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I've upgraded from a 5 year old iPad 3 and the difference is staggering (as expected). Absolutely loving the responsiveness and the screen quality.

I am also going to see if I can use if for work all this week instead of my 2016 MacBook, which apart from the bloody awful keyboard I love. Most of the stuff I do is server-side so with the 'Reflection for UNIX - ssh client' app I am good to go. The 10.5 size is fine though I do Wonder if I manage to replace the laptop fully whether I will get 12.9 lust... I do feel that iOS 11 will be the true test though.
 
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I’ve just spent some time back with my 9.7” pro, wiping it and packing it to ship to my bro who is buying it from me.

It felt ancient.
 
So I bought a 10.5 version this past Tuesday going from an Air 2 and yesterday I decided to sell off the Air 2 and make the move. The only question remains, 10.5 or 12.9? Now that the 12.9 has all the same specs as the 10.5 version, the 12.9 is appealing. Honestly though, so far, I really like the 10.5 version simply because it doesn't feel any bigger than the Air 2 was in terms of size. It is, but using it, holding it my hands it feels the same. I love the fact that I'm getting more screen with those thin bezels and this feels even better in my hand than the Air 2 did.

The other reason I chose to upgrade was pencil support and smart keyboard support which I also picked up. I know people have their reservations about the keyboard, but so far I really like it. I already have the 13 rMBP, so I'm seeing this as a device that I can use more freely in and out of the house without having to cart the laptop everywhere I go. The 12.9, I feel, would just be too big to be portable for my tastes. We'll see.
 
A recommendation I will throw out there is if one is going from a 12.9 to a 10.5 is consider not committing until you see ios 11 on the latter. If multitasking is not a big concern then so be it but that is probably the biggest benefit of ios 11.

Just sayin.
 
I'm gonna be really curious to see what you think coming from the 12.9. I upgraded from 12.9 to the new 12.9, and am really happy with the decision, but still questioning myself sometimes as to whether or not I should go smaller strictly for the portability factor. I just don't know if I could give up my screen at this point. I'm planning to head to the Apple Store Monday or Tuesday to check out the 10.5 and see what I think while I'm still in the return window with AT&T.

Honestly, I had this same struggle when I bought my 12.9 (9.7 pros had just been released), and ultimately decided to go big or go home. I LOVE the 12.9, but I know I'd like something a little lighter and easier to haul around as well. I'd consider just doing a 2017 iPad for hauling around, but I know that would be really tough to use out and about when I have this amazingly smooth pad at home. First world probs...

Well I’ve purposely test driven the 10.5 since my last post so there’s no knee-jerk reaction. My findings:

Given the more portable form factor, I carry the 10.5 around more. Not just between home and work, but during work as well. I take more notes as it’s with me more often. It’s just easier to handle and is lighter so the Pencil stays in my other hand ready to take notes or do a quick task on-the-go.

When I set it down on the desk and type (as I’m doing now), I’m not having any issues with keyboard size which I did feel on the 9.7. Multitasking is fine. I’m mostly in Word, Excel, and Safari which work well together. Sure I don’t get the screen size but for my needs, it’s very much usable. For long periods of work I usually switch to a 27-inch iMac anyway.

Compared to the 12.9 original, which I will keep, that only really got used when set down on a desk at home or at work. Rarely would I walk around with it between rooms. It’s definitely got the screen size benefits for split view. My wife and son, both content consumers, prefer the 12.9 for the screen for obvious reasons.

For reading books, the 12.9 is better for viewing large (A4-ish) format text books whereas there’s more panning and zooming on the 10.5. However, reading other smaller formats are naturally fine, and easier (due to the size/weight) on the 10.5.

I think the 10.5 is a good bump up and is very adaptable to most situations. I think it is going be a great iPad to take on trips and it’ll likely get used much more than if it were a 12.9.

That said, I can find a place for both and they excel in different areas. Personally, I’m happy with the 10.5 and see myself using it for work and play. I think plenty of people, depending on their needs, will like the 10.5 and benefit from it over the 9.7. The 12.9 will probably remain more at home now and be used by others. If the original 12.9 works for you now then there’s no reason why the upgraded model wouldn’t be just as great.
 
I am in love with it. Not a fan of the case I'm using but it will do until my Supcase rugged one arrives in a couple of weeks. I upgraded from the pro 9.7. loved it but only got the 32gb model and was running out of storage. Another reason is the amazing deal I got. 256gb cellular version for $720 :) score!

Selling my MacBook and fully switching to the new 10.5. no regrets yet :)

Selling my MacBook tonight and replacing it with a 10.5 moving forward. I haven't touched my MacBook since I purchased. So far I am really loving it. I much prefer using iOS 11 to macOS.
 
Well I’ve purposely test driven the 10.5 since my last post so there’s no knee-jerk reaction. My findings:

Given the more portable form factor, I carry the 10.5 around more. Not just between home and work, but during work as well. I take more notes as it’s with me more often. It’s just easier to handle and is lighter so the Pencil stays in my other hand ready to take notes or do a quick task on-the-go.

When I set it down on the desk and type (as I’m doing now), I’m not having any issues with keyboard size which I did feel on the 9.7. Multitasking is fine. I’m mostly in Word, Excel, and Safari which work well together. Sure I don’t get the screen size but for my needs, it’s very much usable. For long periods of work I usually switch to a 27-inch iMac anyway.

Compared to the 12.9 original, which I will keep, that only really got used when set down on a desk at home or at work. Rarely would I walk around with it between rooms. It’s definitely got the screen size benefits for split view. My wife and son, both content consumers, prefer the 12.9 for the screen for obvious reasons.

For reading books, the 12.9 is better for viewing large (A4-ish) format text books whereas there’s more panning and zooming on the 10.5. However, reading other smaller formats are naturally fine, and easier (due to the size/weight) on the 10.5.

I think the 10.5 is a good bump up and is very adaptable to most situations. I think it is going be a great iPad to take on trips and it’ll likely get used much more than if it were a 12.9.

That said, I can find a place for both and they excel in different areas. Personally, I’m happy with the 10.5 and see myself using it for work and play. I think plenty of people, depending on their needs, will like the 10.5 and benefit from it over the 9.7. The 12.9 will probably remain more at home now and be used by others. If the original 12.9 works for you now then there’s no reason why the upgraded model wouldn’t be just as great.

I couldn't agree with you more. I'm glad I opted for the cellular version so I can travel more with it.

One thing to note. I picked up my second 10.5 today (see my earlier post, (I'm returning the one I got for Apple and have bought another from John Lewis as they provide a 3 year guarantee)) and noticed that the screen wasn't as sticky as the one from Apple? I read somewhere that some have mentioned this, not sure if it's in this thread or not? Anyway, this one seems a lot less sticky. It wasn't a problem as I just had to wipe clean the first one...just an observation.
 
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Selling my MacBook tonight and replacing it with a 10.5 moving forward. I haven't touched my MacBook since I purchased. So far I am really loving it. I much prefer using iOS 11 to macOS.

Those using iOS 11, is that the beta?
 
I couldn't agree with you more. I'm glad I opted for the cellular version so I can travel more with it.

One thing to note. I picked up my second 10.5 today (see my earlier post, (I'm returning the one I got for Apple and have bought another from John Lewis as they provide a 3 year guarantee)) and noticed that the screen wasn't as sticky as the one from Apple? I read somewhere that some have mentioned this, not sure if it's in this thread or not? Anyway, this one seems a lot less sticky. It wasn't a problem as I just had to wipe clean the first one...just an observation.

I’ve always thought that Apple use different cuts of glass for their touch screens. This I think is why some screens look fuzzier than others.
 
The only problem with my 10.5 is the price. The hardware is awesome, more than I expected. IOS is still IOS, and that's a disappointment. I know IOS11 is imminent, but I fear that it, too, will be just IOS, although tweaked some and offering some new functions. The form factor is terrific. Overall, it's a giant leap from my iPad3.

But, is it worth almost $700? Sure, many folks have paid lots more than that for theirs. To me, though, that is a heck of a lot of money for a device that will only complement and not replace my rMBP. I don't know yet. I am very close to returning it. And I am very close to keeping it, too. I really like it, but the question is, do I like it 700 bucks worth? Dunno.
Well, I decided to return my iPad today. I liked it a lot. The hardware is truly amazing. I did find the screen size just a little bigger than I wanted. The display is a fingerprint magnet, too. And I really do detest IOS, with the way so much of the system management function is fenced off. I'd like to see a full blown OS/X-MacOS on the iPad.

Most of all, this device just didn't "wow" me $700 worth. It is a great piece of engineering, no doubt. Very impressive. But I'll save my bucks for some other shiny toy.
 
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I just got the 10.5 from John Lewis in Uk and I'm returning it. I have a 12.9 1st gen, and everything just looked too small! It also had the slight yellow tint issue near the home button. And, whilst ProMotion made a slight difference, icons and stuff still blurred when they moved. I was underwhelmed. I'm going to hang fire until the next 12.9 comes out.
 
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I had gone to an rMB the past couple of years and gave up on the 9.7 iPad. This week, I decided to give the 10.5 a shot and I think it's a keeper for me. So much better now than how it was a couple of years back. Not a complete Macbook replacement but pretty close for me.
 
It's the best iPad they've made thus far, in my opinion. I love it!! I've had the 3rd gen and then the Air 1 before getting the 10.5 and although I did really enjoy using both of them, this one actually feels like the one I've been wanting all along. Ready for iOS 11 now...
 
The only problem with my 10.5 is the price. The hardware is awesome, more than I expected. IOS is still IOS, and that's a disappointment. I know IOS11 is imminent, but I fear that it, too, will be just IOS, although tweaked some and offering some new functions. The form factor is terrific. Overall, it's a giant leap from my iPad3.

But, is it worth almost $700? Sure, many folks have paid lots more than that for theirs. To me, though, that is a heck of a lot of money for a device that will only complement and not replace my rMBP. I don't know yet. I am very close to returning it. And I am very close to keeping it, too. I really like it, but the question is, do I like it 700 bucks worth? Dunno.

That is a very good point, and in that case you would probably be better with the 9.7 pro.
 
I've got the Mini 3 also and would love to have an idea of the size difference , could you please take a picture of your Mini on top of your new iPad ? TIA
Sure thing! the size in hand isnt so big, its only slightly larger than the old 9.7" but going from 7.9 to 10.5 screen makes a huge difference. only thing ive noticed is the resolution, obviously, seems a bit lower, and Chrome I dont think, or IOS10.3 is set up to deal with the new resolution, and I think its scaling some apps at like 1.2x which makes them look less sharp. Hoping IOS and app updates resolve that.
 

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Bought a ipad 12.9, returned it. Bought a ipad 10.5 and a macbook 12. Really happy with this combination.

And the screen of the 10.5 looks a lot bigger then expected, compared to my Air 1.
 
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Coming from a 3.5 year old iPad Air to the new 10.5" Pro has been excellent. The speed of the Pro and the 120Hz screen are just amazing. I'm glad I waited to upgrade on this cycle. After seeing all the stuff coming for iOS 11 I couldn't pass up upgrading. Loving the 10.5" so far.
 
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only 20 mins into it ; coming from Air 2 the screen is so amazing, very impressive indeed:D. I dont know how :apple: pulled it off with more screen estate yet so paper light, i am indeed a happy camper
 
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I love the 10.5 size. Honestly, I did not expect that much of a difference going from a 9.7 to a 10.5 but now the 9.7 seems way behind the 10.5 in multiple respects. The bezel reduction alone is very apparent when looking at a 10.5 vs. 9.7. Everything is silky smooth and the screen is gorgeous. Can't wait to use this thing with iOS 11.

Nice work Apple.

Completely agree. As someone who wanted a screen size update from my old 9.7", I'm so glad I finally went with the 10.5". At first I thought, "less than an inch bigger? Gotta go with the 12.9!", but the difference is much bigger than you'd think. This new size is absolutely perfect for me. Of course, all the other improvements comes on top.
 
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