iPad Pro 10.5 -> 12.9 - my tale of wonderment

[Mad Mac Maniac]

I really want a 12.9" as well, but I'm going to wait 2-3 years until they can reduce the weight and bezels on it. That version will probably also be OLED or mLED and 3X retina. I think the 12.9" is better for web and multitasking, but the 10.5" is good enough for what I do right now. Once I move to doing most of my work on the iPad and they continue making the OS better for Pro use, I'll want a bigger display. Right now 10.5" is a good transition size until the 12.9" is where it needs to be for using in hand while I'm drawing, editing photos or whatever. Enjoy your 12.9"!

Yeah I’m in a similar boat to this. I have a 9.7 pro, which is perfect for me, especially because when I want a larger screen I go to my 2013 MBA. But I figure in a few years with advancements in iOS and reductions in size/weight, I’ll move up to the 12.9 in replacement of both my 9.7 pro and MBA.

 

[Broadus]

Yeah I’m in a similar boat to this. I have a 9.7 pro, which is perfect for me, especially because when I want a larger screen I go to my 2013 MBA. But I figure in a few years with advancements in iOS and reductions in size/weight, I’ll move up to the 12.9 in replacement of both my 9.7 pro and MBA.

I'm actually thinking about a 12.9 substantially replacing my 2012 rMBP. The prospect of spending $2K+ on another MBP is unappealing.

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

I'm actually thinking about a 12.9 substantially replacing my 2012 rMBP. The prospect of spending $2K+ on another MBP is unappealing.

Yeah I find myself using my MBA less and less... and when I do I’m actually often finding myself frustrated that it doesn’t do things as easily as my iPad (probably equally frustrated by the limitations of iOS on iPad, but the paths are crossing). I’m more certain right now than I ever have been that my 2013 MBA will be the last Mac I own.

 

[macduke]

Your reasoning makes sense. I have a feeling the 12.9"(Like most ipads will probably shrink their bezels in the future). That would make the 12.9" much more holdable. I currently use an old ipad mini 2. Want to upgrade to a pro ipad to sketch on and travel with. Love the 12.9" for the extra screen space, but the 10.5" for it's portability. If Apple released an ipad mini pro, i'd probably get that for when i travel, and a 12.9" for when im not. But since there is no ipad mini pro, and no rumors of one coming...i'm thinking the 10.5" may be the best choice at this time.

Haha yeah if money was no object I'd definitely get an iPad Mini and iPad Pro 12.9" combo.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

I kept quiet about my desire for 12.9, when I shouldn't.

Well maybe a tad hard on yourself. From what you wrote it doesn't seem like you really knew what your desire was until you made the move to go back to the Apple Store. It really is a tough choice this year. Can't go wrong with either but the heart wants what the heart wants.

And yes, thumbs up to the Apple Store for letting you "upgrade" after the official return period. Definitely YMMV but you came out on the plus side. Enjoy.

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

Kudos to Apple for such a great customer service move, words cannot really express how grateful I am. They had no reason to help me, but they did.

While I agree Apple didn't have to do this, and that it was good customer service... I think perhaps a bit too much is being made of this. I mean you were asking Apple to allow you to give them more money. Now if it were the opposite (purchased 12.9 and after over a month tried to "downgrade" to 10.5) and Apple agreed to it then I would truly be impressed.

 

[Greenmeenie]

While I agree Apple didn't have to do this, and that it was good customer service... I think perhaps a bit too much is being made of this. I mean you were asking Apple to allow you to give them more money. Now if it were the opposite (purchased 12.9 and after over a month tried to "downgrade" to 10.5) and Apple agreed to it then I would truly be impressed.

I dunno. I went into an Apple Store with a broken keyboard to a 5 year old imac waaaaay out of warranty...and the Apple employee took it, disappeared into the back room and came out with a brand spanking new keyboard. Just gave it to me no questions asked. No charge. I've had similar experiences happen to me over the years. Not always, but i've found it to be the case more often than not.

 

[maflynn]

I mean you were asking Apple to allow you to give them more money. Now if it were the opposite (purchased 12.9 and after over a month tried to "downgrade" to 10.5) and Apple agreed to it then I would truly be impressed.

Yes, I am giving apple more money, but that's globally, you need to think about the implications to the local apple store.

Many retail stores have quotas and incentives, and the higher the return rate the less a manager may get for a bonus. I don't know how Apple runs its retails stores, but the store manager accepted a product that was well out of the return period. What makes it worse for them, is the 12.9" is selling quite well, so their margins are taking a hit on my sale. That is, they would have sold the iPad for the full price to someone, instead they took a 600+ dollar hit on their margins.

 

[David58117]

Yes, I am giving apple more money, but that's globally, you need to think about the implications to the local apple store.

Many retail stores have quotas and incentives, and the higher the return rate the less a manager may get for a bonus. I don't know how Apple runs its retails stores, but the store manager accepted a product that was well out of the return period. What makes it worse for them, is the 12.9" is selling quite well, so their margins are taking a hit on my sale. That is, they would have sold the iPad for the full price to someone, instead they took a 600+ dollar hit on their margins.

Did you happen to wear a Macrumors staff member t-shirt when you went in?

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

I dunno. I went into an Apple Store with a broken keyboard to a 5 year old imac waaaaay out of warranty...and the Apple employee took it, disappeared into the back room and came out with a brand spanking new keyboard. Just gave it to me no questions asked. No charge. I've had similar experiences happen to me over the years. Not always, but i've found it to be the case more often than not.

I absolutely agree that Apple's customer service is the best in the business. Heck, when I was in there one day there was an Apple employee spending 30+ minutes helping an old man (maybe 80?) set up his Facebook account that his grandkids wanted him to have. The employee was actually using his phone to enter personal information into his profile. It was kind of strange honestly... haha.

But I'm saying that this is a lesser example of customer service. Still good on Apple, but I'd have been more impressed if Apple were losing money in this exchange (via a downgrade or a simple return).

Yes, I am giving apple more money, but that's globally, you need to think about the implications to the local apple store.

Many retail stores have quotas and incentives, and the higher the return rate the less a manager may get for a bonus. I don't know how Apple runs its retails stores, but the store manager accepted a product that was well out of the return period. What makes it worse for them, is the 12.9" is selling quite well, so their margins are taking a hit on my sale. That is, they would have sold the iPad for the full price to someone, instead they took a 600+ dollar hit on their margins.

Perhaps you're right. And I know little to nothing about the intricacies of running a retail store, however I wouldn't be surprised if Apple retail worked very differently. They rarely, if ever, exert any sort of sales pressure.

 

[Aluminum213]

That's my concern, when I travel, its with a laptop and my iPad, hence my initial purchase of the 10.5 and that worked well when I was out and about.

That's a lot of weight, which is why I couldn't consider the 12.9 size. One of the main advantages of a tablet is the weight and portability, the 12.9 just eliminates that

 

[The Game 161]

That's a lot of weight, which is why I couldn't consider the 12.9 size. One of the main advantages of a tablet is the weight and portability, the 12.9 just eliminates that

Not really, it isn't that heavy and for portability it's perfectly reasonable considering how big it is.

 

[dsc888]

I'm actually thinking about a 12.9 substantially replacing my 2012 rMBP. The prospect of spending $2K+ on another MBP is unappealing.

That's exactly what I did. My 2012 rMBP is having its battery replaced as we speak and I will hand it down to my son for school work when I get it back. The 12.9 IPP that I picked up from Bestbuy with ASK and Pencil is perfect for use while I'm on the couch. My 15 inch rMBP weighed in at a heft 5.5lbs. My new combo is under 3lbs. My rMBP also gets hot at times with video watching and editing and the fans spin up. The IPP is fabless and I am eager to do photo and video editing on the new IPP using both Affinity Photo and LumaFusion.

I have a new 2017 27 inch iMac to do the heavy lifting but my new 2017 IPP 12.9 had definitely replaced my need to spend upward to $2k+ on a 2017 15inch MBP. And with iOS 11 coming out this fall, Apple will definitely push more people to think about using iPads not only for consumption but for more serious productivity.

 

[aevan]

tl;dr I kept quiet about my desire for 12.9, when I shouldn't. Apple's top notch service allowed me to upgrade when I didn't deserve it.

Glad it's working out for you. For me, there was never any dilemma, because I draw in Procreate, but glad that more people like the 12.9". Actually, I'm a bit scared that Apple might kill the larger model because the smaller is selling a lot better. I know a lot of Apple podcasters were actually surprised the 12.9 also received an update.

Hope the larger one sells well. I would love that it gets the 10.5 bezel treatment, so that we get a 13.5" in the next version.

 

[David58117]

Glad it's working out for you. For me, there was never any dilemma, because I draw in Procreate, but glad that more people like the 12.9". Actually, I'm a bit scared that Apple might kill the larger model because the smaller is selling a lot better. I know a lot of Apple podcasters were actually surprised the 12.9 also received an update.

Hope the larger one sells well. I would love that it gets the 10.5 bezel treatment, so that we get a 13.5" in the next version.

Is it really selling less?

It's sold out everywhere here, while the 10.5 is readily available.

With Apple pushing the iPad as a laptop replacement, I would be surprised if they kill it off.

Anyway, it's definitely my favorite iPad.

 

[Feenician]

This thread has been food for thought. I’m just starting to think about my next iPad from my current 9.7” Pro. I use mine most of the time at home, but most critically in road warrior mode when traveling and working. I had been leaning toward the 10.5 but this is making me reconsider the larger iPad.

 

[retrouk]

Hi everyone I have just ordered the 12.9 iPad Pro having previously returned the 10.5 iPad Pro. Having visited my local Apple Store a few times I knew then that the 12.9 iPad Pro is the best choice for me. It will be used mainly at home and used for browsing the Web/entertainment. With regards to weight, the new iPad Pro 12.9 is so light anyway that I don't think portability is an issue at all. Apple have done an excellent job with the new 12.9 iPad Pro. Can't wait to receive it

 

[maflynn]

Did you happen to wear a Macrumors staff member t-shirt when you went in?

My MacRumor's Onsie was in the wash I had to execute the transaction undercover
[doublepost=1502189762][/doublepost]

Like most ipads will probably shrink their bezels in the future).

I found the bezel to be a nice spot to hold the iPad, with less bezel, then your palm will be pressing up against the touchscreen. I think the bezel has a purpose in that regard.

Get it home, install your own apps and use it where and how you usually do.

As I do that, the downside of the size is becoming more apparent with my usage. I use my iPad typically in my living room while everyone is watching tv. Holding and using it upright is unwieldy. My kids are facing similar issue, though their struggles are magnified as they have smaller hands. I think in jonesing for the 12.9", I was struck with a case of the grass is greener, and now that I have the larger iPad my usage is such that its not as useful.

I will say reading comics on it, is much better, and that's one aspect i've thoroughly enjoyed, but overall, I'm starting to lean to the idea that for me, it may be too big

 

[Newtons Apple]

My MacRumor's Onsie was in the wash I had to execute the transaction undercover
[doublepost=1502189762][/doublepost]
I found the bezel to be a nice spot to hold the iPad, with less bezel, then your palm will be pressing up against the touchscreen. I think the bezel has a purpose in that regard.


As I do that, the downside of the size is becoming more apparent with my usage. I use my iPad typically in my living room while everyone is watching tv. Holding and using it upright is unwieldy. My kids are facing similar issue, though their struggles are magnified as they have smaller hands. I think in jonesing for the 12.9", I was struck with a case of the grass is greener, and now that I have the larger iPad my usage is such that its not as useful.

I will say reading comics on it, is much better, and that's one aspect i've thoroughly enjoyed, but overall, I'm starting to lean to the idea that for me, it may be too big

I remember getting the 12.9 when it was first introduced and was so excited. Slowly over the next week I realized that I simply did not want to put up with it's size and traded it in for an additional 9.7. The grass always "looks" greener on the other side of the fence, but someone still has to mow it. The 12.9 is an awesome piece of hardware.

 

[Arran]

If you can keep the 12.9 minimal and light, it’s very portable...

Agreed. The magnetically attached Smart Cover concept was made for the 12.9. I always remove the cover when reading because it makes the big iPad so much easier to hold.

Magnets make removal/replacement effortlesss. Unlike other covers /cases I've tried.

 

[maflynn]

The grass always "looks" greener on the other side of the fence, but someone still has to mow it.

Yep, and I seem to keep learning that lesson, over and over ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

The 12.9 is an awesome piece of hardware.

It is, and I think that's why I wanted to "upgrade" in the first place, my latest struggle isn't that the 12.9 is not measuring up, but rather my needs seem to fit the 10.5.

Funny note on transitioning on the size differences. I was using my iPad last night and to change over to my phone, and boy, did I struggle, going from the mammoth 12.9" iPad Pro to the diminutive iPhone SE

 

[sracer]

Glad it's working out for you. For me, there was never any dilemma, because I draw in Procreate, but glad that more people like the 12.9". Actually, I'm a bit scared that Apple might kill the larger model because the smaller is selling a lot better. I know a lot of Apple podcasters were actually surprised the 12.9 also received an update.

Hope the larger one sells well. I would love that it gets the 10.5 bezel treatment, so that we get a 13.5" in the next version.

Up to now, the benefits of having a 12.9 Pro have been pretty much hidden except for the obvious benefit of a 12.9 screen. Not many knew or cared about it having 4GB RAM (exclusive to the 12.9 until the 10.5 was released) nor the fact that it can display 2 full iOS apps (not the minimal phone version of the apps) side-by-side. The release of iOS 11 will generate greater interest and demand for the 12.9 Pro. The starting storage size of 64GB and frequent sales will also increase interest in it.

I wonder how many of the people who are complaining about the bezels on the 12.9 Pro actually own and use one. The bezels on the 12.9 Pro are fine. And considering how some complain about the overall size of the 12.9, shrinking the bezels but not the overall size doesn't seem like it would satisfy many people.

 

[jaybar]

Yep, and I seem to keep learning that lesson, over and over ¯\_(ツ)_/¯


It is, and I think that's why I wanted to "upgrade" in the first place, my latest struggle isn't that the 12.9 is not measuring up, but rather my needs seem to fit the 10.5.

Funny note on transitioning on the size differences. I was using my iPad last night and to change over to my phone, and boy, did I struggle, going from the mammoth 12.9" iPad Pro to the diminutive iPhone SE

Mike

What do you plan on doing now relative to the 12.9?

 

[emembee]

Maybe it’s a pencil or at a desk thing. While I agree that 12.9 is not as portable I would not say it is uncomfortable in use but can see for mostly viewing or consumption that the 10.5 is more appropriate.

For those that do drawing, lots of annotation and brainstorming I can’t see the 10.5 being as good though I would happily take one as a spare

 

[Dpwjr]

I have had my 12.9 for three weeks. I am coming from a iPad Air2. First off, like most, the screen is great!
At first, the size was intimidating. But after the three weeks of use, I can not see myself going back.

No more resizing small text on web pages( I did not realize how much I did that).
Love reading comics.
Being able to use in landscape and really see all the page with less scrolling is fantastic.

I use it without a case. I keep it in a sleeve when not in use.

I say keep it, soon you will not know how you did without it.