I have an original 12.9. My next one will definitely be 10.5. The size of 12.9 is great but it’s just too heavy. Both for carrying around in my backpack and for using for prolonged periods of time.
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Are you settled on your current ipad size?
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10.5" for me. It's big enough for me to have replaced my MacBook with it but not big enough where I feel like I'm still carrying around a laptop.
I don’t have a laptop and I prefer an iPad over using a laptop. But I do know that the iPad can be limited at times therefore I use my iMac for heavy lifting task.
I’ve been using the 12.9 iPP soon as it launched and I’ve been hooked every since. Once Apple announced the 2nd generation version, I jumped on that primarily because of the hype on ProMotion.
I’m kind of torn, because on one hand I regret buying the 2nd generation since the 1st generation was already good enough. But I went ahead bought the 512GB version and it’s perfect for on the go.
I have the cellular version as well, it’s my favorite computing device... I prefer it over my iPhone X.
I’ve been using the 12.9 iPP soon as it launched and I’ve been hooked every since. Once Apple announced the 2nd generation version, I jumped on that primarily because of the hype on ProMotion.
I’m kind of torn, because on one hand I regret buying the 2nd generation since the 1st generation was already good enough. But I went ahead bought the 512GB version and it’s perfect for on the go.
I have the cellular version as well, it’s my favorite computing device... I prefer it over my iPhone X.
Definitely loving my 2nd gen 12.9. I understand the size concerns for many. I carry mine around a lot and I’ll travel with both the 12.9 and my rMBP for work but I’d be lying if I didn’t say that occasionally I leave the 12.9 behind due to its size. I still wouldn’t trade it for a smaller device, but I’d consider supplementing it with a pro model mini if they ever released one.
I have a 12.9 and a mini. This combination suits my purposes the best. 12.9 mostly for work—drawing, full PDFs, and as a light laptop replacement with the ASK (I also have a 15” mbp for heavier work); mini for reading and quick tasks at home. I might have gone for the 12.9 + iPhone plus combo like you, but I have an SE and don’t want to go any bigger for a phone.
The 9.7/10.5 size is too compromised for my tasks, but I can see its value for others. 9.7/10.5 might be the largest size before a device starts to feel less like a “mobile device” (though this might just be a cultural perception thing). Then there’s weight. I have to use my 12.9 either cradled in my arm or resting on a surface (which is fine with me). 9.7/10.5 iPads are probably the heaviest a device can be to hold with one hand by the bezel or hold with two hands while typing with your thumbs—though how comfortable that is will vary from person to person.
The 9.7/10.5 size is too compromised for my tasks, but I can see its value for others. 9.7/10.5 might be the largest size before a device starts to feel less like a “mobile device” (though this might just be a cultural perception thing). Then there’s weight. I have to use my 12.9 either cradled in my arm or resting on a surface (which is fine with me). 9.7/10.5 iPads are probably the heaviest a device can be to hold with one hand by the bezel or hold with two hands while typing with your thumbs—though how comfortable that is will vary from person to person.
I'm in the same boat and agree totally with everything you said. I, too, will be moving from the original iPad Pro 12.9 to the iPad Pro 10.5. The screen size of my current iPad is fine but I can do without the weight (for the reasons you mentioned and more). The 10.5 is a more viable choice than the previous 9.7 offerings. I almost bought the iPad Pro 10.5 about a week ago but decided to wait on the next generation.
The 10.5 IPP is used most of the time. Sometimes I’ll use the mini 4 for reading or casting YouTube to the flat screen. The iPhone X fills in when applicable. The wife took ownership of the 12.9.
12.9” iPad seems like it would be perfect for reading and home use, while the smaller iPad for outside use. But I just can’t justify going into the dual-iPad lifestyle, as tempting as it sounds.
12.9 for reading? I have a 12.9 but I much prefer my mini for that. Unless you mean large PDFs, magazines, or comics?
Yeah two iPads is not for everyone, but if they both serve their respective purposes well enough, it can be well worth it. Just depends on the person. Also it is easier to justify with a bigger size difference between the two iPads (12.9 + mini for biggest contrast), which gives them less functional redundancy. Also helps if one is very cheap.
Yep, I am referring to pdf documents, since the 12.9” iPad is about the size of an A4 sheet of paper. It also looks very nice for running two apps side by side.
I am currently using a 9.7” iPad Pro and while I love the form factor for portability, it feels quite cramped when I am trying to do stuff like mindmapping. Multitasking is okay in 3:1 ratio (like running tweetbot in a small window alongside safari), but putting two documents is unusable for me.
My ideal use case would be the larger 12.9” iPad for home use and a 10.5” iPad for work outside. I am a school teacher, so I get a lot of mileage out of my iPad for both work and leisure.
But I just couldn’t justify the cost. At this point, it’s clearly veering into the “I don’t need it, but I sure would like it” category.
12.9, period. Love it. Still have the 2015 version and use it every day. It replaced my 13” MacBook Pro and will be my horse until iOS makes it obsolete. I don’t have spaghetti wrists like those who complain of its weight and take it everywhere I go. I have a perfect stand and keyboard so it does the work a laptop used to do. After 2.5 years, anything smaller would be a disappointment.
Yep, I am referring to pdf documents, since the 12.9” iPad is about the size of an A4 sheet of paper. It also looks very nice for running two apps side by side.
I am currently using a 9.7” iPad Pro and while I love the form factor for portability, it feels quite cramped when I am trying to do stuff like mindmapping. Multitasking is okay in 3:1 ratio (like running tweetbot in a small window alongside safari), but putting two documents is unusable for me.
My ideal use case would be the larger 12.9” iPad for home use and a 10.5” iPad for work outside. I am a school teacher, so I get a lot of mileage out of my iPad for both work and leisure.
But I just couldn’t justify the cost. At this point, it’s clearly veering into the “I don’t need it, but I sure would like it” category.
Do you think it would help you do your job better? My opinion is anything that helps you do your job better (or even make it easier or more enjoyable) is a potential investment. Even if the return is indirect and down the line. But sounds like you at least should upsize.
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Yeah, not really a huge fan of Pro 12.9 for reading prose fiction. Prefer the 9.7" (in double page/two column landscape) for that. Either that or my Kindle Paperwhite. The 12.9's really great for technical documents and comics, though.
Lol, meanwhile, I've already been using dual iPads of the same size (I keep old ones after upgrading). I just use iPads so much I wouldn't want to be without a backup. Yes, battery life is excellent but it's still got to charge eventually. Also, multitasking. I remember studying for the EIT and having one iPad open on quizzes while the other is on the formulas page.
Mind, I did the same thing with iPhones (was using them as primary ebook reader prior to lighter iPads and front-lit e-ink readers). I even got an iPod touch 4th gen as backup to my iPhone 4. After upgrading to retina, I just couldn't stand the display on my 3GS.
Tech is my hobby though so those expenditures came from "fun" money.
Yep, I am referring to pdf documents, since the 12.9” iPad is about the size of an A4 sheet of paper. It also looks very nice for running two apps side by side.
I am currently using a 9.7” iPad Pro and while I love the form factor for portability, it feels quite cramped when I am trying to do stuff like mindmapping. Multitasking is okay in 3:1 ratio (like running tweetbot in a small window alongside safari), but putting two documents is unusable for me.
My ideal use case would be the larger 12.9” iPad for home use and a 10.5” iPad for work outside. I am a school teacher, so I get a lot of mileage out of my iPad for both work and leisure.
But I just couldn’t justify the cost. At this point, it’s clearly veering into the “I don’t need it, but I sure would like it” category.
If the new models did come out and were amazing, could you just get the 12.9 and keep using your 9.7 for the foreseeable future?
When the 10.5 came out I sold my 9.7 to a shop to pay for most of it. Originally I was thinking I would do something similar again to be able to change up to the 12.9, but realised I really like the portability factor. I'm kind of decided that if/when the new ones come out, I'll buy the big one and keep hold of my current one for a while to see how portable the large could be. If it proved not to be a problem, I would sell the 10.5.
Just a thought...
I understand exactly how you feel - I would like the big screen for pdfs etc and drawing.
I really like the 12.9 size for the multitasking aspect, though I think the amount of content on screen could often be better optimised. It is undoubtedly quite the slab though so I would like to see the physical footprint reduced. I only update iPads very infrequently though so if Apple keep tweaking the form factors on offer I don’t think I will ever have two similar models!
Love my 12.9 for reading material (books, magazines, etc.). I left my laptop stage long before iPads came out, however I can see the iPad as a replacement for some users, depending on how they utilized their laptops. But, even though I do not have spaghetti wrists, I would prefer something lighter in weight.
The weight, alone, has me leaning towards the 10.5 iPad Pro. I don’t think I could live with a 9.7 screen so this would be a compromise; not perfect but a workable solution.
I am reading a series of novels right now and am generally surprised how well this works on my 12.9 as I’m switching between this and my Kindle every few days. I like the two column view in iBooks, and really like reading in landscape mode.
At the end of the day the Kindle is more comfortable but the iPad experience definitely has improved for me.
What I'm hearing from everyone is that the 12.9 is terrific for artistic pursuits, e.g., video, drawing, architectural/interior work and purusing magazines or comics in actual size. It also would be preferable for multitasking and split screen work. It could be a godsend to anyone with poor eyesight for any purpose.
I haven't even been tempted, not due to weight, but due to size. It just seems like it is too large for real life multitasking. I dedicated a first gen. 9.7 (seriously still works perfectly) to the kitchen to use while cooking. I use a IPP while watching whatever on TV, reading in bed, and carry it with me while traveling for video and books. I use my MBP pretty exclusively for any work or serious research. A larger form would, in my life, be cumbersome and be more at risk for damage. I like the pencil with it but just use it for fun, nothing serious.
So it might be that people who use the 12.9 for work, art, adaptive purposes, non-portable desktop or laptop replacement prefer the larger form. For some others, the smaller sizes (personal preference) seem to be more of a supplement to their computers with easier portability and use.
.....oh yeah, for those who have small dogs and cats who demand lap real estate, the smaller size allows for the accommodation of both
I haven't even been tempted, not due to weight, but due to size. It just seems like it is too large for real life multitasking. I dedicated a first gen. 9.7 (seriously still works perfectly) to the kitchen to use while cooking. I use a IPP while watching whatever on TV, reading in bed, and carry it with me while traveling for video and books. I use my MBP pretty exclusively for any work or serious research. A larger form would, in my life, be cumbersome and be more at risk for damage. I like the pencil with it but just use it for fun, nothing serious.
So it might be that people who use the 12.9 for work, art, adaptive purposes, non-portable desktop or laptop replacement prefer the larger form. For some others, the smaller sizes (personal preference) seem to be more of a supplement to their computers with easier portability and use.
.....oh yeah, for those who have small dogs and cats who demand lap real estate, the smaller size allows for the accommodation of both
I had the first gen 12.9 and then the second gen 12.9 (well, I had every other iPad up to that point too, but as far as pros go), and I just really got to the point where I missed having something portable. I didn’t want to jump on a 10.5 with new ones possibly coming in the fall, so I sold my 12.9 and got a 2018 iPad. Honestly, I’m loving it.
I have myself a good setup for my desk area with a stand and Bluetooth keyboard (both cheap), but I keep a little flip case on it, so when I want to pick up and go, it’s ready to roll.
What I was worried about, other than the lack of additional screen, is losing the ASK. I LOVED that keyboard. However, I’m really enjoying the Bluetooth one I have (it looks like a wireless Mac keyboard, but cost about $12).
All in all, if they don’t bowl me over with choices in the fall, I’m sticking with this guy.
I have myself a good setup for my desk area with a stand and Bluetooth keyboard (both cheap), but I keep a little flip case on it, so when I want to pick up and go, it’s ready to roll.
What I was worried about, other than the lack of additional screen, is losing the ASK. I LOVED that keyboard. However, I’m really enjoying the Bluetooth one I have (it looks like a wireless Mac keyboard, but cost about $12).
All in all, if they don’t bowl me over with choices in the fall, I’m sticking with this guy.
Yeah, not really a huge fan of Pro 12.9 for reading prose fiction. Prefer the 9.7" (in double page/two column landscape) for that. Either that or my Kindle Paperwhite. The 12.9's really great for technical documents and comics, though.
Lol, meanwhile, I've already been using dual iPads of the same size (I keep old ones after upgrading). I just use iPads so much I wouldn't want to be without a backup. Yes, battery life is excellent but it's still got to charge eventually. Also, multitasking. I remember studying for the EIT and having one iPad open on quizzes while the other is on the formulas page.
Mind, I did the same thing with iPhones (was using them as primary ebook reader prior to lighter iPads and front-lit e-ink readers). I even got an iPod touch 4th gen as backup to my iPhone 4. After upgrading to retina, I just couldn't stand the display on my 3GS.
Tech is my hobby though so those expenditures came from "fun" money.
Haha sure, if one’s usage calls for it, a dozen iPads could be justified. Also how much justification one needs is a very personal thing.
Regarding multitasking with dual iPads—I’m thinking iPads will someday support some sort of dual display.
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Yeah the two column view is nice, but personally I change positions a lot during longer reading sessions—sometimes sitting up, sometimes reclining or lying down—so I prefer the mobility of a smaller device.
Will have to give a 12.9” a try before deciding, rather than deciding on how I imagine it would be.
My current iPad is an Air 2. I don’t recall wishing I had more screen, but I might have at some point.
I had a mini at work for a few weeks, then turned it back in, and went with the standard 9.7. It was too small for me.
The 10.5 seems like the sweet spot (for me), but as others have mentioned, the 2018 iPad may be good enough, at a substantially lower price. Regardless of screen size, keyboard options will be a significant factor in my choice.
My current iPad is an Air 2. I don’t recall wishing I had more screen, but I might have at some point.
I had a mini at work for a few weeks, then turned it back in, and went with the standard 9.7. It was too small for me.
The 10.5 seems like the sweet spot (for me), but as others have mentioned, the 2018 iPad may be good enough, at a substantially lower price. Regardless of screen size, keyboard options will be a significant factor in my choice.
Lovely thread that lets everyone speak without the aim to claim what is best!
For me 12.9 both at home and work. Work is sometimes mobile with lectures and travel. Otherwise lots of pdf and reports to review. The latest update to Keynote with pencil support, voice recording and export to movie has made the iPad a very powerful and simple e-leaning movie maker. Screen real estate and split screen with 12.9 is great when producing e-learning movies. I find that making these movies are easier and more powerful on iOS than on MacOS due to the pencil!
For home : Web, movies, civ VI, books and some multimedia management.
For me 12.9 both at home and work. Work is sometimes mobile with lectures and travel. Otherwise lots of pdf and reports to review. The latest update to Keynote with pencil support, voice recording and export to movie has made the iPad a very powerful and simple e-leaning movie maker. Screen real estate and split screen with 12.9 is great when producing e-learning movies. I find that making these movies are easier and more powerful on iOS than on MacOS due to the pencil!
For home : Web, movies, civ VI, books and some multimedia management.