iPad Pro iPad Pro 11 or 12.9? Here is my use, in detail

[NorthStar_IT]

Hello everybody,

I am looking for advice to buy an iPad Pro 2020, I am in doubt whether to buy the 11" or the 12.9" (Wi-Fi, 256gb). Let me describe my use below, so that you can identify with my situation.

• It will be my main device that I will use for personal entertainment at home.
• At the moment I don't have any other laptop or computer (I don't need them), except for a corporate laptop which I only use for work, at home and in the office.
• I don't plan to use the iPad outside the home, it will rarely happen.
• My use will be 75% entertainment (internet, YouTube, Netflix & co) and 25% video editing (4K amateur videos: Luma fusion) and photo editing (Shots from Sony camera: Lightroom).
• I plan to use it mostly on the bed or sofa (After hours in the office in front of a monitor, when I get home, I'm reluctant to sit on a desk again), so the surfaces on which it will rest will often be improvised (on the bed, on the edge of the sofa, rather than on my belly).
• For editing maybe I'll move from the sofa to the desk, depending on what I do.
• It could happen of course, but I don't think I will use it a lot for writing or taking notes and I don't plan to use it much in split view.
• I will not buy a keyboard-cover, maybe later the pencil to see if it improves the user experience for video and photo editing.

To conclude, I would be more oriented towards 11, but...
The 12.9 tempts me a lot for the larger screen (for that 20-25% of video and photo editing that I plan to do), as it will then be my main device at home and I have no other devices with larger screens, so I wouldn't want to then regret a bigger screen.
On the other hand, for use on a sofa/ bed in tablet mode, the 12.9 does not see the maximum of practicality. Maybe I could get used to it, or would it be more of an imposition?

Any suggestions are welcome

Thanks a lot
N

 

[BB1970]

My general rule of thumb: If it’s your main device, get the 12.9.
If it’s an accessory device to say a desktop or MacBook, then the 11 is fine.
You’ll appreciate the extra screen size especially in the editing (I do music and light video editing). My 10.5 pro is okay... but my next ipad will definitely be 12.9.

 

[Zazoh]

If it were me, given you will nearly always use when holding it, the smaller size will benefit you. The larger one, is not only bigger in screen size, bet weight as well. If you have access to an Apple store or Best Buy, may want to got check the experience.

 

[NorthStar_IT]

If it were me, given you will nearly always use when holding it, the smaller size will benefit you. The larger one, is not only bigger in screen size, bet weight as well. If you have access to an Apple store or Best Buy, may want to got check the experience.

I "weighed" them both in a shop, the impression when I'm standing there and holding it in my hand is that 12.9 is manageable, then at home when I simulate the size on the sofa, doubts arrive.
Would I get used to it or maybe it is better to say I would adapt to?
I believe that these 2 scenarios are very different in terms of satisfaction in the user experience.

 

[ericwn]

Hello everybody,

I am looking for advice to buy an iPad Pro 2020, I am in doubt whether to buy the 11" or the 12.9" (Wi-Fi, 256gb). Let me describe my use below, so that you can identify with my situation.

• It will be my main device that I will use for personal entertainment at home.
• At the moment I don't have any other laptop or computer (I don't need them), except for a corporate laptop which I only use for work, at home and in the office.
• I don't plan to use the iPad outside the home, it will rarely happen.
• My use will be 75% entertainment (internet, YouTube, Netflix & co) and 25% video editing (4K amateur videos: Luma fusion) and photo editing (Shots from Sony camera: Lightroom).
• I plan to use it mostly on the bed or sofa (After hours in the office in front of a monitor, when I get home, I'm reluctant to sit on a desk again), so the surfaces on which it will rest will often be improvised (on the bed, on the edge of the sofa, rather than on my belly).
• For editing maybe I'll move from the sofa to the desk, depending on what I do.
• It could happen of course, but I don't think I will use it a lot for writing or taking notes and I don't plan to use it much in split view.
• I will not buy a keyboard-cover, maybe later the pencil to see if it improves the user experience for video and photo editing.

To conclude, I would be more oriented towards 11, but...
The 12.9 tempts me a lot for the larger screen (for that 20-25% of video and photo editing that I plan to do), as it will then be my main device at home and I have no other devices with larger screens, so I wouldn't want to then regret a bigger screen.
On the other hand, for use on a sofa/ bed in tablet mode, the 12.9 does not see the maximum of practicality. Maybe I could get used to it, or would it be more of an imposition?

Any suggestions are welcome

Thanks a lot
N

We have a Long discussion thread about the entire 11 vs 12.9 decision. This belongs there.
Buy what you prefer, Apple has two weeks return period to test this stuff out in person. Return what doesn’t work.

I personally prefer the bigger model but could easily switch.

 

[AutomaticApple]

Hello everybody,

I am looking for advice to buy an iPad Pro 2020, I am in doubt whether to buy the 11" or the 12.9" (Wi-Fi, 256gb). Let me describe my use below, so that you can identify with my situation.

• It will be my main device that I will use for personal entertainment at home.
• At the moment I don't have any other laptop or computer (I don't need them), except for a corporate laptop which I only use for work, at home and in the office.
• I don't plan to use the iPad outside the home, it will rarely happen.
• My use will be 75% entertainment (internet, YouTube, Netflix & co) and 25% video editing (4K amateur videos: Luma fusion) and photo editing (Shots from Sony camera: Lightroom).
• I plan to use it mostly on the bed or sofa (After hours in the office in front of a monitor, when I get home, I'm reluctant to sit on a desk again), so the surfaces on which it will rest will often be improvised (on the bed, on the edge of the sofa, rather than on my belly).
• For editing maybe I'll move from the sofa to the desk, depending on what I do.
• It could happen of course, but I don't think I will use it a lot for writing or taking notes and I don't plan to use it much in split view.
• I will not buy a keyboard-cover, maybe later the pencil to see if it improves the user experience for video and photo editing.

To conclude, I would be more oriented towards 11, but...
The 12.9 tempts me a lot for the larger screen (for that 20-25% of video and photo editing that I plan to do), as it will then be my main device at home and I have no other devices with larger screens, so I wouldn't want to then regret a bigger screen.
On the other hand, for use on a sofa/ bed in tablet mode, the 12.9 does not see the maximum of practicality. Maybe I could get used to it, or would it be more of an imposition?

Any suggestions are welcome

Thanks a lot
N

I prefer the 11” iPad Pro. It’s a great middle ground for lying on a sofa/bed and then using it as a laptop.

 

[tops2]

If for main sofa use, maybe the 11"?
For main device use, especially on a table, 12"?

I bought the 11" pro to try to do some work. I half regret not going larger cause the 11" is cramped for work (I remote log into machines). It feels when I'm trying to do split screen between Safari and the remote machine window. But then I remember how limiting it is for what I do on iPad OS (there's enough struggle for me to transfer files between machines, logging into multiple machines and other "odd" behaviors compared to a laptop) that I'm glad I didn't spend even more just to be frustrated at trying to do work... But as a consumption device, the 11" pro is pretty great.

When I'm on the sofa, I highly prefer my iPad Mini 4...much more comfortable to hold for me.

 

[darngooddesign]

If your primary use is in the home, get the big one.

Apple has a 15 day return policy so you can try it out and decide for yourself if the big one is too large.

 

[Tsepz]

Hello everybody,

I am looking for advice to buy an iPad Pro 2020, I am in doubt whether to buy the 11" or the 12.9" (Wi-Fi, 256gb). Let me describe my use below, so that you can identify with my situation.

• It will be my main device that I will use for personal entertainment at home.
• At the moment I don't have any other laptop or computer (I don't need them), except for a corporate laptop which I only use for work, at home and in the office.
• I don't plan to use the iPad outside the home, it will rarely happen.
• My use will be 75% entertainment (internet, YouTube, Netflix & co) and 25% video editing (4K amateur videos: Luma fusion) and photo editing (Shots from Sony camera: Lightroom).
• I plan to use it mostly on the bed or sofa (After hours in the office in front of a monitor, when I get home, I'm reluctant to sit on a desk again), so the surfaces on which it will rest will often be improvised (on the bed, on the edge of the sofa, rather than on my belly).
• For editing maybe I'll move from the sofa to the desk, depending on what I do.
• It could happen of course, but I don't think I will use it a lot for writing or taking notes and I don't plan to use it much in split view.
• I will not buy a keyboard-cover, maybe later the pencil to see if it improves the user experience for video and photo editing.

To conclude, I would be more oriented towards 11, but...
The 12.9 tempts me a lot for the larger screen (for that 20-25% of video and photo editing that I plan to do), as it will then be my main device at home and I have no other devices with larger screens, so I wouldn't want to then regret a bigger screen.
On the other hand, for use on a sofa/ bed in tablet mode, the 12.9 does not see the maximum of practicality. Maybe I could get used to it, or would it be more of an imposition?

Any suggestions are welcome

Thanks a lot
N

If you feel that you would be fine with then 12.9 then go for that, IMO. With it being your only larger screened computing device there maybe times you want that extra bit of screen real estate.

I personally own the 11inch, but then again I sit in front of a laptop most of the day for work, so I love coming to my 11” iPad Pro 2020 after a long day, it’s nicely sized for me to carry round the house and use on the couch while watching TV.

Which one felt the best to you?

 

[Night_Ink]

I went for the 12.9 and don’t regret it one bit. It’s my main computer. For me, the 11 is too small.

 

[NorthStar_IT]

Anybody using the 11 for video editing with Luma Fusion?
The video preview seems a bit small.
How is using Luma in portrait instead?

 

[Ludatyk]

I "weighed" them both in a shop, the impression when I'm standing there and holding it in my hand is that 12.9 is manageable, then at home when I simulate the size on the sofa, doubts arrive.
Would I get used to it or maybe it is better to say I would adapt to? Yes!

The answer is most certainly yes! Don't make your decision based off weight. You'll get used accustomed to the size. I've had the 12.9" size since the 1st generation (now on 3rd) and its grown to become easily management when traveling outside of home.

My use will be 75% entertainment (internet, YouTube, Netflix & co) and 25% video editing (4K amateur videos: Luma fusion) and photo editing (Shots from Sony camera: Lightroom).

If your use cases are above then you'll certainly benefit from the larger iPad. Especially when it comes to video editing... provides more real estate when it comes to editing.

 

[cmonkey1976]

I went from an IPP10.5 to the 12.9
use mine pretty much either on the sofa or in bed... don’t regret for a second going with the 12.9 Whereas I’m sure I would have regretted going for the 11.

 

[MPclk2006]

Hello everybody,

I am looking for advice to buy an iPad Pro 2020, I am in doubt whether to buy the 11" or the 12.9" (Wi-Fi, 256gb). Let me describe my use below, so that you can identify with my situation.

• It will be my main device that I will use for personal entertainment at home.
• At the moment I don't have any other laptop or computer (I don't need them), except for a corporate laptop which I only use for work, at home and in the office.
• I don't plan to use the iPad outside the home, it will rarely happen.
• My use will be 75% entertainment (internet, YouTube, Netflix & co) and 25% video editing (4K amateur videos: Luma fusion) and photo editing (Shots from Sony camera: Lightroom).
• I plan to use it mostly on the bed or sofa (After hours in the office in front of a monitor, when I get home, I'm reluctant to sit on a desk again), so the surfaces on which it will rest will often be improvised (on the bed, on the edge of the sofa, rather than on my belly).
• For editing maybe I'll move from the sofa to the desk, depending on what I do.
• It could happen of course, but I don't think I will use it a lot for writing or taking notes and I don't plan to use it much in split view.
• I will not buy a keyboard-cover, maybe later the pencil to see if it improves the user experience for video and photo editing.

To conclude, I would be more oriented towards 11, but...
The 12.9 tempts me a lot for the larger screen (for that 20-25% of video and photo editing that I plan to do), as it will then be my main device at home and I have no other devices with larger screens, so I wouldn't want to then regret a bigger screen.
On the other hand, for use on a sofa/ bed in tablet mode, the 12.9 does not see the maximum of practicality. Maybe I could get used to it, or would it be more of an imposition?

Any suggestions are welcome

Thanks a lot
N

I personally went for the 11 but after reading your post, I voted for the 12.9. The new 12.9 is not insane bigger than the 11 so but as a main device yeah I’d want that extra size. I just bought an 11 but I have a MacBook and an external monitor for when I need/want the bigger screen.

 

[Night_Ink]

The 12.9 really isn’t that large, I don’t find it cumbersome at all. You’ll appreciate the extra screen real estate once you start working. I’m an illustrator, so I may be biased toward the larger screen though.

Another thing with the Pro- the speakers sound really good to me, for a being an iPad. Overall I’m super happy with 12.9 Pro.

 

[JM91Six]

Main computing device wants me to say 12.9... I had 12.9 and returned for 11” but I only use for media. Sometimes I busy out my keyboard and do emails or google docs. works fine. I do prefer the smaller size in bed, but the 12.9 wasn’t to cumbersome.


i will say typing in landscape was a pain for me on the 12.9.. especially since I’m not a huge fan of the small floating keyboard. Really wish they did split screen keyboard

 

[azt33]

I would go for the 12.9" if you are primarily going to use it at home. Also for your use cases it seems to be a better fit.
My 11" goes almost everywhere with me, and I very much appreciate the smaller size (as it fits in my purse without an issue!) - then again, I would even consider a mini-size if that was released.

 

[stanza.richi]

Main device and media consumption as main use: 12,9”.

 

[NorthStar_IT]

Today I would like to go to a mall and try them both again to see if I can decide...hoping to find a store that has both.
Don't suggest me a Best buy or an Apple store, I live in a quite remote village in Italy where there is none of that

I found instead an online store that applies 18% discount on both formats and therefore I would like to be able to decide before the promotion ends.
IPP 11" 2020 256gb wi-fi= € 827
IPP 12.9" 2020 256gb wi-fi= € 995


You know what, if I flip a coin and the 11 wins, I think I'd flip it again.
The truth is that I would like to buy the 12.9, hoping to get used to its size, but I'm afraid to regret it because in reality I feel that the 11 is more suitable to most of my use.

Maybe mine is a preconception given by the society, but being my main device, and paying it in any case around € 1000, the 12.9 gives me the idea of something that can actually "justify" that amount, something that in my head the 11 doesn't do (why pay a little less and give up the top of the range?).

At the same time it is also true that if the 11 suits my use more, I would use it more willingly, more frequently, and ultimately make more use of those 1000 €.
Over time, I would not like to find myself not wanting to take/ turn on the 12.9 because it is too "demanding" for casual use on the sofa/ bed and maybe use the phone instead.
This is valid for media consumption.

For the editing tasks, which I will be doing in a much smaller percentage, I'm sure 12.9 is the right choice instead.

Let's make a bet ... what do you think I'll buy in the end? ???

 

[eagleglen]

I just switched from a 2018 11inch Pro to the 2020 12.9inch Pro, and have zero regrets. I wish I had done it sooner! The different is usable screen is vastly superior, and yet, the inconvenience of the larger footprint and weight seems much less than I was anticipating. The 12.9 is still smaller and lighter than a 13inch laptop, which still seems portable to me. I did love the size of the 11inch, particularly when carrying it with me constantly, like one would pad of paper to meetings, but now that I’m home more, since the Corona lockdown, this is much less of a use case, nowadays.

 

[weeesss]

My 11" Pro is used mainly for media in bed, but I now would probably choose the 12.9" simply because i do not leave the house with it and I would appreciate the larger screen area.

 

[Zazoh]

Let's make a bet ... what do you think I'll buy in the end? ???

The larger one.

 

[1rottenapple]

Hello everybody,

I am looking for advice to buy an iPad Pro 2020, I am in doubt whether to buy the 11" or the 12.9" (Wi-Fi, 256gb). Let me describe my use below, so that you can identify with my situation.

• It will be my main device that I will use for personal entertainment at home.
• At the moment I don't have any other laptop or computer (I don't need them), except for a corporate laptop which I only use for work, at home and in the office.
• I don't plan to use the iPad outside the home, it will rarely happen.
• My use will be 75% entertainment (internet, YouTube, Netflix & co) and 25% video editing (4K amateur videos: Luma fusion) and photo editing (Shots from Sony camera: Lightroom).
• I plan to use it mostly on the bed or sofa (After hours in the office in front of a monitor, when I get home, I'm reluctant to sit on a desk again), so the surfaces on which it will rest will often be improvised (on the bed, on the edge of the sofa, rather than on my belly).
• For editing maybe I'll move from the sofa to the desk, depending on what I do.
• It could happen of course, but I don't think I will use it a lot for writing or taking notes and I don't plan to use it much in split view.
• I will not buy a keyboard-cover, maybe later the pencil to see if it improves the user experience for video and photo editing.

To conclude, I would be more oriented towards 11, but...
The 12.9 tempts me a lot for the larger screen (for that 20-25% of video and photo editing that I plan to do), as it will then be my main device at home and I have no other devices with larger screens, so I wouldn't want to then regret a bigger screen.
On the other hand, for use on a sofa/ bed in tablet mode, the 12.9 does not see the maximum of practicality. Maybe I could get used to it, or would it be more of an imposition?

Any suggestions are welcome

Thanks a lot
N

Ok I was like you in my usage. 12.9 2018. I found it too big to be honest. It’s too damn big sitting on the couch or on the bed. Screen is beautiful of course.

Anyway I got a 2018 11 in 2020 refurbished. Gave the 12.9 to the wife. I’m super happy with the 11 given how portable it is to. Its like holding half of a magazine. It’s light and comfy. Also holding it for gaming is nice as well.

Now, I started working from home and now I wish I kept the 12.9 lol it’s great for research and dual page functions which my 11 isn’t as good with. I do like single page note writing with the 11 and using the MacBook as the screen for research.

I’m planning to get a 12.9 next year refurbished.
So advice for you... 11 if entertainment purposes.

Productivity and dual screen use (one side reference material/webpage, the other side for note writing) is awesome!

 

[NorthStar_IT]

Ok I was like you in my usage. 12.9 2018. I found it too big to be honest. It’s too damn big sitting on the couch or on the bed. Screen is beautiful of course.

Anyway I got a 2018 11 in 2020 refurbished. Gave the 12.9 to the wife. I’m super happy with the 11 given how portable it is to. Its like holding half of a magazine. It’s light and comfy. Also holding it for gaming is nice as well.

Now, I started working from home and now I wish I kept the 12.9 lol it’s great for research and dual page functions which my 11 isn’t as good with. I do like single page note writing with the 11 and using the MacBook as the screen for research.

I’m planning to get a 12.9 next year refurbished.
So advice for you... 11 if entertainment purposes.

Productivity and dual screen use (one side reference material/webpage, the other side for note writing) is awesome!

Thanks for you feedback.
I will never use it for work, just for pleasure. At the moment I'm for 11, the only thing holding me back is video and photo editing, although I don't actually do that much

 

[cmonkey1976]

Thanks for you feedback.
I will never use it for work, just for pleasure. At the moment I'm for 11, the only thing holding me back is video and photo editing, although I don't actually do that much

the 12 looks huge at first... but honestly... when using it it just feels ‘normal’ after a few minutes.
i’m using my 12.9 far more than I ever used my 10.5 (and that was a lot!).
using it on the sofa or in bed. Zero regrets about the 12.9

I, like you, was convinced the 11 would be better - but there was just something in the back of my head stopping me hitting the buy button... then decided on the 12.9, hit the button and so pleased with the 12.9

good luck In your choice