iPad Pro 10.5 or 12.9?

[Starcrowl]

I'm thinking to buy a new ipad tomorrow but can't decide which one to buy. I want to use it at school for taking notes, makin' music with irig hd 2 and start drawing with apple pencil.They say iOS11 will be awesome for 12.9 but i dont understand why.Will be there any difference between 10.5 and 12.9? Please suggest me one, thanks.

 

[chscag]

I have the 10.5" iPad Pro and it's the right size for me. You need to decide if you need the larger screen of the 12.9" iPad Pro or the smaller easier to carry 10.5" iPad Pro. Both models are fast, have a great screen, adapt well to the Pencil, and will be even better when iOS 11 goes live. The 12.9" model is also more expensive. We can't decide for you. If you have a chance, go into an Apple Store and try both models out.

 

[Starcrowl]

I have the 10.5" iPad Pro and it's the right size for me. You need to decide if you need the larger screen of the 12.9" iPad Pro or the smaller easier to carry 10.5" iPad Pro. Both models are fast, have a great screen, adapt well to the Pencil, and will be even better when iOS 11 goes live. The 12.9" model is also more expensive. We can't decide for you. If you have a chance, go into an Apple Store and try both models out.

Thanks for the answer.I'll go to Apple Store tomorrow.I mean will be any additional future for 12.9 with iOS11 that 10.5 can't do. And what do you suggest me to buy with iPad 10.5. Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard is a must?

 

[jbanning]

Thanks for the answer.I'll go to Apple Store tomorrow.I mean will be any additional future for 12.9 with iOS11 that 10.5 can't do. And what do you suggest me to buy with iPad 10.5. Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard is a must?

The Smart Keyboard is a must. The Apple Pencil is a nice to have. If you have the budget, get both. I'm not an artist, but I can tell you I use my Pencil for navigation and on accation to draw stuff out; esp notes. So get it if you have the budget; otherwise, wait. If I was still in school, I would get the pencil, some things in college you need to draw out and sketch versus typing.

 

[HTee]

I bought the original 12.9 when it first came out and thought I'd like a smaller size so I sold it and bought a 10.5 when it got released. I didn't last but 2 weeks with the 10.5 before I returned it for the new 12.9. The 10.5 just didn't feel "pro" to me and felt like any other 9.7" iPad. I really missed the real estate on the 12.9, it makes a big difference. One deciding factor may be the split screen view for apps. The 12.9 gives you two full size iPad apps while the 10.5 gives you two iPhone apps. Also, I love the keyboard on the 12.9 because it gives you both alpha and numeric keys on one keyboard. In the end it's just a matter of preference, both are obviously great machines.

I use mine daily for note taking in OneNote in a professional business environment. I also use it for quick video editing and photo/graphics editing where the extra screen real estate is a must.

 

[jaybar]

There are other issues. What will your use pattern be? If it is primarily consumption, then the ASK may not be a must, as it adds weight and bulk. If mobility is not an issue, then the larger iPad may have advantages, particularly with IOS 11. Also consider yout consumption to productivity ratio. This may also impact your decision. Remember there are no MUSTS, as much as we often present our choices as MUSTS.

 

[mcrmama]

I just ordered the 12.9. I was not able to find any of the new ones in a store here so had to order from apple. I was a bit frustrated with not being able to check them out ahead of time but the nearest apple store is about 4 hours away from here which is not happening. For me, I have a digital piano and want the larger size for sheet music. I do think I will like the larger size for other uses such as taking notes, streaming videos etc. I was torn a bit on portability but the use for at the piano won out. I also get the pencil but have not ordered the keyboard. I have not decided if that is something I will need as I have not used a keyboard on any other ipad I have owned.

 

[cracksoup]

It really depends on your usage and preferences. I use my 10.5 as a complement to my iPhone Plus and MacBook Pro. So when I need a larger display and more horsepower, I just use the mac and the iPhone is for casual light usage. The iPad falls in the middle and is used for web browsing, movie watching, gaming and when I return to uni, it's going to come with me instead of the mac. I'll probably get an apple pen and a keyboard for school.

I do feel like I would've wanted a 12.9" if I hadn't had my MacBook as a backup. Multitasking is doable on my 10.5, but it's much better on the larger model. In iOS 11 it's going to be even better with the floating multitasking windows and it's going to look the best on the larger model.

I'm happy I chose the 10.5" though as it is more manageable to move around and doesn't take up much space on a desk when I'm studying.

 

[44267547]

The Smart Keyboard is a must. The Apple Pencil is a nice to have. If you have the budget, get both. I'm not an artist, but I can tell you I use my Pencil for navigation and on accation to draw stuff out; esp notes. So get it if you have the budget; otherwise, wait. If I was still in school, I would get the pencil, some things in college you need to draw out and sketch versus typing.

Agreed that the Apple smart keyboard would be a nice accessory to the iPad, especially for note taking or report writing of some sort in School. But I don't necessarily think the Apple Pencil would be a needed accessory, unless somebody really needed it for sketching or drawing. Notetaking is another possibility, but only if would used frequently in those situations.

 

[retrouk]

Hi, I would say 12.9 iPad Pro all the way with regards to what you will be using it for. I received my new 12.9 iPad Pro yesterday having previously returned the 10.5 iPad. No regrets whatsoever with going for the bigger size. Also having spoken to Apple UK I was told that there is massive demand for the 12.9 inch model as compared with the 10.5 inch and that is why there is no stock anywhere of the 12.9 iPad Pro. My 12.9 iPad Pro shipped directly from Apple's China factory. Some forum members have mentioned portability and in my opinion it is a non issue. The iPad Pro 10.5 and 12.9 weigh virtually the same. Not very much in it in terms of weight. With regards to screen size and portability you are basically carrying around a 13 inch laptop equivalent which again should not be an issue. Go with the bigger screen size is what I say. Hope this helps

 

[Mivo]

I went with the 12.9" model, chiefly for drawing, writing, some work, and making electronic music (Sunvox, Caustic). I also still have me iPad Air 2, which I use for media consumption and browsing in bed, on the couch, in the kitchen, etc. I don't really take either of them outside much.

If you plan to take yours to college, the 10.5" may be more suitable as it's less bulky, but the larger model is very suitable for the other interests you listed (drawing, making music, even writing). It may depend in how much other stuff you lug around usually. If you just drop it all in a bag, the larger iPad doesn't make such a huge difference, I suppose.

As for the keyboard, I'm still undecided between the ASK and the Apple Magic keyboard. The latter is almost half the price, has full size keys, and can be used for other devices also. But for school or college, the ASK may be better because it also serves as a cover. Worth mentioning that the virtual keyboard of the 12.9" model has full size keys. It's slower to type on due to the lack of tactile feedback, but it's actually not so bad. I find it rather usable.

You probably can't go wrong with either of them. If you can, try out both, see if one of them appeals. If you have a large phone already that you use a lot, the bigger iPad may complement it better, also.

 

[maflynn]

Please suggest me one, thanks.

Having used both, my opinion is that for mobility, hold-ability and general usage, the 10.5 is better then the 12.9. The 12.9 excels in scenarios where you need a large screen.

Both tablets are identical in specs, so the screen size/weight is the only physical difference. I don't have iOS 11 on my iPad so I can't tell you what the 12.9 has over the 10.5 other then multitasking. With two apps on the screen with the 12.9, you get the iPad UI for both, but in the 10.5, you have the compact UI because the screen is more compact. I rarely use two apps at once so this not any sort of issue for my usage, YMMV however

 

[Diving Capers]

I received my 12.9 yesterday and am extremely happy with the size.

My only concern before buying it was that when you see them side by side the 12.9 looks massive compared to the 10.5 or the 9.7, however I do not find it either too large, heavy or any different when it comes to portability.

Using the 12.9 is a joy, the bigger screen makes a huge difference and its as easy to use and carry as the smaller models.

I see a lot of people saying its to big for portability, but we are not smurfs, 12.9 isn't that big, its just right, and you'll appreciate it when using it.

If you are using it for classes then the bigger screen will be better suited to split screen and if you are also drawing then you'll enjoy the bigger canvas.

At the end of the day, which size will suit you better is entirely personal and you are the only person who can know what you will enjoy more.

My suggestion is the 12.9.

 

[maflynn]

but we are not smurfs, 12.9 isn't that big

I'm not a smurf, yet I found the 12.9 too big. I actually returned my 10.5 for a 12.9, thinking that the 12.9 with the split screen, and expansive screen real estate would be great. I found it unwieldy to use, the way I tended to use the iPad, and realized that the 10.5 is a better option for me (so the 12.9 went back and I got the 10.5).

Only the OP can answer whether the she thinks the 12.9 or the 10.5 fits her needs, but there's plenty of folks that like the 10.5 precisely because its not that large.

 

[The Game 161]

You will soon get used to the size if you go for the 12.9. I think it works perfect when at home but if you like taking it everywhere then yes you may struggle. The best option for best of both worlds is getting both but that isn’t realistic for most people.


There is a time and a place where portability matters. When I’m at home watching TV and on my 12.9 I know I need to be sat up more often than not with my ASK. That is a must for the 12.9 pro. I couldn’t use it for long periods with just the smart cover. The 10.5 would be ideal if you like just grabbing it when laying down or first thing in the morning to check stuff.


The 12.9 works great for me but If I wanted to take an ipad out a lot with me then maybe 10.5 is ideal but this would only work for me if you had a macbook as well so you have the chance to do browsing or whatever on a bigger screen as there’s no way I could depend purely on the 10.5 screen for all my browsing.

 

[Diving Capers]

I'm not a smurf, yet I found the 12.9 too big. I actually returned my 10.5 for a 12.9, thinking that the 12.9 with the split screen, and expansive screen real estate would be great. I found it unwieldy to use, the way I tended to use the iPad, and realized that the 10.5 is a better option for me (so the 12.9 went back and I got the 10.5).

Only the OP can answer whether the she thinks the 12.9 or the 10.5 fits her needs, but there's plenty of folks that like the 10.5 precisely because its not that large.

That is why I also said that at the end of the day it is a personal choice and he is the only person who will know the answer when it comes to his preference.

Did you read my entire reply?


I stand by my conviction that only smurfs like small iPads

 

[maflynn]

Did you read my entire reply?

Yes I did, but yet you find it necessary to attack those those who chose a different size then you did.

I stand by my conviction that only smurfs like small iPads

See, you're making my point.

 

[Diving Capers]

Yes I did, but yet you find it necessary to attack those those who chose a different size then you did.


See, you're making my point.

Attack....... really?

Dude, step out of your bubble, breathe some fresh air and get real.

Maybe you dislike what I post, and that's perfectly fine, but don't try to twist things into something they are not.

 

[emembee]

I have a Gen1 12.9 but have considered moving to 10.5, Apple have offered good p/ex on my IPP. I really would prefer a more portable device, however I do like writing notes with the pencil (GoodNotes) and am thinking the 10.5 may be too small, so I really can't decide!

 

[Precursor]

[doublepost=1503492671][/doublepost]

I have a Gen1 12.9 but have considered moving to 10.5, Apple have offered good p/ex on my IPP. I really would prefer a more portable device, however I do like writing notes with the pencil (GoodNotes) and am thinking the 10.5 may be too small, so I really can't decide!

Regretted big time switching from my 1st gen 12.9" to the new 10.5
Had to squint my eyes, zoom in to read/watch everything. 10.5 is tiny to enjoy imo, after using the 12.9" for over a year. Took me 3 weeks of use to throw the towel and buy the 2nd gen 12.9"
Perfectly mobile, joy to use

 

[maflynn]

Regretted big time switching from my 1st gen 12.9" to the new 10.5

My experience was the polar opposite, I found the 12" to be unwieldy large, but the 10.5 to be perfectly sized YMMV, but for my needs the 10.5 is great

 

[Precursor]

My experience was the polar opposite, I found the 12" to be unwieldy large, but the 10.5 to be perfectly sized YMMV, but for my needs the 10.5 is great

Having used both 10.5" & 12.9" extensively, I can't ever go back to any screen smaller than the 12.9". I guess some people like to hold the ipp like they hold a piece of paper. I am perfectly adapted to wielding the 12.9" and after the experience of this tablet, 10.5" felt like a toy.
But as you said, YMMVMV

 

[spooklog]

You can't go wrong with either size, honestly. But I have to disagree with all the good comments about Apple's Smart Keyboard. I found it absolute garbage, cheap, plasticky, with no function keys or other useful features. I have, and would recommend, something like the Logitech iPad keyboards. At least give them a look. They're also cheaper than Apple's keyboards.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

I had the same difficult time choosing. The original 12.9 didn't move me but this year with the new 10.5 next to the 12.9 in store the 12.9 started to make sense to me. It's roughly .5 heavier but nearly 25% more screen space. Plus, yes the 12.9 iPad on iOS 11 will have tablet mode enabled on split screen while the 10.5 will use iPhone mode.

I did have qualms on the overall size. The 25% more space also makes it look so biiiiig in a clunky kind of way. It was my primary concern. But after a month of use and a plane trip I'm a confirmed 12.9 user now. I can't go back. 10.5 seems like a mini to me. And my mini 4 seems like an iPhone -- which is fine for what I use it for. Just came back from a trip. No problems using the 12.9 in coach. Actually, it was a great experience because I could rest it on the seat tray and not have to squint because of the big screen. Taking notes with the pencil on it is great because it's pretty much the same width as a legal pad.

So I'd say if you are thinking about the 12.9 buy it from a store like Apple with a return policy and try it out in real life. Maybe you'll end up exchanging it for the 10.5 but I doubt it.

 

[jaybar]

Since I rarely take my IPP out of the house, portability was not an issue the 10.5, to me, did not seem large enough to change from my Air 2. I chose the 12.9.