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.