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Torn between the 10.5" & 12.9" ipad pro
- Thread starter Greenmeenie
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Just out of interest, have you tried using a third party stylus on the Mini like the Adonis Pixel? I know none of them is as good as the Pencil/Pro combination, but I've read that some of the better ones (like the Pixel) do a decent enough job. I've used a Mini 2 quite extensively with a Nomad Flex brush (just a dumb stylus, not pressure sensitive) which incidentally is also my tool of preference for painting on the 12.9 (but I'm a traditional artist first and foremost, so prefer the feel and handling of the brush).
I don't have the 10.5 but I do have both 9.7 and 12.9. No problems using the 12.9 on my lap. I actually prefer it for lap use over the smaller models. I don't use the ASK for either.
I take my 12.9 everywhere I go and it's not a problem. Even on the sofa it's fine using without a keyboard. You get used to the size.
Whilst i'm a huge fan of the 10.5 and think a "mini pro" wouldn't work very well (despite being what i was originally hoping for), i think you may be better served by the 12.9.
If you're doing artwork with it, you'll have a lot more room.
I frequently find myself scrolling around a lot when drawing or even note taking due to the lack of space, but for me, half the point of the 10.5 is to have something smaller and more portable than my 13" Macbook. A 12.9 wouldn't a as much of a gain in that respect.
But for regular artist type use, i can see the lack of space getting annoying real fast.
I do not think a mini pro is likely to be honest. For uses where the pencil comes into its own, the screen size will just be way too limiting to appeal to a large enough market I think.
I say that as someone who was hoping for one (and still own an original mini), but after owning the 10.5 since release and using it more and more as a primary device, i'm glad i didn't get a mini pro even if they did release one.
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I have the first gen 12.9 and the new 10.5, and I'm going to be selling my first gen 12.9. Here are my thoughts:
First, let me explain my usage... My iPad Pro is my main computer. I have access to a work PC when needed, but at home my iPad Pro is my only computer. Most of my use (80%+) takes place at my desk with the iPad case folded into "stand mode" and using an Apple Magic Keyboard along with it.
So logic would say that the larger screen 12.9 would be more ideal, and that is what I thought. However, I found over the past year that I would rarely want to take the 12.9 with me when I go places or travel, unless absolutely necessary. I'm a very minimalistic type of person and don't like to carry large amounts of stuff with me, and I found myself often being lazy and not wanting to drag the 12.9 with me places. I would figure "I can just use my iPhone if anything comes up".
I also found that around the house I wasn't very comfortable using the 12.9 while holding it as my arms would tire after a short while. At one point I purchased a detachable handle called the Torchgrip and while that helped some, soon afterwards I resorted to being lazy and always seemed to use the iPad while at my desk and only my iPhone when elsewhere in the house.
So when the 10.5 came out, I figured I would give it a try. What I have found is that I don't really miss the extra screen size. I use my iPad Pro in landscape 99% of the time, and with the 12.9 most websites would render with an inch or two of blank white space on both the left and right sides. With the 10.5, I see just as much width on each website, and the font seems to be about the same size, however there is no longer that wasted blank white space on both sides. Yes, there is a small difference in how much height you see on a site, but that is less important. As for watching video, it still seems plenty large enough for me, and when I want to watch a full movie or program I use my Apple TV.
For the limited amount of work I do at home, using Excel or Word on the 10.5 is just fine, and I haven't noticed a big difference. I suppose if I used these apps for hours per day, then the larger screen size would be better, but for my limited use the 10.5 is just fine.
The big difference is in the portability. I just ordered a new bag/carry case for the 10.5 and it's considerably smaller than what would be needed for the 12.9. Yes, the difference in weight between the 10.5 and 12.9 is only one half of a pound. However, when you also factor in having a larger and heavier case, sleeve, bag, etc. then the total weight difference becomes much more. My 10.5 in its case and in a carry bag with power adapter and lightning cable ends up being maybe 60% of the weight of a 12.9 with the same gear, and the dimensions are also considerably smaller. When going somewhere on a train or plane, this size difference is something that will make a difference to me.
First, let me explain my usage... My iPad Pro is my main computer. I have access to a work PC when needed, but at home my iPad Pro is my only computer. Most of my use (80%+) takes place at my desk with the iPad case folded into "stand mode" and using an Apple Magic Keyboard along with it.
So logic would say that the larger screen 12.9 would be more ideal, and that is what I thought. However, I found over the past year that I would rarely want to take the 12.9 with me when I go places or travel, unless absolutely necessary. I'm a very minimalistic type of person and don't like to carry large amounts of stuff with me, and I found myself often being lazy and not wanting to drag the 12.9 with me places. I would figure "I can just use my iPhone if anything comes up".
I also found that around the house I wasn't very comfortable using the 12.9 while holding it as my arms would tire after a short while. At one point I purchased a detachable handle called the Torchgrip and while that helped some, soon afterwards I resorted to being lazy and always seemed to use the iPad while at my desk and only my iPhone when elsewhere in the house.
So when the 10.5 came out, I figured I would give it a try. What I have found is that I don't really miss the extra screen size. I use my iPad Pro in landscape 99% of the time, and with the 12.9 most websites would render with an inch or two of blank white space on both the left and right sides. With the 10.5, I see just as much width on each website, and the font seems to be about the same size, however there is no longer that wasted blank white space on both sides. Yes, there is a small difference in how much height you see on a site, but that is less important. As for watching video, it still seems plenty large enough for me, and when I want to watch a full movie or program I use my Apple TV.
For the limited amount of work I do at home, using Excel or Word on the 10.5 is just fine, and I haven't noticed a big difference. I suppose if I used these apps for hours per day, then the larger screen size would be better, but for my limited use the 10.5 is just fine.
The big difference is in the portability. I just ordered a new bag/carry case for the 10.5 and it's considerably smaller than what would be needed for the 12.9. Yes, the difference in weight between the 10.5 and 12.9 is only one half of a pound. However, when you also factor in having a larger and heavier case, sleeve, bag, etc. then the total weight difference becomes much more. My 10.5 in its case and in a carry bag with power adapter and lightning cable ends up being maybe 60% of the weight of a 12.9 with the same gear, and the dimensions are also considerably smaller. When going somewhere on a train or plane, this size difference is something that will make a difference to me.
Holding the 12.9 one handed is not an issue for me. You just rest the back on your arm as you would if you were writing on a clipboard.
To me, choosing between the two sizes is very simple. If the importance of having a large screen (or in our case, canvas) outweighs your desire for a smaller more portable device, then get the 12.9. If vice versa, then get the 10.5. The catch is you just have to know exactly how you want to use your device. If you know that, you should be able to almost immediately know which device better suits you after a quick hands on. IMO
To me, choosing between the two sizes is very simple. If the importance of having a large screen (or in our case, canvas) outweighs your desire for a smaller more portable device, then get the 12.9. If vice versa, then get the 10.5. The catch is you just have to know exactly how you want to use your device. If you know that, you should be able to almost immediately know which device better suits you after a quick hands on. IMO
To me, it's really more of a mental aspect when somebody doesn't own a larger device and they think it will be too large for them to overall adjust to the sheer size of it . Some can adjust to the size with use overtime, but they initially can't make that judgment call until they actually purchase it and use it. But I also understand a 12.9 iPad Pro is much larger than someone actually need.
That's true, us Pro users would most probably want the best at all times and thus have higher chance of upgrading whether there is lag or not
I think the clear thing here is that whether or not the 12.9 is worth it very much depends on how you use it.
Both Pros and Cons, the 10.5 is definitely more portable, lighter, etc. and as per many above, i do prefer the form factor as it is much more portable.
But.... it depends on how much of a pain you find drawing on it.
Maybe spend some time in the apple store playing with one, and focus on drawing / art stuff if you can.
I agree with most above that for general use the 10.5 is a great tradeoff between portability and size. But i just think that if you're doing a lot of drawing and other artwork type stuff you may miss the extra real-estate.
But i don't do that as a primary use so the 10.5 suits me.
Both Pros and Cons, the 10.5 is definitely more portable, lighter, etc. and as per many above, i do prefer the form factor as it is much more portable.
But.... it depends on how much of a pain you find drawing on it.
Maybe spend some time in the apple store playing with one, and focus on drawing / art stuff if you can.
I agree with most above that for general use the 10.5 is a great tradeoff between portability and size. But i just think that if you're doing a lot of drawing and other artwork type stuff you may miss the extra real-estate.
But i don't do that as a primary use so the 10.5 suits me.
Have been looking at both the 10.5 and 12.9 as well. Initially was set on the new surface pro but it is more expensive, worse battery life, I'm just not sold on the windows ecosystem and ms build quality for now.
Im looking for something to take to class where I can easily write notes with the pencil in onenote, set up with a keyboard to view powerpoints, add comments and in general be the main mobile device (As well as use at home to read e-textbooks, as reading those on laptop is not enjoyable). The macbook will stay at home connected to a 24inch monitor for major multitasking, writing papers etc.
I have used both in person at the store and off the bat the 12.9 seems absurdly large (the overall footprint). But what has me still considering it is the multitasking. Splitting windows on my 13 laptop screen is just barely usable, so I would think beyond twitter or imessage split view on the 10.5 would be almost useless. Not to mention powerpoints, even in full screen, may not be adequate on the 10.5 for hours on end.
The drawbacks holding me off the 12.9 are the price (could consider a brand new MBP which is much lighter and smaller than my current one albeit no tablet or pen functionality), reading textbooks one handed, and lap use with the ask (I've heard the 12.9 is much more unstable on the ask than the 10.5, could be wrong). There's always a tradeoff, and even the 12.9 with the keyboard and a case would likely be less weight than my current mbp, with significantly better battery life.
Although I would rather not carry two devices around, maybe a 9.7 pro and new mbp would be the best combination.
Im looking for something to take to class where I can easily write notes with the pencil in onenote, set up with a keyboard to view powerpoints, add comments and in general be the main mobile device (As well as use at home to read e-textbooks, as reading those on laptop is not enjoyable). The macbook will stay at home connected to a 24inch monitor for major multitasking, writing papers etc.
I have used both in person at the store and off the bat the 12.9 seems absurdly large (the overall footprint). But what has me still considering it is the multitasking. Splitting windows on my 13 laptop screen is just barely usable, so I would think beyond twitter or imessage split view on the 10.5 would be almost useless. Not to mention powerpoints, even in full screen, may not be adequate on the 10.5 for hours on end.
The drawbacks holding me off the 12.9 are the price (could consider a brand new MBP which is much lighter and smaller than my current one albeit no tablet or pen functionality), reading textbooks one handed, and lap use with the ask (I've heard the 12.9 is much more unstable on the ask than the 10.5, could be wrong). There's always a tradeoff, and even the 12.9 with the keyboard and a case would likely be less weight than my current mbp, with significantly better battery life.
Although I would rather not carry two devices around, maybe a 9.7 pro and new mbp would be the best combination.
The entire point of a tablet is having an extremely portable and lightweight computer with the lowest possible footprint. The iPad 10.5 Pro is the closest tablet on the market to achieve that goal. I rarely see a 12.9 iPad and I live in NYC so I usually see every gadget immediately on the streets. The very few times I actually see someone use a 12.9 iPad it looked ridiculous it was so big, I’ve held it and it’s heavy for a tablet, it’s unwieldy to hold it in your hands in portrait mode which what makes the iPad what it is. Have run being forced to read books, PDFs, magazines... in landscape
I'll give you the weight argument. Don't understand the size argument given the comparables. It's around the same physical size as print magazines or letter-sized pad paper.
Yeah, so i decided to get the 10.5". Just strikes that perfect balance of portability AND screen size that suits me best. Now i just gotta decide btwn 256 & 512 gigs! Lol
I know a magazine weighs lighter. Hence, why I said "I'll give you the weight argument" meaning I concede that point.
I have both but am going to return one. I love the 12.9 sitting at my desk utilized as a 4th monitor for email and have also tried other programs with cubasis looking really good on this beast. The 10.5 feels a lot better for anything else. Tough decision.
Regardless what size you choose, if you plan on holding the tablet in one hand and drawing with the other I recommend some way of securing the device to your hand. Otherwise, you may very well wind up creating glass art on the pavement.
Answering your main question, the 12.9” would be better suited for your needs. I own the 10.5” and absolutely love it, but I primarily use it for handwritten notes, typing, watching anime (yes, I am 30 and still can’t get enough anime in my life), home improvement sketches, and mobile gaming. If my primary use was drawing I would have purchased the 12.9” to reduce the need to zoom as often. Hope we have helped you in some way.
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IMO 256gb is more than enough space on an iOS device, especially if you have cloud storage of any kind. How long you intend to keep this model before upgrading may also come into play when deciding on capacity.
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This is my argument, too. Also, for me, 256 gb is a good amount of storage.
However, since there are great deals (Swappa and eBay) on the 1st gen 12.9, I'm leaning on having both.
Yeah, I have to agree with that sentiment. I had the 10.5, exchanged for the 12.9 and found that to be too big, and so I went and swapped it out at apple one more time. I'm now very happy and very content. Its much easier to be commuting with this tablet then the 12.9. YMMV but I found the 10.5 is a great balance of power, features, and portability.
Yeah, i feel comfortable with my decision. I travel a lot. Like to travel fast & light.even tho i know i may have to zoom in & out more while drawing on the 10.5" i don't mind. My sketches are usually small anyway. The sketchbook i normally use is closer in size to the 10.5" than the 12.9".
I did hear rumors that a radical redesign is coming to ipads in 2018. Suppossedly they may go completely bezel-less like the iphone 8 with an OLED screen. Perhaps then the 12.9" will be smaller in size and more portable. That'd be really cool. But i cant wait for that. Gotta get a pro now for travel. But i can always sell it down the road. So i am happy. Excited to start sketching with the Apple pencil!