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Zest28

macrumors 68030
Original poster
Jul 11, 2022
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The M1 12.9 iPad Pro tends to ”fall back” if you try to use it as a laptop as most of the weight is in the display. I assume the problem is even worse on the M4 12.9 iPad Pro as the iPad has been moved further back with the extra line of keys.

So how is the 11” M4 iPad Pro as a laptop? I believe the 11” M1 iPad Pro didn’t “fall back” when used as a laptop so I guess the 11” M4 iPad Pro still also has a good balance of weight on your lap?
 
It's not that it does or doesn't fall back, it's the following:
Both sizes will fall back when you put the edge close to your knees, like you would with a laptop.
None will topple over if you put them closer to you / to your belly, but then it becomes less comfortable to type/use.
The 11" being smaller makes it a little less unconfortable, but ergonomically it's not better.
The M4 is worse in both cases, but again 11" is less worse as you can put it closer to your belly. But it's still pretty bad on your lap and worse than the M1.
 
From what I have read and seen with videos, the 11" is also unstable to type on on the lap. I previously had the 11" 2020 iPad Po with MKB and it was the same way. When my 13" arrives tomorrow, I will be doing the lap test as well. I expect similar results.
 
Do you guys sit on really high chairs which then cause your legs to slope downwards???

I have an 11” with MKB and no issues…
 
Yes it falls back with the MKB on your lap. But that can be managed slightly.

No it doesn’t if it’s on a desk or flat surface.
 
Can’t speak to previous generation of the 11” but neither the 11” or the 13” M4 are as stable on the lap as the M1 12.9”. The 11“ M4 is a tad bit better than the 13” M4, but neither are terribly stable depending on your specific setup. That being said, if you’re primarily using them on a desk / table, you will not have any issues.
 
It’s definitely better on a desk / table than on your lap. But that mostly applies to standard laptops too as far as I’m concerned.

They are just marginally better.
 
I am 90% done setting up my new M4 iPad Pro 13”. I am typing on my lap from the recliner without any real problem. I have a Woolnut MB sleeve underneath the MKB. If I had gone with another 11”, as I previously had the 2020 11” iPad Pro with MKB, it would be wobble city. Typing is much better on the bigger keyboard. It isn’t cramped like the previous model.
 
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