Well, I can't speak for everyone but the repeated theme is that the 9.7 does seem small after using the 12.9 for a while. I am still trying to decide which size I want.
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How lap-able is the Pro 12.9
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Well, I can't speak for everyone but the repeated theme is that the 9.7 does seem small after using the 12.9 for a while. I am still trying to decide which size I want.
Not at all. It's the same size as a 13 inch MacBook Pro but two pounds lighter, and a hell of a lot thinner. I love how a laptop is fine in the lap but a tablet that is much lighter and thinner is not good for a lap.
Not sure why everyone freaks out about the size of the 12.9. It really isn't that big. Yes it is a large tablet, but it's smaller than 13/14 inch laptops that are considered portable and compact. It makes zero sense.
So several people are saying you can do this with the smart keyboard and I keep thinking "and type on it too?" What's the trick to keeping it stable that I didn't see in the store?
Checking, I did find a picture of a guy using it that way, one picture. Man, it just looks to me like trying to use it this way is a recipe for an iPad in flight the first time you weren't mentally 100% on your iPad safety game.
Checking, I did find a picture of a guy using it that way, one picture. Man, it just looks to me like trying to use it this way is a recipe for an iPad in flight the first time you weren't mentally 100% on your iPad safety game.
You forgot to add the weight and bulk and non adjustable keyboard to that 12.9 beast
I did NOT say the new 9.7 performed like a toy. I said it feels and looks like a toy now that I have the bigger iPad.
Although, now that you mention performance, there is no question that I can work more productively in split screen mode on the larger iPad.
For me, there's no going back to the smaller form factor. But that's why Apple gives us choices.
I've been reading this thread with my 12.9 in my lap. I've also easily used the Smart Keyboard while in bed, though I'm current using the on screen keyboard for this short message. The weight is not much different from my iPad 3, even with a case and Smart Keyboard. Weight is a non issue. Complainers need to do a little more exercise, I think 
.
The problem I've found is that it's hard to hold the iPad in landscape mode and reach all the keys with your thumbs because Apple decided to remove the spilt keyboard. What I also can't do now is use programs like Star Walk in landscape mode, where you need to hold the iPad up in the air and press buttons (stars) in the middle of the screen. With a small iPad, you can hold it with both hands and still reach the center of the screen with your thumbs, but I can't do this on the 12.9.
.The problem I've found is that it's hard to hold the iPad in landscape mode and reach all the keys with your thumbs because Apple decided to remove the spilt keyboard. What I also can't do now is use programs like Star Walk in landscape mode, where you need to hold the iPad up in the air and press buttons (stars) in the middle of the screen. With a small iPad, you can hold it with both hands and still reach the center of the screen with your thumbs, but I can't do this on the 12.9.
I find the iPP 12.9 with Smart Cover works very well on my lap.
It adds very little weight at all. It's a beautifully designed accessory. I was very skeptical about it before using one but the non adjustable angle is always just right to me. Whether it's in my lap or on a table, I've yet to have any issues with the angle.
It's too big for some people, I get it. But it's a significantly better experience both in the size of the keyboard, and the screen real estate for productivity than the 9.7 model.
I have both a Smart Cover and Smart Keyboard for mine (with a clear thin skin on the back to protect against scratches and improve grip). The 12.9 Pro is very lap-able for me with the smart cover. It is one of the reasons why I bought the smart cover to supplement the smart keyboard. I usually sit in a chair in the living room, knees bent with one knee over the other and the iPad resting on my thigh.
You're having a laugh surely, or you've a teeny tiny wee lap
I read comics on mine every day, err I mean technical journals.. Ahem, it's awesome compared to my old iPad Air 2. I've no issues resting it on my lap with or without the Smart Keyboard in use.
You're gonna laugh...
It's clear Con-Tact paper that has been carefully trimmed. It is cheap ($3 a roll), no residue, virtually invisible, super-thin (can still be used with back covers/cases), protects, and improves grip.
Here's a link to the thread where I posted some photos of it.
I have mine in my lap right now. I sit with my knees up on the couch and prop it against my legs. I used to hold my Air 2 this way and I don't find the 12.9 pro to be worse.
[doublepost=1461125070][/doublepost]I'm doing this reply with it on my lap and using the Smart Keyboard. It's surprisingly easy to type on this keyboard with the pad in my lap.
[doublepost=1461125070][/doublepost]I'm doing this reply with it on my lap and using the Smart Keyboard. It's surprisingly easy to type on this keyboard with the pad in my lap.
I use mine all of the time either in my hand or on my lap or arm of the chair. I use it for remote sessions on servers etc via VPN and RDP or some desktops via splashtop. I also read a load of comics on it too. The bigger screen is amazing for comics, I just finished Preacher, and the experience was great.
It's very lapable and it tastes glasstastic.
It's very, very lapable, I put mine down on the track this morning when I went for my run. Lapped it 10 times easy.
.... Couldn't resist.
It's very, very lapable, I put mine down on the track this morning when I went for my run. Lapped it 10 times easy.
.... Couldn't resist.
Very easy to use on the lap. I have no need of the Smart Keyboard, but I use this case. A bit heavier than the smart case + cover, but so many variable screen angles. Very easy to type on.
http://www.logitech.com/en-gb/product/create-ipad-pro-case?crid=1325
You're having a laugh surely, or you've a teeny tiny wee lap
I read comics on mine every day, err I mean technical journals.. Ahem, it's awesome compared to my old iPad Air 2. I've no issues resting it on my lap with or without the Smart Keyboard in use.
I just didn't find it comfortable at all. Felt awkward and heavy to hold up for long periods of time. That wasn't even my main reason for returning though. The lack of proper software did it for me. I will consider the 12.9 once they reduce the weight, shave off some bezel, and optimize the software for the large screen. Then the goal will be to have a 12.9 for home and a 9.7 or mini for on the road.
Aye it'll never meet everyone's needs. We've all got our own likes and dislikes.
I'm actually surprised with the weight, it's hardly a featherweight but I've not had a problem with it so far and with my nerve damage there would be serious issues if it was too heavy. I think it's more a centre of gravity thing than weight, I mean it's no heavier than a gen 1 iPad so for the size of it I'm quite happy. But that's just my preference of course and I definitely have to hold it differently than any other iPad I've owned.
Considering the size of the glass and the battery, which are the biggest contributors to the weight, I don't think they'll be drastically reducing it any time soon. Unless, as you say, they shrink the bezels to shave off a little weight.
There's definitely things they could improve on software wise though, got to hope iOS 10 is built with that in mind. You would expect so. There'll be a whole lot of complaining if it isn't
Are you using any case or stand?
It definitely is heavier, and its size does mean I have to think a second before picking it up. If I grab it by a corner, that would definitely cause a "oops" moment as the weight would twist it against my hand. I have to take care to pick it up by the middle of an edge. The Air is so light I can pick it up any which way without thinking about it. I also decided to just go with a TPU back case, and forego the Smart Cover, because I feared the combined weight of back case + Smart Cover would make the iPP too heavy. There are definitely moments when I glance at the iPad Air, thinking longingly of it's almost weightless ease of handling, then I look at the gorgeous 12.9 screen, and I never pick up my Air after all. But I can definitely understand how some people might prefer the 9.7 form factor.