iPad Pro On the fence? Get the 13”

[honcho]

I have never owned the larger size of the iPad. I am really torn over which size to get. I’m upgrading from a M1 11” iPad Pro. Sadly, I live in a rural area, a long way from an Apple Store, so I’m going to have to order online. I am tempted by the 13” this time around. When I have handled the 12.9” models, they always seemed too big, unwieldy. However, the 13” is so much lighter. Just wondering, those who have the 13”, how comfortable is it to use (without MKB) on your lap or lying down on a couch?

The main complaint I have noticed about the 13” is typing on it. I have observed my habits and notice that I tend to support the 11” iPad with my left hand with the bottom right corner braced against my leg. I then type with one finger on my right hand. Will this method have to change? I understand that some people type with their thumbs, which I don’t seem to do.

 

[richard371]

It’s really case by case as everyone’s use is different. With 1 of the best screens ever produced I wanted the full more immersive experience of the 13. Also the speakers sound better. I had both and returned the 11. The 13 is so thin and light my messenger tumi bag is heavier. My exp is if your going to do a ton of typing, emails etc and don’t have a laptop the 11 with the magic keyboard might be better. If your mainly watching videos, consuming media,reading etc the 13 with the Smart Folio case works the best IMHO. For me the magic kb didn’t make sense as the only time I really type much is on these forums lol. The 13” with the magic kb just ruined the thinness and lighness of the new 13 and a MacBook Air would be more useful. I mainly got this 13 for the gorgeous screen.

 

[thelookingglass]

I have never owned the larger size of the iPad. I am really torn over which size to get. I’m upgrading from a M1 11” iPad Pro. Sadly, I live in a rural area, a long way from an Apple Store, so I’m going to have to order online. I am tempted by the 13” this time around. When I have handled the 12.9” models, they always seemed too big, unwieldy. However, the 13” is so much lighter. Just wondering, those who have the 13”, how comfortable is it to use (without MKB) on your lap or lying down on a couch?

The main complaint I have noticed about the 13” is typing on it. I have observed my habits and notice that I tend to support the 11” iPad with my left hand with the bottom right corner braced against my leg. I then type with one finger on my right hand. Will this method have to change? I understand that some people type with their thumbs, which I don’t seem to do.

Even if you buy from the Apple Store online, you still get a two week return period. Just try it out if you’re that curious. My advice and experience would be to stick with the 11 if you use it as a tablet. The 13 really is a big step up in size. It’s noticeably bigger and more difficult to handle. It’s not heavy by any means, but just unwieldy. I only got the 12.9 previously because the 11 didn’t have the better mini LED display. Now that the two Pros share the same high quality OLED display, for me it’s a no brainer to stick with the 11.

 

[honcho]

Even if you buy from the Apple Store online, you still get a two week return period. Just try it out if you’re that curious. My advice and experience would be to stick with the 11 if you use it as a tablet. The 13 really is a big step up in size. It’s noticeably bigger and more difficult to handle. It’s not heavy by any means, but just unwieldy. I only got the 12.9 previously because the 11 didn’t have the better mini LED display. Now that the two Pros share the same high quality OLED display, for me it’s a no brainer to stick with the 11.

Thank you. Given what you said, it is likely to settle on the 11” iPad. I think I might order the 13” to try it out first.

 

[Aka757]

After using both the 11” and 13” for most of the 14 day return window, I reluctantly stuck with the 11”. I still wonder if I made the right choice. For me, I used the 11” iPad Pro from 2018 - 2021, then switched over to the 12.9” for the mini-LED display. I really liked the 12.9” but it eventually just sat there because the size made it not a great tablet companion to other devices like my iPhone and MacBook Pro. It was too big to carry around and use comfortably. This time around, I am really excited to have the 11”, and I feel like it will get a lot more use than the 12.9” did. Even with the thinness and the reduced weight of the 13”, the physical size was still quite a bit to overcome for me, even after coming from using a 12.9” for 2.5 years. I think this has been beat to death, but I feel that the 11” is better for tablet use first, laptop use second, whereas the 13” is better for laptop use first, tablet use second. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you can’t use the 11” as a full-fledged laptop replacement, and you can’t use the 13” as a tablet exclusively. Everyone’s use case is different and everyone’s use case is valid. For me the 11” fits much better as a tablet, although I am very envious of those that feel they can comfortably use the 13” as a tablet first and foremost. I would love to have the larger screen size if the footprint didn’t bother me.

 

[nxt3]

I was in-between on the sizing too. Went to an Apple Store and landed on the 11". In my time at the store, holding the 13" with one hand left my hand feeling cramped after 5-10min. Not to mention, if you're using it as a tablet, there is a larger distance your fingers need to travel to hit certain UI elements. On the 11", I found I was able to use my thumbs more often--but on the 13", I was needing to hold the iPad with one hand, and use my other hand's index finger to reach things. This affected things like typing--which I found easier on the smaller of the two.

If you're someone who plans to use the iPad via a keyboard/mouse and are in the camp of "the iPad needs to replace my laptop", the 13" makes a lot of since with the extra screen real estate, no doubt.

For my usage, I planned on using the iPad purely as a tablet: sending iMessages, browsing the internet, and using my existing iOS apps on a larger display. The 11" felt perfect for that, even if the 13" is more practical for productivity. My longer-term plans involved using this iPad as a means to remote into a Mac Mini and get my fix for "laptop replacement" that way.

Regardless of what choice you make, it seems like a great device. Can't go wrong with either one--get what suits your needs.

 

[Rafterman]

On the fence? No, I'm on the couch. The fence would seem uncomfortable.

 

[WilliamG]

After using both the 11” and 13” for most of the 14 day return window, I reluctantly stuck with the 11”. I still wonder if I made the right choice. For me, I used the 11” iPad Pro from 2018 - 2021, then switched over to the 12.9” for the mini-LED display. I really liked the 12.9” but it eventually just sat there because the size made it not a great tablet companion to other devices like my iPhone and MacBook Pro. It was too big to carry around and use comfortably. This time around, I am really excited to have the 11”, and I feel like it will get a lot more use than the 12.9” did. Even with the thinness and the reduced weight of the 13”, the physical size was still quite a bit to overcome for me, even after coming from using a 12.9” for 2.5 years. I think this has been beat to death, but I feel that the 11” is better for tablet use first, laptop use second, whereas the 13” is better for laptop use first, tablet use second. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you can’t use the 11” as a full-fledged laptop replacement, and you can’t use the 13” as a tablet exclusively. Everyone’s use case is different and everyone’s use case is valid. For me the 11” fits much better as a tablet, although I am very envious of those that feel they can comfortably use the 13” as a tablet first and foremost. I would love to have the larger screen size if the footprint didn’t bother me.

I made the same choice, for the same reasons, and no regrets. I rarely picked up my 12.9 miniLED iPad because it was always too unwieldy, and it wasn’t just the weight. Dimensionally it was just awkward. I’m loving the new 11”, and I find myself using the magic keyboard or NOT, easily removing it to hold it one-handed at times. No regrets. Yes, the 11, is smaller, and yes, the 13 is… bigger! But if I’m never picking up the 13 because it’s too annoying to use, then the 11 makes more sense.

This is subjective, but I’m glad to move to the 11. I find myself just taking it with me more than I ever did with the 13.

 

[msackey]

OP has interesting points!

My main reason to go with the 11" iPad Pro is weight. In fact, that is the major issue. The size of the 13" is good but it is way too heavy. The 11" isn't a lightweight and in fact it would be better for me if it could be even lighter. I often do use my iPad as a reading device without the Magic Keyboard and it is just about as heavy as I would want it.

I don't find typing on the Magic Keyboard for the 11" to be a problem in spite of its smaller size.

 

[rkuo]

OP has interesting points!

My main reason to go with the 11" iPad Pro is weight. In fact, that is the major issue. The size of the 13" is good but it is way too heavy. The 11" isn't a lightweight and in fact it would be better for me if it could be even lighter. I often do use my iPad as a reading device without the Magic Keyboard and it is just about as heavy as I would want it.

I don't find typing on the Magic Keyboard for the 11" to be a problem in spite of its smaller size.

I think I'm going to be keeping my M1 11" for the foreseeable future because of the Smart Keyboard Folio support. Really hope Apple corrects this oversight with the M4 iPad Pro's.

 

[msackey]

I made the same choice, for the same reasons, and no regrets. I rarely picked up my 12.9 miniLED iPad because it was always too unwieldy, and it wasn’t just the weight. Dimensionally it was just awkward. I’m loving the new 11”, and I find myself using the magic keyboard or NOT, easily removing it to hold it one-handed at times. No regrets. Yes, the 11, is smaller, and yes, the 13 is… bigger! But if I’m never picking up the 13 because it’s too annoying to use, then the 11 makes more sense.

This is subjective, but I’m glad to move to the 11. I find myself just taking it with me more than I ever did with the 13.

Totally agree. Weight is a big thing for me and the 12.9 and now the 13" are still too too heavy. Even the current and previous 11" are not as light weight as I'd like them to be, but it is within acceptable range.

I do use my iPad like a book at times, so mainly reading and then using the Pencil to mark and annotate.

 

[Zwhaler]

Love the 13" if I was using it with Magic keyboard the majority of the time. I use the 11" with magic keyboard about half the time, and find the 11" better to hold when using it as a tablet. The 13" magic keyboard is better I'll admit.

 

[erasr]

:-/

 

[sparksd]

:-/

Only use it for watching widescreen videos?

 

[Elusi]

When I use the 12.9”, it’s the best size ipad ever.

When I use the 10.5”, it’s the best size ipad ever.

When I use the 8.3”, it’s the best size ipad ever.

Having to choose just one is hard 😅

 

[Ta_whirimatea]

I’ve got an impulsive itch to get an iPad for my failing eyes! Dam you Apple marketing! Do I go for:
iPad Air 13” 256gb at £899 or
iPad Pro 2022 11” 256gb at £899. 13” pro is £1199 so non starter. 128gb will be not enough as I plan to use for years.

I am trading in my Mac mini M2 as it’s been a paperweight the last year so should get £300+ from Apple Store towards iPad Air. Apple Store doesn’t sell 2022 pro’s but I can buy elsewhere (but not get the trade in value etc).

Bigger screen of the air is a plus & i have a 13PM iPhone so that can give me the better camera capabilities.

iPad Pro 11” gives me the better screen pro motion etc but it’s smaller.

All my editing intensive stuff is done on my old Mac mini 2011 so iPad purely for internet device.

 

[Devyn89]

I've read these all (and the other threads), and I'll chime in. I do a ton of reading and writing for work (historian, archival sources, occasionally handwritten), so a better screen and a BIGGER screen are just better.
I've been using a m1 11", and it's fantastic. But my workflow just works so much better with more real estate. At home I run a 16" M1 MBP connected to 2x32" 4k monitors, and occasionally a third 27" in portrait. My phone is a 14 Pro Max. I travel about a quarter of the year, and so have the iPad as a second monitor.

So I've been on the fence, gone to the Apple Store twice to play with the different sizes. I'm going to order a 13 and try it with my workflow for a few days. With the weight reduction, I think it'll be great in the hand, and definitely liking the extra 20% larger screen when used as a second monitor on the road. And if after a few days it's too unwieldy, I'll return it for an 11".
Also going to pick up a Pencil and see how well it works with the apps I cycle through, none of which are on demo at the Apple Store.

I haven’t bought the keyboard and I’ve been using the 13” as a tablet. The weight reduction pushed it over the edge to finally usable as a tablet. It’s been awesome.

 

[Rafterman]

I haven’t bought the keyboard and I’ve been using the 13” as a tablet. The weight reduction pushed it over the edge to finally usable as a tablet. It’s been awesome.

I rarely use the keboard, but it makes a great (albeit expensive) charging dock.

 

[blen]

I rarely use the keboard, but it makes a great (albeit expensive) charging dock.

How I’m using it at my desk. When I leave I slap on the Smart Folio for tablet mode & grab the pencil.

 

[Rafterman]

How I’m using it at my desk. When I leave I slap on the Smart Folio for tablet mode & grab the pencil.

Exactly what I do. The smart folio's new design is really great - way more positions you can put it in.

 

[chibamac]

I’ve got an impulsive itch to get an iPad for my failing eyes! Dam you Apple marketing! Do I go for:
iPad Air 13” 256gb at £899 or
iPad Pro 2022 11” 256gb at £899. 13” pro is £1199 so non starter. 128gb will be not enough as I plan to use for years.

I am trading in my Mac mini M2 as it’s been a paperweight the last year so should get £300+ from Apple Store towards iPad Air. Apple Store doesn’t sell 2022 pro’s but I can buy elsewhere (but not get the trade in value etc).

Bigger screen of the air is a plus & i have a 13PM iPhone so that can give me the better camera capabilities.

iPad Pro 11” gives me the better screen pro motion etc but it’s smaller.

All my editing intensive stuff is done on my old Mac mini 2011 so iPad purely for internet device.

Between those 2, I would get the 11” Pro. It doesn’t feel like a compromise to me at all. The screen is amazing and can be used outside. The form factor feels perfect and since you already work on a Mac mini with a larger screen, I think you’ll appreciate the smaller size to tote along for web and streaming. It’s just a stellar machine imo.

 

[LaterWolf]

I’ve got an impulsive itch to get an iPad for my failing eyes! Dam you Apple marketing! Do I go for:
iPad Air 13” 256gb at £899 or
iPad Pro 2022 11” 256gb at £899. 13” pro is £1199 so non starter. 128gb will be not enough as I plan to use for years.

I am trading in my Mac mini M2 as it’s been a paperweight the last year so should get £300+ from Apple Store towards iPad Air. Apple Store doesn’t sell 2022 pro’s but I can buy elsewhere (but not get the trade in value etc).

Bigger screen of the air is a plus & i have a 13PM iPhone so that can give me the better camera capabilities.

iPad Pro 11” gives me the better screen pro motion etc but it’s smaller.

All my editing intensive stuff is done on my old Mac mini 2011 so iPad purely for internet device.

The Air will bring you longer software support and apple pencil pro support. You can also get the trade in. Do you care about promotion, if not, get the air

 

[murzika]

I'm on the fence. I'm thinking I should just keep both to avoid any regrets?

 

[erasr]

Been in bed this morning for an hour reading on my 11”, one handed the whole time. Love it.

 

[richpjr]

I'm on the fence. I'm thinking I should just keep both to avoid any regrets?

I have both an M2 11" and an M1 12.9" and use them for very different purposes. I'm waiting until WWDC to see what, if anything, is announced that will get me to upgrade both of them. Right now, I am leaning towards upgrading just the 12.9.

Oh, who am I kidding, I'll probably upgrade both...