Which do you prefer 12.9" or 10.5"

[AppleRobert]

If the darn thing was on display in an Apple Store NOW I would vote.

I do not understand why once they are shown off at the conference they are not displayed at least at Apple stores for preview.

Buying beforehand with a preorder increases potential returns, hello Apple.

 

[Maukey]

This is something I quite don't understand. People have been travelling decades with their 15"-17" laptops that weight 3-10 times more than current 12.9". Now suddenly 12.9" is too much to even take outside home! Give me a break!!

For these people it honestly seems to be more of a fashion/image question than anything else.

I understand completely what you're saying. I personally don't have a problem with either side of this equation. My problem is when people make a blanket statement as if it's fact for everyone. For instance, "the 12.9 is not portable". Says who? The 12.9 is a HALF a pound lighter than the 10.5. For me, that is nothing. I can carry that around in the same manner as I do my current 9.7 Pro. I can hold it in one hand and use it just like the 9.7/10.5. Now I do understand that I'm a 6 foot 185 pound man that works out, so this is not the same for everyone and is my reality. Another thing is I don't walk around an Airport or Coffee Shop with my iPad in my hands. That's what my iPhone 6S Plus is for. If you walk around a lot in public with your iPad using it like a cell phone I definitely get the argument of the 12.9 being more awkward for that in comparison to the smaller models. But for transporting back and forth to different places, traveling, walking around the house with, etc., there's no difference for me between the 12.9 and 10.5 other than one takes up a little more room in my bag. The weight difference is negligible.

 

[rui no onna]

Just noticed the thread title is different from the poll question so I revised my response.

I prefer 10.5 for mobile content consumption.

However, since I already have a perfectly working 9.7, I'm buying 12.9 for home content consumption and minor office productivity.

 

[Dave245]

Just noticed the thread title is different from the poll question so I revised my response.

I prefer 10.5 for mobile content consumption.

However, since I already have a perfectly working 9.7, I'm buying 12.9 for home content consumption and minor office productivity.

Yea that's my bad I should of set the question the same as the thread title. I also wanted it to tie into what I was posting rather than just being a simple what have you pre-ordered.

I haven't seen the 10.5" in person yet I'm still wondering if the screen size difference between the 12.9" and the 10.5" is worth the price.

 

[gui0312]

I thought I was certain going for the 12.9 as an upgrade to my 12.9 pro (2015) but I’m not so sure anymore. The 10.5 is looking more appealing to me with the thinner bezel, also it provides a bit more screen real state and maybe coupled with the illusion of a much bigger screen than the 9.7 but less of the bulk of a 12.9. The real comparisons I wish I could see online is the 10.5 and 12.9 both in split screen view.

 

[tagumcity]

My laptop use is minimal because the iOS devices are working quite well for my usage pattern. I don't use my IPm4 because I can get by okay with the 6s+. My IPP 12.9 is a superb device easily has 3 more years of use and I carry it when I want to make use of the screen size. Presently the device I use most is an IPP 9.7. I'm going to buy the IPP 10.5 because this size range is most comfortable for my use.

 

[1Zach1]

If the darn thing was on display in an Apple Store NOW I would vote.

I do not understand why once they are shown off at the conference they are not displayed at least at Apple stores for preview.

Buying beforehand with a preorder increases potential returns, hello Apple.

I do wish Apple had them in stores this weekend so I could see everything in person before pre-ordering.

Edit: To be on topic;
My guess is
10.5" laptop/iMac replacement for me
12.9" laptop/iMac replacement for my wife

 

[jonnyb098]

There are definitely some advantages to the 12.9, but I am going with the 10.5 instead. Personally, I need a device that can serve as my primary computer, as well as be completely mobile and easy to handle around the house. If I were to need a desktop only tablet, the 12.9 would be the choice. For me, it is just too limited when it comes to portability to fit my needs. I think the 10.5 is the sweet spot.

I agree, I always went with the smaller form factor and now the 10.5 is a nice little upgrade while still keeping the portability. Ultimately it comes down to the smaller iPad Pro being "couchable" if that makes sense. I rarely use it propped up on a table but rather just lounging around and thats where a 12.9 just isn't practical.

 

[DNichter]

I agree, I always went with the smaller form factor and now the 10.5 is a nice little upgrade while still keeping the portability. Ultimately it comes down to the smaller iPad Pro being "couchable" if that makes sense. I rarely use it propped up on a table but rather just lounging around and thats where a 12.9 just isn't practical.

Yea, I am in the same boat as you and definitely get what you mean by "couchable". My leather smart cover actually just got delivered and it still seems like a great size.

 

[alba63]

The 12.9 opens up possibilities a 10.5 doesn't have (massive difference in pixels and real estate), however test- using the old 12.9 made me think this is a less than practical device. 1 pound is nice, 1,5 pounds is just more difficult to handhold (in 1 hand) and a bit bigger than I would like it to be. An 11.2-11.4 would probably be the perfect compromise

 

[jonnyb098]

Yea, I am in the same boat as you and definitely get what you mean by "couchable". My leather smart cover actually just got delivered and it still seems like a great size.

Mine is waiting for me when I get home too. What a tease....

 

[44267547]

I agree, I always went with the smaller form factor and now the 10.5 is a nice little upgrade while still keeping the portability. Ultimately it comes down to the smaller iPad Pro being "couchable" if that makes sense. I rarely use it propped up on a table but rather just lounging around and thats where a 12.9 just isn't practical.

Nice summary and I share your view points. I think for overall comfortability with holding in your hands for longer durations, the 12.9 is pushing the boundary for a little large with fatigue with the weight and overall size. The smaller form factor with the 10.5 seems better in those conditions.

 

[Karnicopia]

For me I this whole decision boils down to do you need/want a laptop. If you are looking for a laptop replacement 12.9 shines there, it's really engaging with the keyboard on your lap with the touchscreen. If you are looking for a powerful machine you can take on the go with you and travel light the 10.5 is kind of the goldilocks machine. The appeal there is pound for pound that thing looks like it can handle the highest percentage of tasks people need in pretty much an ideal mobile computing form factor. So I guess the question to me isn't so much 10.5 vs 12.9 it's almost 12.9 vs laptop and if you opt for the 12.9 you probably don't need the 10.5 but if you get a laptop then I think there is more value in the small form factor 10.5 tablet that can handle 90% of what you can throw at it.

I think that's what happened to me, I really love the 12.9 but once I bought a 15" MBP it kind of relegated the 12.9 to spot usage. I've gone from a Asus gaming laptop, 12.9 and a iPad Mini to a 15" MBP and a 10.5" iPad Pro. With the iPhone I think that's a nice mix for me that covers pretty much everything. Still keeping that 12.9 though sometimes it's just awesome to whip out that huge touch screen it really is a great and unique machine to use. IOS 11 is pretty much going to make that thing feel like a new iPad anyway. I'm really hoping I can some how hook that thing up into a desktop setup with my MBP that would be really cool to be able to use it to control for photo editing etc. I think that will be a really interesting way to interact with the image, to be able to use the pencil to edit things seems like it would be natural and direct.

 

[Lucifer666]

For me I this whole decision boils down to do you need/want a laptop. If you are looking for a laptop replacement

All very true (for Laptop owners especially), but the wrinkle now is iOS 11.

It's going to muddy the waters. Fortuanatley, in a good way

 

[Dave245]

Nice summary and I share your view points. I think for overall comfortability with holding in your hands for longer durations, the 12.9 is pushing the boundary for a little large with fatigue with the weight and overall size. The smaller form factor with the 10.5 seems better in those conditions.

I think the 12.9" is more of a laptop replacement but the 10.5" can probably also do that depending on what the individual is doing Apple are marketing the iPad Pro as a laptop replacement and i can see why, the problem is that people think Apple are saying you need to replace all of your computers and that's not true, the iPad Pro is meant to replace a laptop for the majority of everyday users who only use their ageing Window's laptops to browse the internet or maybe work on a couple of documents. The smaller form factor on the 10.5" will defiantly make it more portable which is probably why Apple have added that screen size with less bezels.

 

[44267547]

I think the 12.9" is more of a laptop replacement but the 10.5" can probably also do that depending on what the individual is doing Apple are marketing the iPad Pro as a laptop replacement and i can see why, the problem is that people think Apple are saying you need to replace all of your computers and that's not true, the iPad Pro is meant to replace a laptop for the majority of everyday users who only use their ageing Window's laptops to browse the internet or maybe work on a couple of documents. The smaller form factor on the 10.5" will defiantly make it more portable which is probably why Apple have added that screen size with less bezels.

Essentially that's how I see the 12.9 iPad Pro, is serving as more of a stationary device. But so could the 10.5 iPad Pro. Just the larger counterpart of the two, seems more appropriate to be more stationary. But either way, they're both mobile devices and can be converted otherwise for portability and stationary. (And the added keyboard adds to that functionality.)

 

[fruitpunch.ben]

I agree, I always went with the smaller form factor and now the 10.5 is a nice little upgrade while still keeping the portability. Ultimately it comes down to the smaller iPad Pro being "couchable" if that makes sense. I rarely use it propped up on a table but rather just lounging around and thats where a 12.9 just isn't practical.

Yeah that's what I'm wondering.
People earlier were talking about weight and how the 12.9 is too heavy to be comfortable, but then I checked: the iPad 3 I am replacing gets used on the couch all the time and it's weight is 664g, the 12.9 is 676g! So I think the weight will be fine, but I'm wondering if the size makes the 12.9 unwieldy for couch use.

I have been waiting on rumours of the 10.5 for years but the news it only runs split view apps in iPhone mode is disappointing since it would be a laptop replacement. I'm starting to think a 12.9 with smaller bezels might be the perfect iPad instead. Or maybe a 10.9 or whatever size allows full side by side apps.

 

[iMacmatician]

I have been waiting on rumours of the 10.5 for years but the news it only runs split view apps in iPhone mode is disappointing since it would be a laptop replacement. I'm starting to think a 12.9 with smaller bezels might be the perfect iPad instead. Or maybe a 10.9 or whatever size allows full side by side apps.

The 12.9" display is close to the lower limit for Regular width in 50/50 Split View.

An article on Medium shows the dimensions, in points, of iPhone and iPad displays and Split View options. (This is before the recent iPad Pro update.)

The width cutoff between Regular and Compact on the iPad is between 639 and 678 points, which give 1288 and 1366 points for the long side of the display once the 10 point border is accounted for.

These point values imply a cutoff size between 12.2" and 12.9", assuming a 4:3 display and interface elements that are the same size as those on the 9.7"/10.5"/12.9" iPads.

 

[cardfan]

12.9 easily but while I'd still like a better screen, the motion blur looks to be reduced on this one so I might upgrade anyways but I'm in no rush to do so til iOS 11 and fall sales. I primarily draw, fool with pics taken on dslr, read comics/books/pdfs, pdf mgmt, and some games. When it comes to browsing web though I much prefer a full browser and Mac. Same with using Office.

 

[Karnicopia]

To me the 12.9 isn't heavy or anything and it's definitely portable it's just a little awkward in one handed use because of the size (you can do it by cradling it but it's a compromise just like trying to look at 4 apps on a 10" screen). Where the 12.9 shines for me and what made it really useable is the keyboard. With the keyboard the 12.9 is really stable on your lap and really engaging with the touch screen using it exactly as a laptop. So yeah it is definitely couchable for me but in the same way a laptop is and it is portable as it is smaller than most laptops, but it does kind of compare more with laptops to me than tablets because I would use it similar to a laptop if that makes sense. I wouldn't so much go to bed reading the thing like a tablet or walk around using it like a tablet I'd use it similar to a laptop but without a mouse and keyboard using the touch screen.

 

[simonmet]

As far as I'm aware the iPad is still missing one crucial ability that could make it a genuine laptop contender and that is (physical) access to portable storage drives and file systems.

Everything has to be loaded onto it via an actual computer (not including cloud storage).

I'm currently without a laptop or desktop so I'm considering the new 10.5" Pro but there's no way I can get all my music, movies and files onto or off the iPad without a computer controlling it. Well, mainly onto the iPad because it's assumed you'll use iCloud or similar to save modified work. That and some of the professional software I use isn't available on iOS.

The other thing I'd really miss is torrenting, courtesy of a locked-down iOS.

Otherwise the new iPad Pro looks great and it's heading in the right direction.

 

[Altimax98]

As far as I'm aware the iPad is still missing one crucial ability that could make it a genuine laptop contender and that is (physical) access to portable storage drives and file systems.

Everything has to be loaded onto it via an actual computer (not including cloud storage).

I'm currently without a laptop or desktop so I'm considering the new 10.5" Pro but there's no way I can get all my music, movies and files onto or off the iPad without a computer controlling it. Well, mainly onto the iPad because it's assumed you'll use iCloud or similar to save modified work. That and some of the professional software I use isn't available on iOS.

The other thing I'd really miss is torrenting, courtesy of a locked-down iOS.

Otherwise the new iPad Pro looks great and it's heading in the right direction.

I’d say both the physical media access and mouse/touchpad support.

I am playing with my works 9.7Pro while waiting for my 10.5 Pro and using it with the new Logitech keyboard (which hardly fits) and coming from a Surface device it is painful to not have a touchpad.

 

[Kiimora]

from iPad 3 to Air 2; so naturally am leaning on 10.5

 

[Lucifer666]

I like what they did with the 10.5. The 9.7 was always just a hair too small.

Problem solved.

But really this makes sense. They chose that size when it was unknown territory. They did a great job, and the rest is history. We shall see.

 

[prospervic]

This is something I quite don't understand. People have been travelling decades with their 15"-17" laptops that weight 3-10 times more than current 12.9". Now suddenly 12.9" is too much to even take outside home! Give me a break!!

For these people it honestly seems to be more of a fashion/image question than anything else.

Not really. I think it has more to do with relativity. To me, the 12.9" is lightweight -- compared to the 15" MacBook Pro I used to carry. However, if I were to pick up my 9.7" in my other hand, the 12.9" would suddenly feel like a tank!

Also, it's funny how our bodies adapt to the loads we carry. I used to think nothing of carrying said MBP in my backpack, but after a year carrying the 12.9, I wouldn't even consider doing that now.

I would say the problem with the 12.9 is not so much weight, as it is bulk. But this is only a problem because Apple introduced the 9.7 size FIRST, and we formed our definition of what an iPad is based on that. So, when someone picks up a 12.9 for the first time, their brain immediately references the 9.7 and says "this isn't supposed to look/feel like this!"
If the 12.9 came first, people would have been ecstatic over it's amazing lightness.