Disagree. I can afford to pay cash for a new iPad, but can put that money to better use. My iPad Pro 10.5 does everything I need well.
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Are any other 10.5/12.9 owners sitting thinking about sitting this year out?
- Thread starter Jacoblee23
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Disagree. I can afford to pay cash for a new iPad, but can put that money to better use. My iPad Pro 10.5 does everything I need well.
I believe the 10.5 uses iPhone 7 cameras the 11” uses XR cameras.
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Hmm the Pros are more or less on a 12-18 month upgrade cycle. We will either see them in October of 2019 or June 2020. I expect quite a few rough edges to be ironed out in that time and hopefully them offering gold again and moving the storage tiers to 256 - 512 and 1TB and sliding everything down a bit to get rid of the 64gb option.
Probably 128GB - 512GB - 1TB. And by then, most would probably be wishing for 256GB already.
Still trying to resist temptation. I spent $1250 for my 512 gb cellular 12.9 and $879 for my 10.5 cellular. The 512gb new 12.9 is now $1500 and the 256gb one is 1099. I’ll have to finish paying both devices off which will be around $750 and then sell my 12.9 and 10.5 for way more than what i paid. And both of them have smart keyboards too. We will see how long I hold out.
The logical move for my use case is to stick with my 9.7" Pro another year, and wait for iOS 13, which will likely introduce some significant power user improvements to the iPad Pro line to bring it even closer to a laptop replacement. At least I'm hoping it will, and it makes sense for the next iOS update to be a big feature based upgrade, since this year was a performance based upgrade.
Once they add more capabilities to iOS, then the cost of an upgrade to a new Pro will make more sense for me, because I'll find it possible to use it for a lot more things that I currently go to my Surface (work computer) or Macbook (home computer) to do. Also, waiting another year will allow time for more desktop-class apps like Photoshop and AutoCAD to roll out on the iPad. MS Office should also see some additional improvements by then.
But once I lay eyes on the new iPad in person, I might find myself unable to wait. That already happened with the XS Max. I wasn't going to upgrade my iPhone X this year, until I held the Max and realized it wasn't too big for me. In the same vein, I just might find that the 12.9" Pro is small enough to be tempting. I was playing around with last year's 12.9 in the Apple Store last weekend, and I gotta say, that's a lot of screen real estate.
Once they add more capabilities to iOS, then the cost of an upgrade to a new Pro will make more sense for me, because I'll find it possible to use it for a lot more things that I currently go to my Surface (work computer) or Macbook (home computer) to do. Also, waiting another year will allow time for more desktop-class apps like Photoshop and AutoCAD to roll out on the iPad. MS Office should also see some additional improvements by then.
But once I lay eyes on the new iPad in person, I might find myself unable to wait. That already happened with the XS Max. I wasn't going to upgrade my iPhone X this year, until I held the Max and realized it wasn't too big for me. In the same vein, I just might find that the 12.9" Pro is small enough to be tempting. I was playing around with last year's 12.9 in the Apple Store last weekend, and I gotta say, that's a lot of screen real estate.
I wanted to follow up with some photos for those who might not know what we're talking about....
Here's my iPad Mini 4 running iOS 10.x
Here's my wife's 12.9 iPad Pro running iOS 12.x
Everyone already knows about the iOS homescreen, but few know about the other aspects of iOS where the larger 12.9 screen is not being used effectively.
It's not even just the 12.9" screen.... the 10.5" could easily go 2 column still too
I have both the 12.9 and the 10.5. Aside from the bezels I think I'll wait itll the prices drop on the iPads before picking up. I love my 10.5's weight and usability. I use my 12.9 ipad around the house to watch shows on. I gotta give kudos to apple to actually optimizing iOS. Both these devices are still running smooth and solid
I had planned to sit this one out, until I stopped by the Apple Store this morning. Typing from my new 12.9” model now.
I had the first 12.9 iPad Pro, but it felt unwieldy. Sold it and got the 10.5 model. In person today, the 11” model felt too small and for the first time the 12.9” model feels safely usable. The new keyboard case really makes the whole thing feel more stable, and the lightness and smaller footprint finally makes the 12.9 feel like the right size. Additionally, all my device sizes have moved up (new 15” MacBook Pro, iPhone XS Max) so this slots nicely between my phone and laptop.
I had the first 12.9 iPad Pro, but it felt unwieldy. Sold it and got the 10.5 model. In person today, the 11” model felt too small and for the first time the 12.9” model feels safely usable. The new keyboard case really makes the whole thing feel more stable, and the lightness and smaller footprint finally makes the 12.9 feel like the right size. Additionally, all my device sizes have moved up (new 15” MacBook Pro, iPhone XS Max) so this slots nicely between my phone and laptop.
i have an iPad air 2 that still works great but I think the Verge nailed the review. I had to drop my MBP off for the keyboard fix and played with the new iPads at the store. They're cool but they have all this power so that I can browse MR. The functionality of it hasn't changed. My air still works for what i use it for and what most of the masses use it for.
My 10.5 works great for my needs, no need for me to even give consideration to the new models, much less look at them at this point.
Stopping by the Apple Store was your downfall. That happened to me with the Max. I'd better stay away from Apple Stores for a while if I don't want to be tempted
So, I keep going back and forth on what to do. I am completely satisfied with my 10.5 and 12.9 LTE for the most part. I can’t imagine it being any faster. I owe $300 on my device payment for the 10.5 and $550 for the LTE. I am having trouble selling both devices. Should I just fight off the lust and temptation and keep what I have for another year?
I really can't answer the question for you, nor do I think anyone else here can. It's got to be your call. One thing sticks out to me though from what you've said.
That is: "I am completely satisfied with my 10.5 and 12.9 LTE for the most part. I can’t imagine it being any faster."
What is it about the your current lineup that will be improved upon from what you've got now. I mean they're what, 1-2 year old devices? We all use them differently so when I ask this, I'm not trying to be condescending.
More overall screen estate. I have an IPhone XS Max and love having all screen. I have also heard the 12.9 feels a lot lighter. That would be nice. I am a traveling Speech-Language Pathologist and take my 10.5 or 12.9 every day for work. Patients sign things with my Apple Pencil and I have smart keyboards on both iPads. The 12.9 (second gen) is kind of cumbersome to haul around.
The 11 looks very nice but honestly, My Air 2 does everything I need. And its my only iOS device that still has a headphone jack. And it cost me half what iPad pros cost now.
I ended up putting one of the new black paint bubble wallpapers to freshen up the look a bit and called it a day. Save myself $800+.
I ended up putting one of the new black paint bubble wallpapers to freshen up the look a bit and called it a day. Save myself $800+.
I get it, the new models always have something attractive about them --screen size, weight, etc, but I guess I was looking for something a new model will do that your current can't. Are you looking to downsize to one tablet or do you need two?
I will be sitting this out primarily for these reasons:
Additionally, the new iPad Pro's are not all screen design - I see black borders. https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2018...n-design-is-most-advanced-powerful-ipad-ever/ Perhaps Jony Ive has eyesight issues now.
- 2018 11" iPad Pro is 23% more expensive than the previous 10.5" iPad Pro (base model)
- 2018 12.9" iPad Pro is 25% more expensive than the previous 12.9" iPad Pro (base model)
- iOS 12 is quite limited and feature deficient (on every supported model)
- USB-C --> Not because this has it, because I don't have anything else that is USB-C, I will give it some time to catch up to other products. Perhaps when all my Apple Lightning cables break/fray due to poor reinforcement where they bend, it will be time to upgrade. (I'm actually happy Apple is going to a standard USB connection)
Additionally, the new iPad Pro's are not all screen design - I see black borders. https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2018...n-design-is-most-advanced-powerful-ipad-ever/ Perhaps Jony Ive has eyesight issues now.
10.5" owner here, always wanted a larger screen in 12.9" but deemed it too large in previous gen, checked out the new 12.9" yesterday and decided not to:
0) The 12.9" chassis indeed falls into hand-held or hand-carry friendly at last, especially without any cases or folio just by itself, it does feel just like a sturdy but light writing board that you can bring anywhere, but;
1) New pencil is nicer but not warranting an upgrade, it costs more and my old Pencil cannot work the new iPad... Magnetic attachment is neat and charging while doing it is great, but I question the practicalness of this setup as I swing around my iPad quite a lot, where I got a 3rd party case with a really secure Pencil holder. The new coupling method kind of limits how much I can abuse them while on the road without the Pencil flying out every time I take it out of the bag.
2) The smart KB folio is nice to type on, but pretty much sucks for every thing else. Very bulky when closed (is the back even necessary?), keys sticking outward when cover is flipped to the back for single-handheld which feels very strange for my fingers. Overall material feels cheap, and it does not offer extra fixing for the Pencil (in fact it may make it easier to get off)
3) Type-C is nice, but a lot of the functionalities were already possible previously with Lightning-to-USB3 dongles, with the exception of external type-C monitor and battery charging related stuff. Way too many accessories will need to be re-bought unless you are already invested in type-C stuff because of owning an MBP2016 onwards / rMB already. Having to carry an extra power cable if not an extra adaptor for the iPhone, and then also not being able to share the same Lightning earphones if you use one...
4) The Apple Store demo units purposely install very few apps, to hide the fact both the 11" and 12.9" will show black bars for majority of 3rd or even 1st party apps that have not been optimized for the new round corner interface. With the 10.5" even to this date there are apps that are not optimized and use a blown up interface with slight blurriness, I don't know how long it will take 3rd party devs for this round corner BS this time.
5) Cost. Extra investment in type-C peripherals as noted many times. Higher mark up for LTE than previous gen for no reason. Shady practice of only putting in 6GB RAM on the 1TB option, which asks for an absurd BTO price. AppleCare+ costs more now if I am not wrong. A totally decked out 12.9" + folio + Pencil + Care is running into a 16GB MBP pricing territory. How ever powerful the iPad may be it is still running iOS, it is hard to justify the price it asks with its limitations.
I will most-def sit this one out as my 10.5" is overall a solid enough experience without baby sitting the Pencil and purchasing new peripherals. The 12.9" is in a very ideal balance in size and weight and screen, with the 11" being not small enough to depart from that, and these alone are the only real benefits of this gen. I will wait when type-C gets more mature, particularly when an iPad attaching to a Mac can turn into an Astropad or something.
0) The 12.9" chassis indeed falls into hand-held or hand-carry friendly at last, especially without any cases or folio just by itself, it does feel just like a sturdy but light writing board that you can bring anywhere, but;
1) New pencil is nicer but not warranting an upgrade, it costs more and my old Pencil cannot work the new iPad... Magnetic attachment is neat and charging while doing it is great, but I question the practicalness of this setup as I swing around my iPad quite a lot, where I got a 3rd party case with a really secure Pencil holder. The new coupling method kind of limits how much I can abuse them while on the road without the Pencil flying out every time I take it out of the bag.
2) The smart KB folio is nice to type on, but pretty much sucks for every thing else. Very bulky when closed (is the back even necessary?), keys sticking outward when cover is flipped to the back for single-handheld which feels very strange for my fingers. Overall material feels cheap, and it does not offer extra fixing for the Pencil (in fact it may make it easier to get off)
3) Type-C is nice, but a lot of the functionalities were already possible previously with Lightning-to-USB3 dongles, with the exception of external type-C monitor and battery charging related stuff. Way too many accessories will need to be re-bought unless you are already invested in type-C stuff because of owning an MBP2016 onwards / rMB already. Having to carry an extra power cable if not an extra adaptor for the iPhone, and then also not being able to share the same Lightning earphones if you use one...
4) The Apple Store demo units purposely install very few apps, to hide the fact both the 11" and 12.9" will show black bars for majority of 3rd or even 1st party apps that have not been optimized for the new round corner interface. With the 10.5" even to this date there are apps that are not optimized and use a blown up interface with slight blurriness, I don't know how long it will take 3rd party devs for this round corner BS this time.
5) Cost. Extra investment in type-C peripherals as noted many times. Higher mark up for LTE than previous gen for no reason. Shady practice of only putting in 6GB RAM on the 1TB option, which asks for an absurd BTO price. AppleCare+ costs more now if I am not wrong. A totally decked out 12.9" + folio + Pencil + Care is running into a 16GB MBP pricing territory. How ever powerful the iPad may be it is still running iOS, it is hard to justify the price it asks with its limitations.
I will most-def sit this one out as my 10.5" is overall a solid enough experience without baby sitting the Pencil and purchasing new peripherals. The 12.9" is in a very ideal balance in size and weight and screen, with the 11" being not small enough to depart from that, and these alone are the only real benefits of this gen. I will wait when type-C gets more mature, particularly when an iPad attaching to a Mac can turn into an Astropad or something.
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I’ll pick up a 10.5 on sale to replace my 2017 12.9.
For my usage, I do not need that power and have to think about a new Mac first. The prices are redonkulous. If I was iPad only, I’d consider it.
Like many others though, if I go to Apple now, I’ll probably grab a new one in spite of not needing it.
For my usage, I do not need that power and have to think about a new Mac first. The prices are redonkulous. If I was iPad only, I’d consider it.
Like many others though, if I go to Apple now, I’ll probably grab a new one in spite of not needing it.
Will definitely be sitting this one out.
I did call by an Apple Store yesterday to take a look, and there is no doubting it’s a fantastic looking device, and the whole feel of it is very alluring...
However, my 10.5 is only just over a year old and the new devices won’t offer any real different experience in usage.
Also, I’m surprised at the Folio Keyboard Case - it just felt odd to press against the keys when holding it as an iPad.
I don’t have the Smart Keyboard at the moment for my 10.5 but do have a Smart Cover, and would be disappointed in not being able to get an Apple Smart Cover for this new device - I think the Folio Case would just seem too bulky and you don’t get to actually hold what is a fantastic feeling device. Thankfully, for these two reasons I don’t have to part with a large sum of money!
If I had a 9.7 Pro then it may be a harder choice to resist... but this one I’m sitting out.
I did call by an Apple Store yesterday to take a look, and there is no doubting it’s a fantastic looking device, and the whole feel of it is very alluring...
However, my 10.5 is only just over a year old and the new devices won’t offer any real different experience in usage.
Also, I’m surprised at the Folio Keyboard Case - it just felt odd to press against the keys when holding it as an iPad.
I don’t have the Smart Keyboard at the moment for my 10.5 but do have a Smart Cover, and would be disappointed in not being able to get an Apple Smart Cover for this new device - I think the Folio Case would just seem too bulky and you don’t get to actually hold what is a fantastic feeling device. Thankfully, for these two reasons I don’t have to part with a large sum of money!
If I had a 9.7 Pro then it may be a harder choice to resist... but this one I’m sitting out.
I mean if you have the money to do it, really want them, and believe the upgrades will benefit your work and personal user experience, go for it. There's no doubt they're great looking devices. I'm not going to tell you how to spend your money and you shouldn't rely on anyone else here to do so either.
If it were me--well I've answered already in that I'm not upgrading my 10.5 because it does everything I need it to and it does so perfectly for my use case. More personal usage than business but it does go with me to business meetings. Sure the screen increase is nice but the bezels don't bother me as much as they do some. I'm used to it on my 8+ so there's that. My device is also paid for, so I could easily flip it but why? Others have brought up a point about USB-C, I'm in the same boat, I don't have much with my tech ecosystem that relies on USB-C so there's that to consider also.
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