iPad Pro iPad mini making my 11” Pro feel redundant…

[James Godfrey]

Hi all

I currently have an 11” Pro and got a mini 6 for Christmas, however, I am feeling like the mini is making my 11” pro feel redundant, I went for the 11” primarily because of its portability, which is now provided with the mini.

I find when going out and about I am more likely to grab my mini 6 than the 11” Pro as it slips into my pocket and provides me with a super portable iPad experience.

I am contemplating selling the 11” and getting the 12.9”… so my 12.9” will be more of my at home device whereas the mini will be more of my on the go device…

Thoughts? Anyone feel the same?

 

[ericwn]

I struggle to justify a second iPad in my life. Between my Mac for work and my iPhone and iPad (12 PM and 12.9 Pro) I don’t see any space for another device.

Maybe sell the 11” and see how far you can get with just the mini, then decide from there.

 

[trhoffmann]

I just added an iPad mini 6 as a complement to my iPad Pro 12.9”. My iPad Pro stays at my desk, either on a stand or attached to the MKB, while the mini 6 is my portable device. Perfect combination for my needs. I do not own a Mac or PC.

 

[James Godfrey]

I struggle to justify a second iPad in my life. Between my Mac for work and my iPhone and iPad (12 PM and 12.9 Pro) I don’t see any space for another device.

Maybe sell the 11” and see how far you can get with just the mini, then decide from there.

Might well just use my mini solely and see if it satisfies my needs for a couple of weeks.

I just added an iPad mini 6 as a complement to my iPad Pro 12.9”. My iPad Pro stays at my desk, either on a stand or attached to the MKB, while the mini 6 is my portable device. Perfect combination for my needs. I do not own a Mac or PC.

That’s exactly what I am thinking using the 12.9 as my at home device, and only taking it out when I am going to be away from home for a few nights, or for holidays etc…

Then using the mini 6 as my daily mobile iPad for work etc… decisions ?

 

[sparksd]

That’s exactly what I am thinking using the 12.9 as my at home device, and only taking it out when I am going to be away from home for a few nights, or for holidays etc…

Then using the mini 6 as my daily mobile iPad for work etc… decisions ?

That's pretty much how I use my 2021 12.9 & Mini 6. Good complementary combo.

 

[DeepIn2U]

Might well just use my mini solely and see if it satisfies my needs for a couple of weeks.


That’s exactly what I am thinking using the 12.9 as my at home device, and only taking it out when I am going to be away from home for a few nights, or for holidays etc…

Then using the mini 6 as my daily mobile iPad for work etc… decisions ?

Hmm. if you have a mac or PC and monitors for home use, I see the 12.9" iPP being a larger expense to acquire, unless you heavily draw or digital art creation and editing needed.

would a 12.9 do you better than the 11" already provides at home?
^ seeing if this is a heavy want-craving vs need and can do without.

I say ... sell the 11" ... go full out with the iPad Mini 6 both home and abroad for 30 days. Bank/invest sale proceeds of the 11" (today would've helped a lot on A's stock rise alone; maybe 4($200/stock over estimating for simplicity) x $11 up today = $44 more than say $800 current 11" value (2018/2019 iPP).

Then if you really need the 12.9 you'll be craving for it more during that 30 days time period get it, use the extra gained on stock - if it maintains that minimum and most likely will not investing advice just an idea, use that to buy another Apple pencil 2 (reducing it's price)

 

[UltimateSyn]

It’s an interesting dilemma. Right now I have the 14” MBP and an iPad mini. I want to convince myself that I should get an iPad Pro and that it wouldn’t be redundant or superfluous, but I’m having a hard time doing it.

I loved my old 12.9” iPad Pro, but I think it might have too much overlap with my MBP, and I’ve used my wife’s 11” Pro but generally find myself preferring the handheld and ultra-lightweight form-factor of the mini. It’s just so light and easy to hold in one hand. I’m not sure I’ve got enough use cases to justify a device in between the mini and my MacBook BUT I do miss the ultra-fluid experience of the Pro iPads.

Anyway, yeah, my mini gets more use than anything else while I’m at home and it’s an awesome device that just might be more useful than we want it to be.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Think past the size of the mini. I think right now you ere enamored with the mini portability. Can you do everything you need to on the mini like you can the 11” Pro? If so, is doing those same things fluid and practical on a day to day basis? That is what you need to focus on to answer your iPad use question.

 

[rui no onna]

It’s an interesting dilemma. Right now I have the 14” MBP and an iPad mini. I want to convince myself that I should get an iPad Pro and that it wouldn’t be redundant or superfluous, but I’m having a hard time doing it.

I loved my old 12.9” iPad Pro, but I think it might have too much overlap with my MBP, and I’ve used my wife’s 11” Pro but generally find myself preferring the handheld and ultra-lightweight form-factor of the mini. It’s just so light and easy to hold in one hand. I’m not sure I’ve got enough use cases to justify a device in between the mini and my MacBook BUT I do miss the ultra-fluid experience of the Pro iPads.

Anyway, yeah, my mini gets more use than anything else while I’m at home and it’s an awesome device that just might be more useful than we want it to be.

If you have to convince yourself, then it very likely is superfluous.

For me, the use-case comes before the purchase. Sometimes, the devices work well for the target usage and even become useful for other tasks (my iPads ), sometimes they don't (my M1 MBA ).

 

[Realityck]

It’s an interesting dilemma. Right now I have the 14” MBP and an iPad mini. I want to convince myself that I should get an iPad Pro and that it wouldn’t be redundant or superfluous, but I’m having a hard time doing it.

I loved my old 12.9” iPad Pro, but I think it might have too much overlap with my MBP, and I’ve used my wife’s 11” Pro but generally find myself preferring the handheld and ultra-lightweight form-factor of the mini. It’s just so light and easy to hold in one hand. I’m not sure I’ve got enough use cases to justify a device in between the mini and my MacBook BUT I do miss the ultra-fluid experience of the Pro iPads.

Anyway, yeah, my mini gets more use than anything else while I’m at home and it’s an awesome device that just might be more useful than we want it to be.

Perhaps you should go my route, small, bigger, and even bigger. Currently 8.2" Mini 6, 16" MBP, and 24" iMac (All ARM)

 

[UltimateSyn]

If you have to convince yourself, then it very likely is superfluous.

For me, the use-case comes before the purchase. Sometimes, the devices work well for the target usage and even become useful for other tasks (my iPads ), sometimes they don't (my M1 MBA ).

You’re totally right, I just miss ProMotion and that gorgeous screen! but I may just save the $1500 since no use case is calling it’s name.

Perhaps you should go my route, small, bigger, and even bigger. Currently 8.2" Mini 6, 16" MBP, and 24" iMac (All ARM)

I had the 24” iMac and LOVED it, but went on the road for a year so I sold it to get the MBP for its portability. I’m figuring I’ll pair that with an Apple-branded external display when/if that ever comes rather than deal with managing two macOS file systems. I tried the 16” MBP and found it too heavy and cumbersome after coming from the 4lb 15” MBP.

 

[Sheepish-Lord]

I've done this song and dance with every iPad in the current lineup.

IPP 12.9" - with or without the magic keyboard it was by far the most unnecessary when it comes to portability and price. Too big to use as a tablet and not enough functionality unless you get the MK but then that takes it far beyond the price of a MacBook. Unless you love iPadOS and it's literally your only device then hard pass.

IPP 11" - good portability but still too big to use one handed, for most, or in bed unless you hold it at arms length. MK keys are smaller so while it's usable it wasn't worth having the MK because it made the 11" more expensive than a MacBook and had reduced keyboard functionality. Good compromise but would skip the MK.

Mini 6 - great portability, questionable screen quality but by far the best tablet experience and the smart folio is nice as you can prop it up in bed or similar without it falling over which can happen on the 11" and always happens on the 12.9".

My setup is a iMac 24", MacBook Air, Mini 6, and IPP 13 Max. iMac is my main display with the MBA as my second monitor especially with universal control now, Mini 6 is primarily content consumption, and IPP Max is my going out device not from a media consumption standpoint but due to amount of phones calls I can get so battery life is important. Next year I'll probably just get the regular Pro model.

 

[UltimateSyn]

I've done this song and dance with every iPad in the current lineup.

IPP 12.9" - with or without the magic keyboard it was by far the most unnecessary when it comes to portability and price. Too big to use as a tablet and not enough functionality unless you get the MK but then that takes it far beyond the price of a MacBook. Unless you love iPadOS and it's literally your only device then hard pass.

IPP 11" - good portability but still too big to use one handed, for most, or in bed unless you hold it at arms length. MK keys are smaller so while it's usable it wasn't worth having the MK because it made the 11" more expensive than a MacBook and had reduced keyboard functionality. Good compromise but would skip the MK.

Mini 6 - great portability, questionable screen quality but by far the best tablet experience and the smart folio is nice as you can prop it up in bed or similar without it falling over which can happen on the 11" and always happens on the 12.9".

My setup is a iMac 24", MacBook Air, Mini 6, and IPP 13 Max. iMac is my main display with the MBA as my second monitor especially with universal control now, Mini 6 is primarily content consumption, and IPP Max is my going out device not from a media consumption standpoint but due to amount of phones calls I can get so battery life is important. Next year I'll probably just get the regular Pro model.

A pretty spot-on breakdown. I really hope that ProMotion and mini-LED don’t take ten years to trickle down to the mini. It would be perfect with those additions, IMO.

 

[Username-already-in-use]

Hi all

I currently have an 11” Pro and got a mini 6 for Christmas, however, I am feeling like the mini is making my 11” pro feel redundant, I went for the 11” primarily because of its portability, which is now provided with the mini.

I find when going out and about I am more likely to grab my mini 6 than the 11” Pro as it slips into my pocket and provides me with a super portable iPad experience.

I am contemplating selling the 11” and getting the 12.9”… so my 12.9” will be more of my at home device whereas the mini will be more of my on the go device…

Thoughts? Anyone feel the same?

My combo is the 12.9 (work and watching video) and the Mini 6 (ultra portable and content consumption). I would miss both if I had to give up one. I like not needing to compromise.

 

[mdjasrie]

Recently, I have been entertaining the idea of ’downgrading’ my iPad Pro 12.9 inch to an iPad mini, seeing as how much portable the iPad mini is and just as powerful (for my needs since I don’t do much video editing or computationally intensive tasks on my iPad Pro) for my daily usage. It seemed such a compelling device to be able to bring it out without the added bulk of the iPad Pro.

Just today, I went to the store to have a look at the iPad mini and to physically have a go at it. One of the most jarring things I noticed is the 60hz display. Coming from a 120hz display that I get so used to from using the iPad Pro 12.9 inch, seeing the 60hz display from the iPad mini killed most of my enthusiasm in wanting to downgrade. I just cannot unsee the ‘stutteriness’ of the display that the iPad mini offers. It’s such a deal breaker for me.

However, that does not mean that I am still closely evaluating my own needs at the moment. It is still a compelling device from a portability point of view. Feels great holding it on one hand and to take notes on it while on the go, those are definite plus points for me.

I will probably continue using the iPad Pro and then maybe switch to iPad mini once the 120hz display trickles down the iPad lineup.

 

[Abazigal]

Hi all

I currently have an 11” Pro and got a mini 6 for Christmas, however, I am feeling like the mini is making my 11” pro feel redundant, I went for the 11” primarily because of its portability, which is now provided with the mini.

I find when going out and about I am more likely to grab my mini 6 than the 11” Pro as it slips into my pocket and provides me with a super portable iPad experience.

I am contemplating selling the 11” and getting the 12.9”… so my 12.9” will be more of my at home device whereas the mini will be more of my on the go device…

Thoughts? Anyone feel the same?

Same.

I find the 11” pro to be the best combination of portability and power. I wouldn’t get a mini if I already have one, but I feel the mini would be a nice companion device to the larger 12.9” iPad pro which I find to be way too unwieldy for use on the go.

If you have the money, I say go for it. I really liked the larger screen size, but ultimately went with the smaller model as it was easier to bring around.

 

[Isengardtom]

my Preferred setup is iMac + iPad. That way you have the best of both MacOS and iPadOS. I dislike laptops so they’re no good option for me which is why I prefer the bigger iPad as my mobile device.

I personally don’t Have much use case for 2 iPads

 

[Spainask27]

I bought an iPad Mini 6 in October and sold my 11 iPP in December. Mini is the best iPad.

 

[geta]

Dont see the point having Mini 6 and iPP 11” or 12.9”, unless you need it for specific work, for the price of iPP 12.9” with MK you can have much powerful MBA.

The Mini 6 is such an underrated little/portable device! Sitting perfectly between iPhone and laptop.

Wish it had 6GB memory instead of 4GB to make it more powerful and headphone jack… also better screen and 128GB base model would be nice addition, but not a must.

 

[johntw]

I actually think my setup of a 12.9” iPP and 6.7” 13 Pro Max is a great choice. I have a work issued MBA paired with an UltraFine 4K for getting some work tasks done, but I still get a great deal done from my iPhone and iPad.

The iPad is my preferred computing platform, and I don’t want to use a trackpad or mouse with iPadOS, just touch and a keyboard so my case is the trusty Smart Keyboard Folio.

If I preferred the Mac, I’d probably want an iPP 11 for media consumption and a smaller iPhone.

 

[sparksd]

Dont see the point having Mini 6 and iPP 11” or 12.9”, unless you need it for specific work, for the price of iPP 12.9” with MK you can have much powerful MBA.

The Mini 6 is such an underrated little/portable device! Sitting perfectly between iPhone and laptop.

Wish it had 6GB memory instead of 4GB to make it more powerful and headphone jack… also better screen and 128GB base model would be nice addition, but not a must.

I have the 6 and 12.9. I don't want an MBA in the least.

 

[MisterSavage]

Cannot relate at all. My 11" Pro feels very portable and when I use my old 9.7" Pro it feels too tiny.

 

[rui no onna]

I have the 6 and 12.9. I don't want an MBA in the least.

I pretty much have the complete current lineup of iPads (how'd that happen ?) and an MBA. All the iPads have been used in the past week. Meanwhile, I can't even remember the last time I used the MBA.

 

[Sheepish-Lord]

I have the 6 and 12.9. I don't want an MBA in the least.

No idea why people prefer the IPP 12.9” + MK instead of the MBA. The iPad combo is heavier than the MBA, has the same footprint as the MBA yet is ergonomically worse as the IPP easily tips over so placing it on your lap or anything other than a flat surface is a gamble, it has a worse aspect ratio for consuming content than the MBA, less versatile, and has almost half the battery life. So unless you’re one of the very rare people that use it as a tablet or draw the MBA is not only the better productivity device but it’s actually a better media consumption device as well all for being hundreds of dollars less especially if you get an Apple refurbished one.

I get people justifying their expensive IPP purchase but the 12.9” is nowhere near what the MBA is. Additionally, the screen quality on the IPP isn’t really that great as it suffers from poor response times and will undoubtedly have fingerprints on it 99% of the time.

 

[trhoffmann]

No idea why people prefer the IPP 12.9” + MK instead of the MBA.

I prefer the iPad Pro 12.9” for its touch-screen, pencil, and promotion support. I use my iPad Pro in portrait mode 90% of the time. None of these preferences are an option on the MBA. So the IPP 12.9” just works better for me than an MBA.