iPad Pro On the fence? Get the 13”

[vapourtrails]

I personally can't comfortably use the 13 in my couch or bed without struggling to hold it so had to go with the 11.

I did both on the weekends with no issue. I think you have to get used to the form factor and then it quickly becomes normal.

 

[nikikaly21]

I did both on the weekends with no issue. I think you have to get used to the form factor and then it quickly becomes normal.

How was typing with portrait mode while laying down? I struggle to meet the middle keys on my 11 right now

 

[DeepSix]

On the fence? Get nothing.

 

[Nikhil72]

How was typing with portrait mode while laying down? I struggle to meet the middle keys on my 11 right now

The mini keyboard with swiping makes for one handed typing while holding the bigger iPad pretty effective. Not sure that I’d be laying down and typing long messages or emails in this format anyway; I’m more likely to be laying down for consumption activities

 

[vapourtrails]

How was typing with portrait mode while laying down? I struggle to meet the middle keys on my 11 right now

I usually sit up and drink coffee when I’m on the iPad. This is a strange conversation. I think it works fine for X which was my main activity.

 

[ericwn]

You don’t need to add your personal stuff and common apps like the browser, word processing and various other apps are on the devices.

Need is not the necessary driver here. Apple actively encourages their customers to buy, try it out during the return period, and return it without hassle if things do not work out. That is their way to ensure a sale. I am most certainly not making my purchase decisions on demo content presented to me in a crowded retail store but will use the device in my daily routine and workflow to make an informed decision.

 

[ericwn]

If you have a MacBook. You don’t need a 13” tablet

But you might like and thoroughly one so disregard and just make your own experience.

 

[ericwn]

If you want an ipad, 11”…

Or 13.

 

[nikikaly21]

The mini keyboard with swiping makes for one handed typing while holding the bigger iPad pretty effective. Not sure that I’d be laying down and typing long messages or emails in this format anyway; I’m more likely to be laying down for consumption activities

Thank you for this info. Very helpful.

 

[blairh]

Like so many others, I was struggling to decide between the 11” and 13” M4 iPad Pro. I was upgrading my 12.9” M1 iPad Pro and ordered both new sizes to test after reading all the discussion threads.

A lot of people seem to be going with the 11” and making the case that it offers the best balance of function and portability. I respect the 11” lifestyle and was tempted myself by the compact size and light weight. But in the end, I realized that I couldn’t resist the pull of the 13”.

Both are great products, and those who have a clear affinity for the 11” will be very happy with their choice. That said, I think that those who are on the fence should take the plunge on the 13” and that the trade offs are well worth it for most people.

Here’s why I think the 13” is still the king of iPads and the best choice for most people:

• Thinner & lighter form factor - When Apple removed the bezels from the 12.9” in 2018, it become a much better general purpose device. The 2024 model takes another leap in this direction, making the 13” easier to hold in your hands. With the new 13”, you gain a much bigger screen compared to the 11” without adding much weight. Even those who only use the iPad as a handheld tablet for media consumption now arguably have a better experience with the 13”
• More immersive screen & speakers - for watching shows or movies in bed, the 13” is simply more immersive and just as easy to rest on your chest or a pillow for long periods. The speakers are noticeably louder and clearer than the 11”. The 11” just seemed small after getting used to the 12.9” for the last 5 or so years.
• Full-size keyboard - I’m typing this on the 13” Magic Keyboard and it feels fantastic. I found the 11” Magic Keyboard very usable but not as comfortable for long form writing.
• More portable than you think - neither iPad Pro fits into your pocket. Both fit easily into most backpacks, messenger bags or slings. With the Magic Keyboard case, I can easily carry my iPad Pro around the neighborhood one-handed just like a professional leather folio. The matte black exterior is less obtrusive than carrying shiny aluminum MacBook and makes it feasible to carry without a bag.
• Better Pro Max companion - with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which is also lighter than the previous generation, I can now use my phone comfortably to read books, do email and get light work done. As phones get larger and take on more tablet use cases, it makes sense for tablets to get larger and take on more laptop use cases. Whether or not you also have a laptop or desktop, the 13” iPad makes more sense in a world of larger phones.
• Sticker shock is temporary - yes, the extra $300 for the larger iPad and the extra $50 for the larger Magic does sting, but the life of your iPad will far outlast the hole in your wallet. It’s worth it to get the one that will give you the best and most immersive experience.
• 13” FOMO will haunt your dreams - deep down, you know you want the 13”. You tell yourself that the 11” keyboard is good enough; that the “More Space” mode makes up for lack of screen estate; that you don’t mind squinting a bit when multi-tasking; that the speakers sound ok for the size; that Apple won’t announce more pro features at WWDC that take advantage of the 13” screen. But when you’re laying in bed at night, you’ll picture the glorious 13” OLED canvas and know in your heart that you deserve the top of the line iPad Pro.

I’m happy with my choice to stick with the larger size and think it’s a good move for anyone who is on the fence. The new 13” reduces the downsides of the larger size while keeping all the upsides. Anyone else happy with their choice to stick with or move to the 13”?

I don't think this is good advice honestly. People 'on the fence' should go to their local store that has both models in stock and handle them in person to make a personal decision.

I personally would not recommend the 13" iPad Pro unless you know for sure that the 11" iPP would not work as well for you. Otherwise the 11" iPP simply works better as an in-hand tablet, whereas the 13" iPP shines more when docked in a MKB or used for drawing and multi-tasking.

 

[LaterWolf]

I don't think this is good advice honestly. People 'on the fence' should go to their local store that has both models in stock and handle them in person to make a personal decision.

I personally would not recommend the 13" iPad Pro unless you know for sure that the 11" iPP would not work as well for you. Otherwise the 11" iPP simply works better as an in-hand tablet, whereas the 13" iPP shines more when docked in a MKB or used for drawing and multi-tasking.

Yeah, always thought buying 2 was stupid unless you had no apple store or retailer with apple showrooms in your area, which is very rare, we have like 4 (premium) authorized resellers and many more retailers with showrooms

 

[sparksd]

I don't think this is good advice honestly. People 'on the fence' should go to their local store that has both models in stock and handle them in person to make a personal decision.

I personally would not recommend the 13" iPad Pro unless you know for sure that the 11" iPP would not work as well for you. Otherwise the 11" iPP simply works better as an in-hand tablet, whereas the 13" iPP shines more when docked in a MKB or used for drawing and multi-tasking.

I agree - people should really check it out in person. For me, the 13" Pro is lightweight enough that I don't have a problem using it handheld.

 

[LaterWolf]

I agree - people should really check it out in person. For me, the 13" Pro is lightweight enough that I don't have a problem using it handheld.

Well, I don't have a problem with a 627 gram tablet which is 12.4 inches (

 

[Larabee119]

The 13" is more like a hybrid, so most of the time you will be using it on a desk. 11" is more usable on your hands. That's all.
And I upgraded from the M2 ipad. Don't yell at me, the OLED screen makes all the difference using it outdoor.

 

[saberfi]

The 13" is the superior comic book reading device.

Assorted candy and some Donald Duck comics after work on Friday. Yeah, you don't need to be a pro user to go for the 13". 🕺

 

[erasr]

Are people really using the 13” mostly on a desk?

If you mostly use it on the sofa and bed, can you share your experience of it in those scenarios?

 

[Devyn89]

Are people really using the 13” mostly on a desk?

If you mostly use it on the sofa and bed, can you share your experience of it in those scenarios?

Using it on a sofa right now and it’s fantastic. It feels like my old 2018 iPad Pro 11” in terms of weight, it’s seriously so much better than the M1 12.9”

 

[turbineseaplane]

Do you guys hand hold and use a 13" iPad?

Wow

They are humongous!

 

[sparksd]

Using it on a sofa right now and it’s fantastic. It feels like my old 2018 iPad Pro 11” in terms of weight, it’s seriously so much better than the M1 12.9”

Agree. I had the M1 12.9 and the light weight and thin body of the 13 Pro are really noticeable to me.

 

[sparksd]

Do you guys hand hold and use a 13" iPad?

Wow

They are humongous!

No problem here doing that.

 

[Surfsalot]

I don't think this is good advice honestly. People 'on the fence' should go to their local store that has both models in stock and handle them in person to make a personal decision.

I personally would not recommend the 13" iPad Pro unless you know for sure that the 11" iPP would not work as well for you. Otherwise the 11" iPP simply works better as an in-hand tablet, whereas the 13" iPP shines more when docked in a MKB or used for drawing and multi-tasking.

so wrong. plenty use the 13" with just a folio for the bigger screen, no keyboard or pencil needed.

 

[zakarhino]

I disagree with a bunch of the points, I find the 11” keyboard fine to type on. I agree the 13” is more immersive for content but despite the new form factor and weight loss The 13” is still uncomfortable to hold above your head with one hand (or really to hold it with one hand for an extended period at all).

I don’t think the decision is obvious, you really need to try it in store to see what you like. I don’t really see myself buying a 13” iPad again in the future, I think the 11” with the ‘more room’ scaling setting is the right size for portability. If you’re primarily going to use the iPad in laptop mode, yeah the 13” is probably the way to go.

 

[blen]

Depends on the size of your hands, I find the 11” to be a bit crampy, particularly the trackpad size.

 

[Surfsalot]

More room is not good on 11" imo, not much diff that 2 x max iPhone size.
Never use it. 11" is a 1 app size screen.

 

[rkuo]

More room is not good on 11" imo, not much diff that 2 x max iPhone size.
Never use it. 11" is a 1 app size screen.

I think the more space setting is a game changer on the 11" screen if your eyes can handle it, as it makes multitasking somewhat reasonable.