If you could have only one Pro.

[MCAsan]

As a photographer I want the larger 12" screen size for image culling in the field. I also want the transport speed of USB 3 on the Lightning port to move thousands of photos in and out as fast as possible. When I get home the images will be imported into Lightroom on the desktop. So the Nightshift and True Tone color accuracy really don't matter. All serious editing will be on a large calibrated monitor.

 

[capathy21]

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. @_@

While I see your point to an extent, the 12.9 is not near as large as some perceive it to be. It's 1.5lbs which is not heavy, especially compared to laptops.

I would have preferred an iPad Pro around 11.5 inches. I think it would have been the perfect size to be productive for those who want to use it as a laptop replacement, yet small enough to be comfortably used as a triditional iPad.

At any rate, I've decided to keep the 12.9 as it really is a superior experience in media and productivity. For traditional iPad use, the 9.7 can't be beat. But for what I'm doing, the 12.9 is better.

Thank you all for your input!

 

[maxsix]

One size does not fit all.

I use both.

 

[mixel]

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?

It's not really an "argument". There isn't an objectively better device size. And if we're going for popular sweet spots for tablets though it's not likely going to be 12.9". Large will continue to be a niche for tablets.

The reason 12.9 is unlikely to surpass ~10" is iPads aren't primarily laptops, and have significantly different usage scenarios. They overlap for sure but in most people's use they don't need to be the same size. In the same way a netbook is too small to be a laptop for some users a 12.9ipp is too big to be a tablet for others.

And yes, some artists and other users would absolutely benefit from giant iPads. It'd be a great machine. Just like the 12.9" one. 🙂 I don't see it as a slippery slope at all, a 17" iPad sounds legitimately awesome.

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.

That's great, I didn't mean it's impossible to do those things, just that its (potentially) simpler and more comfortable with a smaller device. It'd be even moreso on a mini, or an iPhone 6+ But then you run into software limitations. I don't really see any big software/usage difference between the 12 and 7" though. That doesn't mean I think the smaller option is better or anything, it clearly isn't, but it definitely fits a lot of people's requirements better. 🙂

 

[AttilaTheHun]

Y

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.

ou don't compare it right, laptop is a deferent device yes as a MBP i used the 17" i wish they still made it now I have the 15" but Tablet I use deferentially, one handed in my left hand pencil in my right for tablet is not a laptop never will. so the 9.7" is do for me can't wait someone buy my 12.9"

 

[TrueBlou]

Y

ou don't compare it right, laptop is a deferent device yes as a MBP i used the 17" i wish they still made it now I have the 15" but Tablet I use deferentially, one handed in my left hand pencil in my right for tablet is not a laptop never will. so the 9.7" is do for me can't wait someone buy my 12.9"

The comparison wasn't for the use of the device, although I've had no problems in that department with my 12.9".

It was just the mobility factor, how easy it is to carry around with you in a case or bag or whatever your preference is. If anyone has ever had the need to carry a laptop around with them it's in all likelihood 12" or more. But there's probably s lot of people these days who've never had that experience.

As I mentioned the biggest beast I've ever carried around was a Dell XPS M1730 SLi, it was a monstrously powerful laptop at the time but it had the size to go with it. At most it was 10cm smaller than a 21" iMac and including the power supply weighed in at over 6Kg, that's a full 1Kgnmore than the iMac. When you've carried something like that around even the 12.9" iPad is mesmerisingly small and light.

So in that respect the iPad Pro 12.9" is no more, or less, difficult to carry with you than any other comparably sized device. Tablet, laptop or otherwise.

 

[AttilaTheHun]

O

The comparison wasn't for the use of the device, although I've had no problems in that department with my 12.9".

It was just the mobility factor, how easy it is to carry around with you in a case or bag or whatever your preference is. If anyone has ever had the need to carry a laptop around with them it's in all likelihood 12" or more. But there's probably s lot of people these days who've never had that experience.

As I mentioned the biggest beast I've ever carried around was a Dell XPS M1730 SLi, it was a monstrously powerful laptop at the time but it had the size to go with it. At most it was 10cm smaller than a 21" iMac and including the power supply weighed in at over 6Kg, that's a full 1Kgnmore than the iMac. When you've carried something like that around even the 12.9" iPad is mesmerisingly small and light.

So in that respect the iPad Pro 12.9" is no more, or less, difficult to carry with you than any other comparably sized device. Tablet, laptop or otherwise.

k got it to cary it is no problem for me too, It's to use it not around a table but using it when you are moving around and use it like if i want to Skype and show my grandson or righting hand written when i am working

 

[Night Spring]

O

k got it to cary it is no problem for me too, It's to use it not around a table but using it when you are moving around and use it like if i want to Skype and show my grandson or righting hand written when i am working

While those types of usage might be easier with a 9.7, it is also very doable with the 12.9. The other day, I ran around the office showing people a document I was working on on my 12.9 iPad, and typing in corrections on the on screen keyboard while standing up.

 

[AttilaTheHun]

While those types of usage might be easier with a 9.7, it is also very doable with the 12.9. The other day, I ran around the office showing people a document I was working on on my 12.9 iPad, and typing in corrections on the on screen keyboard while standing up.

Will have to get used to it because selling it it's a big lose of money

 

[Night Spring]

Will have to get used to it because selling it it's a big lose of money

Sorry you feel that way. I love my 12.9 and wouldn't exchange it for a 9.7 even if I got paid to do it.

 

[Newtons Apple]

I bought the larger iPad Pro first and then a 9.7. Returned the larger unit and now have two 9.7 iPad and could not be more happy

Choice is good.

 

[spriter]

Had a 12.9 for 3 months now and I've found I use it way more than I ever used the Air 2 I came from.

I'm somewhat surprised myself about the difference having near-A4 documents and a genuinely usable split-screen made. Far less scrolling, panning, and zooming, and media is awesome.

And although I have the ASK, I don't always need to take it as the iPad size means the on-screen keyboard is perfectly usable.

Choice is indeed good.

 

[jamesrick80]

Sorry you feel that way. I love my 12.9 and wouldn't exchange it for a 9.7 even if I got paid to do it.

Agree, it's just a whole different experience when you have the 12.9.........

 

[nightlong]

I like the 9.7 size for portability and as I had two, both cellular, I got my first wifi only iPad with the 12.9. I love it, for work and play, though the others are also used at home. If I could only have one iPad? I would find it very difficult to give up the !2.9 now. So I would probably have a cellular 12.9 if I could only have one.

 

[XTheLancerX]

Coming from an iPad mini 2, a 9.7 Pro would be amazing. MUCH better screen, MUCH better performance, split screen, bigger screen, etc. iPad Pro would be too big for my liking. Over the top I think for an iPad to simply have around the house. Even 9.7 would be a bit worse to use while laying in bed but I would like more screen real estate and better colors. Mini 2 sucks with color gamut.

 

[alecgold]

Coming from an iPad mini 2, a 9.7 Pro would be amazing. MUCH better screen, MUCH better performance, split screen, bigger screen, etc. iPad Pro would be too big for my liking. Over the top I think for an iPad to simply have around the house. Even 9.7 would be a bit worse to use while laying in bed but I would like more screen real estate and better colors. Mini 2 sucks with color gamut.

You do get used to it. Reading with the 12.9 in bed is indeed huge! But imho the 9.7 is much like reading a pocket novel. Reading with the 12.9 is like a A4 sized book. Much less convenient for relaxed reading in bed, but for reading scanned documents it is great.
But as newtons Apple said before, choice is good!

 

[christophermdia]

From a daily consumption tablet ... 9.7 all the way ... But I have the 12.9 since day 1 ... And I can't find myself able to get rid of it ... There is nothing like watching a movie on it, or doing real world work on it ... Now going to a 3rd party meeting or an in office meeting with the 9.7, super easy to use vs the 12.9 ... Such a hard decision

 

[iOSUser7]

I've never had an iPad Pro and I'm not interested in buying one, in fact I have an iPad mini, but if I had to pick one it would be the 12.9" Pro. To me, the 9.7" iPad Pro just doesn't feel like a "Pro" device, I still see it as an iPad Air 3 not an iPad Pro. I mean, just the 2GB or RAM (versus 4GB for the 12.9") and the abscence of USB 3 make it feel like an iPad Air 3 even though it also have advantages over the 12.9" Pro like True Tone display and the 12 megapixels camera, I think those features are not a necessity for a "Pro" usage compared to the two I said before.

But anyway, that's just my opinion, I'm glad Apple give us the choice to pick the size that suits us best.

 

[jacmeister]

Been reading on these forums for weeks about which size to buy and have just bought the 12.9 pro 128gb memory.

Must say I have been pleasantly surprised at how much more I'm using the bigger size linked with the apple keyboard cover.

Seriously good doing my work and split screen on the bigger size is so much better for me.

Then when I have finished work, undock the keyboard and watch a film with the seriously nice speakers. Very happy camper

 

[sigomez]

You ever get weird looks when you take it out on the bus?

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 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.

t weird

 

[Night Spring]

You ever get weird looks when you take it out on the bus?

It's a bus with four seats in a row, two on each side of the aisle. Only people who can see me using the big iPad are the people in my row, and maybe the ones in the row behind. But I can't see their reactions unless I turn around, or crane my neck to look across the aisle. And the bus is usually not full, so the seat beside me is empty, or I'm sitting with a friend. So if anybody is giving me weird looks, I wouldn't know.

 

[MCAsan]

As a photographer I want max speed reading 128GB SD cards into the iPad, fast processing speed in displaying the images so I can cull, and fast speed exporting the keepers to my desktop when I return from the field. For that workflow, 12" iPP beats 9" iPP.

 

[npolly0212]

12.9 all day.
If I wanted the other size I woulda just stuck with my iPad Air...

 

[sigomez]

It's a bus with four seats in a row, two on each side of the aisle. Only people who can see me using the big iPad are the people in my row, and maybe the ones in the row behind. But I can't see their reactions unless I turn around, or crane my neck to look across the aisle. And the bus is usually not full, so the seat beside me is empty, or I'm sitting with a friend. So if anybody is giving me weird looks, I wouldn't know.

I appreciate the response.

 

[zhenya]

I have no desire for the 12.9" Pro, but I was doing some work on my 9.7" where I really saw how the larger size makes sense if that were to be a bigger part of my use. I was editing and comparing two documents side by side, referencing one with the other, and making notes with the Pencil in both. The 9.7" is a little small for this, but my eyesight is still pretty good, so it worked, but I can totally see how the larger iPad, which is effectively two smaller iPads on each side in split-screen, makes a ton of sense if your use of the iPad is primarily as a paper replacement.

As usual, Apple didn't just choose a screen size at random or based on what they could get the best price on, rather they actually thought about how people would use the device.