It's stunning and I'm returning it

[44267547]

I couldn't do without the true tone. The original 12.9 pro didn't have trutone did it?

My 9.7 Pro did and it just made it perfect for reading books, the news, etc.

The 2015 (12.9) iPad Pro did not have Tru-Tone display. Once someone actually has experienced it, it's ideal for reading on how It changes the white point based on the environment.

 

[Jasmynp]

I always felt like the 9.7 was just a little too small, loved the 12.9 and made it my primary PC for about 9 months before I got my MBP but it often felt unwieldy for some use cases.

It's only been a few hours and I have the 12.9 coming tomorrow but I am pretty surrounded the 10.5 will end up being my primary day to day computing device.

The only part that worries me really is the thinner side bezels will work with iOS 11 and swiping up for the dock, I mostly use the iPad on the couch while lying down and I can see the super small bezels actually being a problem for that.

They are really tiny. The 10.5 seems better suited to landscape now.
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Geez, lots of obnoxious replies in this thread. I'm struggling with the size decision myself. I have a 12.9 first gen and for a lot of things the large screen is fantastic - but it does seem over-sized at times when reading on the Kindle app or lugging it around. Looked at a 10.5 in the store today and it is just too small. I really wish there was something in between like an 11.5 - but there isn't so I'm trying to decide if I want to just stick with what I have or play the trickle down game by getting a new 12.9 and giving the wife the old one.

No Worries. It's because I'm a woman on the internet, but to your point, if there was a 12" iPad, I'd be in heaven lol
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OP can I ask what your typical use is that made you feel the 10.5" was still too small?

I have a 12.9" iPad Pro which I use mainly for taking handwritten notes and sketching out ideas. The idea of a smaller iPad Pro is starting to be appealing after almost a year with the larger size, but I'm wondering if even 10.5" will be too small for writing with the Apple Pencil (with my handwriting the 9.7" was definitely too small).

Mostly handwritten notes, document creation, sketching, reading, email, task management and browsing. I love it for doc creation, reading, and browsing. It feels cramped for the rest in split view, when the on screen keyboard is up, and when I'm handwriting or sketching a lot, there tends to be a lot of repositioning and zooming.

 

[JohnnyGo]

I definitely see where you're coming from. I just upgraded to a 10.5 from a 9.7 and was concerned that I wouldn't notice enough of a difference. I do notice one difference, and it's a big one in my mind. Even though it's barely larger, the 10.5 Apple Keyboard feels 100x times better than the 9.7 ASK. That difference alone warrants the purchase for me... While I wait for a smaller bezel 12.9" to be released next year

I'm hoping Apple can reduce the bezels, change from 12.9 to 12-12.5" , and in the process bring the size/weight down from 1.5lbs to 1.2 lbs.

Keep in mind that the A11 is confirmed for the 10nm fab so the same should be expected for a new A11X (vs 16nm for A10/A10X). Lower power consumption should allow Apple to reduce battery size.

Performance wise the A10 was already overkill, unless you're using the iPad for heavy video/image processing. The screen tech has been improving every year, which produces expectations for better contrast, higher brightness and/or lower power consumption next year.

Unfortunately technology is a bitch! There's always next year's shining new toy

 

[Velin]

It's because I'm a woman on the internet

No, it isn't. We have no idea what gender you are. Nor do we care.

 

[ABC5S]

Just another typical flip-flopper, and this could have been avoided by just going to the store and holding it for goodness sake's.

 

[ascender]

If I wasn't considering the iPad as a laptop replacement, the choice would have been simple - I'd have just bought a new standard 9.7" iPad to replace my aging iPad Air as it will be more than fast enough for what I do around the house - web browsing, email, videos etc.

I like iOS and for me there's some definite advantages over macOS both in terms of hardware and software. But I get that not everybody can consider switching.

As things stand, if I want to replace my laptop with the iPad, it would have to be a 12.9. I've found the 9.7 is just too small if I'm using it all day so the 10.5 won't change that. If I'm not working in the office, I often have to use Citrix receiver to log in to a virtual machine which I invariably use for hours at a time and its really tough on the eyes on a 9.7.

So 12.9 it is? But for around the home I'd need to keep my iPad Air as I don't imagine the 12.9 is going to be very good to use when sitting on the sofa browsing the web. Or is it?

This is the one time when I can really see how a try before you buy option would be perfect! I don't want to abuse their 14 day return policy.

 

[dingclancy23]

I think they can get there. Perhaps a 12.1 inch iPad with smaller bezels and with the resolution of a 12.9.

What we are learning here is that Apple does not care about the right fit when it comes to screen sizes. The more screen sizes they can sell with iOS from 4 inch to 12.9, the better.

 

[Jasmynp]

No, it isn't. We have no idea what gender you are. Nor do we care.

Check out the 49.5% guy. I was referencing him. Thanks though.

 

[madgalaxy]

When the 1st gen 12.9 was released I was using an Air 2 (and Mini 2) and I was very tempted by the 12.9 and waited and waited and then finally bought it when there was a Best Buy sale. I love it, but it is cumbersome to take out of the house - so I aways reached for my old Mini 2 when going to work, etc.

So now that the 10.5 is out I am going to try using just one iPad. So I am TURNING OFF my 12.9 and will not touch it for two weeks. At the end of 2 weeks I will decided if to keep the 10.5 and sell the 12.9; return the 10.5; or keep both. 1st world problems...

 

[kazmac]

I'm a bit of a flip-flopper when it comes to technology. I fall in and out of love very quickly. I had the 12.9 when it first came out, but found that it was too big for use in certain circumstances so I sold it and went with the 9.7 pro. The 9.7 was great for awhile but quickly started to feel cramped. So I commandeered my husband's 12.9 (when he's not home), but the 12.9 still not the perfect size for all occasions. Yeah...I'm the Goldie Locks of iPad owners.

When the 10.5 was announced, I was sure that it would be the sweet spot for me. It isn't. It's still a bit too cramped. It's just not enough extra space for me to warrant the purchase. It's all the things reviewers say it is. I mean It. Is. Stunning! But if you're happy with your 9.7 or itching for more space, the 10.5 is not likely to rock your world, at least it didn't rock mine.

I've got a first gen 12.9 coming tomorrow from Swappa (I bought it case I didn't love the 10.5) I've resigned myself to the idea that I'll be living the multi-pad lifestyle. 1st gen 12.9 for some things, 1st gen 9.7 for others. I have to give up my dream of one machine to rule them all.

TL;DR: the 10.5 is too close in size to the 9.7 and too far from the 12.9. 1st Gen 9.7 and 1st gen 12.9 for the win. Long live the multi-pad lifestyle.

Also my ideal range for iPads would be 7.9, 10.1, and 12, but I don't work for Apple and know nothing about the ideal aspect ratio for apple design and apps.

I've got you beat. I've returned or sold every iPad I owned prior to the new 12.9" (several 9.7" iPads, one 12.9" (because it wasn't compatible for school) and a Mini 4. I still miss my Mini 4 & may pick one up if Best Buy has another ridiculously great sale to use as my commuter iPad. New 12.9" is a keeper: I was doodling on it this morning while waiting for a rain storm to end before going to work. I love that I want to use it and will blog on it tonight (giving the smart keyboard a whirl).

You may have answered this already: I am wondering why you didn't wait for the new 12.9" to go on sale or refurbs, swappa etc.?

For me, I took one look at the 10.5" yesterday and knew I had to go with the 12.9". For the writing, art and things I want to do, it was worth the extra expense. I'd love a refreshed Mini too, but I am super happy going with the 12.9". The nice thing about the new iPad Pros, Apple didn't gimp on specs for the smaller size to nudge people into buying the 12.9". I saw a growing crowd swirling around the 10.5" at the Apple Store yesterday.

 

[tjleonard]

The 2015 (12.9) iPad Pro did not have Tru-Tone display. Once someone actually has experienced it, it's ideal for reading on how It changes the white point based on the environment.

Agreed! That's one of the best changes on any iPads I've ever experienced, and I do not read too much, but when I do!

 

[appleisler]

I too am hedging my bets...currently have the first gen 12.9 IPP and an Air2. Will retire Air2 for the 10.5 IPP but keep the 12.9 either until I'm certain that 10.5 is my goldilocks iPad (preferred scenario) or permanently if I become a 2 pad person because one is too big and one is too small.

PS: I can't just go to the Apple Store to see how they feel because there is no Apple Store where I live. The nearest is a 1 hour plane ride away and it will be weeks/months until other local stockists catch up...