I've had my 12.9 for a few months now. Originally purchased it with hopes to replace my laptop. I'd say I was 90% successful with that on a "being mobile" front, but I do suggest having something at home to fall back on for those tasks an iPad just doesn't match up for. (I'm looking at you iTunes hardware restores) For that reason I ended up getting a mac mini afterwards. I prefer the desktop/ipad combo to the laptop/ipad combo. Either way the majority of my work is still completed on the iPad e.g. online homework assignments, essays, emails, light gaming, reading, drawing, and lots of web browsing. Once summer semester started up I made it my exclusive note taking option. I recommend every owner try something like Notability if note taking is a part of your daily habits. I also love split screen-a great feature to have when needing to reference notes while typing up essays or pecking out a quick email while watching a video.
Unfortunately, the more I took it to class the more I hated pulling the thing out of my bag and plopping it on my tiny shared table space. The 12.9 shines in landscape mode when paired with the full sized smart keyboard. When typing this is advantageous. However, when browsing the web I still find myself placing it into landscape because its most comfortable for me. Typing in landscape is a no go unless i treat it like a normal keyboard which i prefer my thumbs. When using it to read in portrait i end up resting it against my leg or chest seconds into the activity. The 12.9 is not the heaviest thing in the world but it certainly isn't the most enjoyable experience to hold up.
In comes the 9.7. Admittedly it felt like an iPad Mini for a couple of days. My biggest concerns were split screen windows being too small and the overall feel of the device being too cramped when writing my notes. Split screen is certainly more smushed on the smaller screen, but it is still usable. When placed side by side with the 12.9 i wasn't blown away by the extra space the bigger ipad had in split screen. Could've been my minding justifying for me but even after getting rid of the 12.9 I still feel the same. Note taking was pleasantly "normal" from the beginning. As for the positives, it takes up less space in the office or school, and its a PLEASURE to hold when reading, browsing and gaming. Some say the screen is better, and some say it isn't. I have to say it is. It's noticeably brighter and looks "cleaner" to ME. I also don't feel compelled to have my ASK attached every time i want to send a text or email. Im comfortable tapping away in portrait mode without resting the device somewhere.
I say all of that to end with this...the 12.9 is a great device for the immersive factor. Web pages, books, drawings, and even games are a joy to see on the bigger screen. If you're using your iPP 12.9 mainly at a desk or your lap, its the go to device. The 9.7 is a great device for portability. If you like to hold your tablet up for long periods of time or take it on the go while maintaining a "tablet" feel this one is the winner. The jump from 9.7 to 12.9 ipads are not like the feel of jumping from 4.7 to 5.5 iPhones. Hopefully this helps those that i see going back and forth about the size comparisons and workload differences.
*Personally, I'd like a 5.2" iPhone and an 11-11.5" iPad but that's not happening.
Unfortunately, the more I took it to class the more I hated pulling the thing out of my bag and plopping it on my tiny shared table space. The 12.9 shines in landscape mode when paired with the full sized smart keyboard. When typing this is advantageous. However, when browsing the web I still find myself placing it into landscape because its most comfortable for me. Typing in landscape is a no go unless i treat it like a normal keyboard which i prefer my thumbs. When using it to read in portrait i end up resting it against my leg or chest seconds into the activity. The 12.9 is not the heaviest thing in the world but it certainly isn't the most enjoyable experience to hold up.
In comes the 9.7. Admittedly it felt like an iPad Mini for a couple of days. My biggest concerns were split screen windows being too small and the overall feel of the device being too cramped when writing my notes. Split screen is certainly more smushed on the smaller screen, but it is still usable. When placed side by side with the 12.9 i wasn't blown away by the extra space the bigger ipad had in split screen. Could've been my minding justifying for me but even after getting rid of the 12.9 I still feel the same. Note taking was pleasantly "normal" from the beginning. As for the positives, it takes up less space in the office or school, and its a PLEASURE to hold when reading, browsing and gaming. Some say the screen is better, and some say it isn't. I have to say it is. It's noticeably brighter and looks "cleaner" to ME. I also don't feel compelled to have my ASK attached every time i want to send a text or email. Im comfortable tapping away in portrait mode without resting the device somewhere.
I say all of that to end with this...the 12.9 is a great device for the immersive factor. Web pages, books, drawings, and even games are a joy to see on the bigger screen. If you're using your iPP 12.9 mainly at a desk or your lap, its the go to device. The 9.7 is a great device for portability. If you like to hold your tablet up for long periods of time or take it on the go while maintaining a "tablet" feel this one is the winner. The jump from 9.7 to 12.9 ipads are not like the feel of jumping from 4.7 to 5.5 iPhones. Hopefully this helps those that i see going back and forth about the size comparisons and workload differences.
*Personally, I'd like a 5.2" iPhone and an 11-11.5" iPad but that's not happening.
