If you could have only one Pro.

[capathy21]

I really was as happy as one could be with the 12.9 ipp. Why'd I have to get curious and pick up a 9.7 pro? At first, the 9.7 felt like a mini after using the 12.9 for a couple of months. But the more I've used it, the more I like it. I have both sizes, both with smart keyboards attached. I have compared my work flow, and they both accomplish everything just fine. The 9.7 feels small at times, but other times the 12.9 feels too big.

Unforeseen personal circumstances are going to prevent me from keeping both. It's a first world problem, and not really a problem at all, but if you could only have one, which would you choose? Specifically those who own both sizes.

P.S. Bring on the chorus of "why do you ask a bunch of strangers on the Internet to make your decisions for you." I ask because I can. After all, this is Mac Rumors, we are all a little crazy.

 

[TrueBlou]

12.9" all the way for me. The 9.7 just isn't even a passing thought to me.

Never liked split screen on any of my other iPads, use it all the time with the 12.9. Didn't like small keyboards on the smaller iPads, perfect on the 12.9. All of of that lovely screen estate is just what I've always wanted in an iPad, long may they make the 12.9 because I'll always be a buyer for it.

 

[Andy847]

I love my 12.9" IPP. I looked at the smaller size of the 9.7 and couldn't imagine drawing on that little space. Especially if using side by side with a reference image.

I've started taking mine with me to starbucks the last couple weeks and it's not a problem for me. I have a 14" laptop bag and even carry my Mac's Apple Magic Keyboard in it. I see people all over starbucks carrying Laptops, some bigger than my Ipad Pro, so I don't understand people saying it's too big to be a good Mobile device. I couldn't go down in size now. Love the extra real estate, for my needs anyways.

 

[masotime]

I don't think of it as "only one pro". I think of it as "only one iPad".

In that context, it is the 9.7" form factor. The mini has the best portability, but compromises a little on screen real estate. The 12.9" has the largest working area, but is barely portable (when was the last time you held it up and used it for long periods without it resting on a stand / table?)

Of course, this depends on how much you value (hand-held) portability versus screen real estate. Both are critical to me, so the only one that meets both criteria with the least compromise is the 9.7" form factor.

 

[mixel]

I can only justify having one and held off on getting one until the 9.7 came out. I love drawing on the smaller, more manageable device and use it all the time now. Also, I use split screen a lot (often for side by side referencing as was mentioned above.).. It's much bigger than two 6+'s side by side so I don't really understand people saying its not good in split screen?

If the bigness (and extra ram) offered a functional difference other than just more resolution I'd consider the 12.9 more compelling. 3 or 4 way splitscreen would do it.. As it is it's just a bigger version of the exact same experience, so it's just a question of which form factor you prefer really.

 

[Leo90]

12.9 all the way! The screen size is perfect for media consumption and for multitasking. Besides, keyboard is much more pleasant than 9.7 version.

 

[TrueBlou]

I love my 12.9" IPP. I looked at the smaller size of the 9.7 and couldn't imagine drawing on that little space. Especially if using side by side with a reference image.

I've started taking mine with me to starbucks the last couple weeks and it's not a problem for me. I have a 14" laptop bag and even carry my Mac's Apple Magic Keyboard in it. I see people all over starbucks carrying Laptops, some bigger than my Ipad Pro, so I don't understand people saying it's too big to be a good Mobile device. I couldn't go down in size now. Love the extra real estate, for my needs anyways.

Yeah the mobility complaining always amuses me. Once upon a long time ago I had 17" Dell laptop that weighed more than a modern 21" iMac, so the comparatively tiny iPad is nothing.

I know it's because we've been spoiled by small and light devices for years now, but still, it's hardly impossibly difficult to move around with an iPad.

 

[sracer]

The only reason why I opted for the 12.9 Pro was because of the additional flexibility it offers over and above the 9.7 form factor. If I wasn't interested in moving closer to a converged device, then I would've stuck with the Air 2. I prefer it over the 9.7 Pro.

 

[Night Spring]

For me, the 12.9 screen size makes the iPP a laptop replacement. The 9.7 size always left me feeling cramped in terms of space. Portability isn't much of an issue, as I had gotten in the habit of leaving my iPad at home since I got my iPhone 6. But I do have a bag that's turned out to be perfect for carrying my iPP, and I frequently take it to work with me.

 

[alecgold]

I've had the 9.7" for a short time (about a week) and didn't care that much for it. Felt like stepping back in time.
The 12.9" is definitely my device as I can get more done, I like the real estate and don't mind the extra size/weight.
Together with a full sized keyboard (no learning curve switching between MacBook Pro and iPad Pro) and A4 sized reading area it's my perfect device when I'm on the road, sitting in the garden, hanging in a hammock in the attic of when ever there is no desk or spreadsheet nearby.

 

[Andy847]

@masotime, I'm not trying to argue with you, it's all to everyone's preference really. I will tell you why I think the 9.7 wouldn't appeal to "ME", and this is just my observations. If the Apple Pencil was more of a fine pointed stylus, like the Note Series I came from with the S - pen, I could probably do more work with it on the 9.7" size pro. With the way the Apple pencil is now, I find it hard to do with a smaller space. Maybe it's because I'm use to years of working with Note Phones and Tablets. I can get pretty detailed on my Note 10.1 with the Stylus I have.

That said, the S - pen lacks the ability to shade on the side of the nib like the Apple Pencil. So each have their strong points. If they could just make the point of the Apple Pencil a little bit sharper and smaller, I think it would be a real plus. I like the Pencil, just taking awhile to get use to it. Nothing like the Wacom and S pens I used before.

I do think that because of the head of the Apple Pencil and it's design under the Pencil Nib, not sure if they can get it smaller. Hoping they can though. And I do know that you can get detail from the apps and zooming in and out. I guess it's like going from drawing with a Pencil (S Pen) to drawing with a Crayon (Apple Pencil). That's just how I view the two when compared to drawing with them. I'm speaking to the thickness of the points at the nib.

 

[masotime]

No worries. Actually I wasn't referring to any specific post with my post. If you liken the iPad to a laptop replacement, then yes portability wise the 12.9" iPad doesn't lose out.

I'm quite happy with the Apple Pencil, so far the best stylus I've ever used on an iPad, although I've never used the S-Pen on a tablet - on the Note 3 I found the screen to small to do anything practical with it.

EDIT: Perhaps the poll makes more sense if the decision is between detachables, i.e. you are considering both form factors on the assumption that you're going to have a semi-permanently attached keyboard to it when in use.

@masotime, I'm not trying to argue with you, it's all to everyone's preference really. I will tell you why I think the 9.7 wouldn't appeal to "ME", and this is just my observations. If the Apple Pencil was more of a fine pointed stylus, like the Note Series I came from with the S - pen, I could probably do more work with it on the 9.7" size pro. With the way the Apple pencil is now, I find it hard to do with a smaller space. Maybe it's because I'm use to years of working with Note Phones and Tablets. I can get pretty detailed on my Note 10.1 with the Stylus I have.

That said, the S - pen lacks the ability to shade on the side of the nib like the Apple Pencil. So each have their strong points. If they could just make the point of the Apple Pencil a little bit sharper and smaller, I think it would be a real plus. I like the Pencil, just taking awhile to get use to it. Nothing like the Wacom and S pens I used before.

I do think that because of the head of the Apple Pencil and it's design under the Pencil Nib, not sure if they can get it smaller. Hoping they can though. And I do know that you can get detail from the apps and zooming in and out. I guess it's like going from drawing with a Pencil (S Pen) to drawing with a Crayon (Apple Pencil). That's just how I view the two when compared to drawing with them. I'm speaking to the thickness of the points at the nib.

 

[richpjr]

12.9. Clearly not as portable as the 9.7, but the extra screen real estate and a larger keyboard make it a much more useful device for getting serious work done for me.

 

[SaddleSC]

I own both the 9.7 and the 12.9. If I could only keep one of them, it would definitely be the 12.9 simply for the much better multi-tasking and the massive screen real estate for drawing and outlining my ideas. It is so versatile to me...it can be a fantastic consumption device and also replace my laptop 90% of the time when I am traveling light.

 

[millydog]

I'm sorry that you need to decide on this. I have both the 9.7" Pro and the 12.9" Pro.....and I'm very lucky that I'm in the situation where I can keep both. I work hard and this is where I choose to spend my hard earned dollars. Even having said that, I still have the same debate going on in my head.....if I could only have one or the other, which one would it be. I find it a very hard question and not sure that I know the answer..… What I do is write down two headings....iPad 9.7" Pro and iPad 12.9" Pro....then under each heading I write down the features that are best in that model as well as the tasks that that model is best for.....so if you like reading eBooks then you might decide that you prefer that on the 9.7", but if you read more PDFs, comics or magazines then you might prefer the 12.9". You may require a more light and portable iPad or you might find that the larger iPad is still very portable to you and that doesn't factor into it....or maybe your iPad always stays home and you don't need it to be portable.....or maybe you are a student and want to take lots of notes and want the bigger screen for that. There are many uses for iPads and both sizes are capable, but maybe if you create a list then it will help you determine what you want to get out of the iPad and which one would suit you more.
Another thought.....If you have a Mac or PC as well, then maybe your iPad is more of a companion device and the 9.7 will suit well, but if you can see yourself using the iPad more and more as a laptop replacement then maybe the 12.9 is the better size.

 

[masotime]

I'm actually a bit surprised at how much the 12.9" is favored. Not long ago there was a thread by @Kal-037 where the general perception was that the 12.9" was selling badly (asserted in particular by @BitSlap)

 

[capathy21]

Another thought.....If you have a Mac or PC as well, then maybe your iPad is more of a companion device and the 9.7 will suit well, but if you can see yourself using the iPad more and more as a laptop replacement then maybe the 12.9 is the better size.

Yea since I am using it as my main computing device, I am 99 percent sure that I am going to keep the 12.9. The ability to get more done and see more content wins out in the end.

 

[Night Spring]

I'm actually a bit surprised at how much the 12.9" is favored. Not long ago there was a thread by @Kal-037 where the general perception was that the 12.9" was selling badly (asserted in particular by @BitSlap)

I always thought that the number of *posts* showed a close to even split between posters who preferred 12.9 and those who preferred the 9.7. However, there were a number of *threads* with titles along the lines of "I sold / returned the 12.9 and got the 9.7." But none or very few thread titles saying the opposite. So if people just read thread titles without reading the posts, that could have created the impression that the 12.9 was less popular.

 

[richpjr]

I always thought that the number of *posts* showed a close to even split between posters who preferred 12.9 and those who preferred the 9.7. However, there were a number of *threads* with titles along the lines of "I sold / returned the 12.9 and got the 9.7." But none or very few thread titles saying the opposite. So if people just read thread titles without reading the posts, that could have created the impression that the 12.9 was less popular.

Maybe the 12.9 owners were getting a bunch of work done on their nice big screens instead of hanging out on the forums like the 9.7 owners!

 

[mixel]

I'm actually a bit surprised at how much the 12.9" is favored. Not long ago there was a thread by @Kal-037 where the general perception was that the 12.9" was selling badly (asserted in particular by @BitSlap)

Not really referencing this thread in particular but there's a backlog of 12.9 owners lined up to defend their purchase against the plucky upstart that (in some ways) comes across as fancier. It'd be the same if the two iPad sizes were released in the other order.

I suspect the sales will clearly show what size most people would prefer. I genuinely don't think most iPad buyers are after a laptop replacement/device that is best used on a stand/table. The 12.9 is an incredible device for those who want/need it and it's no surprise it has a loyal following, especially somewhere like MR. But it's still a very weird device.

How big is too big? If Apple released a 15" version I wonder how many of the 12.9 people would call it too big, despite being able to use the same points in favour of its bigness. Why not even go 17"? MacBook Pros used to and they fitted in bags. They were going to be used on tables anyway! ... I'd totally buy a 4K 17" iPad. @_@

 

[iSheep5S]

12.9" all the way. My wife has the air and it looks odd... Like the New iPad Mini.

Now if they could update all the apps so the iPad Pro keyboard pops up everytime that would be great.

No i don't use a smart keyboard.

 

[DaniJoy]

Not really referencing this thread in particular but there's a backlog of 12.9 owners lined up to defend their purchase against the plucky upstart that (in some ways) comes across as fancier. It'd be the same if the two iPad sizes were released in the other order.

I suspect the sales will clearly show what size most people would prefer. I genuinely don't think most iPad buyers are after a laptop replacement/device that is best used on a stand/table. The 12.9 is an incredible device for those who want/need it and it's no surprise it has a loyal following, especially somewhere like MR. But it's still a very weird device.

How big is too big? If Apple released a 15" version I wonder how many of the 12.9 people would call it too big, despite being able to use the same points in favour of its bigness. Why not even go 17"? MacBook Pros used to and they fitted in bags. They were going to be used on tables anyway! ... I'd totally buy a 4K 17" iPad. @_@

15", count me in!

 

[Pakaku]

I want a 17" Pro, lmao.

 

[alecgold]

How big is too big? If Apple released a 15" version I wonder how many of the 12.9 people would call it too big, despite being able to use the same points in favour of its bigness. Why not even go 17"? MacBook Pros used to and they fitted in bags. They were going to be used on tables anyway! ... I'd totally buy a 4K 17" iPad. @_@

This is a real bad argument, the slippery slope. With reasoning like this everything can be reasoned until it's hitler, Armageddon or some other disaster.

But the fact is that most laptops sold today aren't 10" or 17" but around 13". It seems that there is a sweet spot around that dimension/weight/usefulness. Why wouldn't the same be true for iPads?

 

[Night Spring]

Perhaps the poll makes more sense if the decision is between detachables, i.e. you are considering both form factors on the assumption that you're going to have a semi-permanently attached keyboard to it when in use.

I don't use a detachable keyboard with my 12.9 iPP. I thought I'd use a Bluetooth keyboard I already had, but I haven't been using that often, either. I find that for me, the on screen keyboard is good enough most of the time. No added weight, and allows me to use the iPP on my lap, as a *tablet*.

I genuinely don't think most iPad buyers are after a laptop replacement/device that is best used on a stand/table.

I agree that most iPad buyers aren't after a device to be used at a desk/table. But you seem to think that the 12.9 isn't suitable for use away from a desk, and that isn't the case. I use my 12.9 on my sofa or in bed around 95% of the time, then about 4.5% while sitting on the bus commuting to/from work. I've even used it standing up a few times. Sure, it's bigger and heavier than the 9.7, but still a lot more mobile than any laptop.