12.9 questions

1) IMO, it's durable...lot better than air series...
2) otterbox...never like that company, but..for this model it's good.

 

The Pencil may surprise you... I have a 9.7" pro and am seriously considering a larger one just so I have a larger format to write on. All the notes I used to keep on paper, I'm getting better at taking on the iPad, but on the 9.7" there's still a fair amount of panning and scrolling to do that efficiently...

 

I love the 12.9 and can't think of going back to a 9.7.

Instead of a case, what about a nice bag that fits the Pro? My concern with something like an otterbox is you're making an already large device even more larger and bulkier.

I don't keep my pro in a case, but I do use a Tom Bihn Ristretto case. I love it.

 

I just got one and found that Apple's own cases seem to be the only good fit - any thinner and they wouldn't protect well enough, and any bulkier and the iPad would simply become too heavy.

 

If i was you I would wait for the samsung chromebook pro...comes with s pen, sd card slot,attached keyboard, 2k 3:2 12.3 in display, runs all android apps and chrome os apps, 360 degree hinge all for 499.99...I own both iPad pros and this just seems like a better and more complete deal.

 

As an owner of a 12.9, I would say that I would think twice about it if it was something I intended to always bring along out of the house and would probably have gotten the 9.7.

99% of my use is in my house, so for that use the larger screen just makes sense. Also, I have sold my MacBook Pro and now I'm using the iPad Pro 12.9 as my main computer.

That said, everyone has their own opinions and preferences. Just make sure you are ok with the weight. Once you add a protective case, it becomes almost as heavy as a 13" laptop.

As for which case, I have seen the Otterbox cases and they are very nice. I forget the names, but there are two different ones -- I would suggest the lighter of the two as the heavier of the two is just overkill IMO.

 

I use the Apple smart cover & silicone case, and a Thule sleeve. I make good use of the cross syncing between my hackintosh, 6s+, iPad mini 4, and IPP. I bought the IPP 9.7 for my daughter to carry back and forth to college because of the IPP 12.9 size. The IPP 12.9 is definitely a large sheet of glass, but it works well for me.

 

if i were you, i would buy air2 intead of 12.9" unless you want and need a pen, then pro9.7". i have used 12.9" ipad and i can only say that the size is ackward to hold with one hand. It is way too big, heavy and feels uncomfortable to hold for long. but if you feel that the size of 9.7 is too small, then there arent any other choices with apple. when you add a case around it becomes even more heavier. atleast go to a store and try it on your hand, e.g. holding it one hand for some time...

 

I love my 12.9 inch Pro for surfing and media consumption, wouldn't dream of giving it up. I think it is just too big for traveling by air, but on a car trip it would be okay. But mine never leaves home, my iPad Air is much more convenient for that.

I use an inexpensive silicon cover that mostly improves grippability, I have a sleeve to slide the Pro (including case) into if I am storing it in a drawer. I do have an Otterbox Defender, and the protection is awesome, but the thing is just too darned bulky! I never use it.

This is the case I'm using. Good scratch protection and texture for gripping, but at best minimal protection from a real drop. Recognizing its limitations, I am very happy with it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0167G90D8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

This is an Apple forum. The OP asked about the 12.9 iPad, not what other brands you can recommend.

 

A note about my background: I own a variety of devices, including the 12.9 iPad Pro, and have coached youth soccer and baseball for 18 years.

That's actually a pretty good suggestion for other situations but I don't think it fits well for the OP's purposes. He's currently using an iPad 3 so he has a set of apps that works well for his workflow. I'm always on the look-out for the next interesting device, and this one is at the top of that list.

Regarding the suitability of the 12.9, it depends. the 12.9 IS significantly larger than the 9.7 iPad, and after adding a protective case like an OtterBox, the thing will end up being gargantuan. Toting it around in the stands, bleachers, or dugout, would be cumbersome.

I'd recommend the iPad Air 2 (or 9.7 Pro, depending upon which storage capacity model you'll need). It is amazingly portable so whatever case you have for your iPad 3, you could get the comparable one for the Air 2.

 

The 12.9 is a commitment in size. I had both the large and small iPad Pro units but returned the 12.9 for an additional 9.7. Not everyone's desire but made me happy. The 12.9 was just to big for laptop or field use for me. Love the 9.7 size format. Bought the pencil at first and used it twice and now do not even know where it is. No need for it for me.

Enjoy!

 

How so?? I think it's absolutely perfect for air travel

 

It is super durable. I've used it with only Apple Smart Keyboard for a year now (no covers) and it held pretty strong. Adding extra cover makes it heavier. Plus I can take the ASK off easily whenever I don't need it.

I also purchased the pencil when it came out. Didn't use it for 3 months. Then one day I downloaded GoodNotes app and started using the pencil to take notes during meetings at work. Oddly, 3 out of 10 people in the meeting purchased 12.9" iPP and started taking notes with their pencils lol. No more losing or wasting papers.

I then purchased a 12" Macbook and was thinking of selling the iPP. Though by that time I got so attached and used to the iPP that 12" MB started collecting dust. Once you start making use of your 12.9" iPP you can't get rid of it!

 

Depends on what you think of as acceptable. I slide my 9.7 inch iPad into a pocket designed for it in an overpriced and overmarketed multi pocket travel jacket. 12.9 wouldn't fit there. If I toted a big carry-on, I'd probably feel differently! In a car of course there is no problem popping even a big laptop in the trunk, so that doesn't come up.

 

The Apple Silicon Case is probably your best bet. It won't protect it from a high drop, but it'll stop most incidental drops.

 

The iPP 12.9 is my first IOS device which got no protective back cover at all. Only the Smart Cover, but that works as a stand too. For me this iPad is a working device like a MacBook and I never use covers on these devices. The risk of dropping it is relatively low compared to the smaller IOS devices, because you do not run around with it all the time. I want to keep this iPad as light as possible (and I want to feel the metal too) , because the low weight and thinness made it so special. For travelling I use a small bag for carrying some papers in A4 (letter) format and my glasses, key, wallet and so on. The iPP 12.9 has nearly the same size than these papers and you did not even notice it in the bag. I aslo have the Magic Keyboard with me in this bag, because it is also very light and thin and much better for typing than the Smart Keyboard.

 

12.9 iPad has been great for me. I found the logi (Logitech) Create keyboard to work exceptionally well plus it offers a lot more protection than the Apple case. I use the keyboard a lot. If getting a keyboard case get one that supports the Apple Smart Connector instead of Bluetooth. Larger screen is really nice.

 

I love my 12.9 iPP, but I DO mostly use it at home. I got the larger one because I was replacing my iMac. I'm certainly not saying it's too large to take places because I have done that, but just so you'll understand where I'm coming from with this post.

I have the Apple Keyboard and a generic cover on back that works with the Apple keyboard (cost me something like $12 on Amazon). I LOVE the keyboard - worth every penny for me. Of course anything you put on it adds weight, so you just need to determine how much extra weight is too much for you. I also purchased a glass screen protector right away, as I keep those on all my devices.

Honestly, I don't think I could go back to a 9.7, but like I said, I'm not really taking mine with me everywhere. I'm honestly considering getting a mini 4 to have something lightweight to do all my reading on (I personally find the 12.9 a bit too bulky for reading in bed, although it's GREAT for setting up and watching a movie), and something that's truly portable enough to throw in my purse when I go somewhere.

I'm reading this and realizing I really didn't say anything helpful. If I were you, I'd go for it, and if you type a lot, get the keyboard - totally worth it!

 

For case I recommend SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle Pro. Just as rugged as Otterbox for fraction of the cost.