iPad Pro Welp, i went and did exactly what i said I wouldn’t: got an iPad Pro 12.9

[Ghost31]

well I went and did exactly what I said I wasn’t going to do. I was so damn sure the 11 inch iPad Pro was THE one for me. That it was a match made in heaven. That there couldn’t be a more perfectest size to where I would scream from the rooftops “dont get a 12.9 unless you’re a power user!” Welp...like any fun relationship, there’s a hell of a break up at the end. And I’ve broken up with my 11 inch and I’m here typing from my 12.9 and I have something to report: ITS AWESOME.



Like so awesome. So awesome that I got it totally having a mix of emotions between “this is awesome” and anger at myself for not getting this size two years ago when the big redesign happened. The last big iPad I had was the 12.9 first and 2nd gen. By the 2nd gen I was just so done with how big and bulky it was. It just became such a chore to take it out and use it I would usually just leave it in my backpack and use my phone. So I sold it and bought a 10.5 and was happy. I wanted the “tablet experience” and I got it.



Then I got the 11inch and it felt right. I read a lot and browse and watch movies and it felt good for that but then the magic keyboard happened. I could go on and on about it...but suffice to say i loved the keyboard experience w/ trackpad but it felt cramped as hell. And with it on, i wanted it farther away and i noticed how super small it felt. But i was just gonna let it go for awhile and not spend $1400 on a new ipad and keyboard...



But I’m going through a bout of depression right now and i thought ya know what? Screw it. I’ll give it a try. So i got the 12.9 AND the keyboard and everything feels absolutely perfect. I’ll try to shorten the rest:

• I got used to the size within a minute. It feels way smaller than the old one and i was surprised i can hold it like a tablet. I talked in old posts about a “perspective shift”, and i got that. Now it feels normal size and 11 feels tiny
• The size has changed the way i do things. Now I feel the need to get the pencil, I’m editing more pictures and I’ve been binge watching more shows because the screen looks so much better
• Reading books i thought was going to be...tedious. Like just too big. But it feels so much better
• I use my ipad on the couch, at work and in bed sometimes. iPad naked in couch feels great.
• The speakers were immediately noticeable. I had always heard they were a bit better, but i think “a bit” is really underselling it here. They are like the difference between your built in tv speakers and a really good expensive sound bar. iPad 11 feels more like 2 speakers, this feels more like all 4. Gets way louder too. I answered a call earlier and just used it like a speakerphone and that is now my preferred way to talk to people. No more iPhone at home. Also: when i got home from work i turned on my xbox, loaded up doom eternal and muted the tv and just listened to music on my ipad. I’ve never done that before
• I didn’t understand it when people said the 12.9 felt more “premium” but now i get it. Hard to explain. Everything feels better

I know this is way too long and there’s no way anybody’s seriously gonna read all this, but in the end: I wish i would have gotten the 12.9 sooner. Completely changes the experience and all these things i thought would be annoying to me just...aren’t. It doesn’t feel big and bulky, i still use it like a tablet on the couch and i never have the feeling of “i wish i was just a little bigger”. It’s absolutely perfecto

 

[cmonkey1976]

well I went and did exactly what I said I wasn’t going to do. I was so damn sure the 11 inch iPad Pro was THE one for me. That it was a match made in heaven. That there couldn’t be a more perfectest size to where I would scream from the rooftops “dont get a 12.9 unless you’re a power user!” Welp...like any fun relationship, there’s a hell of a break up at the end. And I’ve broken up with my 11 inch and I’m here typing from my 12.9 and I have something to report: ITS AWESOME.



Like so awesome. So awesome that I got it totally having a mix of emotions between “this is awesome” and anger at myself for not getting this size two years ago when the big redesign happened. The last big iPad I had was the 12.9 first and 2nd gen. By the 2nd gen I was just so done with how big and bulky it was. It just became such a chore to take it out and use it I would usually just leave it in my backpack and use my phone. So I sold it and bought a 10.5 and was happy. I wanted the “tablet experience” and I got it.



Then I got the 11inch and it felt right. I read a lot and browse and watch movies and it felt good for that but then the magic keyboard happened. I could go on and on about it...but suffice to say i loved the keyboard experience w/ trackpad but it felt cramped as hell. And with it on, i wanted it farther away and i noticed how super small it felt. But i was just gonna let it go for awhile and not spend $1400 on a new ipad and keyboard...



But I’m going through a bout of depression right now and i thought ya know what? Screw it. I’ll give it a try. So i got the 12.9 AND the keyboard and everything feels absolutely perfect. I’ll try to shorten the rest:

• I got used to the size within a minute. It feels way smaller than the old one and i was surprised i can hold it like a tablet. I talked in old posts about a “perspective shift”, and i got that. Now it feels normal size and 11 feels tiny
• The size has changed the way i do things. Now I feel the need to get the pencil, I’m editing more pictures and I’ve been binge watching more shows because the screen looks so much better
• Reading books i thought was going to be...tedious. Like just too big. But it feels so much better
• I use my ipad on the couch, at work and in bed sometimes. iPad naked in couch feels great.
• The speakers were immediately noticeable. I had always heard they were a bit better, but i think “a bit” is really underselling it here. They are like the difference between your built in tv speakers and a really good expensive sound bar. iPad 11 feels more like 2 speakers, this feels more like all 4. Gets way louder too. I answered a call earlier and just used it like a speakerphone and that is now my preferred way to talk to people. No more iPhone at home. Also: when i got home from work i turned on my xbox, loaded up doom eternal and muted the tv and just listened to music on my ipad. I’ve never done that before
• I didn’t understand it when people said the 12.9 felt more “premium” but now i get it. Hard to explain. Everything feels better

I know this is way too long and there’s no way anybody’s seriously gonna read all this, but in the end: I wish i would have gotten the 12.9 sooner. Completely changes the experience and all these things i thought would be annoying to me just...aren’t. It doesn’t feel big and bulky, i still use it like a tablet on the couch and i never have the feeling of “i wish i was just a little bigger”. It’s absolutely perfecto

great post... I haven’t purchased a new iPad yet (still on the IPP10.5), I was definitely in the 11 camp, but think I’ve now moved to the 12.9 way of thinking.
Partner has one coming so will be good to see it when it arrives.

not sure if I can justify a new iPad, but so tempting to get the 12.9

 

[Expos of 1969]

"... I was just so done with how big and bulky it was. It just became such a chore to take it out and use it I would usually just leave it in my backpack and use my phone."

So why do you think you won't soon be experiencing what you did last time (see above)?

 

[rkuo]

well I went and did exactly what I said I wasn’t going to do. I was so damn sure the 11 inch iPad Pro was THE one for me. That it was a match made in heaven. That there couldn’t be a more perfectest size to where I would scream from the rooftops “dont get a 12.9 unless you’re a power user!” Welp...like any fun relationship, there’s a hell of a break up at the end. And I’ve broken up with my 11 inch and I’m here typing from my 12.9 and I have something to report: ITS AWESOME.



Like so awesome. So awesome that I got it totally having a mix of emotions between “this is awesome” and anger at myself for not getting this size two years ago when the big redesign happened. The last big iPad I had was the 12.9 first and 2nd gen. By the 2nd gen I was just so done with how big and bulky it was. It just became such a chore to take it out and use it I would usually just leave it in my backpack and use my phone. So I sold it and bought a 10.5 and was happy. I wanted the “tablet experience” and I got it.



Then I got the 11inch and it felt right. I read a lot and browse and watch movies and it felt good for that but then the magic keyboard happened. I could go on and on about it...but suffice to say i loved the keyboard experience w/ trackpad but it felt cramped as hell. And with it on, i wanted it farther away and i noticed how super small it felt. But i was just gonna let it go for awhile and not spend $1400 on a new ipad and keyboard...



But I’m going through a bout of depression right now and i thought ya know what? Screw it. I’ll give it a try. So i got the 12.9 AND the keyboard and everything feels absolutely perfect. I’ll try to shorten the rest:

• I got used to the size within a minute. It feels way smaller than the old one and i was surprised i can hold it like a tablet. I talked in old posts about a “perspective shift”, and i got that. Now it feels normal size and 11 feels tiny
• The size has changed the way i do things. Now I feel the need to get the pencil, I’m editing more pictures and I’ve been binge watching more shows because the screen looks so much better
• Reading books i thought was going to be...tedious. Like just too big. But it feels so much better
• I use my ipad on the couch, at work and in bed sometimes. iPad naked in couch feels great.
• The speakers were immediately noticeable. I had always heard they were a bit better, but i think “a bit” is really underselling it here. They are like the difference between your built in tv speakers and a really good expensive sound bar. iPad 11 feels more like 2 speakers, this feels more like all 4. Gets way louder too. I answered a call earlier and just used it like a speakerphone and that is now my preferred way to talk to people. No more iPhone at home. Also: when i got home from work i turned on my xbox, loaded up doom eternal and muted the tv and just listened to music on my ipad. I’ve never done that before
• I didn’t understand it when people said the 12.9 felt more “premium” but now i get it. Hard to explain. Everything feels better

I know this is way too long and there’s no way anybody’s seriously gonna read all this, but in the end: I wish i would have gotten the 12.9 sooner. Completely changes the experience and all these things i thought would be annoying to me just...aren’t. It doesn’t feel big and bulky, i still use it like a tablet on the couch and i never have the feeling of “i wish i was just a little bigger”. It’s absolutely perfecto

Congrats! New stuff is fun.

I assume you’re on lockdown like the rest of us, so portability will come into focus a bit more as we all start resuming our daily business.

I had an opportunity to play with the iPad 12.9 (1st gen) again, since I got it back after upgrading my mom to a 3rd gen refurb. I was a bit surprised the extra screen space didn’t grab me. On macOS, I can arrange everything to make maximal use of the screen real estate, but on iPadOS, it feels like a bunch of that space is wasted on weird aspect ratios and a shoe-horned in multitasking paradigm.

Still, there’s no denying the 12.9’s is a better experience when it’s set up in front of you. And the 4:3 aspect ratio gives it extra screen space that isn’t easy to glean from the 11” to 12.9” nomenclature. Aka, it’s hard to sense from reading specs, but you can see it!

 

[The Game 161]

Love my 12.9 pro too with MK is my laptop replacement and maybe my most used device...works so well

Certainly don’t need a smaller tablet with a 6.7 pro max next on my buy list and I may buy the note 20 plus as well which is 6.9 so that’s two potential small phone/tablets for on the go

 

[Ghost31]

"... I was just so done with how big and bulky it was. It just became such a chore to take it out and use it I would usually just leave it in my backpack and use my phone."

So why do you think you won't soon be experiencing what you did last time (see above)?

Two things: the big redesign made the iPads footprint way smaller and easier to hold. It got to that fine line of being just on the edge of the max size id like an iPad. Holding it like a tablet is actually doable now. Those that had the old design and now the new one know what I’m talking about

secondly, the magic keyboard made all the difference. This is really what tipped me over the edge. when I had my old 12.9 I almost always had it all propped up in the Smart Keyboard. That’s great for me not holding the damn thing, but navigating it? Total crap from a body mechanics standpoint. Steve jobs talked about why they didn’t make a touchscreen Mac and the term “gorilla arm” was pretty true. Having to reach up constantly to navigate, swipe and just do basic stuff was just tedious. I would always cradle my big iPad IN its Smart Keyboard on my lap and kinda hold on to the side of the iPad while scrolling and stuff. Over time you get used to it but it’s by no means comfortable. This is why I just gave up

now? I use it like a legit laptop. Use the trackpad for most everything and that takes care of gorilla arm, and for using it like a tablet the redesign totally fixed that for me. We are now at that point me and other iPad fans have dreamed about for years. The convergence of the best interface elements with the best tablet experience. The tablet to rule them all. With iPad OS advancements next month, it’s only going to get better. Every year we’ve all had this little checklist of things iPad couldn’t do to replace a laptop and every year that check list gets smaller and smaller. It’s the smallest it’s ever been right now. If they add external monitor support and let me dock it when I get to a desk, this will be the only machine a lot of people need. Add Xcode and pro apps like final cut and now the Mac is in an odd position

 

[Expos of 1969]

Two things: the big redesign made the iPads footprint way smaller and easier to hold. It got to that fine line of being just on the edge of the max size id like an iPad. Holding it like a tablet is actually doable now. Those that had the old design and now the new one know what I’m talking about

secondly, the magic keyboard made all the difference. This is really what tipped me over the edge. when I had my old 12.9 I almost always had it all propped up in the Smart Keyboard. That’s great for me not holding the damn thing, but navigating it? Total crap from a body mechanics standpoint. Steve jobs talked about why they didn’t make a touchscreen Mac and the term “gorilla arm” was pretty true. Having to reach up constantly to navigate, swipe and just do basic stuff was just tedious. I would always cradle my big iPad IN its Smart Keyboard on my lap and kinda hold on to the side of the iPad while scrolling and stuff. Over time you get used to it but it’s by no means comfortable. This is why I just gave up

now? I use it like a legit laptop. Use the trackpad for most everything and that takes care of gorilla arm, and for using it like a tablet the redesign totally fixed that for me. We are now at that point me and other iPad fans have dreamed about for years. The convergence of the best interface elements with the best tablet experience. The tablet to rule them all. With iPad OS advancements next month, it’s only going to get better. Every year we’ve all had this little checklist of things iPad couldn’t do to replace a laptop and every year that check list gets smaller and smaller. It’s the smallest it’s ever been right now. If they add external monitor support and let me dock it when I get to a desk, this will be the only machine a lot of people need. Add Xcode and pro apps like final cut and now the Mac is in an odd position

Thanks for the detailed response 👍

 

[Matz]

My SO has a company-issued 2nd Gen iPP 12.9, and I have a 3rd Gen 12.9 for my personal use, and so can easily compare the two. The difference is significant. Same screen size, but the 3rd Gen feels lighter and is definitely less bulky.
The 3rd Gen sounds better too.

 

[0128672]

Congrats! Yes, the 12.9 is amazing. I can't get over how much I love this size. Really enjoyed your post.

 

[AutomaticApple]

I assume you’re on lockdown like the rest of us, so portability will come into focus a bit more as we all start resuming our daily business.

When will daily business resume though?

 

[millydog]

Awesome post. Thanks for sharing that. I’m still waiting on my 12.9” MK to arrive, so I’m yet to try it. I’ve been hoping that it’s not too bulky or heavy. But posts like yours are helping to settle that fear. I love using my 12.9” naked or with the Smart Cover though on the couch or in bed. So adding the MK for use at the kitchen table or desk should be a great. I might not take it to work daily with the MK though as I’m presently only using it for personal use during my lunch break. I could change that if I install the inTune profile from my work and use it for some work apps including Outlook, Teams and Office 365. I still need my work laptop though for coding with Oracle apps. I’d love to see XCode come to iPad OS as I’m sure that would entice me to play with that some more.
I agree with your perspective of the 12.9” being the best tablet experience that is improving every year. I’m looking forward to getting my MK and settling my fears on its weight and size and also WWDC to see what new features will be coming to iPad OS and iOS.
Congratulations on your upsizing.

 

[barkomatic]

Congrats! If you are going to use the iPad as a primary work device the 12.9 is definitely the right choice. I use mine mainly for fun and only occasionally for work in a pinch so I’m sticking with my 11 inch for now — though you certainly make a good case for the larger size.

 

[DoubleFlyaway]

I feel the same way-- I had 2nd gen 12.9 and an 11 and used the 12.9 primarily for work and the 11 for play. 11 was by far my favorite. Now, with a refurb 2018 12.9, I want to use it for practically everything. The improved footprint makes a huge difference. I almost wonder if I should sell the 11, but it is nice for throwing in my purse for being out and about (not that much, because even in non-quarantine I work from home) and necessary to have both iPads for work when I travel. So since I already have the 11, I'll keep it.

 

[spiderman0616]

I went through almost the exact same thought process as you. And when I first got the 12.9” model a few weeks ago, my first thought was “This display is so awesome but I’m not sure I made the right decision here—the 11” was so much more portable.”

That feeling didn’t last long. I finally feel like I have a device that can be my full time notebook computer AND my iPad. I already used the 9.7, 10.5, and 11” models that way, but always felt like it was a compromise as a notebook. I do not have that feeling with the bigger model. I love using it without the keyboard for reading, gaming, watching shows, and using my Pencil, but I also love popping it back on the Magic Keyboard when I need it to be more of a laptop.

It‘s a crazy time in tech when the same device can be your laptop, notepad, design studio, recording booth, and TV all at the same time. I love it.

 

[ssledoux]

Y’all sure know how to make someone question their recent iPP 11” purchase. 😭

 

[JagRunner]

I have a MacBook Pro 2017 and I’ll keep it until it dies. But when it does I’ll probably go the iPad route this time. I wonder what it will look like in a few years

 

[kupkakez]

I’ve been an 11” user since it came out and I placed an order Saturday night for the 12.9”. When I got the MK for my 11” 2 weeks ago I knew pretty quickly I was going to end up getting the 12.9”! It should be here around June 2nd and the MK for it later this week. I think it’s going to be a great main computing device for me.

 

[Ferc Kast]

I still have my 10.5" Pro and have been considering going to the 2020 Pro. I just haven't decided on 11" or 12.9" yet. The main reason I didn't go 12.9" before was the huge footprint it had before it got the redesign with Face ID.

 

[Clix Pix]

My 12.9 iPad Pro (3rd generation) and I are both smiling while reading this thread. I am sitting out on my deck with the iPad and an Apple BT keyboard (not the one which attaches to the device, I don’t want that) and am happy as anything. This just works for me, and the device works for me equally well inside the house, too. For trips I have a combination of the iPad Mini 5 and my 12” MacBook. Everything fits my needs so nicely and that’s the important thing when having these devices in the first place, right?

I don’t feel an urgent need to replace this third-generation 12.9 iPad Pro just yet; I think we’ll make it through the next few months quite nicely, as although battery life isn’t as good as when the device was new, certainly for now it is still working pretty well and I can always quickly plug into an electric source when it is needed.

I love my 12.9 iPad Pro and already know that when the time comes to replace her, it will be with whatever the most current updated version is at that time. This is just such a terrific device all the way around!

 

[rui no onna]

I feel the same way-- I had 2nd gen 12.9 and an 11 and used the 12.9 primarily for work and the 11 for play. 11 was by far my favorite. Now, with a refurb 2018 12.9, I want to use it for practically everything. The improved footprint makes a huge difference. I almost wonder if I should sell the 11, but it is nice for throwing in my purse for being out and about (not that much, because even in non-quarantine I work from home) and necessary to have both iPads for work when I travel. So since I already have the 11, I'll keep it.

I want to make this upgrade as well (2nd gen to 3rd gen 12.9). This one's a more noticeable upgrade over 10.5->11. Reckon FaceID is more useful on 12.9, too, since that's used on a desk more frequently. With mouse support on iPadOS, TouchID is pretty much the only reason I still need to reach across to touch the iPad.

I've been checking Apple's refurb section but alas, the 12.9 1TB cellular (or really, any 2018 cellular) doesn't seem to go on stock often. I might end up just biting the bullet and grab a 2020 Pro.

For the purse, I'm fine sticking to my current Pro 10.5/Air 3.

 

[Cheffy Dave]

Congrats! Yes, the 12.9 is amazing. I can't get over how much I love this size. Really enjoyed your post.

Love mine too,(second generation), my next iPad will be the 15”

 

[Milellie111]

I agree with this thread. I was contemplating 11" vs 12.9" and scouring all of the comparison threads. I got the 2020 12.9" and couldn’t imagine if I had gone with the inferior 11". The 12.9" is not uncomfortable at all to hold on the couch or use lying in the bed and is still light even with the smart folio. You get a much better screen for media content over the 11" but the biggest WOW factor over the 11" are the speakers! The speakers on this 12.9" are sooo good, loud and full, you don’t need headphones or a Bluetooth speaker. Typing on the keyboard is also much better.

 

[rkuo]

When will daily business resume though?

I'm sure it will be in phases, but first step is being allowed out of the house.

 

[ssledoux]

I’ve been an 11” user since it came out and I placed an order Saturday night for the 12.9”. When I got the MK for my 11” 2 weeks ago I knew pretty quickly I was going to end up getting the 12.9”! It should be here around June 2nd and the MK for it later this week. I think it’s going to be a great main computing device for me.

Did you ever have a Smart Keyboard folio for your 11? Was it more difficult to type of the MK for the 11 than the Smart Keyboard for the 11? Just wondering If it’s more cramped on the MK because I had zero issues using the Smart Keyboard in that size.

I don’t think I’ll still be in my return window for my 11” pro by the time my MK arrives, but I did decide if I don’t like typing on the MK, I’ll just return it and go with a Smart Keyboard folio.

i use my iPad in my lap a lot, and even though the 12.9 is tempting, I think I’d wind up regretting it.

 

[goobot]

The 12.9 is so nice. Back when the first iPad Pro came out I decided to get the 9.7 over the 12.9 because of the huge bezels but after the 3rd gen released it was enough to get me to upgrade. Probably has become my most used device and loving it.