iPad 12.9" owners - buy new 10.5", updated 12.9" or stick with current model?

[missbing]

How much did you get it for? I'm seeing it only 30$ cheaper.

I purchased the 512gb wireless and LTE for $919 ($1079 at Apple). It doesn't say Cellular or LTE in the title, but it does say it in the description. It also shows the picture of the LTE version. I took screenshots just in case they send me the non cellular version.

Edit to add: Also they have some wifi only versions of other models and they specifically say "wifi only".

 

[cibonak]

who will take outdoor pictures with the 12.9?

 

[bizzy045]

I have the first gen 12.9 and the 9.7 pro. I am upgrading both to the new 12.9 and 10.5 pros. Giving the 9.7 pro to my wife who has been using an iPad Air 1 and selling the old 12.9. I keep going back and forth asking myself what I'm doing. Lol. I think I'll be happy with both the new ones, but it's an awful lot of money to be spending.

 

[44267547]

I have the first gen 12.9 and the 9.7 pro. I am upgrading both to the new 12.9 and 10.5 pros. Giving the 9.7 pro to my wife who has been using an iPad Air 1 and selling the old 12.9. I keep going back and forth asking myself what I'm doing. Lol. I think I'll be happy with both the new ones, but it's an awful lot of money to be spending.

That is a lot of money, but you're purchasing the best tablet hardware available with a Company that knows their product and stands behinds it. More so, these new hardware features with iOS 11 are awesome.

 

[LiveWireless]

That's a good theory.... which will tank if the 10.5 has only 2GB RAM.

Well then I guess it won't have 2GB of RAM; simple enough.

 

[person123]

I purchased the 512gb wireless and LTE for $919 ($1079 at Apple). It doesn't say Cellular or LTE in the title, but it does say it in the description. It also shows the picture of the LTE version. I took screenshots just in case they send me the non cellular version.

Edit to add: Also they have some wifi only versions of other models and they specifically say "wifi only".

Hm I've looked through them all and I don't seem to see anything in regards to cellular being present. It does show the picture, though.

 

[igluck00]

Well damn. I caved. For about $350 I decided to stop stressing about it.

 

[fruitninja]

This thread should be a poll. Can you do it in retrospect? I don't want to mark/count? (which word) each and every post individually.

 

[Ludatyk]

Well damn. I caved. For about $350 I decided to stop stressing about it.

$350? You did a trade in? And what are your thoughts compared to the previous model?

 

[igluck00]

$350? You did a trade in? And what are your thoughts compared to the previous model?

$350 is the net amount. I still have to sell my old one.

I pick it up in 30 minutes. Let you know my thoughts this afternoon.

 

[igluck00]

$350 is the net amount. I still have to sell my old one.

I pick it up in 30 minutes. Let you know my thoughts this afternoon.

I've had a whole 15 minutes to play with this thing but a couple of initial observations for those of you who are deciding on whether or not to upgrade from an existing 12.9. I don't have my Gen 1 with me at work, so I may have some additional thoughts once I can see them side by side.

Screen - Promotion is great and the trutone is more impressive than I would have thought. However, I didn't have any issues with the 60hz screens but this one is smoother. Personally, I wouldn't have upgraded on this basis alone.

Processor - It's faster. Without the other iPad in front of me I can't really get a sense of how noticeable it is. I think the graphics speed will be a observable improvement.

Camera - Also nicer than I would have expected. I don't intend to use it much, but it's much more capable than the one on the Gen 1.

Weight - It might be purely psychological, but I think it seems lighter and better balanced than the Gen 1. Not a huge difference, but something I picked up on.

Storage - Very glad to have 256 over 128.

For me, the sum of all of these improvements made it worthwhile to me. Also from a longevity standpoint. I don't imagine they will be updating this model very soon.

But if you are on the fence, I don't have a clear recommendation for you. Go look at one and decide if it ticks enough boxes.

 

[sregreb]

I just walked out of the Apple Store after playing around with the 12.9 and 10.5. Tested the pencil with some quick drawings also. Pen was more responsive and the display felt "stickier". Bottom line, I WANT the new 12.9 but will at least wait until IOS11 and the Holiday discounts. The above poster's observations are all correct but as I type on my current 12.9, it's still awesome. And luckily the Apple Store I went to only had the 256 Gig 12.9's in gold so the temptation was less. The 10.5 is quite nice also, keyboard is easier to type on as well. The thing that stood out the most on both models was the extra brightness and true tone display.

 

[Ludatyk]

Storage - Very glad to have 256 over 128.

I’ve already got 256gb of storage with my iPP, so storage really isn’t the deciding factor for me.

I’m more interested in the display...TBH. There’s so much hype with this ProMotion 120hz that those who experience it... it’s a noticeable difference between 60hz.

Whenever you get a chance I want to know of this... since you still currently have the 12.9”.

 

[DarwinOSX]

Tough decision for me. I'm gonna have to spend some hours with the new iPad 10.5" in split screen

I got the 10.5. I think it might be the perfect size whereas the 12.9 can be unwieldy and I'd rather just use my 15" MBP. iOS 11 may change that feeling. For now I'll use it for a few days and see.
[doublepost=1497377508][/doublepost]

I’ve already got 256gb of storage with my iPP, so storage really isn’t the deciding factor for me.

I’m more interested in the display...TBH. There’s so much hype with this ProMotion 120hz that those who experience it... it’s a noticeable difference between 60hz.

Whenever you get a chance I want to know of this... since you still currently have the 12.9”.

I noticed the faster screen right away.
[doublepost=1497377555][/doublepost]

I just walked out of the Apple Store after playing around with the 12.9 and 10.5. Tested the pencil with some quick drawings also. Pen was more responsive and the display felt "stickier". Bottom line, I WANT the new 12.9 but will at least wait until IOS11 and the Holiday discounts. The above poster's observations are all correct but as I type on my current 12.9, it's still awesome. And luckily the Apple Store I went to only had the 256 Gig 12.9's in gold so the temptation was less. The 10.5 is quite nice also, keyboard is easier to type on as well. The thing that stood out the most on both models was the extra brightness and true tone display.

I would upgrade for the screen alone.
[doublepost=1497377625][/doublepost]

Well then I guess it won't have 2GB of RAM; simple enough.

It has 4GB of ram.
[doublepost=1497377695][/doublepost]

Stay strong. I know the reviews have been talking about the 120hz screen making everything else feel old and choppy when scrolling, almost a near retina type of improvement to the display, but try not to give in to the dark side.

No he should absolutely give in.
[doublepost=1497377769][/doublepost]

But in terms of actual practical day to day usage, there is no difference. You're talking nits and slight reflective coverage improvements mayne

Talk yourself into whatever you want but there is a major difference in the screen. Both color and brightness and scrolling.
[doublepost=1497377805][/doublepost]

Keep current. Still valuable. Its refresh rate is the only thing changed and maybe 7mp front camera.

Totally incorrect. Do some research.
[doublepost=1497377835][/doublepost]

I’m surprised that Apple is including a 12w power adapter with the 12.9” iPad Pro again. I bought the USB-C power adapter to use with my iPad Pro because 12w wasn’t nearly enough to charge the iPad while in use.

Yes I had to buy another 29w adapter because it is much faster charge. Annoying.
[doublepost=1497377919][/doublepost]

Yes sir. I am offloading my 12.9" 128 GB cellular model and getting 10.5"
12.9" is a wrong size for night reading or reading on a couch.

I have found that to be true as well. I do love the massive screen but 10.5 is a really great compromise and if I need more I use my 15" MBP.

 

[pat500000]

I got the 10.5. I think it might be the perfect size whereas the 12.9 can be unwieldy and I'd rather just use my 15" MBP. iOS 11 may change that feeling. For now I'll use it for a few days and see.
[doublepost=1497377508][/doublepost]

I noticed the faster screen right away.
[doublepost=1497377555][/doublepost]

I would upgrade for the screen alone.
[doublepost=1497377625][/doublepost]

It has 4GB of ram.
[doublepost=1497377695][/doublepost]

No he should absolutely give in.
[doublepost=1497377769][/doublepost]

Talk yourself into whatever you want but there is a major difference in the screen. Both color and brightness and scrolling.
[doublepost=1497377805][/doublepost]

Totally incorrect. Do some research.
[doublepost=1497377835][/doublepost]

Yes I had to buy another 29w adapter because it is much faster charge. Annoying.
[doublepost=1497377919][/doublepost]

I have found that to be true as well. I do love the massive screen but 10.5 is a really great compromise and if I need more I use my 15" MBP.

You do research. Sure there are more stuff but that doesnt mean im incorrect. Try again.

 

[ssledoux]

Well I should've compared my old 12.9 to my new one before I erased and restored it for its next owner, but I LOVE the screen on the new one. It definitely seems faster. I still need to use my pencil to see how that goes.

I also found it felt a little lighter, but that's because I have no screen glass or back cover on it, though I did have my ASK on it.

 

[nfl46]

I'll be sticking with my Gen 1 12.9-inch iPad. None of the changes on Gen 2 makes me wanna rush and go out to purchase it.

 

[Dainin]

I've been playing with the 10.5 coming from my 12.9. It feels a LOT smaller. I'm not yet convinced if I want to keep it or not. The display is really nice, and it is fast and responsive. I'm just not sure if I can get over the size of the apps in split screen mode.

 

[rui no onna]

I've been playing with the 10.5 coming from my 12.9. It feels a LOT smaller. I'm not yet convinced if I want to keep it or not. The display is really nice, and it is fast and responsive. I'm just not sure if I can get over the size of the apps in split screen mode.

I reckon part of the problem there is the 10.5 still uses a compact or iPhone-like UI in split screen whereas the 12.9 uses regular UI.

 

[ssledoux]

I really struggled with whether or not to go 10.5 from my 1st gen 12.9, but ultimately decided to get the new 12.9 and I'm so glad I did. This thing is gorgeous, and I really think I would've missed the size.

 

[spazer]

If I can get some decent cash for my 12.9 I will update around when iOS 11 drops. Not much need to upgrade yet IMO. I think I would like the 10.5" size a great deal more. 1lb and a smaller footprint is pretty attractive to me.

At $879 for 256GB Cellular model, I would want to offload my 12.9" 128GB cellular for $500 minimum. Not sure if that's possible.

I sold my 12.9" 128GB cellular for $750 on Craigslist a couple days ago.

 

[AVBeatMan]

I have the 2015 12.9 Pro. Just bought the new 10.5 but now I want the 2017 12.9! I just love both sizes. I got a great deal with my current 12.9 and think if I can recoup the price I paid, upgrading to the new 12.9 won't be that big of a price to pay. I'd not get the cellular version as I have that on the 10.5 and have only once taken my 12.9 away from home and that was to my sisters house in London and she has great wifi!

 

[Peter K.]

I sold my 12.9" 128GB cellular for $750 on Craigslist a couple days ago.

Well done! Off the top of my head, sounds like you got above, or the very top end of market value.

 

[boston04and07]

This was really an interesting thread to read tonight. I'm thinking of switching to the 10.5. Currently I'm using a 12.9 + mini 4 combination. They're both really great devices, but as far as the 12.9 is comcerned, I just don't feel like I'm really getting as much out of it as I'd like due to the size. I find that I go for my mini much more often as the 12.9 just seems a bit too unwieldy for me to use away from my desk. Plus I rarely if ever need or want to run two apps in split view - that's just not how I tend to work, so the extra screen size for that isn't really a concern for me.

That considered, I really want my main/mobile device (ie, the role that my mini fills now) to have the niceties that the Pro has that the mini doesn't - pencil support, increased storage, and better cameras, to name a few. Plus, I think I'd just rather have one single device that does everything I need instead of two. I think the 10.5 could hit all those needs.

I'm still thinking about it, but the switch seems very tempting to me right now!

 

[sracer]

This was really an interesting thread to read tonight. I'm thinking of switching to the 10.5. Currently I'm using a 12.9 + mini 4 combination. They're both really great devices, but as far as the 12.9 is comcerned, I just don't feel like I'm really getting as much out of it as I'd like due to the size. I find that I go for my mini much more often as the 12.9 just seems a bit too unwieldy for me to use away from my desk. Plus I rarely if ever need or want to run two apps in split view - that's just not how I tend to work, so the extra screen size for that isn't really a concern for me.

That considered, I really want my main/mobile device (ie, the role that my mini fills now) to have the niceties that the Pro has that the mini doesn't - pencil support, increased storage, and better cameras, to name a few. Plus, I think I'd just rather have one single device that does everything I need instead of two. I think the 10.5 could hit all those needs.

I'm still thinking about it, but the switch seems very tempting to me right now!

Given your use cases, it makes sense to switch from the 12.9 Pro+Mini 4 combo. (That's the combo that I have too)

But I recommend waiting to see what iOS 11 actually delivers. It is possible that the added iPad-centric functionality may cause you to use your 12.9 Pro more and in different ways than you currently do.

That's what I'm doing (waiting for iOS 11 before making any decisions).