Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
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.
Same here. If the Pro 10.5 shipped with 2732*2048 res (e.g. side by side retina iPad mini), then I would've strongly considered it (or really bought both the 10.5 and the 12.9).
 
I suppose the option to split the keyboard on a 12.9 is reasonable to expect, but what’s also reasonable is that barely anyone would use that. Typing in portrait on a 12.9 screen is definitely not something most users will do.
 
Most arguments here regarding the screen size of the 10.5 sound like confirmation bias. Today I had all three models here: my old iPad Air 2, a 12.9 Pro and also the 10.5 Pro. And to me, the 10.5 feels exactly as small as the old 9.7.

So, personlly I have another kind of dilemm: Keep the 12.9 or stick with the 10.5. The latter is not really an option for me because for my use case the regular iPad is more than enough.
 
Most arguments here regarding the screen size of the 10.5 sound like confirmation bias. Today I had all three models here: my old iPad Air 2, a 12.9 Pro and also the 10.5 Pro. And to me, the 10.5 feels exactly as small as the old 9.7.

So, personlly I have another kind of dilemm: Keep the 12.9 or stick with the 10.5. The latter is not really an option for me because for my use case the regular iPad is more than enough.

Thanks for this feedback. So the screen size increase of the 10.5 over the 9.7 is not significant enough.
 
I suppose the option to split the keyboard on a 12.9 is reasonable to expect, but what’s also reasonable is that barely anyone would use that. Typing in portrait on a 12.9 screen is definitely not something most users will do.

Really? I type in portrait and also in landscape while holding my 12.9 quite a bit. I have fairly large hands and long fingers so I can just make it work. But the ability to split and move the keyboard would make it much easier. I mean, it is still an iPad after all.
 
Thanks for this feedback. So the screen size increase of the 10.5 over the 9.7 is not significant enough.

Perhaps not but it is a heck of a lot easier for handling and carrying around than the 12.9.

There are other things to consider 9.7 versus 10.5 for upgrading. Last year the base 9.7 was $599, this year base is $649 for the 10.5. And the differences are well worth that extra $50. If the price is high still and one got the 9.7 discounted well I can understand waiting for a price drop on the 10.5.

And a nice cost savings versus the 12.9 as well.
 
Perhaps not but it is a heck of a lot easier for handling and carrying around than the 12.9.

There are other things to consider 9.7 versus 10.5 for upgrading. Last year the base 9.7 was $599, this year base is $649 for the 10.5. And the differences are well worth that extra $50. If the price is high still and one got the 9.7 discounted well I can understand waiting for a price drop on the 10.5.

And a nice cost savings versus the 12.9 as well.
I am using the IPP 9.7 today, so the question for me was whether i should upgrade.
 
I am using the IPP 9.7 today, so the question for me was whether i should upgrade.

Buy it and try it is the only way to really decide. I started with the 10.5 and then went to the 12.9 and now I am back to the 10.5 Mind you I started with the first gen 12.9 pro and feel I can easily get by with the 10.5 especially it being compact and much easier to handle. I got $150 for my first gen Mini 2, returned the 2nd gen 12.9 and I am keeping the 10.5. I have 12 months interest free from Best Buy as well.

Never had the 9.7 Pro, I felt it was too small. Not so with this 10.5, pretty darn great IMHO all the way round.

I will eventually sell my first gen 12.9 pro.
 
Most arguments here regarding the screen size of the 10.5 sound like confirmation bias. Today I had all three models here: my old iPad Air 2, a 12.9 Pro and also the 10.5 Pro. And to me, the 10.5 feels exactly as small as the old 9.7.

So, personlly I have another kind of dilemm: Keep the 12.9 or stick with the 10.5. The latter is not really an option for me because for my use case the regular iPad is more than enough.
When I use my 10.5" iPad Pro for a few minutes and then switch over to my son's 9.7" iPad Air 2 just to see how it feels, the size difference is noticeable and a definite downgrade. Holding the two on top of each other, the increase in overall footprint is small but not negligible.

I see lots of confirmation bias happening lately too, but from multiple angles. People are either trying to talk themselves out of upgrading, talk themselves into being happy with what they bought, or trying to decide if the one they want to buy is going to be the right choice if they do upgrade. 12.9" Pro users/lovers have been getting a little snippy because the 10.5" Pro got more love at the keynote. People who upgraded from 9.7" to 10.5" keep getting questioned on why they did it "for such a small difference". People who are sticking with their 9.7" Pro are constantly wrestling with upgrading or not, or telling others that they shouldn't upgrade theirs. It's all kind of pointless.

Go the store. Try them both. Compare them both to each other and to a 9.7" iPad. Make your decision from there. If you are not happy once you get it home, take it back and return or exchange it. It's really that simple. You're not going to be convinced by strangers on forums. And try to remember that the differences between the first gen Pros and the second gen Pros are not just a change in screen size for the smaller model. There are lots of other upgrades too.
 
I am using the IPP 9.7 today, so the question for me was whether i should upgrade.
It all boils down to how satisfied you are with the Pro 9.7 and whether you want to spend money right now or not. Imho, if you'd prefer to save money, better not try the Pro 10.5 unless you're unsatisfied with the Pro 9.7. Apple will eventually release an update to the Pro 10.5 anyway.

As the saying goes: Can't miss what you never had.

Other side of the coin: A luxury once sampled becomes a necessity.

Personally, I have a wish list of features I want in new iPads. Once that list is met and the price point is reasonable, I buy. If not, unless my current device is unbearable, I wait until Apple delivers what I want.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JohnnyGo
12.9 is just so bulky with those huge bezels and extra weight. 10.5 is the best choice for iPad.
There really is no real bulk and weight wise it really isn't as heavy as people seem to think. It might be big but it's not super heavy
 
There really is no real bulk and weight wise it really isn't as heavy as people seem to think. It might be big but it's not super heavy

I had to return mine. Just didn't feel very portable to me. Not easy to handle on the couch, in bed, on the road, etc. It's an awesome machine, just better suited for a desk in my eyes.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AppleRobert
I had to return mine. Just didn't feel very portable to me. Not easy to handle on the couch, in bed, on the road, etc. It's an awesome machine, just better suited for a desk in my eyes.
It is better suited with the keyboard that is for sure and I certainly wouldn't use it one it's own on a regular basics but I can still use it a lot on the sofa with the keyboard. 10.5 is better in terms of being portable thats for sure but sometimes that isn't enough for some.
 
I've had many 9.7" iPads and I think my 10.5 feels dramatically bigger. It's not life-changing, but it's enough to make the experience better.

I love all the screen real estate I can get, but not when it brings major compromises. I'm not sure I get the point of the 12.9. You can't really use it comfortably as a tablet...I'd think a 12" macbook would be better at that point. The 10.5 is still compact enough to bring everywhere and hold in yours hands comfortably for extended periods.
 
I had to return mine. Just didn't feel very portable to me. Not easy to handle on the couch, in bed, on the road, etc. It's an awesome machine, just better suited for a desk in my eyes.

Wow..my experience is so different. I have the apple smart cover and once rolled back in order to stand the IPP up, I have no issues with proppping it up on my lap while sitting on the couch or sitting up in bed. It is very comfortable for me. I also have no issues with portablility. I don't find it heavy, or weildly to use. It's very interesting to see how each person's miliage varies. It's just great to know that Apple offers solid options to fit ones needs.
 
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.

Agreed, but the extra size is welcome for those of us who would like a bit more, but don't want to jump to the 12.9" to get it. But if you can give me a bit more room without the trade-off in size that the 12.9" asks for, I won't say no to it.

Wow..my experience is so different. I have the apple smart cover and once rolled back in order to stand the IPP up, I have no issues with proppping it up on my lap while sitting on the couch or sitting up in bed. It is very comfortable for me. I also have no issues with portablility. I don't find it heavy, or weildly to use. It's very interesting to see how each person's miliage varies. It's just great to know that Apple offers solid options to fit ones needs.

Yeah, for me it was that I don't like using the smart cover that often. It was nice and offered a lot of space, but using it without some sort of stand was just a little too much for what I want it for. But it's also something that replaced more of a Moleskine + Laptop note/task/calendar management setup. Those sorts of things don't demand as much screen real estate as other needs.
 
It's not just the size. The big plus is the amount of extra content you can show on the screen. I can only imagine how much more content will show on the 12.9", but it is just too humongous and it was never even in consideration. If I was an artist sure, having a bigger canvas to work in is a huge plus. For my use, going from the couch to the bed, way too cumbersome.

iPP.JPG
 
It's not just the size. The big plus is the amount of extra content you can show on the screen. I can only imagine how much more content will show on the 12.9", but it is just too humongous and it was never even in consideration. If I was an artist sure, having a bigger canvas to work in is a huge plus. For my use, going from the couch to the bed, way too cumbersome.

View attachment 705311

Thanks for this picture! It helps. Can you show me Mail or Calendar?
 
  • Like
Reactions: MikaLoop
Size really is subjective. I specifically bout the 12.9, with more of an eye on "close to laptop replacement", and with iOS11 firmly in mind towards that end. Granted, most of what I do is more basic productivity and content consumption, but I have the possibility for some expanded performance if needed without hauling my MbP around on business [especially if I need to take my Windows laptop for gaming, etc]

Sure it's not quite as portable as the 10.5, but the extra screen real estate can be a real boon depending on the application, and it still fits on an airplane tray table . . something my 15" MbP TB or Alienware R13 R3 really don't do.

Of course the other big thing is that my eyes have never been that great, and between glasses and contacts larger screens have always been a bit more comfortable for me to read on ;)
 
  • Like
Reactions: rui no onna
Size really is subjective. I specifically bout the 12.9, with more of an eye on "close to laptop replacement", and with iOS11 firmly in mind towards that end. Granted, most of what I do is more basic productivity and content consumption, but I have the possibility for some expanded performance if needed without hauling my MbP around on business [especially if I need to take my Windows laptop for gaming, etc]

Sure it's not quite as portable as the 10.5, but the extra screen real estate can be a real boon depending on the application, and it still fits on an airplane tray table . . something my 15" MbP TB or Alienware R13 R3 really don't do.

Of course the other big thing is that my eyes have never been that great, and between glasses and contacts larger screens have always been a bit more comfortable for me to read on ;)
Agreed

The 12.9 is replacing my MacBook Pro so using the keyboard and Smart Cover it's basically replacing both my MacBook Pro and 9.7 pro all in one.

The battery life on the 12.9 is rather incredible
 
  • Like
Reactions: AppleRobert
I think the 12.9 IPP is a little unwieldy to use comfortably as a tablet. If it ends up being used on a desk most of the time, then the better comparison would be with the rMB since both have similar weight (with keyboard attached on the IPP). Naturally, there are pros and cons with either option.

I guess if you have the MacBook Pro or a desktop Mac and just need one portable device, then either IPP would do well.

But if you are going to carry both a laptop and an IPP, the bulkiness of the 12.9" will be noticeable.

If Apple however, managed to shrink the bezels of the 12.9, then this would be an entirely different conversation.
 
I'll add myself to the list of people who thought the 9.7 --> 10.5" increase in screen size wasn't a big deal, and would "definitely" have preferred the 12.9" iPad, but had a change of heart when I saw the 9.7" and 10.5" in-store side-by-side. It's not a huge difference on paper, but in actual usage, it's a huge upgrade in size and usability.

I think the 10.5" version is the best size for using on the couch and holding in your hand, but I'd still get the 12.9" version because I'm contemplating getting it as a laptop replacement.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.