Would You Choose the 12.9" or 11" in this Scenario?

[Maukey]

- Other devices owned: 13" MBP and iPhone X
- The iPad will strictly be used for personal use, not work
- Will be used with the Folio and Pencil. Will NOT use the Keyboard Folio or any other physical keyboard. The 13" MBP will be used if any major typing is needed.
- Where will it be used: In short, everywhere. It's an always with me device. Couch, Bed, Bathroom, Short Trips, Long Trips, etc. Will sometimes travel with it and the MBP in a book bag.
- Uses: Movies, Music, Browsing, YouTube, Note Taking, minor spreadsheet and document use for things like resumes, budgeting, etc.
- Moderate split screen use in the following scenarios: Watching YouTube videos while browsing the web/checking emails, Using Numbers and Safari for budget work, Note Taking using the Pencil while using Safari or watching videos, etc.

 

[Lobwedgephil]

In your scenario I would go 11, as that is more portable, better on the couch, bed, etc. I think you will value the portability more and can use your MBP when needed. Just my opinion though and you may value the bigger screen for movies more, etc.

 

[MisterSavage]

This is something only you can answer. I've seen plenty of people say they like taking their 12.9 with them. I didn't like the size and returned mine for an 11.

 

[profets]

I think the 11” would be perfect in that setup (an existing iPhone X and 13” MacBook Pro).

 

[nburwell]

As you have a laptop, I would go with the 11". It's more portable especially for when you travel with it (especially when you bring both the iPad and MBP).

 

[DNichter]

11 inch is always going be better for casual use. The 12.9 is better suited for desk use.

 

[ChunkAhoy]

I personally try not to chose the size of my iPad based on the other dvices i have... unless it is another iPad.
The three factors for me are;
-Is one hand use important?
-Am i going to carry this device a lot and all of the time?
-What softwares am i going to use?

For me, one hand use would have been nice, i dont carry the iPad a lot and i use a 3d design soft called Shapr3d where a larger screen is much better.
I ended up chosing the 12.9 because that last point weighted more than the others.

When i read your usage though, i would probably pick the 11 mostly because you carry it a lot.
Also... its cheaper. That has to help deciding as well if you are uncertain.

 

[Aluminum213]

No keyboard then get the 11" no question, if you add the heavy folio keyboard case the damn thing is heavier than the laptop

 

[danmart]

I have a 12.9 that goes pretty much everywhere with me. It’s perfectly portable IMO and is the superior option for multi-tasking and reading large format books (which I do a lot). I carry mine around the house from room to room and use it at work as my note taking device, too.

 

[Mainsail]

OP, Have you considered the 2018 iPad? There are Black Friday sales coming soon starting at $250. For many of the tasks that you listed, it would probably work just fine. The 11inch iPP plus slim folio and Apple Pencil 2 will set you back $1,000.

Both devices run the same Apps and OS, which account for most of the user experience. So, you will need to evaluate if the additional functionality/performance of the iPP warrants the substantial price differential.

 

[sonicrobby]

Why not the 9.7" iPad? Not sure why every comparison is only between the Pro models?

Liked to: "I need a car to get to work, but I'm not sure whether to buy a Lamborghini or Ferrari" when a Toyota would fit the bill. If you want to spend money for style you're more than welcome to. Just realize there is more out there

 

[LeeW]

All I can tell you is that I know 5 people that went for the 12.9" and 4 replaced it with the 11", too big.

 

[kazmac]

OP, Have you considered the 2018 iPad? There are Black Friday sales coming soon starting at $250. For many of the tasks that you listed, it would probably work just fine. The 11inch iPP plus slim folio and Apple Pencil 2 will set you back $1,000.

Both devices run the same Apps and OS, which account for most of the user experience. So, you will need to evaluate if the additional functionality/performance of the iPP warrants the substantial price differential.

Second this, especially if you’re not an artist. It’s a great iPad. My only issues with it are ram bottlenecks in Procreate (art software) and the constant reload of Safari pages. One of those doesn’t even apply to your usage.

OP, If you’re going to multitask a lot and need more ram, why not consider an 10.5 iPP on sale?

 

[LeeW]

why not consider an 10.5 iPP on sale?

This what I have been suggesting to all that have asked, unless you have a workflow that you know will shine better in the new IPP then the 10.5 is going to work just as well.

 

[filmgirl]

Your use cases basically match my use cases and I got the 11". I was replacing a 2016 9.7" iPad Pro (rose gold -- *sniffle*) and I considered getting the 12.9" this year because the size is so much better (I have spent significant time with the first and second-gen 12.9" Pro and knew I could never use that size for my own personal devices), but after seeing them in person, I still opted for the 11" because I always carry a 13" MacBook Pro with me and I don't want/need a device nearly that size.

What I'm doing now is usuing my 11" in bed and in meetings (I hate the keyboard folio so this is for hand-written notes or notes taken with either a bluetooth keyboard or the on-screen) and still using my 13" MBP any time I need to type anything massive/use certain apps. It's been like a week and a half but so far it's great.

As others have said, if you can get a good deal on the 10.5" you should look into it. For my own usage, I didn't *need* the 2018 iPad Pro. But it had been 2.5 years since I got my 9.7" Pro and the battery was starting to die it was released just before my birthday and I wanted a new toy.

If you've got another main machine, I really think the 11" is the best size.

 

[Greenmeenie]

Only you can answer this question, but given your scenario, I would choose the 11” for sure. You already have a 13” laptop which you use for typing. You want to use the iPad everywhere, and the 11” will be more portable and weigh less...especially if you also plan to travel with your laptop. For when you do want to type something on the 11”, it will be easier to do this with your thumbs in portrait mode than the 12.9”...and you’ll even be able to thumb type in landscape...which is impossible on the 12.9”. Also for movies, the 11” has an aspect ratio that will actually fill up more of the screen than the 12.9” proportion wise. And lastly, the 11” will be $200 cheaper than the 12.9”...So all in all...for your scenario the 11” seems like the best choice.

But as others have said, I would also consider the 2018 9.7” iPad to save even more money.