iPad Pro Decisions, decisions. To go to 12.9, or not…

[ssledoux]

I’ve had an 11“ pro pretty much since they came out. Most of that time, I’ve also had an iMac, which I really couldn’t justify.

I no longer have an iMac, and pretty much use my iPP as my sole computing device, and mostly at my desk.

My sister-in-law is in the market for an iPP, and will pay me a good price for my 11” pro with MK.

I know I’d love it at the desk, but wondering if I’ll love it as much when traveling. I’ve used one in the store, but it’s just not like the day-to-day use.

I feel like if I’m gonna make the switch, now is a good time since my sister-in-law is in the market and ready to buy, but also trying to be sensible.

 

[rui no onna]

I have both. The 12.9" is great for desk use (certainly more comfortable for my aging eyes). However, it doesn't fit in most of my purses so it's an automatic no-go for me for mobile/travel.

Plus even when I do carry a backpack, the 12.9" is just more awkward to use in places like hospital waiting rooms, etc. It doesn't fit in the magazine pouches at the back of the seat on the airlines I've traveled on. It's also not as easy to slip in and out of bags underneath airplane seats. It doesn't leave much room for anything else on the airplane tray either.

With that said, the extra screen real estate is pretty invaluable if you're using it as laptop replacement.

 

[Rafterman]

Screen layout is a thing too. The 11s are more rectangular, while the 12.9s are more squarish. The font sizes are the same, so the 12.9 just fits more on the screen. I always said if you primarily use it with a keyboard, get the 12.9, if you hold it alot, get the 11.

 

[IngerMan]

I have both in the household, 11” & 12.9”. I am 100% MK user for I find this a great addition and fits my needs. I do find the 12.9” fits better on my lap. The 11” certainly travels easier. They both work and it is personal preference. I only take mine out of the house 6 or so times a year so for the 80% non travel, I like the bigger option.

 

[max2]

I have all 3.

 

[Moakesy]

I have the 12.9 and is used almost exclusively at home. The only time it leaves the house is when staying away, for use at hotels etc. I wouldn't use it on the go, whilst travelling...it's too big and I just use my phone instead.

I love having the bigger screen (compared to my previous iPad's) and no way want to go back. I think it all depends on how much you think you'll travel with it.....if it's mostly going to stay at home, then the 12.9 makes a lot of sense I think.

Alternative my be a MacBook Air....by the time you add the MK you'd be way over MBA money, and the air allows you to do more than the iPP. Probably weighs less than a iPP+MK as well. Just a thought.....

 

[dockgaze]

For me, it’s all about portability. I take my Air4 + Magic Keyboard almost everywhere in a small shoulder sling bag - and use my iPhone way less since purchasing it (even take/make calls on it). I was a fan of the old ultra-portable 11 inch Air laptop, but this new setup runs circles around it (screen clarity, pencil use, modular tablet mode, range of available apps etc). My eyesight is not that great but I just zoom the screen or move the device closer if needed (which most of the time I do not) - no problems.

 

[Bodhitree]

I think for your uses — primary computing device almost entirely behind a desk — the 12.9” is very well suited. I’ve used mine mostly on sofa’s and on bed, and have found it a little heavy to hold for prolonged periods, its been good exercise for my forearm muscles.

 

[ssledoux]

I have the 12.9 and is used almost exclusively at home. The only time it leaves the house is when staying away, for use at hotels etc. I wouldn't use it on the go, whilst travelling...it's too big and I just use my phone instead.

I love having the bigger screen (compared to my previous iPad's) and no way want to go back. I think it all depends on how much you think you'll travel with it.....if it's mostly going to stay at home, then the 12.9 makes a lot of sense I think.

Alternative my be a MacBook Air....by the time you add the MK you'd be way over MBA money, and the air allows you to do more than the iPP. Probably weighs less than a iPP+MK as well. Just a thought.....

I just really love using the iPad, and I also have to have something cellular.

I wound up going ahead and getting the 12.9, and bumped to a 256 gb over my 128 11”, mainly because I’m gonna do some work with photos/photo books, and I want to load pics onto it.

It just worked out well with my SIL wanting my 11” setup - I’m coming out pretty good on the deal.

 

[Username-already-in-use]

I just really love using the iPad, and I also have to have something cellular.

I wound up going ahead and getting the 12.9, and bumped to a 256 gb over my 128 11”, mainly because I’m gonna do some work with photos/photo books, and I want to load pics onto it.

It just worked out well with my SIL wanting my 11” setup - I’m coming out pretty good on the deal.

Let us know how you get on. The 12.9 M1 is my favourite ever iPad.

 

[nothingtoseehere]

I just really love using the iPad, and I also have to have something cellular.

I wound up going ahead and getting the 12.9, and bumped to a 256 gb over my 128 11”, mainly because I’m gonna do some work with photos/photo books, and I want to load pics onto it.

It just worked out well with my SIL wanting my 11” setup - I’m coming out pretty good on the deal.

Good decision! As your only device, the space is necessary.

I do carry around my 12.9 from time to time, it is viable. @rui no onna is right that in airplanes, it doesn't fit well, but the same is true for laptops.

Have fun with your new device

 

[DeepSix]

Buy two or more 12.9 and carry both around.

The 12.9 won’t fit in many pant pockets but it will fit in some.

 

[rulymammoth]

I just really love using the iPad, and I also have to have something cellular.

I wound up going ahead and getting the 12.9, and bumped to a 256 gb over my 128 11”, mainly because I’m gonna do some work with photos/photo books, and I want to load pics onto it.

It just worked out well with my SIL wanting my 11” setup - I’m coming out pretty good on the deal.

Why do you *have* to have cellular? Mobile hotspot works SO well now. I use it everyday on my brand new MBP 14 and it connects almost instantaneously. I don't even have to touch my phone at all.

 

[UltimateSyn]

Screen layout is a thing too. The 11s are more rectangular, while the 12.9s are more squarish. The font sizes are the same, so the 12.9 just fits more on the screen. I always said if you primarily use it with a keyboard, get the 12.9, if you hold it alot, get the 11.

Pretty perfect summation. For laptop-first usage: 12.9”. For tablet-first usage: 11”. When the iPad Pro was my primary laptop I went with the 12.9“ and it stayed in its Magic Keyboard 99.9% of the time. Now that I have a 14” MBP to fill that primary role my tablet can be more tablet-y, so I’ve got an 11” Pro (and an iPad mini lol).

OP, if it’s your primary computing device and used mainly at your desk then I would definitely recommend the 12.9”. Just a lot more screen real estate, and the added benefit of the incredible mini-LED screen. It’s a little bit heavier in a bag, but where you will really notice that weight is trying to use it one-handed in tablet mode, which I suspect you won’t do much of.

 

[ssledoux]

Why do you *have* to have cellular? Mobile hotspot works SO well now. I use it everyday on my brand new MBP 14 and it connects almost instantaneously. I don't even have to touch my phone at all.

Well, I guess if I had a hotspot, I wouldn’t, but we live in a rural area with awful internet connection, and sometimes even iffy cellular. I like having devices with cellular so I can move around as needed, and not have to worry about bringing something extra along.

 

[ssledoux]

Pretty perfect summation. For laptop-first usage: 12.9”. For tablet-first usage: 11”. When the iPad Pro was my primary laptop I went with the 12.9“ and it stayed in its Magic Keyboard 99.9% of the time. Now that I have a 14” MBP to fill that primary role my tablet can be more tablet-y, so I’ve got an 11” Pro (and an iPad mini lol).

OP, if it’s your primary computing device and used mainly at your desk then I would definitely recommend the 12.9”. Just a lot more screen real estate, and the added benefit of the incredible mini-LED screen. It’s a little bit heavier in a bag, but where you will really notice that weight is trying to use it one-handed in tablet mode, which I suspect you won’t do much of.

I rarely use it away from the desk, and, when I do, it’s propped on my legs while I’m sitting on the couch, so I’m thinking this would work fine in that situation.

I’m planning to upgrade my phone to a pro max in the fall from a regular pro (not positive on that, but considering it), so I’ll have a bit larger screen at times when I don’t want to have the bulk of an iPad.

Anyway, AT&T says the iPad is arriving today, and supposedly so is my MK from Apple. Hoping it all actually shows up!

 

[MPclk2006]

I’ve had an 11“ pro pretty much since they came out. Most of that time, I’ve also had an iMac, which I really couldn’t justify.

I no longer have an iMac, and pretty much use my iPP as my sole computing device, and mostly at my desk.

My sister-in-law is in the market for an iPP, and will pay me a good price for my 11” pro with MK.

I know I’d love it at the desk, but wondering if I’ll love it as much when traveling. I’ve used one in the store, but it’s just not like the day-to-day use.

I feel like if I’m gonna make the switch, now is a good time since my sister-in-law is in the market and ready to buy, but also trying to be sensible.

I think if you are using your 11 as your main device, you should be fine using the 12.9 as your main device. I have a Macbook and iPad 11 pro so when I got the iPad i knew I didnt need a 12.9 at that point.Good luck!!!

 

[iPadified]

I rarely use it away from the desk, and, when I do, it’s propped on my legs while I’m sitting on the couch, so I’m thinking this would work fine in that situation.

I’m planning to upgrade my phone to a pro max in the fall from a regular pro (not positive on that, but considering it), so I’ll have a bit larger screen at times when I don’t want to have the bulk of an iPad.

Anyway, AT&T says the iPad is arriving today, and supposedly so is my MK from Apple. Hoping it all actually shows up!

My 45 kg, 150 cm daughters uses 12.9 at desk, in the bed and on the road . No complaints and that is the significantly larger 2017 model.

 

[ssledoux]

Got it and I’m typing on it as we speak. The keyboard won’t make it until tomorrow, but I’m already loving the screen.

I had the 1st and 2nd generations of the 12.9, but when the 11” came out, I jumped on it (had an iMac also at the time). I think it’ll be nice to have the screen since I no longer have the bigger screen of the iMac.

 

[FrozenDarkness]

I own the 12.9" thinking it would be my primary personal computing device. Actually works pretty well, although I think it's overkill. And it's not super enjoyable to use for things like playing games or reading books. I think 11" will be a great size, but it won't be a great personal computer as the screen won't be large enough for my eyes.

Agonizing decision since buying both seems like overkill haha.

 

[RevTEG]

I went 12.9 in 2015 and haven’t looked back. I love it. Took be a week or two to adjust and after that it’s been great. Pre-Covid I traveled internationally multiple times per year for work. Never had an issues traveling with it. Love the screen space for study and teaching from.

 

[Isamilis]

I have both in the household, 11” & 12.9”. I am 100% MK user for I find this a great addition and fits my needs. I do find the 12.9” fits better on my lap. The 11” certainly travels easier. They both work and it is personal preference. I only take mine out of the house 6 or so times a year so for the 80% non travel, I like the bigger option.

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Just curious. How do you like typing in MK 11” compared to 12.9”? Is the key cramped and tiring if use in long period (3-4 hrs)? I have 11” and considering between MK and iMac keyboard.

 

[UltimateSyn]

Got it and I’m typing on it as we speak. The keyboard won’t make it until tomorrow, but I’m already loving the screen.

I had the 1st and 2nd generations of the 12.9, but when the 11” came out, I jumped on it (had an iMac also at the time). I think it’ll be nice to have the screen since I no longer have the bigger screen of the iMac.

Out of curiosity, what made you give up the iMac?

 

[klasma]

Well, I guess if I had a hotspot, I wouldn’t, but we live in a rural area with awful internet connection, and sometimes even iffy cellular.

I think they meant using your iPhone as a hotspot (Personal Hotspot in Settings). The only drawback, besides having to bring the iPhone along, is higher battery drain on the iPhone.

 

[IngerMan]

Just curious. How do you like typing in MK 11” compared to 12.9”? Is the key cramped and tiring if use in long period (3-4 hrs)? I have 11” and considering between MK and iMac keyboard.

I used the 11” MK for just over 18 months. I was very use to it and I probably did have more typing errors on it compared to my wireless apple keyboard on my Mac Mini. But I never had tiring issues, or pain. The larger 12.9” MK is a treat, it like a MBA 13” or MBP 13”, less errors but I have only had it a few days and have not done extensive typing.

But no doubt I liked the 11” MK and it just felt like a smaller laptop. Like my old 11” MBA…. I am 100% MK setup, after I got the MK shortly after the 11” iPP I sent back a new MBA in the return window because it felt like I had 2 laptops.