iPad Pro Is the 12.9 Too Big

[spiderman0616]

I've found that I don't want to use ANY of my iPads with keyboards anymore. Toward the end of my tenure with the 12.9" model, I was even thinking about ditching the Magic Keyboard for a Smart Folio. I just don't like the iPad-as-laptop thing. For me it gets too far away from what an iPad is supposed to be.

You can find many of my old posts where I had the exact opposite attitude, but M1 Macs changed my thinking completely.

 

[leebroath]

I do find writing with the keyboard a whole lot better though

I always find when typing on the screen it sometimes doesn't register my touch, or the wrong word / spelt wrong appears, which frustrates the hell out of me. Maybe its because I have everything in my head I want to type quickly before I forget, and I just type so frantically which results in missing or hitting wrong keys haha

Typing on a physical keyboard will always be much better.

 

[Dealmans]

I've found that I don't want to use ANY of my iPads with keyboards anymore. Toward the end of my tenure with the 12.9" model, I was even thinking about ditching the Magic Keyboard for a Smart Folio. I just don't like the iPad-as-laptop thing. For me it gets too far away from what an iPad is supposed to be.

You can find many of my old posts where I had the exact opposite attitude, but M1 Macs changed my thinking completely.

I've had iPads since the beginning in most sizes, never used a keyboard till I got the 12.9, tried the apple MGK but didn't like it.
iPad is a iPad to me. Want a keyboard get a MacBook/iMac imo.

 

[Ludatyk]

I've found that I don't want to use ANY of my iPads with keyboards anymore. Toward the end of my tenure with the 12.9" model, I was even thinking about ditching the Magic Keyboard for a Smart Folio. I just don't like the iPad-as-laptop thing. For me it gets too far away from what an iPad is supposed to be.

I’ll personally have this view… if I had a MacBook. Tbh, the amount I paid for this M1 iPad Pro configuration along with the accessories included it’s priced beyond that of a 14” MBP.

And if I was offered a chance to trade my iPad Pro setup for a 14” MBP… I wouldn’t do it. I think it’s more so the way I approach a setup because I prefer having a desktop along with an iPad. If I had a 14” MBP… I wouldn’t have an iPad due to how I feel they both are close in form.

But that’s just my opinion.

 

[JayMysterio]

I'm going to be terribly interested in the hot takes if a 14 inch iPad does actually come along. If some people are finding the 12.9 iPad Pro too big, minds will be blown when some pick up the new rumored larger model. I think that for many who've find the 12.9 model too big, hadn't considered their personal use cases. If you need an Apple laptop, go with the laptop. If you want a larger screen to interact with for note talking or drawing / sketching, or like a screen closer up for consuming ( reading books, comics, or magazines even a screen free of keyboard base for watching media ) entertainment the 12.9 is the way to go.

For now.

Fortunately we all get time period to try out a device, and realize if we did the proper research & made a wise purchase. If not, return it, and move on while others enjoy the devices that fit their needs.

 

[jaymc]

Got a 2017 iPad Pro 12.9 and use only for Kindle books (horizontal 2 page display) and Zinio magazines in vertical mode; works like a charm!

 

[Sensamic]

I'm going to be terribly interested in the hot takes if a 14 inch iPad does actually come along. If some people are finding the 12.9 iPad Pro too big, minds will be blown when some pick up the new rumored larger model. I think that for many who've find the 12.9 model too big, hadn't considered their personal use cases. If you need an Apple laptop, go with the laptop. If you want a larger screen to interact with for note talking or drawing / sketching, or like a screen closer up for consuming ( reading books, comics, or magazines even a screen free of keyboard base for watching media ) entertainment the 12.9 is the way to go.

For now.

Fortunately we all get time period to try out a device, and realize if we did the proper research & made a wise purchase. If not, return it, and move on while others enjoy the devices that fit their needs.

More options are always great. A 14 iPad Pro would be extremely expensive, but really cool also with FaceID + 120Hz + Magic Keyboard. Although it probably wouldn’t work great as a tablet only being so heavy.

 

[JayMysterio]

More options are always great. A 14 iPad Pro would be extremely expensive, but really cool also with FaceID + 120Hz + Magic Keyboard. Although it probably wouldn’t work great as a tablet only being so heavy.

Then again, from a creatives perspective, that would be a great tablet. It's heavy if one thinks a 14in tablet is portable.

It always boils down to what the person is truly going to use it for. With tablet real estate of that size, it wouldn't be something considered really portable. As a device for art / photography or something like audio that uses a graphic interface one can interact with, it would be great for a studio of any size. Then watch some video later. It would also have the option to do some basic office work or writing with a keyboard.

That sounds a lot like the current largest iPad.

 

[NickR2022]

Acum doi ani, am trecut de la iPad Pro 9.7 la iPad 12.9, ceea ce mi-a fost greu să mă obișnuiesc pentru că la început nu pare să fie atât de portabil. În 3 luni, am spart ecranul iPad-ului de două ori, dar din fericire am reușit să obțin unul nou de fiecare dată de la Apple pentru că am beneficiat de AppleCare+. Dar acum am învățat să o protejez. Eu folosesc doar iPhone pentru a efectua apeluri și IPad 12.9 pentru alte activități.

 

[The Game 161]

I've found that I don't want to use ANY of my iPads with keyboards anymore. Toward the end of my tenure with the 12.9" model, I was even thinking about ditching the Magic Keyboard for a Smart Folio. I just don't like the iPad-as-laptop thing. For me it gets too far away from what an iPad is supposed to be.

You can find many of my old posts where I had the exact opposite attitude, but M1 Macs changed my thinking completely.

problem for me after using my MacBook Pro 16 inch the MK just feels wayyy too small now.

my current plan is to keep 12.9 for media content for when on the bike at home working out and watching football/other sport and content but picking up the 11 inch iPad Pro for general usage at home on the sofa just far more manageable for general browsing.

 

[MarkC426]

I've found that I don't want to use ANY of my iPads with keyboards anymore. Toward the end of my tenure with the 12.9" model, I was even thinking about ditching the Magic Keyboard for a Smart Folio. I just don't like the iPad-as-laptop thing. For me it gets too far away from what an iPad is supposed to be.

You can find many of my old posts where I had the exact opposite attitude, but M1 Macs changed my thinking completely.

I hear ya.....😬
When I bought my (1st gen) iPad Pro 12.9, I also got the Smart Keyboard and Pencil.
I have used both maybe 6 times each.......🤣

And in Apples 'wisdom' they decided to make the 1st gen pencil incompatible with newer 12.9" models.
That is just ridiculous......why make something so it does NOT work, ok the pencil 2 may have better performance, but no reason to 'block' pencil 1 from use, it's only a stylus.

 

[Digitalguy]

I'm going to be terribly interested in the hot takes if a 14 inch iPad does actually come along. If some people are finding the 12.9 iPad Pro too big, minds will be blown when some pick up the new rumored larger model. I think that for many who've find the 12.9 model too big, hadn't considered their personal use cases. If you need an Apple laptop, go with the laptop. If you want a larger screen to interact with for note talking or drawing / sketching, or like a screen closer up for consuming ( reading books, comics, or magazines even a screen free of keyboard base for watching media ) entertainment the 12.9 is the way to go.

For now.

Fortunately we all get time period to try out a device, and realize if we did the proper research & made a wise purchase. If not, return it, and move on while others enjoy the devices that fit their needs.

This is very subjective. My 12.9 is my favourite iPad (I barely use the 11in anymore) and I am waiting for the 14.1. If Apple can make it no heavier than the S8 ultra / 1 gen 12.9 I think it will be an amazing device for those that are looking for a larger screen (I was actually hoping for 15in).

 

[Coolpher]

Since the very beginning, I had the first generation iPad as a family then I personally jump to the second third fourth and then mini 1,2, and 3 with the air one somewhere in there then about that time, the first generation 12.9 came out and I sold my MacBook Pro 15 inch for it. Six months later. I realized what I do on my MacBook Pro at that point in life can all be done from the iPad, and it’s much more portable with or without the Magic Keyboard, or whatever keyboard Apple released I had the second generation and then in 2018, I switched to the 11 inch redesigned iPad Pro because I couldn’t get my hand on the 12.9. I got the 11 inch then switching back to the 12.9 on the 4th gen and now the 5th gen I use it every day whenever I’m home, and if I need to use it outside of the house, I don’t hesitate to bring it with me. It has cellular on board, but I honestly don’t use that anymore. Things I do on my iPad Pro 12.9, 2021 consume media video and music write documents FaceTime family play games with controllers and surf. The web from anywhere in the house. I know I could get a MacBook Air and do the same stuff, but 70% of the time I like just having the iPad in my hand/hands and use voice to text instead of even the on screen keyboard, and I would hate to lose the ability to do so so the few times I feel like this iPad is too big is outweighed by the amount of times. I prefer the bigger screen the better screen over the 11 inch that I will never go back to unless we get micro LEDs on the 11 inch maybe I sacrificed the 11 inch ones and I will not do it again. I hope you enjoyed

 

[JayMysterio]

This is very subjective. My 12.9 is my favourite iPad (I barely use the 11in anymore) and I am waiting for the 14.1. If Apple can make it no heavier than the S8 ultra / 1 gen 12.9 I think it will be an amazing device for those that are looking for a larger screen (I was actually hoping for 15in).

Which is something I've always said. We literally have numerous threads about the 12.9 being too big, whether or not it's a laptop alternative, or whatever. It's always subjective, but we still get endless hot takes about what the device can't do or isn't good for. It's completely subjective if the 12.9 isn't whatever for anyone, but we often get it portrayed as if the device fails at something. It doesn't necessarily "fail", it "fails" at doing something specific for specific people, that often isn't what it's intended for. While for others it's a great device or even a perfect one for them.

I also would like to see a 15in iPad Pro size, as it adds another size option amongst 9 / 11 / 12.9 / 14 / 16 inches amongst the Apple devices.

 

[VaruLV]

For me 12.9 isnt too big. Sometimes Ive even wished there was even bigger model.
Not necessarily Pro device, just bigger. Truth be told, Im not sure I would buy myself 12.9 PRO if there was similar sized non-pro iPad, I just wanted largest screen available at the moment.

 

[Nebell]

Depends who you ask, but for me who owns a laptop, yes it's too big. And it's frustrating that only the largest iPad gets the best screen.
I have Mini 6 which is perfect for what I use it for, light gaming and web/media consumption. The screen is fine but I'd pay more for that size with even better specs and screen.

 

[azentropy]

For me it was. I use my iPads as iPads and not as laptop replacements.

 

[JayMysterio]

For me it was. I use my iPads as iPads and not as laptop replacements.

Which again brings it back to the topic of subjectiveness. What is "my iPads as iPads"? Is your definition of what an iPad is, the ONLY definition? Or the definition strictly for you? Because for a niche group, "iPads" can be and are "laptop replacements". For others they are a complement to desktop setups ( such as some using their iPP for second screens they can interact with physically ) , for others they are portable field devices to work with ( such as the stories of pilots relying on iPad minis ), to some who want a magazine sized consumption device to get a truer to size experience. Which is using "iPads as iPads".

It's completely understandable if it was too big for you personally, which is what makes it subjective. It isn't necessarily about "laptop replacements", except for those who need it to be for whatever reasons.

Is there really such a thing as using "iPads as iPads", when so many find so many uses for them no matter what the size?

 

[azentropy]

What is "my iPads as iPads"? Is your definition of what an iPad is, the ONLY definition? Or the definition strictly for you? Because for a niche group, "iPads" can be and are "laptop replacements". For others they are a complement to desktop setups ( such as some using their iPP for second screens they can interact with physically ) , for others they are portable field devices to work with ( such as the stories of pilots relying on iPad minis ), to some who want a magazine sized consumption device to get a truer to size experience. Which is using "iPads as iPads".

It's completely understand if it was too big for you personally, which is what makes it subjective. It isn't necessarily about "laptop replacements", except for those who need it to be for whatever reasons.

Is there really such a thing as using "iPads as iPads", when so many find so many uses for them no matter what the size?

The original question is getting peoples opinions on size so of course it is going to be subjective!
Sorry if the iPads as an iPad was offensive to you, thought it was pretty clear I mean as an stand alone device as I even mention not as a laptop replacement.

 

[JayMysterio]

The original question is getting peoples opinions on size so of course it is going to be subjective!
Sorry if the iPads as an iPad was offensive to you, thought it was pretty clear I mean as an stand alone device as I even mention not as a laptop replacement.

Which is where some of the responses come from, because it's a question that really can't be answered completely. It's always going to be about the person using the device, and not the device itself.

I don't think anyone could take the comment "iPads as iPads" offensive, but it does steer back to blaming the device for it's size or what it is, and not the person using the wrong device for themselves. An iPad as a stand alone device can be many things to many people which is what I've always been saying. People if they want to, will make a device work for them, their way. Which is what Apple has always championed. Whether it's promoting high end iPhones as movie camera alternatives or an iPad as a replacement for those who don't want to use a traditional laptop form any longer. For those hung up on arguing what can & cannot be a laptop replacement for whatever their own reasons. ( Was there very long ago a pointless arguments about whether a laptop could become a desktop replacement, until the improvements were focused on making truly powerful laptops? ) It's the wide possibilities of various applications with these devices that are their strengths. It's always going to be subjective, because there isn't really definite use cases or "iPads as an iPad". Just what do you use your iPad for?

 

[sparksd]

Which is where some of the responses come from, because it's a question that really can't be answered completely. It's always going to be about the person using the device, and not the device itself.

I don't think anyone could take the comment "iPads as iPads" offensive, but it does steer back to blaming the device for it's size or what it is, and not the person using the wrong device for themselves. An iPad as a stand alone device can be many things to many people which is what I've always been saying. People if they want to, will make a device work for them, their way. Which is what Apple has always championed. Whether it's promoting high end iPhones as movie camera alternatives or an iPad as a replacement for those who don't want to use a traditional laptop form any longer. For those hung up on arguing what can & cannot be a laptop replacement for whatever their own reasons. ( Was there very long ago a pointless arguments about whether a laptop could become a desktop replacement, until the improvements were focused on making truly powerful laptops? ) It's the wide possibilities of various applications with these devices that are their strengths. It's always going to be subjective, because there isn't really definite use cases or "iPads as an iPad". Just what do you use your iPad for?

Because so many of these things are quite subjective as you point out, it's best to read a lot of posts on the forum mentally interjecting "From my perspective and in my personal opinion, ..." if it isn't explicitly stated.

 

[JayMysterio]

Because so many of these things are quite subjective as you point out, it's best to read a lot of posts on the forum mentally interjecting "From my perspective and in my personal opinion, ..." if it isn't explicitly stated.

I imagine that would help. It's just that without the additional mental interjections on my part though, that many posts come across as 'this device IS wrong for this use' or 'it IS the wrong form / size factor', as some kind of definitive declaration. Yet you may find some of those same individuals championing "desktop replacements", when someone could ask "why not just get a desktop?" Then those same persons will suddenly rattle off a variety of reasons why a laptop can be a desktop replacement & even more because they can make it work for them. All the while ignoring that the same arguments can be made for the variety of reasons an iPad / tablet can be used for whatever one needs when they make it work for them.

 

[Digitalguy]

Regarding "using iPads as iPads", I don't use any of my iPad as laptop replacements
But I still use them a lot during the day. I have all sizes and by far the most used ones are the 12.9 (yes plural, I have 2 and I use each a lot, much more than the smaller ones).
So do I use iPads as iPads? Or even "what's an iPad?"...
Again as I said recently, some people just don't use stands/covers, and hold their tablets 100% of the time in their hands, so maybe that's why they can't see as the 12.9 or even larger can be the favourite device as a tablet (instead of laptop replacement)

 

[Isamilis]

Depends who you ask, but for me who owns a laptop, yes it's too big. And it's frustrating that only the largest iPad gets the best screen.
I have Mini 6 which is perfect for what I use it for, light gaming and web/media consumption. The screen is fine but I'd pay more for that size with even better specs and screen.

Just a thought, probably this is due to similar size 12.9” with laptop 12-13”?

 

[Coolpher]

I'm stuck between the iPad Pro 12.9 and 11 inch screens. The 11 seems like it would be more comfortable but I think i'm always going to wish I got the nicer screen that's on the 12.9. Do people that use 12.9 in bed find it way too big to be comfortable?

I’ve read all the comments that followed this OP and it’s funny to see everybody’s different opinions about the 12.9 and if it’s too big as everybody says it’s subjective to what you want to use your iPad for if it’s the 6 inch 9.7,10.5, 11 or 12.9. Each of us will use it as we wish to but I love hearing the opinions I’ve gone through every size available in an iPad since the beginning and for what I do I’ve never needed a MacBook Pro since the 12.9 iPad came out no that can easily change some day down the road, but since 2015 I sold my 2015 MBP and have stuck with an iPad Pro with the keyboard. I look forward to continuing to read each of your comments that follow. But to answer the question from the OP I use mine in bed every night and I thoroughly enjoy it. I don’t think it’s too big because when I watch my shows on this high-quality screen, they look amazing when I read my forums from Mac rumors, they look amazing. etc you can always purchase an iPad and have 14 days to try it out to decide if you like it or not and then return it and get the right size. I’ve done that many times over the years.