Which do you prefer 12.9" or 10.5"

[Traverse]

I don't love the polling options. My 10.5" iPad Pro will be used for far more than content consumption. It will be a laptop replacement, but only because I've purchased an iMac.

If the poll is implying that the iPad will remove the need for a traditional computer, then no for me. But it will be a wonder portable computer.

 

[prospervic]

I don't love the polling options. My 10.5" iPad Pro will be used for far more than content consumption. It will be a laptop replacement, but only because I've purchased an iMac.

If the poll is implying that the iPad will remove the need for a traditional computer, then no for me. But it will be a wonder portable computer.

That's the way I interpreted the poll question. I too, have an iMac. So for me, the iPad Pro (12.9, in my case) makes a great laptop replacement, but not yet a computer replacement.

 

[Traverse]

Excellent post

You worded this post very effectively and I agree.

I used to carry around a 15" non-retina and then retina Pro. It was big and bulky. Not easy to use without a table. Had I had a smaller rMB I would have used that instead.

I use my iPad on the couch, while communiting, while outside, on the go, etc. Rarely do I use my iPad at a table unless I am on the move and using some public table (that I've cleaned ) or am drawing/writing with the pencil.

The 12.9" is about 50% heavier, but more than the weight is the size. It's not as easy to slip in and out of a bag, use on the go, in public places, or even handle on a couch. Apple knew the 12.9" was a niche product which is why I believe they delayed the 9.7". They even stated that the 9.7" was their best seller.

The fact that there is a market for a smaller Pro and that the smaller device is more popular shows that the market desires a more mobile-centered device.

And like you said - a 12.9" iPad with keyboard is right at rMB weight and more flimsy to boot. That's like taking on the weight and size of the Mac with the more limited functionality of the Mac. There are people who value iOS more than macOS, and I get that, but one of the big selling points for the iPad is that it's more portable and easier to use than the Mac. If I could only have a 12.9" iPad or a rMB I would have to go with the rMB

 

[AppleRobert]

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.

What keyboard do you have that you say makes the 12.9 stable on your lap? I may have to try it, I just use it on my lap presently naked.

 

[rui no onna]

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.

To and from the car, heavy laptops are fine. Lugging it around the airport, no thanks. Hurts my back. I make sure my travel laptop is ~4 lbs or less.

That said, I agree, the primary issue with the 12.9 is bulk, not weight. If you think about it, the 2nd gen is around the same weight as the iPad 3/4.

Nope, has nothing to do with my brain being used to the 9.7. For one thing, the 12.9 wouldn't fit in my purses whereas the 9.7/10.5 do. My preferred size is 7.9. Unfortunately, since internals of the iPad mini languish behind their big brothers (not to mention being an endangered species), I'm willing to compromise with the 9.7/10.5.

 

[MTShipp]

As I've gotten older, I require reading glasses. I use my iPad for consumption and the larger 12.9 screen size helps when I am viewing text.

 

[nyjoe84]

I would have to agree with most of the people, everything today is digital smaller screens, hurt your eyes and some of us need the bigger display to see the text better. To be honest I use my iPad for everything mostly. 12.9 probably would be my pick.

 

[jonnyb098]

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.

Yeah I still think the size of the 12.9 just isn't practical for more casual and simple uses. For example sometimes I carry my iPad around from room to room quickly one handed if I'm listening to something. I agree shaving some bezel off the 12.9 would probably get down to 1.2 or 1.3 pounds though.

 

[trife]

Definitely prefer the screen real estate of the 12.9.

But I can't see myself lugging that thing around and being comfortable with it. So 10.5 it is.

 

[Karnicopia]

What keyboard do you have that you say makes the 12.9 stable on your lap? I may have to try it, I just use it on my lap presently naked.

I use the Apple Smart Keyboard.

 

[badmojo69]

10.5 the 12.9 needs to slim down the bezels before I'd want to carry it around outside of the home.

 

[44267547]

Definitely prefer the screen real estate of the 12.9.

But I can't see myself lugging that thing around and being comfortable with it. So 10.5 it is.

I think I am going to opt for both. I can't decide. But I will add the Smart Keyboard for the 12.9 Pro for more of stationary device.

 

[prospervic]

I think I am going to opt for both. I can't decide. But I will add the Smart Keyboard for the 12.9 Pro for more of stationary device.

Yeah, if only Apple had made the big Pro 11.7" instead of 12.9", then more people would have found it manageable. I'm doing the "two iPad lifestyle" thing myself. (I was willing to wait last year, so I got both of them at a crazy discount!)
Ordered the new 12.9 to replace my current one (REALLY want the true tone, wide color gamut and 120hz refresh). Keeping my 9.7 Pro for travel (works better on a plane), reading in bed, etc.

 

[sracer]

Yeah, if only Apple had made the big Pro 11.7" instead of 12.9", then more people would have found it manageable. I'm doing the "two iPad lifestyle" thing myself. (I was willing to wait last year, so I got both of them at a crazy discount!)
Ordered the new 12.9 to replace my current one (REALLY want the true tone, wide color gamut and 120hz refresh). Keeping my 9.7 Pro for travel (works better on a plane), reading in bed, etc.

I'm starting to think that Apple's plan was to slightly increase the 9.7 to 10.5 and slightly reduce the 12.9 to 11.7. So I won't be surprised if they announce an 11.7 Pro in the Fall 2018.

When I travel, I take my 11" MBA + iPad Mini 4. For me, it's the best of both worlds in a very compact solution. For day-to-day at the office, I use my 12.9 iPad Pro and use it to remotely connect to my iMac in my home office for those tasks that require macOS. I've resigned myself to the fact that for the foreseeable future, Apple will not be producing a single device that meets my desktop and tablet needs.

 

[DNichter]

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.)

Agree here. And if you are going to have an iPad serve as your main/only computer, might as well have the one that can act as stationary AND mobile. I just can't see the 12.9 being a very mobile device. At least it wasn't for me.

 

[DaBlackProdigy]

10.5 I have the 12.9 OG PRO and this thing is not mobile at all. Glad to be going down a notch. If you never had the 12.9 please think twice...

 

[The Game 161]

10.5 I have the 12.9 OG PRO and this thing is not mobile at all. Glad to be going down a notch. If you never had the 12.9 please think twice...

depends how you use it

if you are getting it just for lying in bed etc maybe it's not wise but if you get it knowing the size and get the keyboard it will be like a laptop replacement.

it's a handful yes if you are using it without a case but depends on your usage.
[doublepost=1497286661][/doublepost]

Agree here. And if you are going to have an iPad serve as your main/only computer, might as well have the one that can act as stationary AND mobile. I just can't see the 12.9 being a very mobile device. At least it wasn't for me.

i think you need the smart keyboard to make it work personally.

you can use it on your lap just fine or on the sofa. if you are holding it all the time like with the smart cover then yes thats harder.

 

[sracer]

depends how you use it

if you are getting it just for lying in bed etc maybe it's not wise but if you get it knowing the size and get the keyboard it will be like a laptop replacement.

it's a handful yes if you are using it without a case but depends on your usage.
[doublepost=1497286661][/doublepost]
i think you need the smart keyboard to make it work personally.

you can use it on your lap just fine or on the sofa. if you are holding it all the time like with the smart cover then yes thats harder.

The 12.9 Pro with only a smartcover/ASK and skin for the back is extremely portable. Certainly no more bulky than a letter size paper notepad. But having said that, once people add full cases to it, it becomes a behemoth.

 

[The Game 161]

The 12.9 Pro with only a smartcover/ASK and skin for the back is extremely portable. Certainly no more bulky than a letter size paper notepad. But having said that, once people add full cases to it, it becomes a behemoth.

Even when you add cases to the 9.7 it becomes rather heavy.

It's why I've ordered the Smart Keyboard and will just have a sleeve to protect the back when in my work bag

 

[DaBlackProdigy]

The 12.9 Pro with only a smartcover/ASK and skin for the back is extremely portable. Certainly no more bulky than a letter size paper notepad. But having said that, once people add full cases to it, it becomes a behemoth.

Lol ok keep saying this to make you feel better at night. There is a reason why Apple chooses to showcase the 10.5 and not the 12.9.

 

[The Game 161]

Lol ok keep saying this to make you feel better at night. There is a reason why Apple chooses to showcase the 10.5 and not the 12.9.

Because it's a new size that's the only reason.

The true multitasking on IOS 11 will be taken advantage of better with the 12.9 model.

 

[epca12]

Found no use for my iPad, in fact after getting it replaced by Apple, i'm selling my iPad Pro 9.7 128GB.
If iOS 11 changes my mind i might go all out on a 12.9 inch but for now im happy with my Macbook and iPhone

 

[DaBlackProdigy]

Because it's a new size that's the only reason.

The true multitasking on IOS 11 will be taken advantage of better with the 12.9 model.

Wrong sir wrong! *Willy Wonka voice. Apple forgoing updating the 12.9 with true tone the last time speaks volumes as to which size is the best?

 

[sracer]

Lol ok keep saying this to make you feel better at night. There is a reason why Apple chooses to showcase the 10.5 and not the 12.9.

You must be new here.

 

[The Game 161]

Wrong sir wrong! *Willy Wonka voice. Apple forgoing updating the 12.9 with true tone the last time speaks volumes as to which size is the best?

The bigger the size the more it can take advantage of the features added in IOS 11. True tone only arrived last year. The original 12.9 pro was out in 2015 don't forget.

Apart from resolution and size it's the same spec wise but because 10.5 is a new size that's why it was showcased and for good reason.