iPad Pro Ipad pro 12"9 vs. 11", cellular vs. wifi and sleeves

[lillumultipass]

Hi everyone,


I had a 12"9 2018 Ipad pro for quite some time and even got the Magic keybpard last year. But as I did not travel a lot and even worked quite a bit remotely, I finally switched to a 11" ipad pro in september, w/o the magic keyboard but then, I have found that I was using the 11" less and less.

So, in that in mind, here are 3 questions/thoughts :


Size

I have started to think/feel that, at least for me, the 11" is a bit of in a weird spot in terms of size. Now that I commute to work using the metro (where I cannot always sit) I find it a bit too cumbersome to use when I stand (and want to watch a video for instance). In other words, the portability is not great enough compared to say an iPad mini (or a 8,4" samsung tablet). The same goes for reading while commuting.

Also, I play a few boardgames on the iPad, and the 11"9 is generally not big enough to get a good overview of whats going on. In terms of productivity, when I read pdfs/books and want to extract/save texts to other apps such as evernote, I find the split screens a bit too cramped.

So, yeah, I guess for some people the 11" is the perfect compromise vs. usability and portability but for me it is neither.


Cellular vs . wifi

For people that chose the cellular over the wifi, what are your use cases ? I usually share my iPhone connection, but sometimes I am a bit fed up with the connection issues (where the ipad does not "see" the iPhone or where it keeps disconnecting if I does not use it for some time). But I wonder if it is worth an additional 200USD (I think the additional sim would be included in my carrier's plan, so no additional cost on that side).

I have changed jobs at the beginning of the year and my new company's security systems are much stricter so that I cannot install everything I need on my laptop, hence, I currently bring my MBP and my 11" at work (both being tethered to the iPhone). My idea would be to only bring the iPad pro 12"9 (unless I have specific needs for the day) with the magic keyboard, alternating between writing stuff, reading research papers and taking notes/making summaries...


Sleeve/Cases

As mentioned above, I will probably buy the magic keyboard but last time I had this combo, I found it a bit cumbersome. Hence, I am considering a 2nd option (to use when I don't need a keyboard), that is using a sleeve (felt or leather) or maybe a slim case protector. What are good references ? Are people mostly using smart folios/keyboard/magic keyboard ?


thanks

 

[AutomaticApple]

For people that chose the cellular over the wifi, what are your use cases ?

I like to use cellular whenever the power goes out in my house. It's a lifesaver.

 

[ZombiePete]

I am getting a cellular version this go-round; I haven’t had a cellular iPad since the first gen device, but I am tired of connecting to my phone all the time for a connection. I’d like for my iPad to be “self-sufficient”, especially because I use it at the office so often.

Definitely sticking with the 11” version; it’s the most tablet-y of the two options in my opinion and while I like using my iPad with a keyboard/trackpad, I also like using it as a tablet for reading books and stuff and the 11” fits perfectly in the middle for both roles.

Finally, I have a magic keyboard so I’ll just keep using that. No sleeves or other covers.

 

[Jimpilot]

For me the cellular is a no brainer. Verizon offers a $200 gift card if you add iPad within 30 days so cost is a wash. They also offer 50% off add on tablets monthly plan, so unlimited plan is only $10 a month.

 

[Lucifer666]

I want the cellular as I'm curious as to what 5g is about. My phone is LTE. I know 5g is spotty, but wtf.

 

[ZombiePete]

I want the cellular as I'm curious as to what 5g is about. My phone is LTE. I know 5g is spotty, but wtf.

I haven’t found 5G to be all that amazing for what it’s worth. I had it on AT&T and then recently switched to Verizon; unless you’re on an Ultra-Wideband 5G connection it’s not all that different from a good LTE connection from what I’ve seen. I wouldn’t buy a device because of 5G, but it’s certainly nice to have the ability to use it if you’re interested in a cellular connection at all.

 

[Jimpilot]

I haven’t found 5G to be all that amazing for what it’s worth. I had it on AT&T and then recently switched to Verizon; unless you’re on an Ultra-Wideband 5G connection it’s not all that different from a good LTE connection from what I’ve seen. I wouldn’t buy a device because of 5G, but it’s certainly nice to have the ability to use it if you’re interested in a cellular connection at all.

From what I’ve read Verizon should be better 5G coverage with stronger presence in the mid bands that allow better speed (vs spectrum sharing they are now using) by the end of the year.

I'm betting on them making it come true to make cellular worth it

 

[Ludatyk]

So, yeah, I guess for some people the 11" is the perfect compromise vs. usability and portability but for me it is neither.

I value screen real estate, so 12.9” has always been the default choice for me. Obviously, 11” has been the best for portability.

For people that chose the cellular over the wifi, what are your use cases ?

My main reason for cellular is convenience, but I don’t carry an iPhone with me… I use Android. Most of my family have iPhones… so I get iMessage anywhere through cellular.

What are good references ? Are people mostly using smart folios/keyboard/magic keyboard ?

Umm.. I value having a bluetooth keyboard with some form of a dock/stand over a combo case/keyboard. I think the versatility of moving the iPad in various ways is much more beneficial with using a dock/stand.

 

[rui no onna]

I haven’t found 5G to be all that amazing for what it’s worth. I had it on AT&T and then recently switched to Verizon; unless you’re on an Ultra-Wideband 5G connection it’s not all that different from a good LTE connection from what I’ve seen. I wouldn’t buy a device because of 5G, but it’s certainly nice to have the ability to use it if you’re interested in a cellular connection at all.

The towers I connect to appear to be quite congested. 5G gets me greater than 10 Mbps which is better than the 2-3 Mbps I often get on LTE.

I'm not getting 5G for ultra-fast connections. I just want 5G because LTE has gotten super sucky where I use it.

 

[bevsb2]

I use LTE for travel and when the electricity is out. I have the 11" in the smart folio for portability. If I need a keyboard, I use my MBP.

 

[MisterSavage]

The epic poll thread between 11 and 12.9 is approaching 2k votes and is pretty evenly split. I traded the 12.9 for an 11 and haven't regretted it for one second.

11 or 12.9 Pro ?

I can't decide which one to get - can you help me make up my mind ? Thx :)

forums.macrumors.com

 

[ZombiePete]

From what I’ve read Verizon should be better 5G coverage with stronger presence in the mid bands that allow better speed (vs spectrum sharing they are now using) by the end of the year.

I'm betting on them making it come true to make cellular worth it

I’ve read that too; I’m hopeful that it comes to fruition.