Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
This is refreshingly good natured thread.

I use my 12.9” most of the time and absolutely love it, mostly using on a desk, or my lap, or music stand when using for e-manuscript - but yesterday I was in warehouse taking some notes on a 9.7” I have recently acquired and must say I found that ideal for walking around and taking notes standing.

So my take is the 12.9” works best as laptop replacement and is perfect for media viewing (films/tv) and for use as electronic manuscript playing music (I realise a limited use) - while the smaller 9.7” works best on the move. I guess the 10.5” is somewhere in between, I have only used and seen briefly at Apple store.

Whatever the size, the iPad Pro is such a pleasure to use!
 
I like the 10.5 as a "sweet spot" of portability and for drawing. I want my iPads portable. If Apple comes out with the rumored new model that is a bezel-less 11-incher, i.e., same size for device, but screen is 11 inches rather than 10.5, I will upgrade to that.

The 12.9 my wife uses has many advantages, but it's just bulky enough that I can't carry it with one hand or use it while walking on-the-go. For me, that's a big factor. Will you be sitting at a desk using it? Then 12.9 makes a lot of sense.Will you be moving while using it? Then the 10.5 works quite well, especially when I'm teaching in the classroom and have it linked to the smartboard to project stuff.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ghost31
When I was looking to purchase an iPad, I went into the Apple Store prepared to have a hard time deciding between the 10.5" and 12.9". However, as soon as I saw the 12.9", I knew I'd be going for the 10.5". The 12.9" was much larger than I was expecting. The iPad is definitely a portable device for me - I like bringing it places, take notes on it in class, having it out and about, and the 12.9" just looked way too large for that. I also didn't like the larger bezels and higher weight, and the price difference just made the 10.5" even sweeter. I can definitely see the benefits of having the 12.9", but they just didn't fit my needs or desires.
 
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.

Good post!
Previously, I decided to wait on the next iPad Pro. I bought the original 12.9 iPad Pro so my aging eyes could see it better. As time passed I discovered that the weight was not desirable. I passed on the 9.7 screen because. I thought it was too small (aging eye syndrome again). Well, I flip flopped again and bought the iPad Pro 10.5. I just got it today and, actually, like it a lot. I discovered that there was not such a big difference as I thought. I can read everything on the screen just fine and I LOVE the portability and weight. If there is a compelling reason to buy the new iPad Pros when they are released I’ll just sell or trade in this one and get a new one. After giving it some thought I think that this was a “win/win” for me. I have a great iPad right now and will look at the new ones when they come out.

a776c16e4f8a2e1248f08e30dfd26f7e.heic
 
This is refreshingly good natured thread.

I use my 12.9” most of the time and absolutely love it, mostly using on a desk, or my lap, or music stand when using for e-manuscript - but yesterday I was in warehouse taking some notes on a 9.7” I have recently acquired and must say I found that ideal for walking around and taking notes standing.

So my take is the 12.9” works best as laptop replacement and is perfect for media viewing (films/tv) and for use as electronic manuscript playing music (I realise a limited use) - while the smaller 9.7” works best on the move. I guess the 10.5” is somewhere in between, I have only used and seen briefly at Apple store.

Whatever the size, the iPad Pro is such a pleasure to use!

I agree with what you said about this thread. I went from the 12.9 iPad Pro to the 10.5. Like you, my exposure to the 10.5, until today, was limited to what I saw in the store. The 10.5 one seems to be the sweet spot for me.
 
I went with the 12.9 with cellular service and have enjoyed it since I bought it. Mine took the place of a laptop so it worked out just fine for me. I look forward to what Apple has next, but for now I am happy and content.
 
Would you recommend the 10.5 for writing notes for university?

Yes, if you have an Apple Pencil. No, if you are trying to touch-type on the pop-up on-screen keyboard. You can also use it it to take photos of the board if the teacher writes notes on it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: meteoreos
If they can significantly decrease the overall size and weight of the 12 inch, I'd consider it. The 11 will likely be my sweet spot though. I need the portability. They could entice me with some more advanced software features though.
 
Yes, if you have an Apple Pencil. No, if you are trying to touch-type on the pop-up on-screen keyboard. You can also use it it to take photos of the board if the teacher writes notes on it.

I was thinking that I'd be primarily using the Apple Pencil as opposed to the keyboard due to better memory retention vs. typing. Plus the smart keyboard is a whopping £150 and I don't really fancy the third party alternatives.

I'm guessing that it'd be a smart thing to wait until September for the new Pros as I don't need the iPad right now. Plus they'd presumably have some back to school offer, throwing in a free pair of headphones.
 
Good post!
Previously, I decided to wait on the next iPad Pro. I bought the original 12.9 iPad Pro so my aging eyes could see it better. As time passed I discovered that the weight was not desirable. I passed on the 9.7 screen because. I thought it was too small (aging eye syndrome again). Well, I flip flopped again and bought the iPad Pro 10.5. I just got it today and, actually, like it a lot. I discovered that there was not such a big difference as I thought. I can read everything on the screen just fine and I LOVE the portability and weight. If there is a compelling reason to buy the new iPad Pros when they are released I’ll just sell or trade in this one and get a new one. After giving it some thought I think that this was a “win/win” for me. I have a great iPad right now and will look at the new ones when they come out.

a776c16e4f8a2e1248f08e30dfd26f7e.heic
Yeppppp. I too went down to 10.5 from 12.9 and everything just feels so so right. I can’t believe I actually thought all this time the huge iPad would be good for me considering I wanna take it places. I totally suck at understanding my needs and buying stuff for myself. I just got the 10.5 this month and all I keep thinking is man...I could have had this for a year. Better late than never I guess. I use this one a hell of a lot more than the 12.9
 
I upgraded to the 12.9 from my 9.7 for nothing else but to have a larger canvas for note-taking. The 9.7 is great to take out and about if I really don't feel like using the 12.9, but I just get so tired of pinching and zooming when writing.

What's even more suprising, though, is just how often I use my 12.9. It's not just my main note-taking device anymore. It's -- dare I say it -- becoming my main computer. I do pretty much all my web browsing and media consumption tasks on it, plus some occasional design work if an idea comes to mind. I barely use my MacBook Pro out anymore except to use some specific web application not compatible with mobile Safari.

It's just been a joy to use and I don't at all regret my purchase. :)
 
Yeppppp. I too went down to 10.5 from 12.9 and everything just feels so so right. I can’t believe I actually thought all this time the huge iPad would be good for me considering I wanna take it places. I totally suck at understanding my needs and buying stuff for myself. I just got the 10.5 this month and all I keep thinking is man...I could have had this for a year. Better late than never I guess. I use this one a hell of a lot more than the 12.9

Wow! I couldn’t agree with you more. I’m usually pretty good at assessing my needs and buying appropriately to meet the. As I think back the 12.9 iPad was not really a bad choice if you think about the alternatives available at the time. I did not want the 9.7 screen and did want the Pro line. I, too, thought that the 12.9 iPad would be okay to take places but it was not. And like you, now, I wish I’d gotten this 10.5 iPad earlier but extremely happy that I have it now. Will you be looking at the new iPad line coming out, perhaps later this year?
 
I upgraded to the 12.9 from my 9.7 for nothing else but to have a larger canvas for note-taking. The 9.7 is great to take out and about if I really don't feel like using the 12.9, but I just get so tired of pinching and zooming when writing.

What's even more suprising, though, is just how often I use my 12.9. It's not just my main note-taking device anymore. It's -- dare I say it -- becoming my main computer. I do pretty much all my web browsing and media consumption tasks on it, plus some occasional design work if an idea comes to mind. I barely use my MacBook Pro out anymore except to use some specific web application not compatible with mobile Safari.

It's just been a joy to use and I don't at all regret my purchase. :)

Yes, there is indeed something for everyone. It’s nice to have choices and that’s something I think Apple does very well.
 
I have had the 12.9 for a year now and really like it. I have had the 9.7 size for years, starting with the iPad 1. I like the 12.9 size so much more. I feel that the 12.9 a much better size all around for my needs.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AlexJoda
No. I have always used 9.7-inch iPads, but I would love to try a 12.9 one at some point. An iPad Mini with LTE for portability would be another one I'd like. So clearly... The answer is no.
One disclaimer: I might be willing to use a 12.9 inch as my main iPad without a 9.7 one, but no Mini as my main iPad. Too small for overall use.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AJsAWiz
No, because the Mini is the perfect size for me but Apple has neglected the Mini line.
 
Those on the 9.7, 10.5 or 12.9 are you now set on what you will buy going forward? I have the 10.5 but think my next ipad could be the 12.9 with cellular due to not needing my macbook pro anymore so think go with the 6.5 iphone X plus and 12.9 would be a better combo.

I am not at all settled... I love the form factor of my Mini... but Timmy has seen fit to kill it off... so I am done with iPad. IMO, the 12.9" is ridiculously oversized... I find the 9.7" and 10.5" sizes too large, so I have absolutely no use for a 12.9" "mobile" tablet.
 
Those on the 9.7, 10.5 or 12.9 are you now set on what you will buy going forward? I have the 10.5 but think my next ipad could be the 12.9 with cellular due to not needing my macbook pro anymore so think go with the 6.5 iphone X plus and 12.9 would be a better combo.
What i’m “settled on” is directly dependent upon what Apple does with iOS. I’m currently settled on the 2018 9.7 iPad, but if Apple were to improve iOS to take advantage of the larger screen, support mice and a true universal file system, then I’d go back to a 12.9 Pro in a heartbeat.
 
Given in and bought a 12.9" even though I've only had the 10.5" since April. It was too small to take notes (ageing eyes and clumpy fingers) so I've passed it on to the wife. Much happier with the 12.9", not too heavy.
 
I was thinking that I'd be primarily using the Apple Pencil as opposed to the keyboard due to better memory retention vs. typing. Plus the smart keyboard is a whopping £150 and I don't really fancy the third party alternatives.

I'm guessing that it'd be a smart thing to wait until September for the new Pros as I don't need the iPad right now. Plus they'd presumably have some back to school offer, throwing in a free pair of headphones.

That seems like a sound strategy to me.
 
  • Like
Reactions: meteoreos
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.