I'm just curious to see how many actually use the 12.9" iPP as a Tablet with no keyboard. How's the experience for you? This is how I use it and there times that I miss the 11". Mainly when I feel a desire to use it in Portrait mode.
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Who Here Uses the 2018 12.9" iPP as a Tablet with only the Folio or Some Other Case? No Keyboard
- Thread starter Maukey
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I'd be interested in this as well, since I have a 12.9" on order and do plan to use it with just the Folio Case and not the keyboard case. I already have a MacBook Pro for when I want a laptop, and I'm also a mechanical keyboard enthusiast so if and when I do use a keyboard with the iPad, I would prefer to use a small mechanical keyboard.
This is my first 12.9 iPad Pro after owning a 2, 3, air, mini 4 and 9.7 Pro. I always use protective cases so this iPad is housed in an otterbox symmetry case. It doesn’t feel significantly heavier than the 9.7 Pro and it travels in my messenger bag if I’m going to need it when I’m out.
The pencil is essential and I use it with art apps like Procreate and to write notes. If I ever feel the need for a separate keyboard I would look for a separate bluetooth keyboard.
The iPad 2 was sold but all the others are still functioning after being passed down to my son and dil.
The pencil is essential and I use it with art apps like Procreate and to write notes. If I ever feel the need for a separate keyboard I would look for a separate bluetooth keyboard.
The iPad 2 was sold but all the others are still functioning after being passed down to my son and dil.
I only have the regular folio. I do have a separate Bluetooth keyboard, but I hardly ever use it. I don't really have to type long form stuff that often. And for all other typing I actually prefer the flexibility of the software keyboard. I am always moving around with my iPad. Walking around, on my lap, at a desk, switching between portrait and landscape. The software keyboard is always there ready to use.
Used 12.9 Gen 1 and Gen 2 with keyboard cases but noticed that I wasn't using the keyboard as much as I'd like and it added weight, so only went for the folio case for the Gen 3. No complaints so far.
I write a lot so I use the pencil instead of typing
I write a lot so I use the pencil instead of typing
I bought the first 12.9 iPad but after a week returned it for the 10.5 and it was much more to my liking. Today have the 11” and it seems perfect to me. The 12.9 was just a bit more size than I wanted to put up with.
Glad Apple gives us all a choice, I made mine.
Glad Apple gives us all a choice, I made mine.
It was the opposite for me
I purchased the 12.9" Gen 1, and switched to 10.5" Gen 2 when it came out for a week, felt like a toy, gave it to my brother and purchased the 12.9" Gen 2, then carried on with 12.9" Gen 3. Then again, what does it have to do with who here using the 2018 12.9" iPP as a Tablet with only the Folio or some other case without keyboard?
I already contributed to the subject
You just came in to blabber about your 11" iPP purchase
You need to get back on topic and stop acting like the bathroom monitor!
The OP was/is commenting on both sizes.
This is really the question I’m looking for an answer to. I want to use the new iPad Pro as a tablet, I have no interest in a keyboard case and just want it as comfortable as possible. In an ideal world I’d get the 12.9 as long as it’s comfortable to use for reading, browsing etc in the hand like my iPad Air is but can’t really find a consensus on whether this is really the case.
I know the 11 inch will be comfortable to use like this for long periods but if I can get more screen I’d be delighted.
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Is it comfortable like this for long periods on the couch etc? I would be doing exactly the same as you.
I know the 11 inch will be comfortable to use like this for long periods but if I can get more screen I’d be delighted.
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Is it comfortable like this for long periods on the couch etc? I would be doing exactly the same as you.
I think on the couch you have so many ways to hold it, I am pretty sure most people will find it comfortable enough for long periods. I also walk around a lot with it and for me it feels just fine. But the 11 inch is probably the most optimal in that scenario.
Just a case here. No keyboard. When I need to type anything, I just use the onscreen keyboard. But I have the 11” iPad Pro which is easier to type on in landscape and portrait with your thumbs. If I did get the 12.9”, I probably still wouldn’t get the keyboard folio. But I have big hands, and with the new slimmer design, I was actually able to type on it in landscape & portrait with my thumbs...but it was a stretch and not as comfortable as on the 11”. Still, lying on a table the on screen keyboard of the 12.9” is even better than the 11” with the bigger keys and numbers row.
I couldn’t use mine without the keyboard...I had to for a few weeks as I waited for my keyboard but was too tough to do so.
The new 12.9” is big, but naked without a keyboard cover it is truly very light. A lot lighter than I was expecting when trying them out in the store. I think a naked 12.9” at home is very doable. (That sounded slightly kinky). But I travel a lot, and prefer the more tablety feel of the 11”.
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Yeah, it’s a very subjective thang. I’m so used to it now that I don’t mind. I actually type very quick on the virtual keyboard. But I’m not writing novels or anything. Just emails, blogging and posting on forums like this.
I bought th new 12.9 to replace my first gen 12.9. The size took me about 2/3 weeks to get used to but that was 3 years ago. The ew 12.9 size makes it even better. I have the keyboard folio and the regular folio. I use them both according to what work I’m doing at the time. I like doing research with the keyboard. I prefer presenting/teaching and entertainment (web browsing/video watching) with just the regular folio. I know it can get expensive but Amazon has regular folio options for cheaper if that’s a concern. I always remind people that the 12.9 is still smaller/lighter than even the 13 inch MacBook Pro. It’s also way more convenient sinsce the keyboard folio can be removed. I haven’t bought a sleeve of any kind yet, but I might. I just go with a backpack or messenger bag according to the occasion. Just my 2 cents.
I replaced my macbook with the 12.9" iPad Pro and purchased it with the folio keyboard case so I had been pretty much using it within the folio exclusively. However, a few times recently I have taken it out of the folio and been experiencing just tablet mode and am liking it more and more. Even the on screen keyboard has been a pleasant surprise and has me now considering picking up a smart folio for times when I know I won't be doing a ton of word processing and benefiting from the thinner/lighter form factor of not having a physical keyboard. For owners of both, is there a noticeable difference in size between the folio keyboard and folio smart cover?
I don't use a keyboard. I wasn't expecting to see a poll option for those who had returned the 12.9 for an 11 but that's exactly what I did.
In a good way!
I have had all three gen of the 12.9, and really love it as a device. IMO the gen 3 is the best yet in almost every way.
I bought the previous Smart Keyboard for use with my gen 2, after using the onscreen keyboard ever since the original iPad. I am pretty quick on a touch-keyboard but physical keys are still faster. I bought a Bluetooth keyboard a couple of years back and started using that more often. That is what caused me to get the SK in the first instance, so I would have it available all the time.
The new Keyboard Folio is not as good for my personal use-case. It is too ‘full on’ keyboard to me, and detracts from using it as a tablet.
So, I use the 12.9 with the Smart Folio and have reverted to using my Bluetooth keyboard when I feel the need. I can use my iPad + keyboard as a laptop replacement for work when travelling, so that is a big plus for me. The rest of the time I use the Folio alone for protection against drops, propping up etc. I find the 12.9 to be totally useable and portable for everyday use, personally, and the bigger screen makes multi-tasking much more productive.
In a good way!
I have had all three gen of the 12.9, and really love it as a device. IMO the gen 3 is the best yet in almost every way.
I bought the previous Smart Keyboard for use with my gen 2, after using the onscreen keyboard ever since the original iPad. I am pretty quick on a touch-keyboard but physical keys are still faster. I bought a Bluetooth keyboard a couple of years back and started using that more often. That is what caused me to get the SK in the first instance, so I would have it available all the time.
The new Keyboard Folio is not as good for my personal use-case. It is too ‘full on’ keyboard to me, and detracts from using it as a tablet.
So, I use the 12.9 with the Smart Folio and have reverted to using my Bluetooth keyboard when I feel the need. I can use my iPad + keyboard as a laptop replacement for work when travelling, so that is a big plus for me. The rest of the time I use the Folio alone for protection against drops, propping up etc. I find the 12.9 to be totally useable and portable for everyday use, personally, and the bigger screen makes multi-tasking much more productive.
Yes and no, for me at least. It's an awesome computer and I'd actually like to have both, 12.9 for desk use and 11 for everything else. I think that is the best set up to be honest. Using the 12.9 in bed or on the couch felt too awkward for me.
I actually preferred the 12.9 to the 11 when using on the couch. I will say that my couch reclines though. I may have felt different if I had to sit straight up on the couch and had to actually hold my iPad. I'm usually resting my iPad on something no matter the size of the iPad. The only cases I preferred using the 11 over the 12.9 was when using in Portrait mode, and when using in the bed. And I will say the 11's size has a more intimate feeling if that makes sense. It was definitely a tough call for me, but I ultimately decided on the 12.9 because the screen size and the advantages it brings were more important for me. My plan is to see what Apple does next year with the 9.7 iPad and possible iPad mini 5. I may consider one of those for the instances where I prefer more portability; which if I'm honest, so far, hasn't been often if at all. But, if they make a Mini 5 or 9.7 with Apple Pencil 2 support and the wireless charging, I'm all over it!!!
Here is me and my 12.9, lounging:
(Yes, it is cold here today...)
That’s a 43in TV in the back of shot. Notice how, visually, the iPad is bigger. Also, see how it happily sits on the arm of my chair. It sits on the lap just as easily; that’s with the Smart Folio.
(Yes, it is cold here today...)
That’s a 43in TV in the back of shot. Notice how, visually, the iPad is bigger. Also, see how it happily sits on the arm of my chair. It sits on the lap just as easily; that’s with the Smart Folio.