iPad Pro Which is better for reviewing documents and teaching - iPad Pro 11 vs 12.9?

[ozone]

Trying to decide on the 11 vs 12.9 for documents reviewing and teaching (virtual whiteboard)! I have the first generation iPad Pro - the original 12.9 (there were no other options originally). Great device, but I notice that the screen does not respond sometimes. I think it's just getting long in the tooth after 4 years of faithful service.

I notice that I do NOT take out my iPad Pro as often as I thought I would. It just seemed... a little big. I kept saying to myself that the extra screen space was useful, but the odd thing is that even though I can display an entire page in regular portrait mode, I don't just work like that. I tried, but when I mark up papers or review documents, I find that I still don't have enough fine control to write that small legibly, unlike actual pen on paper. So, what I end up doing is flipping it landscape, and writing that way, so that I can write larger and more comfortably, and then scrolling it a bit at a time. When I zoom back out, my writing is nice and precise for anyone to read.

When I lecture, I do the same. I would write with the screen in landscape, and then write a bit larger than I would normally so that the students can read it on the screen. The original iPad 12.9 has always felt a tad big. Plus when I go to conferences, I find the 12.9 almost too large to rest on my lap to write. I have the iPad Mini and that's a great travel device, but a little small to write on for a long time. So, I'm wondering if the 11 is the sweet spot.

My preference for working in landscape mode could be a hold over from my Windows tablet days, where the older screens usually topped out at that Goldilocks 12 inch size, and so writing large scale in portrait mode would have been awkward.

So, why not just go with the 11 immediately? I guess I keep reading how the new iPPro is smaller overall so it's not as bulky. I'm not really looking for a "replacement laptop experience", but I am second guessing if 11 will truly meet my needs. Many of the reviews I've read state that now that they have it, the 12.9 is easier to write on; at the same time, I read a review from one artist who didn't like his hand was constantly on the surface for the 12.9, and prefers the 11 for creating artistic content. Many also say that the 11 is better as a book reader, etc., but I'm not really doing that either, and that the 12.9 is better for artistic creation. The bottom line is that I'm not really doing either, so there's no obvious common sense decision for me to make.

Any insights on the size difference for teaching and document review? Thanks.

 

[B1llyG]

Sounds you don’t need an Pro at all, go with a regular iPad if you mainly do some typing and reviewing on it. Even consider getting a laptop as those are better suited for those tasks.

 

[ozone]

Sounds you don’t need an Pro at all, go with a regular iPad if you mainly do some typing and reviewing on it. Even consider getting a laptop as those are better suited for those tasks.

Sorry... I should have emphasized...in all the tasks (reviewing, teaching) I am writing with a stylus, not typing.

 

[Marlon DLTH :)]

I think the 11 inch will be a better option for you. But you can go to an Apple Store and try them out, it's important to consider that the 12.9 inch 2018/2020 iPad Pro is smaller than the old one due to the reduced bezels

 

[ozone]

I think the 11 inch will be a better option for you. But you can go to an Apple Store and try them out, it's important to consider that the 12.9 inch 2018/2020 iPad Pro is smaller than the old one due to the reduced bezels

Sadly, no Apple Store nearby, and most other stores have reduced stock because of the current pandemic. I keep thinking that the 11 model is better overall, but what you said - that the current 12.9 is smaller than the old one - is one factor that I'm trying to figure out if the size reduction will make that much difference to me or not.

 

[Ghost31]

Sadly, no Apple Store nearby, and most other stores have reduced stock because of the current pandemic. I keep thinking that the 11 model is better overall, but what you said - that the current 12.9 is smaller than the old one - is one factor that I'm trying to figure out if the size reduction will make that much difference to me or not.

Hey bud! Wonder if my thread over here could help a bit on the portability issue. I also teach (CPR and first aid) and absolutely love the 12.9. I always figured the 11inch would be perfect and the 12.9 would be a hideous beastly thing, but the redesign changed my mind. And I’m glad. Use it everyday

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

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!”...

forums.macrumors.com

 

[Abazigal]

I find the 11” iPad Pro the perfect blend of portability, ease of use and battery life for teaching in the classroom and for use on the go.

It’s still compact enough that I can hold it in landscape mode with one hand while write with the Apple Pencil in the other. It’s fine for reading as well, especially in portrait mode.

The keyboard doesn’t feel cramped as well. I think it will be suitable for you.

 

[Mr.Blacky]

Get the 12,9". In my opinion, Apple Pencil 2 in combination with Pro-Motion is much better and more precise than the old one.

 

[cupcakes2000]

I have a 12.9 2018 and I love it. But, I’m here to say: if you’re having any difficulty with precise writing, get a good quality matte screen protector. It’s such a massive massive difference for writing or any pencil work. I use paperlike 2, it’s the best I have used in terms of the least affect on viewing the screen. Some matte protectors affect the colours or viewing angles etc. Paperlike minimises that.
It also means far far less fingerprints.

It’s the only accessory I bought that made me truly think it had made the iPad experience much better than standard.

 

[AutomaticApple]

Trying to decide on the 11 vs 12.9 for documents reviewing and teaching (virtual whiteboard)! I have the first generation iPad Pro - the original 12.9 (there were no other options originally). Great device, but I notice that the screen does not respond sometimes. I think it's just getting long in the tooth after 4 years of faithful service.

I notice that I do NOT take out my iPad Pro as often as I thought I would. It just seemed... a little big. I kept saying to myself that the extra screen space was useful, but the odd thing is that even though I can display an entire page in regular portrait mode, I don't just work like that. I tried, but when I mark up papers or review documents, I find that I still don't have enough fine control to write that small legibly, unlike actual pen on paper. So, what I end up doing is flipping it landscape, and writing that way, so that I can write larger and more comfortably, and then scrolling it a bit at a time. When I zoom back out, my writing is nice and precise for anyone to read.

When I lecture, I do the same. I would write with the screen in landscape, and then write a bit larger than I would normally so that the students can read it on the screen. The original iPad 12.9 has always felt a tad big. Plus when I go to conferences, I find the 12.9 almost too large to rest on my lap to write. I have the iPad Mini and that's a great travel device, but a little small to write on for a long time. So, I'm wondering if the 11 is the sweet spot.

My preference for working in landscape mode could be a hold over from my Windows tablet days, where the older screens usually topped out at that Goldilocks 12 inch size, and so writing large scale in portrait mode would have been awkward.

So, why not just go with the 11 immediately? I guess I keep reading how the new iPPro is smaller overall so it's not as bulky. I'm not really looking for a "replacement laptop experience", but I am second guessing if 11 will truly meet my needs. Many of the reviews I've read state that now that they have it, the 12.9 is easier to write on; at the same time, I read a review from one artist who didn't like his hand was constantly on the surface for the 12.9, and prefers the 11 for creating artistic content. Many also say that the 11 is better as a book reader, etc., but I'm not really doing that either, and that the 12.9 is better for artistic creation. The bottom line is that I'm not really doing either, so there's no obvious common sense decision for me to make.

Any insights on the size difference for teaching and document review? Thanks.

Get the 11-inch iPad Pro. It provides the perfect balance of screen size and portability.

 

[iPadified]

My opinion based on 12.9 and kids 11 inch :
Teaching/lecturing - probably does not matter which size you use.
Drawing and explaining: probably the 12.9 unless you want to zoom and move around a lot.
Reviewing reports, definitely the 12.9 so it is possible to have full page standing A4/letter and still be able to read and annotate with pencil. However, just like you, I usually use the iPad in landscape to be able to annotate as the 12.9 is too cramped for this task in portrait mode.
Reading scientific papers/pdf (standing A4/letter) books: 12.9 unless you want to zoom or have very good eyesight (I do not)
Travelling: I agree, the 12.9 is a bit bulky but so nice to have as laptop replacement at the end of the day to stem the e-mail flood.

 

[C. Robert]

The 12 is better for everything but portability.

 

[ozone]

Hey bud! Wonder if my thread over here could help a bit on the portability issue. I also teach (CPR and first aid) and absolutely love the 12.9. I always figured the 11inch would be perfect and the 12.9 would be a hideous beastly thing, but the redesign changed my mind. And I’m glad. Use it everyday

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

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!”...

forums.macrumors.com

Thanks! Yes, I did see your thread. Very helpful... still thinking... (first world problems admittedly).
[automerge]1590946915[/automerge]
Thanks everyone for the feedback so far. So, I borrowed my wife's older 10.5" iPad thinking that it would be close enough screen wise to the 11" for comparison. Nice, portable. Keep in mind that I like to evaluate things in their final form so she had a case on hers. I always use a case, so for me I have to always consider the additional weight and bulk. I passed her my old 12.9 (in a slim case) and she said... good grief.

After trying both side by side, I have to say the 12.9 is better for making detailed notes, and if I'm drawing sketches or diagrams for the students, etc. Except when I close them up, the 11 is just that more portable and possible more amenable to me taking around for work.

Hmmmm....

 

[Ghost31]

Thanks! Yes, I did see your thread. Very helpful... still thinking... (first world problems admittedly).
[automerge]1590946915[/automerge]
Thanks everyone for the feedback so far. So, I borrowed my wife's older 10.5" iPad thinking that it would be close enough screen wise to the 11" for comparison. Nice, portable. Keep in mind that I like to evaluate things in their final form so she had a case on hers. I always use a case, so for me I have to always consider the additional weight and bulk. I passed her my old 12.9 (in a slim case) and she said... good grief.

After trying both side by side, I have to say the 12.9 is better for making detailed notes, and if I'm drawing sketches or diagrams for the students, etc. Except when I close them up, the 11 is just that more portable and possible more amenable to me taking around for work.

Hmmmm....

just throwing it out there, but if I could tell my younger “scared of going bigger” self the best thing to do, I’d say to get the newer redesigned 12.9 and make it fit into your life. I’d say “Younger Marcus dude. You wanted the 11 for portability, got it and then always had that voice in the back of your mind saying you wish you had a bigger screen. Just get the 12.9 Already and don’t go through this year long back and forth when you’re eventually gonna decide you want it anyway”

that video I linked in my other post was a big part of my decision to give the bigger iPad a go. Medical student that walks around all day in a hospital and he says he values portability and STILL switched to the larger one

 

[cupcakes2000]

just throwing it out there, but if I could tell my younger “scared of going bigger” self the best thing to do, I’d say to get the newer redesigned 12.9 and make it fit into your life. I’d say “Younger Marcus dude. You wanted the 11 for portability, got it and then always had that voice in the back of your mind saying you wish you had a bigger screen. Just get the 12.9 Already and don’t go through this year long back and forth when you’re eventually gonna decide you want it anyway”

that video I linked in my other post was a big part of my decision to give the bigger iPad a go. Medical student that walks around all day in a hospital and he says he values portability and STILL switched to the larger one

I’ll add to that; the 12.9 really doesn’t feel big in the grand scheme of things (especially when compared to a similar sized laptop). It’s easy to carry around, really weighs next to nothing. It’s a no brainier to me to get the bigger one- especially if you’re already thinking that that screen size is a better fit. You’ll regret it I suspect if you go for the 11. Maybe not regret, I’m sure it’s a wonderful device- But maybe just have buyers remorse.

 

[rkuo]

If you are comparing it to a laptop, then yes, the screen size of the 12.9 is more palatable. There’s a reason most notebooks come in 13” form factors. It fits a full size keyboard and the extra screen space is welcome.

But as far as *tablets* go, there’s also a reason that the iPad started at roughly its current size and why nearly all iPads are sold in the 9.7 to 11” form factor. There’s no doubt that Apple did a ton of testing over the years balancing the tablet form factor, and this is where they ended up.

The 12.9 is absolutely the outlier when to comes to size. Whether or not you find the trade offs worthwhile depends on how you use it.

 

[ozone]

just throwing it out there, but if I could tell my younger “scared of going bigger” self the best thing to do, I’d say to get the newer redesigned 12.9 and make it fit into your life. I’d say “Younger Marcus dude. You wanted the 11 for portability, got it and then always had that voice in the back of your mind saying you wish you had a bigger screen. Just get the 12.9 Already and don’t go through this year long back and forth when you’re eventually gonna decide you want it anyway”

that video I linked in my other post was a big part of my decision to give the bigger iPad a go. Medical student that walks around all day in a hospital and he says he values portability and STILL switched to the larger one

Thanks. Is that the medical resident in the UK who talks extensively about iPads and has a business too? I think I saw that one.

 

[Osamede]

If you are comparing it to a laptop, then yes, the screen size of the 12.9 is more palatable. There’s a reason most notebooks come in 13” form factors. It fits a full size keyboard and the extra screen space is welcome.

But as far as *tablets* go, there’s also a reason that the iPad started at roughly its current size and why nearly all iPads are sold in the 9.7 to 11” form factor. There’s no doubt that Apple did a ton of testing over the years balancing the tablet form factor, and this is where they ended up.

The 12.9 is absolutely the outlier when to comes to size. Whether or not you find the trade offs worthwhile depends on how you use it.

That reason was cost.

And another reason was ability to make thin durable device.

And a third was device battery efficiency needed to tolerate the draw of big screens.

Vision of iPad and all tablet makers has always been a sheet of A4 paper. It's here now - it's called the iPad 12.9".

 

[ahostmadsen]

I have the 11”. I use it for reading scientific papers (pdf) and taking notes with the pencil, and here during online teaching during Covid-19, as a virtual whiteboard. I don’t need a larger size. For pdf files, when you cut the margins, the 11” is exactly big enough to read comfortably, and it can easily be held in one hand. I don’t agree that you need a bigger one. As virtual whiteboard, it has exactly the right size. I would say the 12.9” is too wide.

The only advantage of the 12.9”, in my opinion, is for multitasking. When you have two apps side-by-side on the 11” it does get cramped. For example, having a pdf one one side and writing notes on the other side does require some zooming and panning.

 

[Osamede]

The only advantage of the 12.9”, in my opinion, is for multitasking. When you have two apps side-by-side on the 11” it does get cramped. For example, having a pdf one one side and writing notes on the other side does require some zooming and panning.

You can listen to news website or youtube on one side, or follow a streamed event.......while browsing or typing notes on the other size.

I'd say mutitasking will only get more and more relevant. And if you are 40 or close to it, your eyesight only worse.

 

[rkuo]

That reason was cost.

And another reason was ability to make thin durable device.

And a third was device battery efficiency needed to tolerate the draw of big screens.

Vision of iPad and all tablet makers has always been a sheet of A4 paper. It's here now - it's called the iPad 12.9".

Cost? That is patently ridiculous. We all know Apple will make a product in the form factor they feel is best and charge as much as they need to, and usually even more.

 

[ozone]

I have the 11”. I use it for reading scientific papers (pdf) and taking notes with the pencil, and here during online teaching during Covid-19, as a virtual whiteboard. I don’t need a larger size. For pdf files, when you cut the margins, the 11” is exactly big enough to read comfortably, and it can easily be held in one hand. I don’t agree that you need a bigger one. As virtual whiteboard, it has exactly the right size. I would say the 12.9” is too wide.

The only advantage of the 12.9”, in my opinion, is for multitasking. When you have two apps side-by-side on the 11” it does get cramped. For example, having a pdf one one side and writing notes on the other side does require some zooming and panning.

That is quite close to my situation as well.

Geez... you bunch aren't making my decision any easier here! LOL

 

[ejin222]

I had the 2nd Gen 12.9" and moved up to the 3rd gen 12.9". The smaller footprint of the 3rd gen model was a huge positive for me and makes holding the iPad much easier. I would expect the same for you as well~

 

[Virgilinsanity]

Thanks. Is that the medical resident in the UK who talks extensively about iPads and has a business too? I think I saw that one.

Ali Abdaal is the Doctor who loves the 12.9.

 

[ozone]

You can listen to news website or youtube on one side, or follow a streamed event.......while browsing or typing notes on the other size.

I'd say mutitasking will only get more and more relevant. And if you are 40 or close to it, your eyesight only worse.

Ha! I never thought about it that way - eyesight. I am OVER 40. Egad. LOL