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The dealbreaker on the 10.5 for me is split screen. I often have 2 apps open while I'm writing and the 10.5 or 9.7 doesn't cut it. 2 inches doesn't seem like much, but it sure does when you're writing or grading coursework (for my example of uses). Plus with the power of the 12.9 I can have a TED talk or Youtube clip open and playing in the corner.
 
I regretted purchasing the ipad mini (2nd gen, I think) from the very first uses. Even tho I am a small female. I was very happy to gift it to my grandaughter and get the full size ipad at that time. Today I am ordering a 12.9" ipp 2 and am excited to try its larger size for the editing of my photos with Affinity Photo. My hubby has made me a small lightweight hinged stand to prop my current ipad on my lap so I feel the 12:9 will not be too large for me.
 
Have you found that effective? Which make do you use?
I find that it works perfectly! I tried a variety of back covers. Different material. Different thicknesses. They all made the 12.9 Pro feel significantly bulkier and heavier. I was not pleased.

What I'm about to say is going to sound "ghetto" but it isn't... this solution works wonderfully...

I use Clear Con-Tact paper. I cut a piece off the roll roughly the size of the iPad. I then apply it to the back (bubbles are rare while applying and are super easy to remove) and then carefully trim it around the edges.

$3 for the roll which at this rate will last me 8 years or so. I first applied it about a year ago and only now are some of the nicks starting to appear on the clear Con-Tact paper (the iPad is still in perfect condition). I might need to replace the back in another 6 months or so.
 
@sracer - how does that fit with the corners, as I would expect that to be tricky and potentially vulnerable?

Any chance of a photo of the back?
 
I find that it works perfectly! I tried a variety of back covers. Different material. Different thicknesses. They all made the 12.9 Pro feel significantly bulkier and heavier. I was not pleased.
Agreed, entirely. I have an Incipio Feather on my iPad 12.9 (https://www.incipio.com/cases/ipad-...pad-pro-12-9-cases/feather-ipad-pro-case.html) and, beside the case's corners all developing cracks the first couple of times you remove it from the iPad, it still makes the iPad feel massively bulkier and heavier.

I think with an iPad of this size, no matter the case you use, the effect is magnified.

I have a Peel case for my iPhone 7 and *wish* they made them for the iPad. The cases aren't meant to offer drop/shock protection; I just want something to protect from scratches and in-bag dings and marks, etc. Skins may be the only option.
 
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Agreed, entirely. I have an Incipio Feather on my iPad 12.9 (https://www.incipio.com/cases/ipad-...pad-pro-12-9-cases/feather-ipad-pro-case.html) and, beside the case's corners all developing cracks the first couple of times you remove it from the iPad, it still makes the iPad feel massively bulkier and heavier.

I think with an iPad of this size, no matter the case you use, the effect is magnified.

I have a Peel case for my iPhone 7 and *wish* they made them for the iPad. The cases aren't meant to offer drop/shock protection; I just want something to protect from scratches and in-bag dings and marks, etc. Skins may be the only option.

Peel cases are awesome, I have one of both my iPhone 7 and 6s for work.
Too bad they don't have them for iPad. It would be instant buy for me.
 
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I use it on my lap without a struggle: it's very comfortable on my lap, and I absolutely love the large screen. I much prefer the 12.9 to my iPad Air for couch computing. I'm excited about the new capabilities that iOS 11 will bring to the 12.9 Pro.
 
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The keyboard cover ads a lot weight very quickly to the iPads which eliminates the portability advantages it has over laptops

I agree with you too. That's why I just use a Smart Cover and I peel it off if I will be holding my iPad for more than a minute or so. I like to keep my iPad as light as possible.
 
I would go with the 10.5. The 12.9 is simply too big to handle comfortably on the couch like you do now. Regardless of what the people say. No knock on the 12.9, awesome device, just better suited at a desk or table.
 
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The 12.9" model is only for users that need the most amount of screen available. There are lots of tradeoffs. It is BIG. Which makes it heavy, and generally unwieldy.

Source: I've had the 12.9" for a year and half. Sold it in anticipation of getting a 10.5".
 
@sracer - how does that fit with the corners, as I would expect that to be tricky and potentially vulnerable?

Any chance of a photo of the back?
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As hard as it might be to believe, after 15+ months of ownership and only that paper on the back, there is not one scratch, scuff, or ding, on the back or edges. I use that felt ProCase whenever I take the iPad out of the house.

I can get the contact paper closer to the edge than I did without it peeling off or curling. There's also adhesive backed clear lamination on a roll that is stickier and can stick to the edges without peeling away. I haven't tried that mostly because I wasn't sure what effect that adhesive would have on the iPad. I knew for certain that Con-Tact paper is safe.

Even if these solutions don't appeal to you, there are professional skins available.

Bottom line, whether it is this solution or a professional one, a clear skin for the back is THE way to go for the 12.9 Pro. (IMO of course)
 
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i thought it was too big myself and returned it and got the smaller one, and while i love it, it is too small for me personally to draw, especially using split screen to load up reference pictures or tutorials. Its just too cramped. I figure the 10.5 inch might be the perfect compromise but the issue with that is still, to me, multasking....

the 12.9 inch in landscape is the size of 2 9.7 inch screens side to side correct? So, to me if i need a refrence picture, and im drawing, im still drawing in a decent sized screen while being able to fully look at what im refrencing... Yes, i sacrifice some level of portability, but such is physics i suppose..

Also, i love a full size keyboard. (yes i know the 10.5 offers that too now, but i much rather have the biggest screen with the most space possable
 
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As hard as it might be to believe, after 15+ months of ownership and only that paper on the back, there is not one scratch, scuff, or ding, on the back or edges. I use that felt ProCase whenever I take the iPad out of the house.

I can get the contact paper closer to the edge than I did without it peeling off or curling. There's also adhesive backed clear lamination on a roll that is stickier and can stick to the edges without peeling away. I haven't tried that mostly because I wasn't sure what effect that adhesive would have on the iPad. I knew for certain that Con-Tact paper is safe.

Even if these solutions don't appeal to you, there are professional skins available.

Bottom line, whether it is this solution or a professional one, a clear skin for the back is THE way to go for the 12.9 Pro. (IMO of course)

Id like to do this but having had my iPad Pro slip off the sofa etc a few times = having a case has saved me! I'm sure id have a ding on one of the corners otherwise. I use KHOMO® Dual Black Case iPad Pro 12.9" - over a year usage and still in brilliant condition.
 
I agree with one of the posters, only you can really answer that. For me, 12.9 is perfect good surface for sketching/drawing; great for comic book reading, it does make the 9.7" iPad feel smaller in comparison
 
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I use both. When I know I'm going to do a lot of typing, I swap to the ASK, otherwise I use the SC. I also don't use a back case, only a clear, thin film to protect from scratches and for better grip.

Would you share where you purchased the back film, or a link to buy this? I can't stand scratches on my gadgets, so they are always covered with something, but I'd love anything that would reduce the overall size/weight of my iPP.
 
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In a word: No. Has all but replaced my MacBook Air. Larger, sharper screen. I use my air on occasion, but far less now.
 
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I find it a bit too thin sometimes to hold comfortably when I draw. I think it's just from being used to thick sketch pads and the like.
 
Yeah, I bought it when it first released and had to return it. It was too big for me as I mostly use my iPad on the couch or in bed, it was just too cumbersome to hold.

However, I do miss it when I travel. Watching movies on a plane on the 12.9 iPad Pro was a dream come true :D
 
In a word: No. Has all but replaced my MacBook Air. Larger, sharper screen. I use my air on occasion, but far less now.

I dont know for sure, but But I assume it's close or equivalently powerful just as your Air.
 
I have the present 12"

Thing is, this new one just seems like a decent improvement, and I'm thinking at this point more of a good thing is a better choice.
 
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