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

[44267547]

with the RAM still at 4GB the 12.9" upgrade from last year to this year isn't worth it, unlike the 9.7" to 10.5" which jumps from 2 to 4GB RAM

I wouldn't say it isn't worth it. I think that depends on what one considers "Worth it." The other notable features, you're still getting the added Tru-tone display, the 120 HZ refesh rate, 600 Nits of brightness (2015 12.9 had 424 Nits), upgraded camera with flash. The new 12.9 will sync at USB 3 Speeds, and has lower reflectivity at 1.8 % over the older 12.9.

The upgrades are there, you just have to appreciate these additional features.

 

[Aluminum213]

I wouldn't say it isn't worth it. I think that depends on what one considers "Worth it." The other notable features, you're still getting the added Tru-tone display, the 120 HZ refesh rate, 600 Nits of brightness (2015 12.9 had 424 Nits), upgraded camera with flash. The new 12.9 will sync at USB 3 Speeds, and has lower reflectivity at 1.8 % over the older 12.9.

The upgrades are there, you just have to appreciate these additional features.

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

 

[bufffilm]

I'm thinking about upgrading my 12.9" as well, but can't decide either. I made the mistake last year to purchase the 32GB model and I run out of space often. I may upgrade just for the storage increase alone, but can't decide on 10.5" or 12.9".

Anybody who bought a Pro1 32gb...unless you have everything in the cloud...it wasn't a smart move.

Live and learn.

 

[Ludatyk]

I'm thinking about upgrading my 12.9" as well, but can't decide either. I made the mistake last year to purchase the 32GB model and I run out of space often. I may upgrade just for the storage increase alone, but can't decide on 10.5" or 12.9".

Well, if you felt that the 12.9 was too big or heavy for mobility.. then go for the 10.5.

Me personally, I enjoy the real estate on the 12.9. I don’t ever foresee me going down toward the smaller screen, wouldn’t make sense for me. It would feel awkward to me.

Another reason of staying with the 12.9, you get full apps in SplitView compared to 50 percent of the app.

 

[sracer]

Well, if you felt that the 12.9 was too big or heavy for mobility.. then go for the 10.5.

Me personally, I enjoy the real estate on the 12.9. I don’t ever foresee me going down toward the smaller screen, wouldn’t make sense for me. It would feel awkward to me.

Another reason of staying with the 12.9, you get full apps in SplitView compared to 50 percent of the app.

This might be a situation where some iPad Pro owners "zig" when they should've "zagged".

They bought the 12.9 early on, felt it was too large, and now choose to go back to 9.7/10.5 at a time when there is more reason/justification for the larger form factor.

I will not be surprised to see some folks 6 months from now who shied away from the 12.9 to get the 10.5 and then have 2nd thoughts about the limited screen space for splitwindow and the compact UI after iOS 11 is released and out in the wild.

Portability is certainly a factor in the equation, but that could end up being less of a concern if the new features in iOS 11 are as beneficial as they sound.

I encourage those on the fence over which size, to take some time to sort out wishes and needs to draw the correct conclusion. It's too easy to get caught up in the excitement of new products. I know I do.

 

[penajmz]

I’m keeping my 12.9” and getting a 10.5” which will replace my Air 2.

 

[rui no onna]

This might be a situation where some iPad Pro owners "zig" when they should've "zagged".

They bought the 12.9 early on, felt it was too large, and now choose to go back to 9.7/10.5 at a time when there is more reason/justification for the larger form factor.

I will not be surprised to see some folks 6 months from now who shied away from the 12.9 to get the 10.5 and then have 2nd thoughts about the limited screen space for splitwindow and the compact UI after iOS 11 is released and out in the wild.

Portability is certainly a factor in the equation, but that could end up being less of a concern if the new features in iOS 11 are as beneficial as they sound.

I encourage those on the fence over which size, to take some time to sort out wishes and needs to draw the correct conclusion. It's too easy to get caught up in the excitement of new products. I know I do.

This is why I'm very satisfied with my decision to get the Pro 9.7 last year and the 2nd gen Pro 12.9 this year.

Given iOS support and software availability, getting the Pro 12.9 last year seems premature. This year, a lot of apps have been updated already and the multitasking features on iOS 11 are gonna shine on 12.9.

 

[Ludatyk]

This might be a situation where some iPad Pro owners "zig" when they should've "zagged".

They bought the 12.9 early on, felt it was too large, and now choose to go back to 9.7/10.5 at a time when there is more reason/justification for the larger form factor.

I will not be surprised to see some folks 6 months from now who shied away from the 12.9 to get the 10.5 and then have 2nd thoughts about the limited screen space for splitwindow and the compact UI after iOS 11 is released and out in the wild.

Portability is certainly a factor in the equation, but that could end up being less of a concern if the new features in iOS 11 are as beneficial as they sound.

I encourage those on the fence over which size, to take some time to sort out wishes and needs to draw the correct conclusion. It's too easy to get caught up in the excitement of new products. I know I do.

You make some valid points.

But in the end, the portability will trump the limited screen space for SplitView. That 9.7 iPad size is the most popular model. I think the 10.5 will push it even further especially with the narrow bezels.

I had thoughts of getting the 10.5 when the rumors started circulating of Apple implementing the home button inside the 10.5 space. But now, I’m definitely passing up on it. I do plan on checking both models when they hit stores.. bring my current 12.9 iPP to actually see for myself the difference between the newest.

 

[Lucifer666]

I just bought the new 12. I have a 1st gen, and just want to upgrade, as this upgrade is rather substantial, even thought the form factor hasn't changed; which is very good for my cases

The 10 is nice. Will wait to see that one. Who knows.

 

[rui no onna]

But in the end, the portability will trump the limited screen space for SplitView. That 9.7 iPad size is the most popular model. I think the 10.5 will push it even further especially with the narrow bezels.

That depends. I think a lot of people have wifi only iPads that are only used at home.

 

[cwosigns]

That depends. I think a lot of people have wifi only iPads that are only used at home.

The seamless tethering with iOS devices and an unlimited data plan makes it easier to choose the wifi only option.

 

[Ludatyk]

That depends. I think a lot of people have wifi only iPads that are only used at home.

Well, mobility is not limited to away from home. It could mean laying in bed, going to one room to the next.. bathroom or even kitchen.

Holding the 12.9 can be cumbersome... I know for me it took an adjustment period.

 

[Lucifer666]

I remember when I first got the 12.9. People here were saying it's "clownishly large". This made me a bit self conscious. The first time I brought it out (I think it was Christmas) I imagined people were staring at me thinking "Look at that clown".

I guess it's safe now?

 

[DotCom2]

I have the iPad Pro 12.9 gen 1. (Is that what we are to call them now, gen1 and gen 2?) Anyway, since iOS 11 will run on both with all the new features that will make the gen 1 so nice, why would I need the gen 2? Why makes it better?

 

[rui no onna]

I have the iPad Pro 12.9 gen 1. (Is that what we are to call them now, gen1 and gen 2?) Anyway, since iOS 11 will run on both with all the new features that will make the gen 1 so nice, why would I need the gen 2? Why makes it better?

Current owners, not much reason unless you're hurting for more storage.

I purposely skipped 1st gen 12.9 as it was ahead of its time software-wise. I expect by the time software matched up, there would be a newer, better model for the same price anyway.

 

[44267547]

I have the iPad Pro 12.9 gen 1. (Is that what we are to call them now, gen1 and gen 2?) Anyway, since iOS 11 will run on both with all the new features that will make the gen 1 so nice, why would I need the gen 2? Why makes it better?

Only you would know why you need the 12.9 Gen 2 iPad. There are quite a few threads discussing the differences, but the more technical specifications are:

Added Tru-Tone Display
120 Hz Promotion display
Upgraded iPhone 7 camera
Added 600 Nits brightness (2015 has 424)
Lower reflectivity rate at 1.8%(2015 has 2.6)
Gen 2 Touch ID
Sync at USB 3 Speeds
A10X Chip (6 Cores)

 

[Ludatyk]

I have the iPad Pro 12.9 gen 1. (Is that what we are to call them now, gen1 and gen 2?) Anyway, since iOS 11 will run on both with all the new features that will make the gen 1 so nice, why would I need the gen 2? Why makes it better?

As @rui no onna pointed out that storage is a reason, but the screen is another reason as well. I'm considering the 2nd gen due to the screen. I've got a 256gb LTE 12.9 iPP that's pretty solid, but that ProMotion has me thinking how smooth it will be running iOS 11 multitasking features.

But yeah, most users will be totally fine with the 1st gen... especially with the added features of iOS 11.

 

[ssledoux]

Well I said early in the thread that I was keeping my 1st gen 12.9, then I was toying with going to 10.5 for portability, but I wound up ordering a new 12.9 today; silver, 512 gb LTE model. I have to have LTE because that's my only internet access.

I thought I'd skip it and just hang on to the one I have, but I'm really getting to where I use it for more and more things since eliminating my computer last year, so I figured why not have what I can get the absolute most out of once the new software comes out. This way I know once I get all my stuff loaded and update it with iOS 11, I'm good for a while and not going to decide I want to upgrade.

Plus, I figure right now I can get more for my current iPP than I will 6 months from now, so I'm just going for it.

 

[Ludatyk]

Plus, I figure right now I can get more for my current iPP than I will 6 months from now, so I'm just going for it.

Have you already sold your current iPP?

I plan on waiting to see the newest one before making a decision, checking out reviews as well. I use my iPP a lot as well and although I can do just fine with the one I have now. I wanna see this ProMotion in action for myself.

 

[ssledoux]

Have you already sold your current iPP?

I plan on waiting to see the newest one before making a decision, checking out reviews as well. I use my iPP a lot as well and although I can do just fine with the one I have now. I wanna see this ProMotion in action for myself.

I haven't yet; just listed it a couple places tonight so I'll see what happens. I've definitely been beating myself up over what, if anything, to do. I like the idea of going smaller, but my 12.9 is my computer replacement, so if I go to 10.5 for portability, I'm afraid it'll just be too small for everything else. I'm also a bit nervous about the ASK size and usability for the 10.5.

Decisions, decisions

 

[Dainin]

I love the real estate on my 12.9 iPad Pro. However, I miss the portability. I ordered a 10.5. I'll play with them side by side and decide if I want to return the 10.5 or buy a new 12.9.

 

[44267547]

I love the real estate on my 12.9 iPad Pro. However, I miss the portability. I ordered a 10.5. I'll play with them side by side and decide if I want to return the 10.5 or buy a new 12.9.

I like your rationalization. Sometimes that is the best way to find what you like best is to have side by side comparisons. And you have a 14 day return policy.

 

[person123]

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.

Shoot I'd buy it for 500.

 

[Biko65]

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.

Sold mine ( 128GB Cellular ) for $750 here in Italy, got the 512 Cellular from Apple for $1560 ( YES it is more than $300 than the Apple US price... )

A.

 

[profets]

Nice review by Viticci.

This picture kind of blew me away - physically the 10.5 still seems so much smaller than the 12.9. And it gives a good idea of what split screen looks like on both: