iPad Pro Anyone regret getting the 11" instead of the 12.9"?

[ronster22]

Got the 11” M1 256GB with 5G and love it so far. Super fast compared to my 9.7 Pro 128GB.

was contemplating the 12.9 but in the end, this the best for my needs.

 

[Ludatyk]

Ive used 12.9 every generation since it was offered. But this year after accepting that Apple has no desire to bring Pro apps/features to iPadOS then I went to an 11" (2020) and I couldn't be happier.

I've used 12.9 on every generation except the 4th... upgrading from the 3rd gen didn't make much sense to me given the minor upgrade. But going down to the 11 inch, I'll be reluctant to do so. Obviously, portability would be the key factor in doing so.

But I tend to do quite a bit of multitasking on the iPad... granted, iPadOS 15 didn't give us any groundbreaking features. IMO, the refinement they provided with multitasking on iPadOS 15 is an improvement and I prefer the larger screen size.

 

[wolfboy]

Video - 12.9 is bigger but 4:3 made widescreen video nearly the same as on 11

I have an 11" too, but this is just wrong. Once this is blown up to real life scale, it's quite a bit of difference.

 

[Surfman]

No problem. These are all personal opinion but my usage/workflow improved when I went to 11

Reading - Books feel far more comfortable with a smaller device
Size - Portability brings versatility so I bring it around more often. 12.9 was MacBook territory
Weight - As a tablet it just feels more balanced. 12.9 always felt a bit top heavy
Magic Keyboard - MK on 11 felt like an enhanced tablet. MK on 12.9 felt like a crippled laptop.
Video - 12.9 is bigger but 4:3 made widescreen video nearly the same as on 11


Overall, I dont miss 12.9 at all but IF Apple ever shows interest in iPadOS then I’d gladly buy a larger iPad agin. But for what it is now then 11” feels right for me.

Opposite here, 2.5 years on a 11” and all those things are better on the 12.9, MGK is too small on the 11”, fingers hit the iPad bottom when using top row.

 

[Username-already-in-use]

I like both screen sizes. The Air 4’s 11” screen as it is neat and portable, but I just love the 12.9 as it doesn’t feel too big and it gives me plenty of screen real estate.

If there was ever a 14“ iPad I would be totally fine about that.

 

[benobi]

Opposite here, 2.5 years on a 11” and all those things are better on the 12.9, MGK is too small on the 11”, fingers hit the iPad bottom when using top row.

Would you say you use the 12.9 mostly on MKB or without?

 

[Surfman]

Would you say you use the 12.9 mostly on MKB or without?

Both, it’s great how you can just pull it off, also have the folio for day work trips.

 

[nStyle]

Magic Keyboard - MK on 11 felt like an enhanced tablet. MK on 12.9 felt like a crippled laptop.

The 12.9 keyboard is undeniably a better “laptop” experience. It’s roomier and 4:3 is better for web browsing since there’s much more vertical space.

 

[Jára Tyky]

I am going to return iPad Pro 12.9 M1 today. I have it for month but still do not see any difference between 2020.

 

[codq]

The 12.9 keyboard is undeniably a better “laptop” experience. It’s roomier and 4:3 is better for web browsing since there’s much more vertical space.

It’s true—I picked up the 11” + Magic Keyboard the other day, but played around with the 12.9” at the Apple Store while waiting for my hardware to arrive (probably a mistake, hah), and the keyboard was an undeniably more comfortable experience.

I’m still happy with the 11”, as I bought this machine primarily as a portable/weekender option for when I don’t want to carry my MBP with me. It’s perfect for that, light and portable, fits in any bag.

If I was 100% replacing my main machine though, I’d definitely be into the 12.9”. Seems like the superior choice for full laptop replacement.

 

[ProfessionalFan]

If I was 100% replacing my main machine though, I’d definitely be into the 12.9”. Seems like the superior choice for full laptop replacement.

It definitely is the superior choice as a laptop replacement, don't think anybody can debate that.

The problem is, which is the better tablet? If you already have a MacBook, which is more useful? Personal choice obviously though.

 

[prospervic]

Had it about 6 months, i don’t walk around all day with it in my pocket, office/car mostly. It’s not a phone you can do everything with one hand all the time. I have big hands. If you want a one hand only get a mini.

LOL! I don't have small hands. Using the regular 12 Pro and it feels just right!

 

[Jára Tyky]

It’s true—I picked up the 11” + Magic Keyboard the other day, but played around with the 12.9” at the Apple Store while waiting for my hardware to arrive (probably a mistake, hah), and the keyboard was an undeniably more comfortable experience.

I’m still happy with the 11”, as I bought this machine primarily as a portable/weekender option for when I don’t want to carry my MBP with me. It’s perfect for that, light and portable, fits in any bag.

If I was 100% replacing my main machine though, I’d definitely be into the 12.9”. Seems like the superior choice for full laptop replacement.

We are craving for things that we do not have. That is the reason why you start to think that 12.9” is better.
I have twos 12.9” (2021 & 2021) and I am two years thinking if I should have 11” instead..

 

[Rafterman]

Actually, I've re-sconsidered my computing strategy. I've always had multiple laptops for various needs. But I've decided to keep one Macbook Pro, my maxed out 16 inch, and a work assigned one (not quite as beefy, but still pretty decent) as a backup. Instead, I am going with iPads, one 11 and one 12.9. The 12.9 serves as a secondary laptop more or less, while the 11 is the portable one. If Apple releases a new iPad Mini, as rumored, I may pick up one of those as an untra-portable.

Basically, I've found that 90 percent of what I do can be done on an iPad. Which has the added convenience of cellular, unlike Macbooks.

I may upgrade my personal MacbookPro to M1 16 inch if the future, depending on what it ends up being, spec wise and price wise. I hate to pound out another $6000 laptop after just 1.5 years. But the M1 intrigues me. I tested one, installing a bunch of iPad apps and was shocked at (1) how useful it was and (2) how many vendors were "in" on allowing Mac M1 installs.

 

[nStyle]

It definitely is the superior choice as a laptop replacement, don't think anybody can debate that.

The problem is, which is the better tablet? If you already have a MacBook, which is more useful? Personal choice obviously though.

Even that's a tough one since you have note and drawing advantage with the larger canvas.

And 12.9” makes a better sidecar companion.

No doubt the 11" is more portable though and better for general consumption use.

Really just depends on if you want to be slightly more productive or not...but then that screen is also so nice lol.

 

[The Game 161]

Still enjoying 11 inch certainly with the Apple Pencil…11 inch plus new 14 or 16 inch MacBook Pro is what I’m thinking

 

[CYB3RBYTE]

I use my 11" in tandem with my 16" and I have no regrets on it at all. My original 11" was a great purchase, and I can't wait to get the proper use out of it like I did with my 2018 .

 

[KarmaRocket]

I absolutely love my M1 11" iPad Pro. I have Space Grey with the White Magic Keyboard. I'm really liking white more now that I got that color. The 11" is so much easier for me to carry in the office and between two offices. I also like that I have a small tablet I can sometimes hold in my hand to read comics and books. The screen size is enough for me to remote into other machines and even do some writing and note taking.

I previously had the 2018 12.9" iPad Pro and found it too cumbersome to carry around. The 11" is just the perfect size for me.

 

[Harpoucho]

I am in the same annoying situation of indecision.
As a musician, the 12.9 would be perfect for replacing musical scores due to its near similarity to paper format ... and also a great sidecar companion for my MBP 16.
But I find it too big for all other activities: taking notes, watching movies on couch/bed, etc ...
I can't make up my mind…🙄😑

 

[benobi]

I wish the 12.9" was a tad lighter, but otherwise, I do not find it any more or less portable than the 11". As I dont use a purse, I either carry it in my hand (like a paper notebook/folio) or in a backpack (that could easily fit either size). I have an M1 MBA which I bring for serious typing work, but the larger screen size of the 12.9 iPP opens up so many productivity possibilities - even without a physical keyboard - that often I can bring it instead of the MBA. It is light, with a super compelling screen, and always-with-me 5g. A very cool device.

 

[burts]

I just ordered the 12.9 from walmart for 1k, I actually ordered it 3 times and canceled twice lol… I already have a 11inch pro from 2018, Ive been buying Ipads since they first came out and upgrade every 2 years or 3…

Anyhow, ive decided to just keep both ipads and use them as I see fit…All I ever do is consume media at home, I never take my ipads out of my property… Sometimes I just wish I had a bigger screen, hopefully I get the best of both worlds…

 

[MrGainzz]

I am in the same annoying situation of indecision.
As a musician, the 12.9 would be perfect for replacing musical scores due to its near similarity to paper format ... and also a great sidecar companion for my MBP 16.
But I find it too big for all other activities: taking notes, watching movies on couch/bed, etc ...
I can't make up my mind…🙄😑

Get the 12.9". I returned the 11" and got the 12.9" and could not be happier. You will appreciate the size once you start to use it for media consumption and notes taking(handwriting experience is superior to the 11" in my opinion); honestly, the device is still portable and my productivity has increased significantly since I got the device since it allows me to solve math problems while sitting on a toilet.

 

[ericwn]

I am in the same annoying situation of indecision.
As a musician, the 12.9 would be perfect for replacing musical scores due to its near similarity to paper format ... and also a great sidecar companion for my MBP 16.
But I find it too big for all other activities: taking notes, watching movies on couch/bed, etc ...
I can't make up my mind…

Get both!

 

[Rafterman]

Get the 12.9". I returned the 11" and got the 12.9" and could not be happier. You will appreciate the size once you start to use it for media consumption and notes taking(handwriting experience is superior to the 11" in my opinion); honestly, the device is still portable and my productivity has increased significantly since I got the device since it allows me to solve math problems while sitting on a toilet. View attachment 1806282View attachment 1806283View attachment 1806285

The biggest diffference betwen the 11 and 12.9 isn't horizontally, it's vertically. The 12.9 requires far less scrolling up and down to see the same information on the page than the 11 does. The 11 is more of a rectatange, while the 12.9 is more squarish.

 

[MDePew24]

For those who purchased an M1 Pro 11 to supplement your MBA/MBP, do you sometimes wish you went with the 12.9" instead? I'm a student who uses this device to handwrite notes and solve math problems and I was told the split-screen experience on the 12.9 is much better. However, I was not allowed to play with the 12.9" when I picked up my 11" Pro due to Covid restriction which makes me wonder if I should order the 12.9" online and return this one?

I have a MBA M1, iPP 11 M1, and an iPP 12.9 2020 model. I ended up giving my wife the 2020 model and going with the 13in MBA and 11in iPP. The size just works better for me with portability. I am also waiting for the new Mini to come out as I love that size also for many reasons.