iPad Pro Is the 12.9 Too Big

[vddobrev]

That is not really what I said. My point was that a 12.9” IPP really needs something like the Magic Keyboard to make it manageable. At that point, I personally see no reason to choose it over a MacBook Air. If you are not an artist or graphic designer who needs that specific 1:1 piece of paper size, then the 12.9” does not really make sense to me. Hence the idea of niche. I of course acknowledge that everyone is different and that there are certainly people that love the 12.9. I just suspect most would be better served by a MacBook Air than an iPad Pro.

No, it does not need the magic keyboard, it is fine with just a folio. But the keyboard is the game changer, for me personally, especially because of the trackpad. I am no artist, and it makes perfect sense to me, and the MacBook Air does not. I am replacing my MBP with it because:

- Can use sidecar as a secondary display to my Mac.
- Can use it both as a "laptop" and tablet - just detach from the magic keyboard.
- The display is great.
- To me the 11" is too small for all I need to do with it.

You cannot do above said things with a MacBook Air.

 

[geta]

The biggest problem is the iPadOS, too much limitations compared to MacOS, thats why iPad with keyboard cant replace mba/mbp unless you only using it for basic day to day tasks or willing to compromise.

 

[rui no onna]

That is not really what I said. My point was that a 12.9” IPP really needs something like the Magic Keyboard to make it manageable. At that point, I personally see no reason to choose it over a MacBook Air. If you are not an artist or graphic designer who needs that specific 1:1 piece of paper size, then the 12.9” does not really make sense to me. Hence the idea of niche. I of course acknowledge that everyone is different and that there are certainly people that love the 12.9. I just suspect most would be better served by a MacBook Air than an iPad Pro.

Disagree. Both my mom and aunt like using their 12.9" as a bigger display for watching videos (normally dramas and K-dramas while the living room TV is playing sports).

My mom likes to use it for family video calls as well (8 people).

I initially bought mine so I can comfortably read comics in doublepage spread landscape.

 

[vddobrev]

The biggest problem is the iPadOS, too much limitations compared to MacOS, thats why iPad with keyboard cant replace mba/mbp unless you only using it for basic day to day tasks or willing to compromise.

Indeed, it can replace a laptop if the laptop was only for light use, and providing you also have a desktop that does the heavy lifting.

 

[Cashmonee]

The biggest problem is the iPadOS, too much limitations compared to MacOS, thats why iPad with keyboard cant replace mba/mbp unless you only using it for basic day to day tasks or willing to compromise.

For all those that replied to my initial statements, this is the point I was making.

I owned a 12.9 for a few years. For me, it just seems silly to spend potentially hundreds more dollars for doing basic tasks. I personally do not see why anyone would pay more for so much less. Less portability (whether it is the MKB or not, you need some sort of case or folio to make it manageable), less battery life, less storage, less capable OS. To me, it makes no sense to get a 12.9” iPad Pro over a MacBook Air unless you really want touch or pencil input. $1100 is a ton of money to drop on a consumption device.

Having said that, I recognize everyone is different and has different wants and needs. My statements are only to offer perspective to those who are considering these devices. I think those who are drawn to the 12.9” iPad should take a hard look at the MacBook line before pulling the trigger.

 

[rui no onna]

For all those that replied to my initial statements, this is the point I was making.

I owned a 12.9 for a few years. For me, it just seems silly to spend potentially hundreds more dollars for doing basic tasks. I personally do not see why anyone would pay more for so much less. Less portability (whether it is the MKB or not, you need some sort of case or folio to make it manageable), less battery life, less storage, less capable OS. To me, it makes no sense to get a 12.9” iPad Pro over a MacBook Air unless you really want touch or pencil input. $1100 is a ton of money to drop on a consumption device.

I seem to recall paying $3K for a 40" LCD back when HDTVs were new. I know folks who paid $200 per month ($2400/yr) for the cable TV bill. Goodness knows going to Disneyland/Walt Disney World costs a small fortune. Those are purely consumption/entertainment.

Personally, I don't see iPadOS being a major problem. It's certainly far less restrictive than it used to be 10 years ago when I bought my first iPad. That's probably because I'm not expecting use the iPad in the exact same way as traditional laptops. I got the iPad because I didn't like using laptops in the first place and was always wishing for a handheld device with removable keyboard. The iPad happened to fit the bill quite beautifully. Better than the Windows and Android tablets/convertibles I've tried at any rate.

Note, I do own an M1 MacBook Air. I only use the MBA once in a blue moon while the 10-13" iPads get used for an average of 5 hours each per day.

 

[vddobrev]

For all those that replied to my initial statements, this is the point I was making.

I owned a 12.9 for a few years. For me, it just seems silly to spend potentially hundreds more dollars for doing basic tasks. I personally do not see why anyone would pay more for so much less. Less portability (whether it is the MKB or not, you need some sort of case or folio to make it manageable), less battery life, less storage, less capable OS. To me, it makes no sense to get a 12.9” iPad Pro over a MacBook Air unless you really want touch or pencil input. $1100 is a ton of money to drop on a consumption device.

Having said that, I recognize everyone is different and has different wants and needs. My statements are only to offer perspective to those who are considering these devices. I think those who are drawn to the 12.9” iPad should take a hard look at the MacBook line before pulling the trigger.

It all comes down to usage scenarios. I own a laptop because I can't take my desktop to the couch or to the bedroom to read before sleep, or to vacation travel for the occasional need, but mostly for consuming content. Now that I have the 12.9, it fulfills all of the above and then some - it offers me a hardware detachable keyboard. My laptop is obsolete.

 

[Cashmonee]

It all comes down to usage scenarios. I own a laptop because I can't take my desktop to the couch or to the bedroom to read before sleep, or to vacation travel for the occasional need, but mostly for consuming content. Now that I have the 12.9, it fulfills all of the above and then some - it offers me a hardware detachable keyboard. My laptop is obsolete.

Yeah, I get that. I found for myself, the 12.9" was not usable without some sort of folio or keyboard and was unwieldily on a couch or lounge chair. The 11" is much easier to use on a couch or chair in my opinion. The 12.9" feels most at home on a desk, table, counter, etc.

Usage scenarios are definitely key here. I also never watch movies or TV shows on my iPad. If I did a lot of that, then maybe I would more value in the 12.9". As it is, it just strikes me as a very niche product (who knows if it is or not?).

 

[vddobrev]

Yeah, I get that. I found for myself, the 12.9" was not usable without some sort of folio or keyboard and was unwieldily on a couch or lounge chair. The 11" is much easier to use on a couch or chair in my opinion. The 12.9" feels most at home on a desk, table, counter, etc.

Usage scenarios are definitely key here. I also never watch movies or TV shows on my iPad. If I did a lot of that, then maybe I would more value in the 12.9". As it is, it just strikes me as a very niche product (who knows if it is or not?).

Yes, I have both the folio and the keyboard, and also enjoy the 12.9 naked on the couch and in bed. Everyone is different, for me the 11 was small... but I have to say I have a prescription for presbyopia, both near sited and far sited... but I am not wearing glasses when using the iPad... so that may be the reason I prefer the 12.9.

If I didn't have a desktop to do all my heavy duty tasks, and only had a laptop, then clearly the iPad could not be a 1:1 replacement.

All-in-all everyone has to find what suits them best!

 

[Cashmonee]

Yes, I have both the folio and the keyboard, and also enjoy the 12.9 naked on the couch and in bed. Everyone is different, for me the 11 was small... but I have to say I have a prescription for presbyopia, both near sited and far sited... but I am not wearing glasses when using the iPad... so that may be the reason I prefer the 12.9.

If I didn't have a desktop to do all my heavy duty tasks, and only had a laptop, then clearly the iPad could not be a 1:1 replacement.

All-in-all everyone has to find what suits them best!

Do you find the 12.9" to be usable on your lap with the Magic Keyboard?

 

[vddobrev]

Do you find the 12.9" to be usable on your lap with the Magic Keyboard?

No, not really, it is not usable, it tends to fall off and is unbalanced, unlike a laptop. But I really don't use it on my lap, although I just tried for experiment. I do not have this use scenario, so it is not an issue for me.

 

[Cashmonee]

No, not really, it is not usable, it tends to fall off and is unbalanced, unlike a laptop. But I really don't use it on my lap, although I just tried for experiment. I do not have this use scenario, so it is not an issue for me.

That is a shame. I could be swayed toward the 12.9" but one of my bigger uses is on my lap on a chair or couch. I find the 11" does work well in that situation.

 

[vddobrev]

That is a shame. I could be swayed toward the 12.9" but one of my bigger uses is on my lap on a chair or couch. I find the 11" does work well in that situation.

I think it has to do with the higher gravity point of the 12.9, it is much taller than the 11 in landscape. I still have the 11 with me (has not sold yet) with the magic keyboard, and on the lap it stays put, much better than the 12.9.

 

[The Game 161]

That is a shame. I could be swayed toward the 12.9" but one of my bigger uses is on my lap on a chair or couch. I find the 11" does work well in that situation.

Everybody is different but it is certainly usable on your lap. Not as steady as a laptop but works very well

 

[NastyMatt]

Everybody is different but it is certainly usable on your lap. Not as steady as a laptop but works very well

Yep agree - I use mine with MK on my lap all the time. In front on the TV mostly with no issues.

 

[Cashmonee]

Everybody is different but it is certainly usable on your lap. Not as steady as a laptop but works very well

Yep agree - I use mine with MK on my lap all the time. In front on the TV mostly with no issues.

Ok, this is going to be a tad weird, but I am curious. How are you sitting? I often balance my 11" on one leg. Are your legs flat when you are sitting? I know, odd question.

 

[NastyMatt]

Ok, this is going to be a tad weird, but I am curious. How are you sitting? I often balance my 11" on one leg. Are your legs flat when you are sitting? I know, odd question.

I suppose I sit with the soles of my feet flat on the floor and my legs parallel to the floor. IPP/MK on both legs. I do tend to slouch back but I'd guess my legs always stay parallel to the floor or the IPP would move.

 

[vddobrev]

Doesn't really matter how I sit, my legs/lap are not flat, and the 12.9 tends to lean forward because the contact it makes with my legs/lap is just at one point directly under the hinge... I have to always have my palms on the keyboard to prevent it from tipping over.

 

[Chaparral02]

Everybody is different but it is certainly usable on your lap. Not as steady as a laptop but works very well

Agree i was using my 12.9 with MK like this for a few hours only the other night

 

[NeonNights]

I know this thread is old but the 12.9 wasn’t necessarily too big, the issue was it’s way too heavy!

I tried the MGK in-store and it looks great but has very limited viewing angles and leaves the IPP unprotected when undocked. I wanted the large 12.9 for reading sheet music but to also be protected in tablet form.

This was going to be my first iPad so I wanted to go big and hoped it could also be a laptop replacement. In-store 1.5 pounds felt fine for the 12.9 but it was too unwieldy after adding a Logitech Combo Touch keyboard case, screen protector, and Apple Pencil. The package outweighed my M1 MacBook Air by half-a-pound. Even with the keyboard detached I strained to hold the 2.5-lb 12.9 with case after a few minutes. Instead of enjoying the large screen, my mind kept noticing how freakin’ heavy this is to hold and use on the couch…to the point that I didn’t want to use my new iPad Pro anymore.

After thinking it over I realized it was silly to keep the 12.9 as a laptop replacement when it’s limited by iPadOS and outweighs my awesome M1 MBA. I promptly returned the 12.9 and am much happier with the 11” IPP with Combo Touch keyboard case. The combination totals about 2.3 lbs with keyboard, or 1.6 lbs without keyboard (about what a 12.9 weighs bare). While a small part of me wishes the larger 12.9 would’ve worked out better, I am much happier (and relieved) to have the 11”.

The weight of the big IPP never bothered my violin teacher but I learned she always has the tablet propped on a desk or music stand. She rarely ever handholds it in bed or on a couch. The 12.9 is great but if portability/being mobile is an important use-case then the 11” is much more versatile and more comfortable for daily use. I once read you should buy something based on how you’ll use it (or its features) 90% of the time. Do not waste money on what you perceive to be of benefit 10% or less of the time. I wasn’t going to need the larger 12.9 real estate 90% of the time and certainly didn’t want the heft all the time. The 11” IPP gives me the freedom and comfort I want in tablet form, while still serving some light laptop duties. It also turns out sheet music isn’t too bad on the 11” and using forScore’s crop option produces an equivalent viewing experience to the 12.9 in normal view.

 

[Dealmans]

I know this thread is old but the 12.9 wasn’t necessarily too big, the issue was it’s way too heavy!

I tried the MGK in-store and it looks great but has very limited viewing angles and leaves the IPP unprotected when undocked. I wanted the large 12.9 for reading sheet music but to also be protected in tablet form.

This was going to be my first iPad so I wanted to go big and hoped it could also be a laptop replacement. In-store 1.5 pounds felt fine for the 12.9 but it was too unwieldy after adding a Logitech Combo Touch keyboard case, screen protector, and Apple Pencil. The package outweighed my M1 MacBook Air by half-a-pound. Even with the keyboard detached I strained to hold the 2.5-lb 12.9 with case after a few minutes. Instead of enjoying the large screen, my mind kept noticing how freakin’ heavy this is to hold and use on the couch…to the point that I didn’t want to use my new iPad Pro anymore.

After thinking it over I realized it was silly to keep the 12.9 as a laptop replacement when it’s limited by iPadOS and outweighs my awesome M1 MBA. I promptly returned the 12.9 and am much happier with the 11” IPP with Combo Touch keyboard case. The combination totals about 2.3 lbs with keyboard, or 1.6 lbs without keyboard (about what a 12.9 weighs bare). While a small part of me wishes the larger 12.9 would’ve worked out better, I am much happier (and relieved) to have the 11”.

The weight of the big IPP never bothered my violin teacher but I learned she always has the tablet propped on a desk or music stand. She rarely ever handholds it in bed or on a couch. The 12.9 is great but if portability/being mobile is an important use-case then the 11” is much more versatile and more comfortable for daily use. I once read you should buy something based on how you’ll use it (or its features) 90% of the time. Do not waste money on what you perceive to be of benefit 10% or less of the time. I wasn’t going to need the larger 12.9 real estate 90% of the time and certainly didn’t want the heft all the time. The 11” IPP gives me the freedom and comfort I want in tablet form, while still serving some light laptop duties. It also turns out sheet music isn’t too bad on the 11” and using forScore’s crop option produces an equivalent viewing experience to the 12.9 in normal view.

I had the original 11” for 2 years then got the M1 12.9” on release, sold it a few months ago while there was still some value in it, great iPad but mainly just used it on my desk as a TV cause of the size, didn’t like the MKB overpriced and too heavy. Back on a M1 11” as of yesterday, much more portable and easier to use. Should of realized I just prefer this size, got caught up in the whole mini led thing.
Also tried a mini 6 didn’t like it, 14” MacBook Pro and a MacBook Air 2.

 

[nStyle]

12.9” is perfect for me but I primarily use it with the MKB. But I hold it in bed naked as well (we keep it PG).

 

[Rafterman]

Having said that, I recognize everyone is different and has different wants and needs. My statements are only to offer perspective to those who are considering these devices. I think those who are drawn to the 12.9” iPad should take a hard look at the MacBook line before pulling the trigger.

A valid view, though the iPad offers some things that no Macbook can - like a touchscreen and built in cellular. So its not just a matter of what tasks you do.

 

[Coolpher]

12.9” is perfect for me but I primarily use it with the MKB. But I hold it in bed naked as well (we keep it PG).

I’m exactly the same way

A valid view, though the iPad offers some things that no Macbook can - like a touchscreen and built in cellular. So its not just a matter of what tasks you do.

I completely agree with this statement. That’s why I have a Mac mini. Everything else I do on my iPad Pro 2021 cellular.

 

[leebroath]

Yeh I sold my 12.9" a few months back also

When coupled together with the Logitech Combo Touch, it's a beast of a weight (and I travel a lot).

I also found when using the kick stand, the weight of it on my belly when lying down watching YT etc was too much

So I reverted back to the 11" 2TB iPad Pro and it does me just fine, once you get used to the screen without the OLED, the benefits for me are much better.