iPad M4 iPad Pro 11 inch or 13 inch?

[Surfsalot]

I had the 2018 11" for 2 years, then the 12.9" M1 for a year, now the 11" M1. In hindsight should of kept the 12.9".
With a 24" iMac and 15 pro max the 13" would be a better fit with MGK.
Especially now with Oled for under patio use, have been on the fence for a 14" MBP and been looking at a 15" M2 on sale, but outdoors even under cover not liking the screens brightness/colours.
Tried the 11" M4 not that much a diff than my 11" M1 and those speakers lol
Mrs would get my M1 sell her 2018 11"
Decisions.

 

[Jezak]

I had the 11 inch pro since 2020, and jumped up to the 13 this round. I am really enjoying the screen size upgrade and find the iPad very easy to hold with one hand. Though just because of its sheer size you’ll naturally want to prop it on something eventually. I still have my old 11 inch pro but I don’t see going back to that size. I fly next week on a work trip and taking the 13 with me.

 

[Aka757]

It’s interesting how many people in this thread are switching sizes with the new Pros (including me). Will be curious to see how much of it is just the honeymoon period. That’s what I’m worried about personally, whether I’ll want the larger size after going down to the 11” from the M1 12.9”.

 

[IJBrekke]

I played with both in store for a while. The 13” is impressive for the weight loss, the 11” for the feeling of thinness compared to the other models. However, after a few minutes I found myself reverting to previous opinions: The 13” remains awkward to hold and use without the keyboard attachment, and the 11” feels like a weird compromise between a Mini and a 13”. It’s too large for comfortable portrait use (typing with thumbs, one-handed use, etc) and too small for landscape (where the 13” wins).

Overall takeaway: My goodness, do I want a Mini Pro. Reduced bezels, OLED, more ram, up the base storage, Face ID. I so sincerely hope the device is made when the newest A-series chips are released in the fall.

 

[vapourtrails]

I returned my 11" Pro and bought the 13" M4. I also own an older 11" first generation iPad Pro so I will see over time which one becomes the most used. The main reason I went with the 13" this time is because I want to do more drawing and plan on trying Final Cut to edit some videos this summer. It is clearly not as light and portable but the extra screen is nice for art work.

 

[RyCan3]

I have for the longest time used the 11 for work, Mini for reading. This time the new form factor of the 13 vs the same-same of the 11 was enough to push me to the larger format. Mostly use the iPP for meetings, as notebook (Goodnotes and iAWriter), as a replacement for writing on paper and transparency rolls and as a small writing machine with iA in meetings,. Sure hope the 13 will be a good fit for all this, as it is quite close to the 14 MBP.

I’m in the same boat as you. I strictly use my IPP for writing notes (Notability) and running client meetings. I usually spin it around and show a pdf or my screen to clients. I have a MacBook Pro that I’m hoping to not have to take to client meetings anymore. I went with the 13 this time to replace my 11 IPP. Also will be using the 13 when I travel.

 

[Surfsalot]

I played with both in store for a while. The 13” is impressive for the weight loss, the 11” for the feeling of thinness compared to the other models. However, after a few minutes I found myself reverting to previous opinions: The 13” remains awkward to hold and use without the keyboard attachment, and the 11” feels like a weird compromise between a Mini and a 13”. It’s too large for comfortable portrait use (typing with thumbs, one-handed use, etc) and too small for landscape (where the 13” wins).

Overall takeaway: My goodness, do I want a Mini Pro. Reduced bezels, OLED, more ram, up the base storage, Face ID. I so sincerely hope the device is made when the newest A-series chips are released in the fall.

Will never happen

 

[IJBrekke]

Will never happen

I’d like to see what happens software-wise in June before making that call.

 

[Mirage4455]

I have a 12.9” M1 Pro and love it. The only negatives were battery life and portability. That big screen just ate up the battery unfortunately. I really wanted the new OLED IPad, particularly for work related stuff and watching sports. I found the 12.9” to be too big for watching sports for some reason, just didn’t look right to me. I’ve used my wife’s 11” M1 Pro for comparison when watching sports and it just seemed better. So I got the 11” Pro. No complaints. I find the 12.9” is nicer for browsing on websites so I’m keeping the 12.9” as well. I’ve taken the 12.9” on overseas trips and I found it to be too cumbersome to carry around so the 11” will be my travel iPad. Best of both worlds I guess, and no point in having 2 large iPads. The M1 12.9” still works perfectly so will be keeping it for a while yet.

 

[Rafterman]

Will never happen

Sadly, I agree. The Mini is just a side project for Apple.

 

[prospervic]

I have a 12.9” M1 Pro and love it. The only negatives were battery life and portability. That big screen just ate up the battery unfortunately. I really wanted the new OLED IPad, particularly for work related stuff and watching sports. I found the 12.9” to be too big for watching sports for some reason, just didn’t look right to me. I’ve used my wife’s 11” M1 Pro for comparison when watching sports and it just seemed better. So I got the 11” Pro. No complaints. I find the 12.9” is nicer for browsing on websites so I’m keeping the 12.9” as well. I’ve taken the 12.9” on overseas trips and I found it to be too cumbersome to carry around so the 11” will be my travel iPad. Best of both worlds I guess, and no point in having 2 large iPads. The M1 12.9” still works perfectly so will be keeping it for a while yet.

I too have a 12.9" M1, and as exciting as the new M4 is, I'm too heavily invested in my M1 (1tb + cellular) and accessories (Magic Keyboard, Smart Folio Keyboard, Smart Folio, Pitaka Origami folio and Apple Pencil 2) to sell at big loss and just start all over again. And like you, I find the 12.9 kinda cumbersome for (non-work) travel.

So I'll be getting a base model 11" M4. This way I get to experience the thin & light body, OLED display and landscape Face Time camera without giving up my beloved 12.9". I also won't be spending too much -- selling my too-small-for-productivity maxed-out iPad mini should cover about half the cost.

 

[Karnicopia]

To me this question really comes down to if you have a laptop, if you have a 13-15 laptop I don't think the 13" pro differentiates itself enough unless you are using it for artwork. In that case the 11 is different enough that I have good use for both of them. I think if you are trying to go without a laptop the 13" is great.

Over time I like having an iPad mini which can get pretty old because I mainly use it as a reader and they make great audio controllers (probably HT as well) they are basically nice sized visual remote controls. Then I usually have a 11" iPad that I update every few years for notes and general iPad usage and a 14" laptop for photography. That covers everything I usually do and I have pretty unique use cases for each so they don't overlap too much.

 

[ofarlig]

Sadly, I agree. The Mini is just a side project for Apple.

I’ve given up on a Mini Pro and instead hope we see a large foldable iPhone in a few years that can somewhat fill that void.

 

[littlepud]

Changed my mind. Couldn’t get used to the smaller keyboard on 11. Will return for a 13.

 

[robertosh]

Today I will go again to the Apple Store to test both M4 iPads extensively. I'm now 90% convinced in going to the 11" unless I have a different feeling than yesterday with the 13". The 13" it was my first option, but yesterday was terrible experience typing with the on-screen non-splittable keyboard. Of course they can also add back this feature at some point, but given that it did not went to these models since its redesign in 2018, I should not count on that.

 

[caoimhe]

Overall takeaway: My goodness, do I want a Mini Pro. Reduced bezels, OLED, more ram, up the base storage, Face ID. I so sincerely hope the device is made when the newest A-series chips are released in the fall.

While I’ve always wanted a Mini Pro, I can live with the bezels, screen, and Touch ID if I could just get a higher amount of storage! There is just no way (that I’ve found) to bring all the media I want so I can get by without wifi when I’m traveling and 256 is not workable at all. Up to now I’ve used my 2018 IPP with 1TB but this time I chose the 13” iPad and while it’s perfect around the house it really isn’t going to travel well.

 

[ipos]

No regrets downsize from 12.9 to 11”. Holding my iPad Pro 11 as i happily type this message

 

[macphoto861]

The 13" it was my first option, but yesterday was terrible experience typing with the on-screen non-splittable keyboard. Of course they can also add back this feature at some point, but given that it did not went to these models since its redesign in 2018, I should not count on that.

If I'm holding my 11" vertically, I can type with my thumbs (though it's a bit of a stretch for some of the keys)... the split keyboard would be nice to have, but I can get by without it. With the 12.9", however, this was a substantial hinderance to using the device. Rather than just being able to type with my thumbs, I'd have to shift the iPad over to balance in one hand, and hunt/peck with the other hand.

I just can't believe that Apple hasn't recognized this issue and brought back the split keyboard.

 

[robertosh]

If I'm holding my 11" vertically, I can type with my thumbs (though it's a bit of a stretch for some of the keys)... the split keyboard would be nice to have, but I can get by without it. With the 12.9", however, this was a substantial hinderance to using the device. Rather than just being able to type with my thumbs, I'd have to shift the iPad over to balance in one hand, and hunt/peck with the other hand.

I just can't believe that Apple hasn't recognized this issue and brought back the split keyboard.

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?

I totally buy the flexibility use case, so you are doing something in notebook mode and then just grab the iPad to continue on the couch. But this is not possible with the 13" as basically you cannot even type without juggling. And, the notebook experience will never be the same as with a Macbook Air + macOS (that cost around the same as the iPad+keyboard bundle).

So, for me looks a wrong approach in both senses: iPad 13 is not good as serious notebook replacement, neither as tablet.

iPad beauty to me is that you can manipulate all with your hands, no need to worry about 3rd party things to interact with it, just the fingers !

I think Apple should focus on the 10-11" area for a tablet only device and then sell the 13" with a keyboard included as a casual replacement for a laptop.

Of course is my humble opinion!

 

[erasr]

Given that I have a 13” M2 MacBook Air, and how I want to take my iPad out to coffee shops, travel more, I went with 11”.

The 13” seems unnecessary for my needs. I don’t want the keyboard with that, it’ll be too big and heavy. So I’ve bought the keyboard with 11” for those moments of light portable work.

I browse on it, watch YouTube, basic stuff, so why would I need a 13” apart from a slightly bigger screen to view those things.

I really like the idea of having an ultraportable work device but it mainly used for fun, reading the news, video, etc.

It’s on order for delivery on Friday. I hope I made the fight decision becuase I did always want the 13” for those bedtime moments with the gf watching stuff. Thought it could act as a nice little bedroom TV.

Got the keyboard too. Excited.

 

[pin87a]

iPad beauty to me is that you can manipulate all with your hands, no need to worry about 3rd party things to interact with it, just the fingers !

I think Apple should focus on the 10-11" area for a tablet only device and then sell the 13" with a keyboard included as a casual replacement for a laptop.

I find it odd that the on-screen keyboard on these devices isn't a more common complaint. I feel like maybe I'm "doing it wrong," but for anything more than a web address I'm docking the thing in the Magic Keyboard to type. It's not a great experience.

 

[Rafterman]

Given that I have a 13” M2 MacBook Air, and how I want to take my iPad out to coffee shops, travel more, I went with 11”.

The 13” seems unnecessary for my needs. I don’t want the keyboard with that, it’ll be too big and heavy. So I’ve bought the keyboard with 11” for those moments of light portable work.

I browse on it, watch YouTube, basic stuff, so why would I need a 13” apart from a slightly bigger screen to view those things.

I really like the idea of having an ultraportable work device but it mainly used for fun, reading the news, video, etc.

It’s on order for delivery on Friday. I hope I made the fight decision becuase I did always want the 13” for those bedtime moments with the gf watching stuff. Thought it could act as a nice little bedroom TV.

Got the keyboard too. Excited.

I have the 13 with keyboard and really enjoy it. But the 11 vs 13 is the eternal question, isn't it? I went with 13...just because. But the 11 feels really good to use too.

 

[Rangers94]

Today I will go again to the Apple Store to test both M4 iPads extensively. I'm now 90% convinced in going to the 11" unless I have a different feeling than yesterday with the 13". The 13" it was my first option, but yesterday was terrible experience typing with the on-screen non-splittable keyboard. Of course they can also add back this feature at some point, but given that it did not went to these models since its redesign in 2018, I should not count on that.

Let us know what you thought of both sizes. I have a 12.9” iPad Pro and wondering how transitioning to the smaller 11” would be. Thanks!

 

[bevsb2]

All of my iPads have been 10.9 - 11” and I have never questioned my choice. I even passed on the mini LED screen as I didn’t want the 13” size. My MacBook Pro is my main device, but I like the iPad for sofa, patio and travel use and the 11” is perfect for that. I’m thrilled with the new OLED screen, especially for viewing outdoors.

 

[Aka757]

I returned my 13” M4 and kept the 11”. Really loved the screen size of the 13” but the physical size just wasn’t as pleasant as the 11”. I also got AppleCare for the 11” so now I’m committed! Apparently AppleCare for iPads automatically covers the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil, no need for serial numbers or to be on the same purchase.

Also, if anyone is curious, you can do straight exchanges for different colors of the Smart Folio or Magic Keyboard, without having to do a return and subsequent purchase. Makes things much smoother. I exchanged a black Smart Folio for a denim one. With the Space Black 11”, it looks really nice!