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I ended up buying the big one and am trying it out now. So far I like it! PDF textbooks look great....I've only had it for a few minutes

Did you get Apple Pencil too? :)
It's fabulous if you like to draw, it's almost like drawing on paper, very fast response and accurate!
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Question on the video....I'm realizing that the video is basically cut in half with the black top/bottom bars that are always on the screen. When I go to make them smaller the whole thing zooms in way too much.

Is this a screen resolution issue?

Isn't that same problem when you watch movies on TV?????? Screen ratio?
 
As others have said, it's a personal thing when it comes to device size, as with any Apple product that comes in more than one size.

That being said, my experience has been drastically different than expected with the 12.9" Pro. As someone who has owned most of the Minis and every version of the 9.7" iPad over the years, I was expecting more of the same with a bit bigger screen.

But I was very wrong to assume that.

The user experience on the Pro is vastly different, despite looking the same on the surface. The extra screen real estate makes the interactions so much different than on a smaller iPad, and it, to me, is a far more usable and enjoyable experience. I've found that despite the much larger size, the usability is just as good as my former Air 2. I use the Pro in bed for reading and media, as well as late night design work, and during the day I use it as a primary work machine. I got the pencil and keyboard with it as well. The keyboard makes it much better for work, the pencil is great for design applications (whether sketching, drawing, or photo editing), and all together it's made it one of my favorite Apple products in years.

I highly recommend giving it a shot, even if you go in a bit skeptical like I did. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. That being said though, shop around and get a good deal! They're out there, and just take a bit of patience to find.

EDIT: Looks like I was a little late to reply for the OP, but my response applies for anyone that might be on the fence!
 
I've been using an iPad Air 2 however picked up an iPad Pro 12.9 today as I saw one pop up for a great price online. Size wise I absolutely love it. The keyboard layout will take a bit of getting used to though. Only downside for me is that Apple could improve the app screen (perhaps make apps closer allowing for more apps to be displayed on one page).

So far I'm happy with the upgrade.
 
So I am 24 hours into using the 12.9" with Apple Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil via staples deal price matched at BB.

My initial thoughts:

The Apple Pencil is amazing.

Apple Smart Keyboard for the 12.9" is very nice. They nylon material they used and the key spacing is perfect. I could easily see myself typing research papers on this if I was still in school. It is very comfortable and responsive. I do wish they keys were backlit. I do wish you could activate Siri using the keyboard since the 12.9" does not always have Siri On when unless connected to power.

The screen size & quality on the 12.9" is very nice. I take recreational pictures with a Canon 6D and didn't realize how much detail I was missing while viewing pictures until I saw them on this screen. Even my wife mentioned it was a noticeable difference with clarity. For the past 24 hours I have found myself only using the keyboard to type in web addresses, answer emails, and even respond to text messages. The iPad is just to big to use the on-screen keyboard comfortably and quickly. As I type this post I am using the keyboard with the iPad on my lap. If I was to leave the house I am not sure how I would use the iPad if I was standing and holding it in my hands. It actually looks weird in the hand because of its size. This thing is meant to be used while sitting at a desk or table. Watching movies and videos are nice with the extra screen real estate but I personally need mobility when it comes to an iPad.

Verdict:
Even thought the 12.9" iPP is amazing it is just too big for me. I will be returning and sticking with the 9.7" that I have on order. This experience has sold me on the Apple Pencil (will be keeping it) and the Smart Keyboard. I will be purchasing the Smart Keyboard for the 9.7". I am a little worried about the key spacing but I am pretty sure I will adapt. Not being able to activate Siri will not be a problem since the 9.7" always has Siri On with or without power connected. I don't like the price point but I do have a clamcase keyboard that I used with my Air 2 and it does not feel near as nice at the apple version. After watching some of the recent review videos I am even more excited for the 31st.
 
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I have both an iPP-13 and an iPad mini 4. Love both, keeping both. Each is good at certain things.

I'm exactly same condition as you are!

For me, iPad mini 4 is still daily to go device, but if I know I'm gonna work on digital art/design or editing music, I bring 12.9" Pro around.
9.7" is just so incomplete, not totally mobile as well as iPad mini, but not big enough to work on comfortably as well as 12.9" Pro.
I absolutely love both iPad mini 4 and 12.9" Pro, no way to sell either on of them at this moment :)
 
I haven't found a need for a Mini. Ever since my Galaxy Nexus smartphone 5 years ago my phones easily cover that usage without carrying a second device or data plan. Especially going from a 4.7 to a 5.7 and now 5.5 screen.
 
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I haven't found a need for a Mini. Ever since my Galaxy Nexus smartphone 5 years ago my phones easily cover that usage without carrying a second device or data plan. Especially going from a 4.7 to a 5.7 and now 5.5 screen.

Not everyone wants to waste their cell phone battery for reading Ebooks or articles/looking up websites/playing games.
And iPad mini is 7.9" by the way.
 
I love my IPP, but your use case sounds like you should stick with the 9.7 if coach and bed is your normal usage.

The trick for me was to use the iPP in bed in portrait mode! In that case it has the same width as the 9.7" iPad in landscape mode but is only "higher". I used my former iPad Air in landscape mode before so that gave me very similar handling again....
 
I personally always found the 9.7" too big to take everywhere with me and my 6S Plus is my go to device when I'm out. Because of this, I haven't noticed any downside to to extra size of the 12.9 and love the benefits it brings.

However, if you're the sort of person who takes their iPad everywhere with them, then it may be too big. Also, I wouldn't want to use it standing up, but it's great sat on the couch or laying in bed.

For me, the 12.9" is the best size. For others, it might be the 9.7 or 7.9, which is why it's great that there's a choice :)
 
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Now that there is a 9.7 ipad with pencil support, one of the biggest selling features of the 12.9 that makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside is the on-screen keyboard. I type a pretty good amount and while I contemplated getting the keyboard case, i decided to stick with typing on-screen for a little while. Man oh man is it a night and day difference typing on this thing vs the smaller ipads. I can almost type as fast and accurate with the on-screen as I can on a regular keyboard, no joke. The trackpad feature is sort of a dream when it comes to correcting mistakes from typing on the screen, which is bound to happen, but I absolutely love it. This touch screen keyboard is one feature that has made me feel like I could actually use a tablet as my out-and-about tablet replacement.
 
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I think the 12.9" can be cumbersome and large on one hand, but much more useful because of the size. I think if I were to invest in a new iPad, it will be the 12.9" size. I see that as something much more useable. My kids and wife want one so bad. I'm finding for the most part my SP3 to be my main go to machine when I travel, so I'm not entirely sold on the iPP - But as they say: "Happy wife, happy life" :)
 
Not everyone wants to waste their cell phone battery for reading Ebooks or articles/looking up websites/playing games.
And iPad mini is 7.9" by the way.
I don't disagree. I was just speaking for myself. I think people that frequently carry bags would be more likely to carry a mini. I'm not in that group as it's usually what fits in my pockets is what makes it with me.

I know the mini's screen is larger but the difference isn't enough to overcome the always there factor of my phone.
 
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For me the 12.9" iPP is great for work. I spent 4 hours today researching stuff in Safari and writing and pasting images in GoodNotes. Both apps in split screen mode. Simply awesome and much easier/comfortable to do than on my rMBP.

In bed the iPP is too big, I use my iPhone 6+.
 
I don't disagree. I was just speaking for myself. I think people that frequently carry bags would be more likely to carry a mini. I'm not in that group as it's usually what fits in my pockets is what makes it with me.

I know the mini's screen is larger but the difference isn't enough to overcome the always there factor of my phone.
I agree after replacing my Air 2 with the IPP I replaced my 6S with a 6S plus. For me this is the best combination. On the Pro I use a Smart Cover when on the couch. In the stand position it balances perfectly with one or two fingers, don't feel the weight at all.
 
I don't disagree. I was just speaking for myself. I think people that frequently carry bags would be more likely to carry a mini. I'm not in that group as it's usually what fits in my pockets is what makes it with me.

I know the mini's screen is larger but the difference isn't enough to overcome the always there factor of my phone.

That's true, if you usually don't carry a bag with you, still it's kinda annoying having it in you hand to go.
Many girls usually carry either small or big bag, and I also find some jacket/coat which have pockets just about size of mini :)
 
The IPP is perfect for people that want a iPad for work and some casual use at home. I personally never have a device in the bed as i like to actually sleep when i go to bed lol. That being said the IPP is big for the bed.
 
I never understood why people say the 12.9 is too big for reading or watching movies in bed. I mean seriously, who would hold anything up in their hand to read or watch for longer than a few minutes? Have they never heard of propping the damn thing on a pillow? Or maybe using the Smart Cover or keyboard to prop it up as they were designed to do? Now reading on a train or subway when you may have to stand is a different story. But the bed issue sounds like whining to me...
 
I use my iPad Pro 12.9 inch all the time--for work-work, for creative work and for play.

My iPad Air 2, which I adored, now seems like a toy. I'll never go back to a smaller form factor.

Aside from the pencil what additional functionality does the pro provide that the air 2 doesn't?
 
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