iPad M4 iPad Pro 11 inch or 13 inch?

[macphoto861]

I guess Apple wants us to use the new pros (specially the 13") with a keyboard attached, or type with the Apple pencil. Not sure if I understand this approach. I think having the possibility to use the iPad in "notebook" mode is nice, but compromising the tablet mode?

It would at least be somewhat understandable if we were talking about something that required hardware accommodations in order to accomplish, or even something that hampered the UI and was considered not worth the trade-off. But this is just a simple split keyboard... if a person wants it, they'll use it, if not, they'll never see it!

For the past week or so I've been trying to convince myself to buy an M4. Problem is, my M1 11" doesn't really need to be upgraded right now... the only benefit I'd get is a brighter screen for when I'm using it outdoors (horizontal Facetime/FaceID is not important to me), so when combined with the negatives (needing to buy a new Pencil, and playing the display lottery... apparently some are yellowish and/or grainy, not to mention the cost of the device itself), that's a really tough sell. But then I started thinking that maybe I'd move back to the 13"... I could use it for displaying sheet music, it would be better for showing work during client meetings, and more screen real estate for photo editing would be nice too. I was well on my way to talking myself into it.

However, I had forgotten about this split-keyboard issue (because it's not as big of a deal on the 11 as it is on the 12.9/13) until these posts, which prompted me to remember how miserable it was to use the 12.9 as a tablet (at least when typing), and the idea of buying one of these quickly dissipated.

In other words, Apple lost a sale specifically because of the lack of the split keyboard.

 

[ewrapple]

Not really sure why the split keyboard matters so much when you can minimize the keyboard to access the floatable one that is much easier to type or swipe. Still think 11 inch is way more usable as a tablet but the virtual keyboard issue is fixable.

 

[prospervic]

However, I had forgotten about this split-keyboard issue (because it's not as big of a deal on the 11 as it is on the 12.9/13) until these posts, which prompted me to remember how miserable it was to use the 12.9 as a tablet (at least when typing), and the idea of buying one of these quickly dissipated.

In other words, Apple lost a sale specifically because of the lack of the split keyboard.

Interesting. I happen to find the software keyboard on the 12.9/13 (how about we just call them all 13” from now on?) to be quite useful as it’s large enough that I don’t often need to attach my Smart Keyboard Folio or Magic Keyboard (I’m typing this on the screen right now). As ewrapple mentioned, the floating mini keyboard works great when using the iPad Pro handheld.

You have so many strong use cases for the 13”, I hope you won’t let this one (fixable) issue cause you to miss out on the great work/play experience this device offers.

 

[macphoto861]

Interesting. I happen to find the software keyboard on the 12.9/13 (how about we just call them all 13” from now on?) to be quite useful as it’s large enough that I don’t often need to attach my Smart Keyboard Folio or Magic Keyboard (I’m typing this on the screen right now). As ewrapple mentioned, the floating mini keyboard works great when using the iPad Pro handheld.

Oh, it was definitely great for when the iPad was on a table or lap, and I was typing with both hands (as though it were a regular keyboard)... what I had trouble with was when sitting or standing while holding the iPad. You're right, the small floating keyboard does indeed make this easier, but I really miss being able to split it so that half is under one thumb, and the other half is under the other thumb, as I was really able to type quite fast with it.

 

[xraydoc]

I had an M1 12.9”. It was great, but I carry it around a lot at work, often with the Magic Keyboard, and it’s no lighter than a MacBook Air.

Ultimately, even though the new13” is lighter than the prior model, I went with the 11” model for the M4 iPad Pro. Even with the Magic Keyboard, it’s comparatively light and compact. It’s the right size for weight/portability/usability compromise between the size options. Just picked it up today.

 

[jbanning]

I agree with @xraydoc. I’ve had the last two generations of the larger 13” and realized after YEARS, what I really wanted was portability. I went with the 11” with the Magic Keyboard and it’s AMAZING. Smaller, but just as productive as the 13”, but in a form factor I don’t hesitate to throw into one of my many slings, backpacks, and with the built in 5G, I take it everywhere. If I take it off the Magic Keyboard, I can use the onscreen keyboard and type just as easily as I could on the 13”. I use it for work; I just did a split screen to view my OneNote from work and Outlook and respond to HR for feedback on two interview I conducted today for interviews on my team. At night, I review Reddit and Insta (i know, Facebook, ughggh, but damn, the videos are just too funny - ha).
To each his own, but for me in my life right now, the 11” rules. I still have my 13”, but it will be used in the kitchen for recipes and home automation...

 

[lyunmac]

I really want the 13in but I'm leaning towards the 11in due to the small size. I would primarily use it for photo editing (on the go especially) so it's not like I would need to use split screen that often. I do have a Galaxy Tab S9 ultra if I need a bigger screen to watch shows or game at home. I do have an iMac for long sessions so I do want a smaller screen. The price also is more attractive since I'm looking at the 1TB model. Micro center has the 512gb at a cheaper price but I wish they carried the 1TB too.

 

[callihan_44]

movies/ video games are more immersive on the bigger ipad, but awkward to hold for long periods of time. I would rest the edge of my 12.9 on my lap plus holding it with both hands and flip through webpages, then I tried propping it up at an angle with a pillow on my lap and do typing on the on screen keyboard.

I carried the 12.9 into the kitchen while cooking and reading ingredients list and this was kinda awkward, the smaller 11 would have been better... Long reading sessions for ebooks would probably be better on the 11, holding with one hand and typing in a search bar is easier on the 11. Vertical use feels very odd with the 12.9 but doable with the 11.

Sometimes when I was using the 12.9 I would ask myself why not just use the laptop instead? mainly because it would sit on lap and not have to hold it in place

 

[Wind30]

11” is best for me. I had the 12.9 just for the miniled… while I appreciate the larger screen, it is just too heavy

 

[garethjs]

I set the font to small and more space with the resolution and split screen worked really well on the 11” not sure why people are complaining about that

Not too much of a performance gain with the additional core. Went with 512gb because of the twice as fast ssd speeds than the 256gb

And perhaps iPadOS 18 might bring around multi user for the iPad so additional space was better

I have a MacBook m3 pro 14” so that definitely swayed me away from the 13”

 

[robertosh]

After testing both 11 and 13 as a tablet for a good 45 minutes, decision was easy. I think the main problem of the 13 is not the size but the weight. I think that even split keyboard wouldn’t help. On portrait mode, the weight concentrates in the top side of the 13”, making really uncomfortable to hold in from the bottom side (as you will do while typing). Landscape helps in stability but no way you can reach all letters. Also tested a basic use case of being in portrait mode holding with one hand and scrolling with the other and that was also uncomfortable. I think the only way to use the 13 is using your knees to hold it while lying down.

The 11 feels lightweight and nice on the hands. Portrait typing is not perfect, but due to the light weight is not difficult to adequate the device position to the typing. Not too different to typing in my 9.7”. Landscape typing is less ideal but again the weight helps as well.

Got a black 11, base model with education discount, I think it is an amazing device, best iPad ever in my opinion.

 

[Surfsalot]

Would rather have a LG screen than a Samsung.

 

[rkuo]

After testing both 11 and 13 as a tablet for a good 45 minutes, decision was easy. I think the main problem of the 13 is not the size but the weight. I think that even split keyboard wouldn’t help. On portrait mode, the weight concentrates in the top side of the 13”, making really uncomfortable to hold in from the bottom side (as you will do while typing). Landscape helps in stability but no way you can reach all letters. Also tested a basic use case of being in portrait mode holding with one hand and scrolling with the other and that was also uncomfortable. I think the only way to use the 13 is using your knees to hold it while lying down.

The 11 feels lightweight and nice on the hands. Portrait typing is not perfect, but due to the light weight is not difficult to adequate the device position to the typing. Not too different to typing in my 9.7”. Landscape typing is less ideal but again the weight helps as well.

Got a black 11, base model with education discount, I think it is an amazing device, best iPad ever in my opinion.

In this case the perceived weight is actually a function of size, since the extra height levers the weight more over where you grip the tablet.

I feel like 9.7” was the perfect size for a portrait mode tablet. The 11” feels a tad too large, albeit still usable. The 12.9“ is just not good for tablet mode at all IMO.

I believe Apple abandoned the 9.7” form factor in favor of a just comfortable enough keyboard accessory, which required them to widen the iPad just a bit.

 

[macphoto861]

I feel like 9.7” was the perfect size for a portrait mode tablet. The 11” feels a tad too large

The 11 is only about 8mm taller and wider than the 9.7.

 

[rkuo]

The 11 is only about 8mm taller and wider than the 9.7.

This is true, but it does make a difference. And on top of that things like the keyboard and other UI elements are placed much further down due to the edge to edge screen, so it makes them awkward to access. The iPhone has affordances for this in software (the keyboard for example has buffer space on the bottom, safari address bar is on the bottom instead of the top), but the iPad has never gotten these UI tweaks for some reason.

 

[bmat]

I got the 13 inch, but it had tons of kernel panics in the first 10 days—so I got the 11 instead as a replacement. Wow there is a massive difference side by side, but I don’t notice the difference all that much for my actual usage. It’s weird.

The 11 definitely is easier to type on.

 

[macmus12]

13 inch is superior, but combo with MK is less stable then 11 combo.

I have iphone 15 pro max, so 11 is just a bit bigger. I found myself not using 11 when i had my max. Now with 13 i definetly move to it much often.

 

[Surfsalot]

After trying the 11" I would get the 13". 11" not much different than M1 11" imo.

 

[macmus12]

After trying the 11" I would get the 13". 11" not much different than M1 11" imo.

I see you have 11 and max, Don’t you think it’s quite redundant ?

 

[Nikhil72]

I see you have 11 and max, Don’t you think it’s quite redundant ?

In what world is a 15 Pro Max and an iPad 11 Pro almost the same size? Numerically, maybe, but based on the pythagorean theorum and aspect ratios, the iPP 11” is still a tremendous size leap from using a pro max.

Below overlay from PhoneArena’s size comparison tool.

 

[Mirage4455]

I have a 12.9” M1 along with the new 11” M4, and to me the difference in brightness is very noticeable. The biggest reason I chose the 11” was for portability, I’ve taken my 12.9” on overseas trips and it’s just too bulky to lug around. It’s doable but it’s a chore. In any case I’m keeping the 12.9” as well so having two large iPads was redundant. The 11” also just seems more enjoyable to use as a pure tablet for entertainment and browsing purposes, it’s got a cozy feel to it while using. Having said that the 12.9” is still great and it’s why I kept it and traded in an old IPad Mini 4 instead. I intend to keep both for a long time.

 

[Surfsalot]

I see you have 11 and max, Don’t you think it’s quite redundant ?

I have the max for better camera, battery and when out. I only use my iPad as a tablet and it gets the most use at home v my 15 max.
Did have a 12.9 M1 when the mini led came out but found I didn't use it near as much, 11" can be used one hand and perfect size for travelling with.
Been tempted to try the 13" but probably know will be the same.
So expensive too as I would want 512gb.

 

[erasr]

After getting the 11” on Thursday I’ve been back and forth in my head as to whether I should’ve got the 13”.

On the sofa, using it, I was thinking hmmm…I could view this website or watch that YouTube video on the bigger 13”.

BUT, for the last two mornings, I've woken up, grabbed the iPad in bed and read some news.

You know how it is, tired, lazy weak arms at that time….

and that early morning reading, holding the 11” in one hand has made me realise how important this smaller size is.

It‘s a joy to hold and read the news, some forums, Reddit etc. An absolute joy.

So that lovely reason alone, I think 13” would be unnecessary for my needs.

 

[Oreon]

Ended up with both, cellular 13 for travelling and taking to work etc, and WiFi 11 for lounging around the house. Both 256gb space black. Use 13 exclusively in either Logitech combo or apple keyboard cases, and 11 with the Smart Folio as a traditional tablet.

 

[macmus12]

Ended up with both, cellular 13 for travelling and taking to work etc, and WiFi 11 for lounging around the house. Both 256gb space black. Use 13 exclusively in either Logitech combo or apple keyboard cases, and 11 with the Smart Folio as a traditional tablet.

apple folio is flawed for 13 sometimes magness do not hold and ipad folds.
This design is a ****** one, i much more prefer logitech combo kickstand