iPad Pro Where does the 12.9 iPad Pro stand now with the new silicon Mac’s?

[The Game 161]

Ok I love my 12.9 pro with magic keyboard but now with the M1 air models with magic keyboard that can now work with iOS apps does the 12.9 have the same pull as it did before? Certainly when air starts at £999 compared to 12.9 pro which for 256GB is £70 more expensive as it stands plus £350 more for the magic keyboard.For those who use the 12.9 pro with MK it’s made me think what is the best option? As let’s face it it’s not easy to use 12.9 as a true tablet that fits more with the smaller models

has the new Mac’s made you rethink of to use the 12.9 like a laptop when you have a super powerful computer with iOS apps with these silicon macs?

 

[Mr.Blacky]

Whatˋs not easy about using the 12,9" iPad Pro as a "true" tablet? And what even is a "true" tablet?

 

[emembee]

Need to see how iOS apps run on a Mac, as no touch screen so how to markup and doodle etc. If that is all the IPP is being used for then yes, it is rather a waste.

 

[The Game 161]

Whatˋs not easy about using the 12,9" iPad Pro as a "true" tablet? And what even is a "true" tablet?

Because it isn’t really built to be used like a normal tablet as it isn’t portable enough to do so For most people. Sure it can be but it’s’ not that manageable holding

 

[Mr.Blacky]

Because it isn’t really built to be used like a normal tablet as it isn’t portable enough to do so For most people. Sure it can be but it’s’ not that manageable holding

1. That's nonsense. You can take an (even bigger) MacBook with you without a problem, but a 12,9" tablet isn't portable enough?
2. That doesn't really answer my question, what a "true" tablet is.

 

[The Game 161]

1. That's nonsense. You can take an (even bigger) MacBook with you without a problem, but a 12,9" tablet isn't portable enough?
2. That doesn't really answer my question, what a "true" tablet is.

That’s completely different as you aren’t holding the macbook. With An iPad you are.

a true tablet is where you can get stuff done holding the device or propping it up wether on your table or on the sofa. Something where you can do stuff without it being an issue holding it.

if you use a Smart Cover and just watch media and use the Apple Pencil to browse on forums and websites then sure it can work but if you are holding the device on the regular basics it’s not as comfortable as the 11 inch or smaller.

 

[Mr.Blacky]

That’s completely different as you aren’t holding the macbook. With An iPad you are.

a true tablet is where you can get stuff done holding the device or propping it up wether on your table or on the sofa. Something where you can do stuff without it being an issue holding it.

if you use a Smart Cover and just watch media and use the Apple Pencil to browse on forums and websites then sure it can work but if you are holding the device on the regular basics it’s not as comfortable as the 11 inch or smaller.

So if I don't use my 12,9" iPad Pro while walking around, I don't use it as a "true" tablet? 🤔

 

[The Game 161]

So if I don't use my 12,9" iPad Pro while walking around, I don't use it as a "true" tablet?

A true tablet is about portability. Why do you think so many prefer the smaller model? I would say most people who have a 12.9 pro will likely be using a keyboard with it. If you don’t and are happy holding that massive display a lot of the time then thats up to you

 

[AutomaticApple]

what even is a "true" tablet?

I'm wondering the same thing too. Why would there be such a thing as a "true" tablet?

 

[Mr.Blacky]

A true tablet is about portability. Why do you think so many prefer the smaller model? I would say most people who have a 12.9 pro will likely be using a keyboard with it. If you don’t and are happy holding that massive display a lot of the time then thats up to you

I use my iPad 100% as a tablet (very rarely I walk around while doing that), so why should I use a keyboard with it?

 

[cupcakes2000]

I think its just semantics, and I think we all get the gist of the OP with what they meant. However, in the context of a 2 in 1 verses an ipad, then the ipad, I guess, would be the ‘true’ tablet. But the size difference alone between iPads doesn’t make a single bit of difference to how tablet like it is. I’m looking forwards to an even bigger version than the 12.9”, and it still would be a ‘true’ tablet.

 

[cupcakes2000]

A true tablet is about portability. Why do you think so many prefer the smaller model? I would say most people who have a 12.9 pro will likely be using a keyboard with it. If you don’t and are happy holding that massive display a lot of the time then thats up to you

I use mine to access my Mac mini and my DSM 1618+. It’s often at my desk with a Logitech k380 keyboard and a MX anywhere mouse, propped up. but at a moments notice i pick it up and draw on it, or fling it in my bag to go somewhere. It’s just the absolute definition of a true tablet, but has multiple other usage options.

It’s hardly a chore to hold this ‘Massive’ display!

 

[sparksd]

A true tablet is about portability. Why do you think so many prefer the smaller model? I would say most people who have a 12.9 pro will likely be using a keyboard with it. If you don’t and are happy holding that massive display a lot of the time then thats up to you

No portability problem for me with my 12.9 Pro. I still have the 10.5 Pro but rarely touch it as I prefer the larger screen. As for the new Mac - no, I don't want another laptop.

 

[Falhófnir]

I just use my (first gen, even bigger/heavier!) 12.9 as a tablet, no keyboard and it's great. I guess I don't take it out places with me, but I don't find it cumbersome for sitting around browsing or the like. So I can't agree it's not ideal for using as a tablet. As a Mac replacement or main device, IMO it's the only model that makes sense, the 11" would be too small, particularly as multitasking uses compact app layouts on the 11".

 

[KittyKatta]

As let’s face it it’s not easy to use 12.9 as a true tablet that fits more with the smaller models

Oh no, you opened up a can of worms with that comment.

Anyway, I get what you mean with all the other stuff and its a valid point. Someone looking for a big iPad will get a 12.9 iPad. But for those looking for an iPad to replace a computer then it may be more difficult because the M1 Mac users are getting many of the iPad benefits (Instant on, low heat, battery life etc) but also get a lot of things that we may never see on iPads:

- External full res monitor support
- Proper multitasking
- Legacy app support
- Apple PRO apps (that Apple completely ignored on iPad)
- iPad Apps (ouch)
- Sidecar (the ultimate “dont forget, you are still our dog” feature)


I’m not advocating for either side because everyone has their own needs (i strongly prefer the iPad). I’m just saying that the overlap between these platforms just grew by a lot with the M1 Mac.

 

[The Game 161]

Of course I mean those who use the 12.9 without a keyboard and that works for that user then great. You do what’s best for you and of it works then of course it’s a non issue

Obviously that wasn’t the main point of this topic was more if you want to use your iPad as a computer I think this makes things far more difficult to decide the best way forward than using iPad with magic keyboard. Buying new you are looking at it costing £400 more at least all on

I’m very tempted to pick up a air for this reason

 

[martint235]

That’s completely different as you aren’t holding the macbook. With An iPad you are.

a true tablet is where you can get stuff done holding the device or propping it up wether on your table or on the sofa. Something where you can do stuff without it being an issue holding it.

if you use a Smart Cover and just watch media and use the Apple Pencil to browse on forums and websites then sure it can work but if you are holding the device on the regular basics it’s not as comfortable as the 11 inch or smaller.

Sorry but I agree with Mr Blacky. My only tablet is a 12.9 pro and I have no issues with it, I’m currently typing this while sat on the sofa. Add a MK and it may become a bit unwieldy as a tablet but on its own, I think it’s perfect. After all that’s why I bought it 😄

 

[The Game 161]

Sorry but I agree with Mr Blacky. My only tablet is a 12.9 pro and I have no issues with it, I’m currently typing this while sat on the sofa. Add a MK and it may become a bit unwieldy as a tablet but on its own, I think it’s perfect. After all that’s why I bought it

That’s great that it works for you

My intention wasn’t to bash anybody else usage and how you use your device. Apologies if this is how it came off to everybody

Was more for those who are wanting it to replace your computer and how it will make the decision harder

 

[martint235]

That’s great that it works for you

My intention wasn’t to bash anybody else usage and how you use your device. Apologies if this is how it came off to everybody

Was more for those who are wanting it to replace your computer and how it will make the decision harder

I think maybe you came at it from the wrong direction. If I needed a laptop type setup would I choose a 12.9 with MK, probably not. I’ve not seen a MK in real life but the pictures I’ve seen look a bit meh and would need a solid surface to work properly. If I needed a solid surface I’d go for a MacBook which is partially designed with a solid surface in mind

 

[The Game 161]

I think maybe you came at it from the wrong direction. If I needed a laptop type setup would I choose a 12.9 with MK, probably not. I’ve not seen a MK in real life but the pictures I’ve seen look a bit meh and would need a solid surface to work properly. If I needed a solid surface I’d go for a MacBook which is partially designed with a solid surface in mind

Yeah i mean the MK works great but on a lap it isn’t as good as say a laptop. So not as steady

 

[sparksd]

That’s great that it works for you

My intention wasn’t to bash anybody else usage and how you use your device. Apologies if this is how it came off to everybody

Was more for those who are wanting it to replace your computer and how it will make the decision harder

A slightly different take on it - I currently use a Dell XPS 13 Win10 as a laptop and it has worked great for me. My desktop is also Win10 and I've never really been tempted to get a Mac as a laptop when I've refreshed. However, the new Mac with M1 may get me to switch on my next laptop refresh. (I have the 12.9 Pro but don't see it a replacement for my laptop but rather as a complementary device.)

 

[martint235]

Yeah i mean the MK works great but on a lap it isn’t as good as say a laptop. So not as steady

Yep. From the pictures I’ve seen I wouldn’t want to use that on my lap. So it’s got me thinking about the use case for a Pro and MK. I love my Pro as a tablet as I’ve said however a MacBook is portable so if I wanted a keyboard device that I could also carry around, I’d go for the MacBook. I do type occasionally long pieces on my iPad but they are few and far between and I have a foldable keyboard for that which didn’t cost me £350 😄

 

[Zazoh]

I have the new MBA M1, base config. We can put to rest running iOS apps, developers have to okay (Enable them) for use on Mac OS, and you move around the screen using arrows and space bar. So far, it is definitely no replacement for an iPad.

As a laptop, it is amazing.

 

[antipodean]

I understand what the OP is driving at. For me the biggest difference between 12.9” IPP + MK and an M1 MBA is the ease with which the former can switch from a “laptop style” mode to a portrait orientation, pencil mode.

Let’s say you are done typing up a document. You need to take some handwritten notes or highlight/markup a PDF that is laid out (as usual) in portrait orientation, such as a scientific paper. With IPP you just pop if off the MK and lay it straight down on a desk or other surface in portrait mode and start marking up with your Apple Pencil. With an MBA you’re stuck with trackpad/mouse in landscape.

I would also say that an iPad Pro is a wonderful complement to a MacBook rather than an alternative to it. You have sidecar of course and very easy syncing. I acknowledge however that I am in a fortunate position in that respect and it is something of a luxury to have such a pricey device as a secondary machine.

 

[rowspaxe]

Whatˋs not easy about using the 12,9" iPad Pro as a "true" tablet? And what even is a "true" tablet?

A 'true tablet' does not get full Adobe apps! Who's up for a 15.6" M2 iPad?