iPad Anyone went from a 12.9 to 10.9 screen?

[TracerAnalog]

Wife has an old 1st gen 12.9 iPad. Now although it’s a pro she only uses it at home for basic web browsing, playing a few basic games and shopping sites. Nothing in uses for a “pro” no camera use, no apps apart from a few shopping ones etc. She doesn’t use any other computer at home now, just her iPhone.

I’m thinking of getting a Air 4 as Xmas pressy. She’d live the colours and it’ll be a new one with better battery.

The obvious difference is the screen size. I’m wondering if anyone went from a 12.9 to a 10.9? I know there is a difference but wonder if it’s a massive downgrade in size wise.

As say the 12.9 pro is too much for what uses are, I bought the original 12.9 later off eBay so want new and again it was purely as it’s her only device I thought I’d go as large a screen as possible.

I myself went from 12.9 to 11, and regretted it. I'm back on the 12.9!

 

[Argon_]

The 11 has thirty percent less screen area than the 13, importantly. The difference is noticeable.

I'd ask her if she likes the current size iPad, or would prefer one that's easier to hold with one hand.

If you're going to keep it a surprise, then the 13.

 

[TechRunner]

It's too bad that Apple does not offer a similarly sized iPad without some of the expensive Pro features, for people that just want a bigger display.

I don't want to send the thread shooting off in a different (and well-traveled) direction, but that's been the battle cry of many on this site regarding laptops, too. Having said that, I'd love to see a 12" basic iPad for $499. Would buy it the first day it was available!

 

[HiVolt]

I don't want to send the thread shooting off in a different (and well-traveled) direction, but that's been the battle cry of many on this site regarding laptops, too. Having said that, I'd love to see a 12" basic iPad for $499. Would buy it the first day it was available!

Yeah, I like small & capable laptops as well. I've been using Lenovo X220 & X260 for the past 10 years.

 

[rui no onna]

Yeah, I like small & capable laptops as well. I've been using Lenovo X220 & X260 for the past 10 years.

The X1 Nano's pretty nice (albeit lacking in ports). It feels lighter than my 12.9" iPP+SmartFolio case.

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

I bolded the above for emphasis, because it needs repeating. Does your wife use splitscreen, e.g. using two browser windows side by side, then on the 12.9 the two windows will be sort of full-sized, whereas on the smaller iPads they'll have the iPhone layout. If she doesn't use this feature then it shouldn't be a big problem I guess.

Ugh... I was wondering about this. Disappointing to hear that the 11" still uses iPhone layout on side-by-side. You'd think it would be big enough!

The 1st gen 12.9 is a big old unit definitely, but again it’s only ever used in house.

Wouldn’t have a clue on multi tasking! Literally she uses the absolute basic on it I’m not joking.

Doesn’t do any media, music, video, YT, probably got 3 apps on if that!

It’s just the convenience of it over a laptop, and knows iOS as has an iPhone (which also is so under used for anything!), to take around house and instant on etc.

The standard iPad would be great, over specced for what she’d need, it’s just the screen size as it’s only device she uses.

Sounds like her needs are VERY basic. I have a few key points to consider

• Home button vs faceID? Is her iPhone home button or not? Do you think she'd like her iPad to go buttonless? I'm still rocking the OG 9.7" iPad Pro, and even though I know I can use swipe gestures I've realized that most of the time I prefer to use the actual button (I've been using the FaceID iPhones since iPhone X, so I've had plenty of time to adjust to swiping). If you think she'd like to keep the button, then your options are basic iPad or an older device
• How does she hold the device? In her hands? In a stand? on her lap? With a keyboard attached? If she always uses a stand/keyboard, maybe it won't matter as much. But if she often holds it, she might prefer a smaller ipad.
• How's her eyesight? Does she use any enlargement settings? Something to think about if she'll be getting a smaller device
• Have you considered just getting a replacement battery? It sounds like the iPad she has is perfect for her and the main arguments you've given are improved battery life and the colors. I think you could get a new battery for $100. Sure it wouldn't have the colors, but under her use case she could probably get another 5 years out of it. Just something to consider.
• If you go the battery route, you could also buy her a smart keyboard (if she doesn't already have one). I know firsthand that the smart keyboard totally transforms the iPad and exponentially increases utility.
• If you buy smaller (either 10.2 or 10.9), your wife will STILL have access to the big 12.9. So she isn't losing anything for when she wants a large display, but increases portability for certain use cases, travel, certain rooms, etc. I know of many people that have a couple iPads each with their own utility.

I hope this helps! As stated, I'm still using the 9.7" iPad and I think the size is perfect. I use it with a keyboard and it's a great mini-laptop

 

[UltimateSyn]

Visual TV Size Comparison : 12.9 inch 4x3 display vs 10.9 inch 2360x1640 display

Visual size comparison of a 12.9 inch 4x3 display vs 10.9 inch 2360x1640 display

www.displaywars.com

30% smaller area. She may appreciate the ~30% loss in weight that comes along with that, though.

 

[MrMister111]

Someone come around I know with a 11” pro, only has a quick look but put against 12.9” and have to say massive difference in screen estate.

Not sure now…

 

[thadoggfather]

I myself went from 12.9 to 11, and regretted it. I'm back on the 12.9!

12.9 to 11 and no regrets. It’s perfect for me

I had the 2017 12.9 since around launch until this spring

 

[MisterSavage]

12.9 to 11 and no regrets. It’s perfect for me

I had the 2017 12.9 since around launch until this spring

Same. It really is a personal decision for each use case. 12.9 is great for a lot of people, but not for me.

 

[RickTaylor]

Another possibility is to get a refurbished third gen 12.9 iPad. It's cheaper than the most recent one, and arguably powerful enough for most peoples' usage, with a similar form factor to the current one.

 

[rui no onna]

Another possibility is to get a refurbished third gen 12.9 iPad. It's cheaper than the most recent one, and arguably powerful enough for most peoples' usage, with a similar form factor to the current one.

Yep. Apple certified refurbs are pretty good value and the jump from 1st gen (A9X/4GB) to 3rd gen (A12X/4GB) should be fairly noticeable.