If you have a 9.7" iPad and want a bigger screen... PLEASE try the 10.5 before going 12.9!

[karlwig]

The numbers kind of lie on this one: You'd think a mere 0,8 inch increase is negligible, but seriously, in real life use the difference is so obvious: After owning the 10.5" for a few days and comparing with my old 9.7", I'd say the difference in screen size is actually huge.

I figured I'd give a heads up, because I imagine a lot of people are thinking ke I did: 'These new iPads are so nice, but when spending this kind of cash, it would be nice to get a bigger screen size I will actually notice..."

Trust me, you notice it. Now I'm not saying the 12.9 couldn't be an even better fit for you. It totally could, that depends on your use. But if you're like me – you value portability, you will use this thing on the couch and in bed and are considering the 12.9 to get that screen size boost... don't disregard the 10.5, and please try both models in the store first.

 

[BeatCrazy]

Agreed. I have both 9.7 Pro and 10.5 Pro. The increase is very noticeable.

 

[xxray]

Agreed as well. I was trying the 9.7" out in store before the new ones came in and they just seemed way too small. I thought for sure I'd have to go to the 12.9". Then came the 10.5" and I truly think it's the perfect balance between portability and productivity for now. 12.9" seems waaayy too big for me now. The slightly larger screen definitely makes a difference.

 

[Phonzoxd]

Agreed as well. I was trying the 9.7" out in store before the new ones came in and they just seemed way too small. I thought for sure I'd have to go to the 12.9". Then came the 10.5" and I truly think it's the perfect balance between portability and productivity for now. 12.9" seems waaayy too big for me now. The slightly larger screen definitely makes a difference.

when you try the 12.9 you will then again think, this is the perfect size.

 

[xxray]

when you try the 12.9 you will then again think, this is the perfect size.

Not for me. Like I said, I tried the 12.9" again once the 10.5" came out and it seemed too large for me. I'll be on the go most of the time so I need the portability.

 

[psac]

Not for me. Like I said, I tried the 12.9" again once the 10.5" came out and it seemed too large for me. I'll be on the go most of the time so I need the portability.

Exactly why we need a mini pro.

 

[Raist3001]

To me, the 10.5 does not look that much larger than the 9.7 because that 0.8 inch increase is really nothing. The illusion is caused by the slim bezels. Even a side by side comparison does not allude to a big size difference between the 9.7 and 10.5 to me.

I for one am glad I have the larger 12.9 which will be awesome for multi tasking once iOS 11 is released this fall. Plus I get the benefit of having the resolution of two 9.7-inch iPads running next to each other in split screen while the 10.5 uses the apps iPhone UI. That was the deal breaker for me.

 

[pshady]

To me, the 10.5 does not look that much larger than the 9.7 because that 0.8 inch increase is really nothing. The illusion is caused by the slim bezels. Even a side by side comparison does not allude to a big size difference between the 9.7 and 10.5 to me.

I for one am glad I have the larger 12.9 which will be awesome for multi tasking once iOS 11 is released this fall. Plus I get the benefit of having the resolution of two 9.7-inch iPads running next to each other in split screen while the 10.5 uses the apps iPhone UI. That was the deal breaker for me.

[doublepost=1498144253][/doublepost]This is the main question I have in my internal debate as whether to upgrade my 9.7 Pro. I don't want the 12.9 because it's too big for me to carry, but I would like a little more room on my 9.7 Pro in terms of screen real estate. Can someone post screen shots of the two side by side with browser on the same page, with the mail app open, etc.? I also use Texture heavily and I was hoping the 10.5 will be just big enough where I don't have to zoom to read the pages anymore.

 

[The Game 161]

10.5 might well be the perfect size for a lot but when you use the 12.9 it will still seem small. It all depends on your usage and how it fits. I think when IOS 11 is out I think more will like the 12.9 as it will take advantage of features.

 

[spiderman0616]

For anyone who felt that the 9.7" was a bit cramped, the 10.5 is a big difference. Despite what the media is saying in reviews, the chassis is NOT the exact same footprint as the 9.7", so this is not merely an optical illusion due to smaller bezels. The smaller bezels+bigger screen size+bigger general footprint combined are what make the difference. On paper it doesn't sound like much. In real life, going from 9.7 to 10.5 is noticeable.

For anyone who prefers the 12.9" and finds that to be what they need, the 10.5 still isn't going to do it for them. I have used both sizes and still find the 12.9" to be a bit too unwieldy for when I'm out and about, but everyone is different. I'm glad there are 12.9" fans out there, because I think that model fills and important spot in the product line.

 

[Raist3001]

Serenity Caldwell posted this size comparison.
You really get a feel for how large the 12.9 is compared to other models.
You can see how the 10.5 is really not much larger than the 9.7.

 

[spiderman0616]

Serenity Caldwell posted this size comparison.
You really get a feel for how large the 12.9 is compared to other models.
You can see how the 10.5 is really not much larger than the 9.7.

That's a great chart, and one I looked at a lot when trying to decide whether or not to upgrade. But it still doesn't paint the whole picture because it's way zoomed out. Again, in the real world, the size difference is much more noticeable when you're up close and personal. That chart is accurate, but also a bit of an optical illusion itself.

One thing that's very obvious in that chart though--whether you have a 9.7" or 10.5" Pro, the 12.9" Pro is still DRASTICALLY bigger.

 

[motulist]

Used both extensively and I disagree. It's just a smidge bigger, which makes using it feel like it's a tad larger, but that's all.

 

[LibbyLA]

Serenity Caldwell posted this size comparison.
You really get a feel for how large the 12.9 is compared to other models.
You can see how the 10.5 is really not much larger than the 9.7.

That shows the physical size difference but it doesn't show how much difference there is in screen (or keyboard) size. I have both the 9.7 and 10.5. The 10.5 felt HUGE compared to the 9.7 at first. Even though I could look at the two screens side by side and the two keyboards side by side and see that there wasn't much difference in physical size, the 10.5 screen and keyboard feel a LOT larger.

(For comparison, I have a Surface Pro 3 [too big], a Surface 3 [too big], and a Dell Venue 8 Pro [too small]. 10" seems to be the sweet spot for me.)

 

[seadragon]

More comparison... these are the screen measurement comparisons (not total device size). Not a huge difference between the 9.7 and 10.5 really. I'm quite happy with my 12.9.

 

[Phonzoxd]

Used both extensively and I disagree. It's just a smidge bigger, which makes using it feel like it's a tad larger, but that's all.

Exactly,

While you may notice it being bigger because it is, it doesnt suddenly make a difficult job when multitasking on a 9.7 suddenly easy.

 

[ABC5S]

The numbers kind of lie on this one: You'd think a mere 0,8 inch increase is negligible, but seriously, in real life use the difference is so obvious: After owning the 10.5" for a few days and comparing with my old 9.7", I'd say the difference in screen size is actually huge.

are considering the 12.9 to get that screen size boost... don't disregard the 10.5, and please try both models in the store first.

Huge? I think that is a little bit of a stretch.

 

[IPadNParadise]

I'm a female on the small side and I love my new 12.9". I dont do much carrying it around but do hold it while sitting and have no problems. I did, however, have to get used to the size. After a week I dont even think about it. I did not want to order it and be sorry about the size. Plus my hubby was very nice about my spending the $1000 on it, dont think he would be if I was sorry about the size I chose.

 

[spiderman0616]

More comparison... these are the screen measurement comparisons (not total device size). Not a huge difference between the 9.7 and 10.5 really. I'm quite happy with my 12.9.

Still big enough of a difference to make me want to upgrade. And also, let's face it, the product line needed some differentiation between the standard 9.7" and the iPad Pro line. Part of this is marketing.

 

[LibbyLA]

More comparison... these are the screen measurement comparisons (not total device size). Not a huge difference between the 9.7 and 10.5 really. I'm quite happy with my 12.9.

There's a lot more difference between 9.7 and 10.5 when you are using them than these diagrams indicate. Nobody is trying to convince you that there is anything wrong with your 12.9. It's great that you are happy with it.

I have used portable devices since before many of you were born, back when "portable" referred to something that weighed 30-35 pounds. My first portable had a 5" screen in a 30-lb (give or take) package and ran CP/M. I've had one or more portable computers at a time since 1983. When you are talking about smaller screen sizes, small increments make big differences.

 

[maflynn]

I tried the 12.9" again once the 10.5" came out and it seemed too large for me.

For me, I love the 12.9" size, but the majority of usage will be done by holding it, not having it sit on a desk. As I contemplate usage, and felt how both are, the 10.5 is definitely more hold-able.

 

[The Game 161]

quite surprised the amount who see the 12.9 as something to use just at a desk. The 12.9 on your lap with the smart keyboard is very ideal on the sofa

 

[seadragon]

I've been using my 12.9 everywhere. I've been reading books on it while relaxing in my backyard and also just sitting in front of the TV and surfing the net on it at night. Also have a 9.7 Pro, but it's been turned off since I got the 12.9.

My only complaint is why the **** did Apple remove the ability to split or move the onscreen keyboard???? It's the larger iPad that needs it!

I posted this in another thread, but here I am with the 12.9 relaxing in my chair just propped up with my leg.

 

[c14nhl]

The lack of split keyboard is the main reason I haven't pulled the trigger yet! Without it, I'll have to change how I use my iPad each day.

 

[Phonzoxd]

Not for me. Like I said, I tried the 12.9" again once the 10.5" came out and it seemed too large for me. I'll be on the go most of the time so I need the portability.

When you say you tried it, do you mean you went to the store and tested it?

Or do you mean you bought it, used it a couple of days, didnt like the form factor and returned it?

Because if its the first one, you really can't gauge it that way. I did the same thing, felt it was humongous at the store, but bought it anyways. Now i cant deal with smaller for strictly home use.