iPad Handwriting & Various Sizes

[AppleNooble]

Hi, I'm tossing up between the 12.9" IPP and the 10.9" IPA. I'm pretty much only going to be doing handwriting notes on the device at my desk. The 12.9" is apparently very similar in size to a piece of paper. But it costs almost double to the IPA. Question is, do you feel restricted on the 10.9/11 or is it fine?
My use case is just writing notes as I mentioned. So nothing else matters apart from screen size. I don't plan on using split screen. 99% of the time, I use one app per screen.

 

[jb1280]

If you’re use case is truly only taking notes using an Apple Pencil, you might want to look into a used or refurbished model of the 12.9” or even consider the 11”. ProMotion makes the Apple Pencil significantly better and is a feature exclusive to the Pro models.

In terms of the size, it really depends the complexity of the notes that you’re taking. I prefer the canvas of the 12.9”, but the 11” is definitely big enough

 

[ericwn]

I prefer the bigger 12.9 size and write notes by hand every day but I could work with the smaller sizes if I really had to.

 

[AppleNooble]

you might want to look into a used or refurbished model of the 12.9”. ProMotion makes the Apple Pencil significantly better and is a feature exclusive to the Pro models.

Hmm, I guess I'll try writing on an IPP to see whether ProMotion is a thing that makes an obvious difference. I'm not ruling out refurbished, will see how it goes.

I prefer the bigger 12.9 size and write notes by hand every day but I could work with the smaller sizes if I really had to.

Is it double the price better though?

 

[ericwn]

Hmm, I guess I'll try writing on an IPP to see whether ProMotion is a thing that makes an obvious difference. I'm not ruling out refurbished, will see how it goes.

Is it double the price better though?

I cannot make that value assessment for you - only you can make that call. I use my iPad for a couple other things and for me personally it’s worth it.
You could order one and try it out yourself and return it to Apple if you don’t like it.

 

[jdb8167]

For handwriting, any size seems fine to me. I use a mini 6 and haven’t noticed any problems. Drawing is different and the larger the better.

 

[AppleNooble]

For handwriting, any size seems fine to me. I use a mini 6 and haven’t noticed any problems. Drawing is different and the larger the better.

Can you describe your writing use cases?

 

[boss.king]

I bought a used 11" Pro last year to basically be a fancy paper/notebook replacement. Writing on it took some getting used to, but I don't recall the size ever being an issue. I usually have mine propped up on the magnetic folio case (the one without a keyboard, whatever Apple calls that) in landscape mode when working on my laptop, or I have it in portrait in one hand and write with the other. The 11" is definitely smaller than the paper I'm used to writing on (A4) but I also think that the 12.9" would have been way too big and cumbersome for how I use the device.

 

[jdb8167]

Can you describe your writing use cases?

Paper notebook replacement with the Apple Pencil 2. I generally use Notability which has excellent zoom features to allow larger text to be reduced in size on the document. The mini acts as a large field notes type notebook.

 

[wilberforce]

The Pro models have 120Hz, and thus have slightly less lag using the Apple Pencil. On 60Hz models like the Air and Mini the drawn line very slightly trails the tip of the Pencil.

I notice this when doing drawing in Adobe Fresco etc. and for fast lines, but not really for taking notes. It probably depends how sensitive you are to this.

I just thought I would point this out as there is this small difference in performance.

 

[AppleNooble]

Thanks everyone.

Did some additional research on the ProMotion feature. Wacom use 60Hz. I know progress is progress and I'm sure Wacom will upgrade at some point if they haven't already, but if everyone was using 60Hz in professional artist applications and not really complaining much, I think 60Hz should be fine for me for note taking. From watching YouTubers drawing and writing on the Air vs the Pro, I don't think the difference is pronounced enough for me. Similarly, the 12.9" is undoubtedly better but I can't justify an almost double price tag to get it. Besides, I'm going to put a screen cover that mimics paper, so the beauty of the new mini LED display will be a waste. As I mentioned, I don't plan on doing split screen, so I think I'll make do with the slightly smaller screen. I'll just use it in landscape mode if it feels cramped horizontally.