Well I did it.
Years of using normal iPads, trying minis (too small), and then settling with the 11' iPad Pro format (used it as my primary computing device for several years) I decided I'd forgo an iPad this year.
I have an iPhone 13 Pro Max and a 16' MBP and it was the 16' MBP that made me want to get rid of my iPad (and I did).
I found the 11' too small to comfortably write on vs paper. While reading on it was perfect, that's about all I did with it so it was hard to justify the $. After a few months without an iPad this year, I got tempted by an open box offer at Best Buy - almost $300 off - just the iPad itself, a current generation 512GB iPad Pro 12.9.
First time ever using one and ... initially I was disappointed with how some sites/apps didn't utilize the full screen space. But then, after a few hours with the iPad I started realizing - I could set vertical scroll on, up the text size a bit and it would use a lot more of the margins in Books. Some apps (that I used to use the website for) were made for the 12.9 iPad. And the screen space grew on me very quickly.
Writing on the 12.9 feels like a sheet of paper - endless space to write makes it a much more viable paper replacement for me. (I do a lot of note taking/writing throughout the day).
I could never replace the sit down and just read for 5 hours non stop on my iPhone or MBP. Last night I read for several hours straight. It was pleasant to use and the way I use it (propped up on a body pillow in my reading chair) - felt great.
Biggest thing for me was that I wanted a device that I could sit down and read on for hours and hours comfortably and use as a notebook.
I have no desire to use my iPad like anything other than an ebook/news reader and a notebook so hopefully it'll last a long time.
Vs the iPad Pro 11? Screen is noticeably brighter, imo a bit sharper, and wow it gets really dark on true black scenes/screens. The sound is jaw dropping amazing.
On another note - noticed that AppleCare+ shows next renewal 2030 with no other options/information. <shrug>. That's a new one.
I'm going to see how it looks with an iCarez matte screen protector and go from there. But so far I really like what I'm seeing - this might be a 3-5 year keeper! I think I can join the 12.9 convert crowd now.