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Nothing against the 12.9”, but I prefer the 11”. No regrets here. I am an artist who travels a lot And the 11” is just more portable. To me it feels more like a tablet should. Easy to hold with either one or two hands. Even when at home I think I would prefer the 11”. But that’s just me. Others may disagree.
 
Like many it seems, I'm agonizing over the 11" vs. the 12.9" M1 Pro.

I'd be upgrading from the 2017 10.5" Pro, and while part of me thinks I should go all out, get the 12.9"—I have friends who have it and I've admired it from afar—and make it a real upgrade...

...I also realize that one of the things I value so much about the iPad is that I can toss it in my bag on a weekend trip and not worry about it. I can take it with me whether or not I specifically plan to use it or not. The 12.9" seems amazing for many reasons, but I imagine it's a less-than-minimal investment to carry around on a trip.

I tried both for a week (each). I wouldn’t say the 12.9 is uncomfortable; it’s more like “clumsy”. The difference in portability and size / weight can be summed up as:

  • The 12.9 is a device I’ll bring with me when I know I’ll use it. If I‘m not sure, then I’ll likely leave it at home / on the desk connectors to the Magic Keyboard.
  • The 11 is a device I’ll bring with me when I think I might use it. If I’m not sure, I’ll bring it anyway just for the hell of it.

This makes a ton of sense. I love that I can throw my 10.5" in my bag and basically forget it's there—but it's there if I need it.

Would probably fit on an Airplane tray pretty perfectly, too.
 
...I also realize that one of the things I value so much about the iPad is that I can toss it in my bag on a weekend trip and not worry about it. I can take it with me whether or not I specifically plan to use it or not. The 12.9" seems amazing for many reasons, but I imagine it's a less-than-minimal investment to carry around on a trip.
It would be akin to tossing a MacBook Air in your bag, especially if you have the Magic Keyboard.
 
It does appear the 12.9” iPad + Magic Keyboard is both heavier and quite a bit thicker than the MBA.
13" iPP + Smart Folio = MBA
13" iPP + Magic Keyboard = MBP

Gives a general idea if you are the kind of person who would casually toss the big iPad in your bag.
 
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Update: Returned the 11" and got the 12.9". I love the size as I primarily use it for solving math problems and note-taking while watching lectures online. Now I'm tempted to upgrade the AirPods to the AirPods Pro since it's only $90.
WechatIMG34.jpeg
 
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