iPad Pro Anyone regret getting 12.9” iPad Pro?

[James Godfrey]

Hi all

I am still going back and forth between the 11 and 12.9 iPP, I am just wondering if anyone has had any regrets getting the 12.9” vs 11” or vice versa?

I have been weighing up the pros for both sizes and have to say the iPad 11 does seem to have more pros over the 12.9 for portability, using it as both an iPad and a laptop replacement, it’s cheaper etc.. and to me the pros of the 12.9 seem to sacrifice most of the pros of the 11.

however there is still something which is attracting me to the 12.9...

 

[0128672]

I love my 2018 refurb 12.9 and use it daily in the Magic Keyboard case, which naturally has a larger keyboard than the 11. I had tried the older version of the 12.9 and was surprised how light and comfortable the newer gens are. That said, I only use mine at home, and never as a tablet without the case. For that reason I also don't use any apps/games that are portrait-mode only.

For games especially, I love the larger screen

It all depends on what your usage will be.

 

[ejin222]

As a laptop replacement, I would say the 12.9" offers some better pros: full sized apps for split screen ability, full sized keyboard, a more "square" sized screen for better vertical view, larger screen size...

For portability, yes. The 11" is better. But for me, I also use the 12.9" for a lot of laptop things and I could not imagine doing any of them sacrificing the pros I listed above.

 

[MacDevil7334]

I had a 2nd and then 3rd gen 12.9” before switching to the 11” model earlier this year. I went with the bigger screen because I had wanted the Pro to be a laptop replacement. But the limitations in iOS still prevent that to this day. So my main use ended up being a tablet that I can hand write my notes on and do some light email/typing tasks. For those cases, I found the lighter weight of the 11” was more important to me than the 2” of extra screen on the 12.9”. So, I switched and haven’t looked back!

Really though, it comes down to your uses and what your needs are. There isn’t a wrong answer to the 11” vs. 12.9” question (just look at the mega thread on this forum). Pick the device that’s best for your needs and enjoy it!

 

[spiderman0616]

The 2020 model is my first 12.9”. I’ve always gotten the smaller ones before now. I regretted it for about the first week, but it passed quickly. The whole reason I sized up in the first place was because I use my iPad for everything, and it the 11” wasn’t big enough as an art/design pad or as a laptop replacement. Once I got over the size and weight difference, it started seeming normal to me, and now I don’t even think about it.

 

[BenTrovato]

I’ve had it and returned it, it’s too big for my use of an iPad. BUT if it was my only device, the 12.9 is perfect. Really depends on your use, it’s a personal decision.

 

[millydog]

I haven’t been able to pick which size that I like best and I have the 12.9” 2018 and iPP 10.5”. I don’t have regrets, but it would be good if I could consolidate and pick one size (next time that I upgrade).

The 12.9” is fantastic and I love the MK with it. I use it as a tablet 75% of the time and with the MK at a desk when I want to type. I take my iPad everywhere (with the Apple Smart Cover only so far) and it feels a bit big in some out of the house locations, but mostly when I use it, it’s a great size. It feels like a perfect size for all of my at home usage situations.

Having said that, before covid-19 caused me to switch to working from home, I wondered if I should get an 11” the next time I upgraded. That was really because the 12.9” seems quite big when I’m at work and it’s sharing my desk with a laptop and 2 monitors. I feel that the 11” would fit a little better off to the side than the 12.9” does. O.K., it fits, but I feel like the screen is big and that everyone can see it if that makes sense. I still wonder if my next iPad will be an 11” for more portability, but then I also wonder if I would miss the larger screen if I do that. So I am undecided.

At the moment, I find myself using mostly the 12.9” as I’m working from home due to covid-19, but wonder if my wish for a smaller one might return when we return to the office. I haven’t tried the MK of the 11” and I also only got my 12.9” MK after I started working from home, so I haven’t experienced that in the office yet either.

 

[sparksd]

Not me. In fact, I don't see myself ever buying a smaller iPad now that I've had the 2018 12.9. I kept the 10.5 Pro I had prior but I never use it. I don't find the size of the 12.9 to be a portability hindrance at all.

 

[antipodean]

I have both 11" and 12.9" 2018 iPad Pros. I realise that is a luxury, but it also means I can perhaps provide some perspective on their differences in 12 months+ of using both.

Background: the 11" is the LTE model with the Smart Keyboard Folio and 256 GB. The 12.9" is WiFi-only with the Magic Keyboard and is also 256 GB. I have an Apple Pencil 2 for each. I am quite heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem with iPhone 11 Pro Max, 13" MBP, Mac mini, etc.

I may be in the minority, but I think the 11" is the more versatile device. At times they almost feel like they belong in completely different product categories. If you've used any non-Pro iPads, I think the 11" feels like those only better. It is very portable and just as easy to use portrait as landscape. You can hold it in one hand while controlling it with the other (e.g. standing). Obviously not as portable as a phone, but much lighter and easier to stow than my 13" MBP. IMO the screen is still big enough for note taking and some split-view or slide-over work. If I had to some up the experience in one word it is: natural.

The 12.9" is also a great device. You immediately notice the greater bulk (especially with the magic keyboard). Portability-wise it is on a par with my 13" MBP. The 12.9" advantages that I notice are: better for any multi-tasking (two full-size iPad apps side-by-side), great companion to the MBP for sidecar use (if you have a large enough workspace), and the keyboard does not feel cramped at all.

It is difficult to put my finger on it, but I think the 12.9" just feels like it needs more care when handling it. On a spectrum of "how easy is it to use on the go" with the iPhone at one end and a 16" MBP at the other end, the 12.9" sits atop the 13" MBP, whereas the 11" is in its own place a little closer to the iPhone.

IMO, ask yourself: will I be using the iPad Pro on the go, on the sofa, standing up, or will I mainly be using it at a desk?

 

[nothingtoseehere]

I have an IPP 1st gen since 2017 and love it. No regrets at all. For reading of, and, with the pencil, commenting on entire sheets of paper, I need the 12.9, everything else would be to small.
The smart folio keyboard also has the perfect size.
Portability is no issue, fits into the backpack. and all that. (But always carry lots of stuff around so that a bigger iPad does not make a difference for me. Other people - other preferences...)

 

[James Godfrey]

I have both 11" and 12.9" 2018 iPad Pros. I realise that is a luxury, but it also means I can perhaps provide some perspective on their differences in 12 months+ of using both.

Background: the 11" is the LTE model with the Smart Keyboard Folio and 256 GB. The 12.9" is WiFi-only with the Magic Keyboard and is also 256 GB. I have an Apple Pencil 2 for each. I am quite heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem with iPhone 11 Pro Max, 13" MBP, Mac mini, etc.

I may be in the minority, but I think the 11" is the more versatile device. At times they almost feel like they belong in completely different product categories. If you've used any non-Pro iPads, I think the 11" feels like those only better. It is very portable and just as easy to use portrait as landscape. You can hold it in one hand while controlling it with the other (e.g. standing). Obviously not as portable as a phone, but much lighter and easier to stow than my 13" MBP. IMO the screen is still big enough for note taking and some split-view or slide-over work. If I had to some up the experience in one word it is: natural.

The 12.9" is also a great device. You immediately notice the greater bulk (especially with the magic keyboard). Portability-wise it is on a par with my 13" MBP. The 12.9" advantages that I notice are: better for any multi-tasking (two full-size iPad apps side-by-side), great companion to the MBP for sidecar use (if you have a large enough workspace), and the keyboard does not feel cramped at all.

It is difficult to put my finger on it, but I think the 12.9" just feels like it needs more care when handling it. On a spectrum of "how easy is it to use on the go" with the iPhone at one end and a 16" MBP at the other end, the 12.9" sits atop the 13" MBP, whereas the 11" is in its own place a little closer to the iPhone.

IMO, ask yourself: will I be using the iPad Pro on the go, on the sofa, standing up, or will I mainly be using it at a desk?

Thanks for the detailed response it’s much appreciated.

I won’t be using it at a desk at all as i just don’t have the space for that, however, I will be getting the Smart Keyboard and a normal case for it for use as both a laptop and an iPad whenever each need arises.

I have a MacBook Pro which I will be honest I haven’t used a huge amount during the last 12 months, and when I have used it is has been for editing music for performances in GarageBand and typing up documents in pages and some website editing.

I have recently sold my iPad Air 3 which I just used to watch YouTube, surfing the net etc and also used to hook up to a music system for performances.

My plans with the iPad Pro are to use it for the same reasons I used my MacBook Pro and my iPad Air but combining the two... until recently I used GarageBand to mix the music and then upload that to iCloud then used my iPad Air to hook up to the music system, reason being is the iPad Air was much more portable than my MacBook Pro.

So with this in mind which of the two sizes would you say is better for me?

 

[antipodean]

Thanks for the detailed response it’s much appreciated.

I won’t be using it at a desk at all as i just don’t have the space for that, however, I will be getting the Smart Keyboard and a normal case for it for use as both a laptop and an iPad whenever each need arises.

I have a MacBook Pro which I will be honest I haven’t used a huge amount during the last 12 months, and when I have used it is has been for editing music for performances in GarageBand and typing up documents in pages and some website editing.

I have recently sold my iPad Air 3 which I just used to watch YouTube, surfing the net etc and also used to hook up to a music system for performances.

My plans with the iPad Pro are to use it for the same reasons I used my MacBook Pro and my iPad Air but combining the two... until recently I used GarageBand to mix the music and then upload that to iCloud then used my iPad Air to hook up to the music system, reason being is the iPad Air was much more portable than my MacBook Pro.

So with this in mind which of the two sizes would you say is better for me?

Thank you.
With your use case I can see why you are unsure. Truth is either would work well. How is Garage Band on iPadOS? (I’m not too familiar with the UI.) If the extra screen space will make GB easier to use, that would point to the 12.9”. Otherwise, I honestly think the greater portability off the 11” would suit your use case better.
Good luck!

 

[mtcislak]

I had a iPad Air 2 I was looking to replace. I was very hesitant but also intrigued by the 12.9. Had worries of regret but made the jump to the 12.9. No issues so far and very happy with my decision many months later. Best of luck

 

[AutomaticApple]

Hi all

I am still going back and forth between the 11 and 12.9 iPP, I am just wondering if anyone has had any regrets getting the 12.9” vs 11” or vice versa?

I have been weighing up the pros for both sizes and have to say the iPad 11 does seem to have more pros over the 12.9 for portability, using it as both an iPad and a laptop replacement, it’s cheaper etc.. and to me the pros of the 12.9 seem to sacrifice most of the pros of the 11.

however there is still something which is attracting me to the 12.9...

I regretted getting my 12.9-inch 2018 iPad Pro by the time the 11-inch 2020 iPad Pro rolled around. That is the size I wanted.

 

[James Godfrey]

Does anyone have any trouble with the aspect ratio of the iPad Pro 11” read a few things online that quite a few apps have black bars which would instantly tip me in favour of the 12.9” as that is the standard aspect ratio.

thanks a lot for the replies guys appreciate your advice.

 

[jazz1]

I primarily use my 2018 on a laptop desk, or just a desk with a MK folio. I do switch to a plain old Apple folio in bed. And yes it is a bit awkward at the 12.9" inch size in bed. But, the larger screen for dual window use is nice.

When the ARM laptops come out, I think I'll be switching out the 12.9" iPad for a smaller one. That is if the ARM laptops have a decent screen quality and snappy performance. The iPad currently excels in those areas.

 

[KennyJr]

I've had all sizes of the iPad and iPad Pro (currently have the 12.9 with the thinner bezels). What I've found is that they're all too large to be comfortably portable (including the Mini). My iPhone Max is my portable device. That said, the decision is easy .. 12.9 wins by a long shot (more flexible in the way you work the various apps). And with that said, how I'm going to use it determines which case I put on it. I have the Brydge keyboard case for desk work, and a Zugu Case for non-desk use (good protection and significantly lighter).

 

[rumz]

Back in 2015 I bought the 12.9“ first gen iPad Pro (Having been an iPad enthusiast since the original in 2010). I did get the Keyboard cover for this and used it occasionally, but primarily I used the 12.9 as a tablet— it was a bit heavy and unwieldy for one handed use, but I liked the screen size. When the 9.7“ was released I bought that as well, and that was the one that left the house with me most often.

Forward to 2019 I picked up a 12.9” third gen — much more comfortable to use as a tablet with how the weight is now distributed. But, then I also picked up the Brydge Pro keyboard (and later the Pro+)... in retrospect, it seems that what my iPad Pro is currently doing for me is serving as a replacement for my 2011 MacBook Air that I’ve retired. I leave the 12.9 attached to the keyboard almost all the time, and it often allows me to use the iPad Pro hands free when I’m just casually consuming content; and while the Brydge Pro+ isn’t what I’d hoped for a trackpad experience, for the most part it keeps me from wanting to go use a Mac for certain tasks that are more comfortable / efficient with a keyboard and trackpad.

(It amuses me that when I use the iPad in portrait mode, especially with the pencil, I hold it / use it like I’m reading a magazine or, if using the pencil, I hold it like I’m writing in a full size notebook— almost feels more natural than trying to draw / write on a slate by itself. Not sure how that would hold up for extended sessions, but for brief ones it’s fine. If you couldn’t tell, I dislike removing the iPad Pro from the firm clamps of this Brydge keyboard, it’s a bit of work to put back together.)

I am intrigued by the prospect of a more Pro-like 11”-ish iPad Air 4, especially if it gets Apple Pencil 2 support, as it’s a good bit less expensive than the 11” Pro.

Perhaps one of these days I’ll take the Magic Keyboard for a spin...

 

[AndyJoeshow]

I’ve had both models, and both times the ipad is a computer replacement for me. what it came down to for me was how I liked to use the iPad. Using it “docked” with the Smart Keyboard is a wonderful experience with the 11inch but really easily is used still as an iPad when I need it and undocking it. I went iPad only because I wanted the portability and multiple use cases that the 12.9 just felt too uncomfortable doing. I think the 11 is a perfect size.

 

[Mac47]

I have a 12.9 2020 iPP. It’s the best device I’ve ever owned. But as much as I love it, I admit it is too large for traditional tablet use or for reading in bed, which is a large part of what I do with an iPad.

I think the best of both worlds would be owning both a 12.9 iPP and an all-screen design iPad Mini. I don’t have much use for the in-between sizes (9.7, 10.2, 10.5, 11).

 

[rumz]

I have a 12.9 2020 iPP. It’s the best device I’ve ever owned. But as much as I love it, I admit it is too large for traditional tablet use or for reading in bed, which is a large part of what I do with an iPad.

I think the best of both worlds would be owning both a 12.9 iPP and an all-screen design iPad Mini. I don’t have much use for the in-between sizes (9.7, 10.2, 10.5, 11).

In the past I’ve not really had much interest in the Mini; however, I’m very much interested in the Mini you just described. Also, as someone who has always bought the “big“ iPhone (since the Plus sizes were first introduced), I think about getting said Mini if/when it becomes available and just going with the smallest iPhone I can get instead.

 

[Lsmachado]

I picked up the 12.9” 2020 version, but returned it because although it was a great device, it was just too big for me to use as a handheld device. I ordered the 11” and I totally love it. It works great with my tablet stand and Bluetooth keyboard and mouse when I need it to for typing documents.

If I could afford the luxury, I would have both versions, lol. Now I’m just waiting for the new iPhones to be announced so that I can decide whether or not to trade in my XS Max or hang on to it for another year. 😁

 

[MaxGolden12]

I want to use my iPad as a tablet, so I got the new 2020 11” Pro. However, I’m upgrading from a 9.7” iPad 6, so even the 11” felt a bit big at first, but I’m getting used to it. If I wanted a laptop replacement, I would’ve gone with the 12.9”.

 

[thelookingglass]

Ever since the 12.9 was first released, I always thought it was comically big. Then, the Apple itch got to me and I bought one. Mind you, I already had the 11” as well, too. Guess what? I love the 12.9. It doesn’t feel too big at all. Still very portable, even in the Smart Keyboard Folio. The bigger screen is amazing and is much better for multitasking. I’m not missing the 11” at all.

 

[MisterSavage]

I did. I bought one in 2018 without trying it out first because I read it was the size of a sheet of paper. I just couldn't get used to it and exchanged it for an 11 with no regrets.

Does anyone have any trouble with the aspect ratio of the iPad Pro 11” read a few things online that quite a few apps have black bars which would instantly tip me in favour of the 12.9” as that is the standard aspect ratio.

thanks a lot for the replies guys appreciate your advice.

In 2018 it was annoying that a lot of apps had a weird aspect ratio with my 11. Can't remember the last time I saw one like that.