iPad Pro screen size dilemma

[Farrgazer]

I’m definitely set for getting a new iPad Pro whenever it’s released - I do not mind waiting since I know this is more “want” than “need.”

That said, I was initially convinced I would get the 12.9” model. But now that I think more about potential use case, I’m a little conflicted again. Here’s what I want to do with the iPad (edit: in order from greater to lesser priority):

- annotate on PDFs and other documents
- take handwritten notes on a note app while referring to other documents
- read stuff (novels, comics, news, research papers, Wiki, etc.)
- second screen on my Mac

Now what’s making me think twice is that I ride public transportation regularly. I do not own a car, and I have access to regular and safe public transportation - I really don’t have to worry about potential thieves stealing my gadgets when I use them openly. I used to have an older iPad that I regularly used in public transportation, and I felt the size was pretty ideal.

That said, the 10” Pro is the first of its size category, so I don’t know whether most apps have been updated to be optimized on it (as in, not blurry, maybe split screen, etc.).

If there’s anyone out there who uses the 12.9 iPad on the subway or bus, mind sharing your experiences? Or if you ave purchase advice, I am all ears.

 

[Darmok N Jalad]

I can't necessarily answer your question directly, but the size may be an influence as well. Since the 12.9" model is larger in weight and dimensions, it might get awkward to use in your situations. I've only had the traditional iPads (Air 2, 2018), and I find them to be just barely on the acceptable side of one handed use. I've occasionally longed for the bigger iPad, but the extra size has me concerned that it would get uncomfortable.

 

[HandsomeDanNZ]

I can't necessarily answer your question directly, but the size may be an influence as well. Since the 12.9" model is larger in weight and dimensions, it might get awkward to use in your situations. I've only had the traditional iPads (Air 2, 2018), and I find them to be just barely on the acceptable side of one handed use. I've occasionally longed for the bigger iPad, but the extra size has me concerned that it would get uncomfortable.

This is how I feel - I have a 9.7" Pro and it's ideal for me as I also use public transport - I did have a slightly larger MS Surface Pro at one stage and found it less convenient on the bus/train.

I also would like a 12.9" but feel it's not optimised size-wize for the commuter - it feels more of a laptop replacement for me.
Smaller (but not small) works well for the commute and is still not too small for convenient productivity.

 

[Farrgazer]

I can't necessarily answer your question directly, but the size may be an influence as well. Since the 12.9" model is larger in weight and dimensions, it might get awkward to use in your situations. I've only had the traditional iPads (Air 2, 2018), and I find them to be just barely on the acceptable side of one handed use. I've occasionally longed for the bigger iPad, but the extra size has me concerned that it would get uncomfortable.

I have an iPad 2, and funnily enough, when it was getting a lot of use early on, I never really used it one-handed much. I'd hold it on both sides, and use my thumb to scroll through content. However, that wasn't always doable since some things could be dead center, and I couldn't reach dead center with my thumbs alone!

This is how I feel - I have a 9.7" Pro and it's ideal for me as I also use public transport - I did have a slightly larger MS Surface Pro at one stage and found it less convenient on the bus/train.

I also would like a 12.9" but feel it's not optimised size-wize for the commuter - it feels more of a laptop replacement for me.
Smaller (but not small) works well for the commute and is still not too small for convenient productivity.

Totally different device, but assuming I get a seat, I haven't had issues with taking out my 13" MBP to do any immediate work. Granted, typing stuff up while commuting isn't a daily task, but it works when needed.

 

[ApfelKuchen]

I've seen no reports of display/app optimization issues with the 10.5" iPad Pro display. As far as I know, that was all handled by existing app design standards and practices - no need to update an app to support the new size screen.

I have a 12.9" iPad Pro, and regularly use a 9.7" iPad at work, too. There's something to be said for both sizes (or the 12.9" vs. the 10.5"). Most of the differences are the kind anyone can imagine - bulkier is bulkier, more compact is more compact, larger display is larger display. I do feel a bit more conspicuous carrying the 12.9" around in my hand, but that may be more psychological than physical.

Where I find the additional size most beneficial is when using split screen. I do a lot of writing while researching on the web or viewing photos I've taken for research. The bigger the screen (whether on a laptop, iPad, or desktop), the more info I can keep in front of my eyes. While it's nice to show-off my best photos on a larger screen, the smaller iPad isn't that much of a handicap when the images are full screen, and I feel a bit more secure handing around the smaller, lighter iPad - seems less likely someone would drop it.

I do very little sketching, but if you do, consider what size paper you're most comfortable sketching upon - if you like to make big arm movements, you might prefer the 12.9". The only way to know for sure is to try both for yourself.

I think you'll be more comfortable with the smaller iPad on public transit - you'll be demanding a bit less elbow room from your neighbor(s), and maybe feel less self-conscious about them reading over your shoulder. When it comes to working on airline tray tables, I find either iPad size (with Smart keyboard or other keyboard case) to be superior to working with a laptop - they fit better on the tray when the person in front of you reclines their seat.

 

[Farrgazer]

I've seen no reports of display/app optimization issues with the 10.5" iPad Pro display. As far as I know, that was all handled by existing app design standards and practices - no need to update an app to support the new size screen.

I have a 12.9" iPad Pro, and regularly use a 9.7" iPad at work, too. There's something to be said for both sizes (or the 12.9" vs. the 10.5"). Most of the differences are the kind anyone can imagine - bulkier is bulkier, more compact is more compact, larger display is larger display. I do feel a bit more conspicuous carrying the 12.9" around in my hand, but that may be more psychological than physical.

Where I find the additional size most beneficial is when using split screen. I do a lot of writing while researching on the web or viewing photos I've taken for research. The bigger the screen (whether on a laptop, iPad, or desktop), the more info I can keep in front of my eyes. While it's nice to show-off my best photos on a larger screen, the smaller iPad isn't that much of a handicap when the images are full screen, and I feel a bit more secure handing around the smaller, lighter iPad - seems less likely someone would drop it.

I do very little sketching, but if you do, consider what size paper you're most comfortable sketching upon - if you like to make big arm movements, you might prefer the 12.9". The only way to know for sure is to try both for yourself.

I think you'll be more comfortable with the smaller iPad on public transit - you'll be demanding a bit less elbow room from your neighbor(s), and maybe feel less self-conscious about them reading over your shoulder. When it comes to working on airline tray tables, I find either iPad size (with Smart keyboard or other keyboard case) to be superior to working with a laptop - they fit better on the tray when the person in front of you reclines their seat.

Thank you for your descriptive reply.

I'll just have to remember to buy the Pro directly from Apple and see for myself before boxing it up or keeping it for myself.