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iPad Pro How portable is iPad Pro 12.9

C

chongsen

macrumors member
Original poster
Dec 4, 2013
87
54
Hi everyone

I am trying to get an iPad on the road to use as sketch book. I know most people recommend 11 inch. It is a bit small on my taste, really want to get a bigger canvas. What do you think the portability for 12.9 inch ? I will carry it around everyday. Is it doable ?
 
It is pretty big, but it is portable as the weight isn't that much and if you have it in a bag or something you will not really notice it (depending on the bag). It does take up a lot of space in front of you while using it, so if your plans are to use it on a bus, train, airplane, do keep in mind that it will fit, but for drawing/sketching the space of the tablet along with arm room may be a tight fit.
 
M2 12.9 reporting here. I have absolutely no issues with portability and I feel like I could never go back to a smaller screen. Maybe it's because I'm 6'5 I don't know - but I absolutely love the bigger screen.
 
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not as portable as the 11 inch of course but for me I still use my 12.9 more with the smart cover. works on my lap very well and holding on sofa at times. I prefer to use my MacBook Pro for any keyboard tasks.
 
chongsen said:
Hi everyone

I am trying to get an iPad on the road to use as sketch book. I know most people recommend 11 inch. It is a bit small on my taste, really want to get a bigger canvas. What do you think the portability for 12.9 inch ? I will carry it around everyday. Is it doable ?
Click to expand...
Portability is the in eye of the beholder. What does your EDC (every day carry) consist of? If you already tote a backpack, the 12.9 Pro will be fine. If you don't carry any bag, then it will be an incovenience.
 
sracer said:
Portability is the in eye of the beholder. What does your EDC (every day carry) consist of? If you already tote a backpack, the 12.9 Pro will be fine. If you don't carry any bag, then it will be an incovenience.
Click to expand...
I carry a back pack every day. I intend to sketch on the road ( train & bus). It is about how comfortable to draw with no table or small table.
 
chongsen said:
I carry a back pack every day. I intend to sketch on the road ( train & bus). It is about how comfortable to draw with no table or small table.
Click to expand...
Then you will be fine. Use your underarm just like how you would do with a sketch book. I think those who prefer 11 inch like to hold the iPad like a book (just like SJ did in the initial iPad reveal). I think that would not work well with sketching anyway or the 12.9 for a long period.
 
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chongsen said:
I carry a back pack every day. I intend to sketch on the road ( train & bus). It is about how comfortable to draw with no table or small table.
Click to expand...
I think the 12.9 Pro is too large for use in mobile scenarios such as that. I've owned a 12.9 in the past and it is great PORTABLE device (using it at point "A", transporting it, then using it at point "B"). But as a mobile device (using it while transporting), it is too large.
 
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chongsen said:
Hi everyone

I am trying to get an iPad on the road to use as sketch book. I know most people recommend 11 inch. It is a bit small on my taste, really want to get a bigger canvas. What do you think the portability for 12.9 inch ? I will carry it around everyday. Is it doable ?
Click to expand...

What makes you think the 12.9 iPad Pro is not portable? It fits in pretty much every laptop bag since laptops typically start at 13“
 
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sracer said:
I think the 12.9 Pro is too large for use in mobile scenarios such as that. I've owned a 12.9 in the past and it is great PORTABLE device (using it at point "A", transporting it, then using it at point "B"). But as a mobile device (using it while transporting), it is too large.
Click to expand...

The 11“ won‘t make much of a difference as it is too large for your pockets and thus requires a laptop bag also. Only the iPhone is more mobile as you can use it in public without having to pull it out of a laptop bag.
 
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Zest28 said:
The 11“ won‘t make much of a difference as it is too large for your pockets and thus requires a laptop bag also. Only the iPhone is more mobile as you can use it in public without having to pull it out of a laptop bag.
Click to expand...
Get the large and no bag required for your 12.9” iPad

www.scottevest.com

101 Men's Travel Vest with Hidden Pockets | SCOTTeVEST

Let's get back to basics. The 101 Vest is a streamlined version of our signature travel vest, with 9 pockets for you to bring along your essentials. Lightweight and comfortable, the 101 Vest layers well and is made to be worn everywhere- from business meetings to weekends outdoors. The hidden...
www.scottevest.com www.scottevest.com
 
darngooddesign said:
Get the large and no bag required for your 12.9” iPad

www.scottevest.com

101 Men's Travel Vest with Hidden Pockets | SCOTTeVEST

Let's get back to basics. The 101 Vest is a streamlined version of our signature travel vest, with 9 pockets for you to bring along your essentials. Lightweight and comfortable, the 101 Vest layers well and is made to be worn everywhere- from business meetings to weekends outdoors. The hidden...
www.scottevest.com www.scottevest.com
Click to expand...

Put the 12.9 + MKB in that thing and you have an armored vest.
 
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Zest28 said:
What makes you think the 12.9 iPad Pro is not portable? It fits in pretty much every laptop bag since laptops typically start at 13“
Click to expand...
that's not the point, the point is " It is about how comfortable to draw with no table or small table."
 
sparksd said:
M1 12.9 - I have no problem with portability and have an MKB attached. It's entirely subjective.
Click to expand...
This.
I found my 12.9 M1 too big when abroad, tho neither was I moving places every other day nor had I Magic Keyboard, I was basically using it the way I did at home. Its weird because I was set on selling my 12.9 once I return home, yet, after returning home I yet again found it fine for my daily needs and Im still using it to this day.
 
Digitalguy said:
that's not the point, the point is " It is about how comfortable to draw with no table or small table."
Click to expand...

It's only 680 grams, really. I never use the M1 12.9 iPad Pro with a table at all, even when using it as a note taking tool with the Apple Pencil.

My iPad Air 2 is even lighter than the 11" iPad Pro and I still pick the M1 12.9 iPad Pro as a note taking tool over the iPad Air 2 to give you an idea how little the 12.9 iPad Pro weighs to me.
 
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darngooddesign said:
Get the large and no bag required for your 12.9” iPad

www.scottevest.com

101 Men's Travel Vest with Hidden Pockets | SCOTTeVEST

Let's get back to basics. The 101 Vest is a streamlined version of our signature travel vest, with 9 pockets for you to bring along your essentials. Lightweight and comfortable, the 101 Vest layers well and is made to be worn everywhere- from business meetings to weekends outdoors. The hidden...
www.scottevest.com www.scottevest.com
Click to expand...

Seems a bit too hot for the summer. Could be interesting when it's a bit colder.
 
You will need to set the 12.9 inch on a surface to draw on, on table or on your thigh

With the 11, maybe with a case, you can still stand and draw with it.
 
I've got 3 iPads and just leave them in rooms on each floor now

Front room 12.9 Pro
Second Floor 11 Pro
Top floor Air 2 ( Probably upgrade this Xmas )

Saves carrying anything and they all link up 100% fine
 
Buy from amazon. 30 returns if you don’t like it. I don’t think you will have a issue.
 
Just think of the 13 inch MacBook Pro. They're basically the same size, except the iPad is thinner unless you pair it with the MK then it's thicker and just as heavy. I'm going to assume you will be using a case, so that will add to the thickness. If you feel comfortable with the 13 inch laptop size range, then you should be just fine.
 
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