iPad Pro 12.9" worth it as just a big iPad?

[JerTheGeek]

I have a rMBP 13". I also have an iPad Air 2. I'm not looking to replace the MacBook Pro at all. I don't need the iPad to be Pro. But I may want it to have a really large screen. So is the 12.9" Pro worth it as just a large iPad? That's really all I'd use it for: everything I use my 9.7" Air 2 for now + likely textbooks when I start online classes in January; I don't need or want it to be a pro device, laptop replacement, or content creation device.
Does the form factor get in the way, or is it really great? Is the larger screen worth it, or too much? Is the larger 12.9" iPad worth it to get just as a traditional iPad and not a Pro? I'd appreciate any input, thanks.

 

[Math889]

Wait for the IPad Pro 2 12.9 with true tone display . Don't buy the Pro now , unless you really want to buy it . It will come in March the new IPads

 

[44267547]

The 12.9 Pro seems to popular for movies and better resolution. Most have said once they get past the large screen size, they typically don't use their smaller iPad as much.

If you appreciate the Apple Pencil, then that's something else to consider. Myself personally, I am holding out until the March Keynote. Apparently we will see debut of three iPads.

But that's not to say the 12.9 iPad isn't a bad buy, it has its advantages. Also the 12.9 Pro has amazing sound quality with the quad speakers.
[doublepost=1479333949][/doublepost]

Wait for the IPad Pro 2 12.9 with true tone display . Don't buy the Pro now , unless you really want to buy it . It will come in March the new IPads

Tru-Tone display really isn't a strong selling point. If @JerTheGeek purchases the 12.9 Pro now, it's still a solid iPad for years to come. The Pro's biggest features are the speakers, increased resolution and Apple Pencil. It also is clocked slightly faster than the 9.7 Pro, with An additional 4GB of Ram.

 

[Peter K.]

I have a rMBP 13". I also have an iPad Air 2. I'm not looking to replace the MacBook Pro at all. I don't need the iPad to be Pro. But I may want it to have a really large screen. So is the 12.9" Pro worth it as just a large iPad? That's really all I'd use it for: everything I use my 9.7" Air 2 for now + likely textbooks when I start online classes in January; I don't need or want it to be a pro device, laptop replacement, or content creation device.
Does the form factor get in the way, or is it really great? Is the larger screen worth it, or too much? Is the larger 12.9" iPad worth it to get just as a traditional iPad and not a Pro? I'd appreciate any input, thanks.

I got mine early this year and I still haven't gotten a Pencil. It is "just a big iPad" to me and I am more than satisfied. However, at this point, I would probably wait until a refresh, not for True Tone, just for A10X Fusion, etc. I still might buy an Apple Pencil, though I likely will wait until a refresh.

 

[PrettyWings]

That's pretty much why I bought it. Some things are nicer on a bigger screen.

 

[Math889]

Quad core A10X Fusion processor . Wow!!!! I can't wait

 

[44267547]

I got mine early this year and I still haven't gotten a Pencil. It is "just a big iPad" to me and I am more than satisfied. However, at this point, I would probably wait until a refresh, not for True Tone, just for A10X Fusion, etc. I still might buy an Apple Pencil, though I likely will wait until a refresh.

That's really what it comes down too. It's just a bigger iPad with better sound quality. It serves its purpose for media and other purposes. But the big seller is the larger screen for those who appreciate that feature.

 

[44267547]

That's pretty much why I bought it. Some things are nicer on a bigger screen.

Especially for media and movies, the 12.9 Pro is ideal for this. And with the quad speakers.

 

[iPadDad]

I have a rMBP 13". I also have an iPad Air 2. I'm not looking to replace the MacBook Pro at all. I don't need the iPad to be Pro. But I may want it to have a really large screen. So is the 12.9" Pro worth it as just a large iPad? That's really all I'd use it for: everything I use my 9.7" Air 2 for now + likely textbooks when I start online classes in January; I don't need or want it to be a pro device, laptop replacement, or content creation device.
Does the form factor get in the way, or is it really great? Is the larger screen worth it, or too much? Is the larger 12.9" iPad worth it to get just as a traditional iPad and not a Pro? I'd appreciate any input, thanks.

It sounds like you dont need the; CPU, Apple Pencil, Smart KeyBoard or speakers?

 

[44267547]

It sounds like you dont need the; CPU, Apple Pencil, Smart KeyBoard or speakers?

I think most who upgrade to the smaller Pro,
Are not interested in the Apple Pencil. Seems the 12.9 Pro would be more of an appropriate fit.

 

[JerTheGeek]

I think most who upgrade to the smaller Pro,
Are not interested in the Apple Pencil. Seems the 12.9 Pro would be more of an appropriate fit.

If I get one, I may use the Apple Pencil for school stuff, possibly. And yeah, the main reason I'd upgrade is screen size, and it sounds like that's reason enough to upgrade

 

[bingeciren]

I have the 9.7" Pro with the pencil. I find it more portable, comfortable and manageable compared to the 12.9 Pro especially for note taking and carrying around. If you are into drawing and art design, perhaps 12.9" would make more sense but for everyday use, 9.7" suits me better. It all depends on your use and choice.

 

[44267547]

If I get one, I may use the Apple Pencil for school stuff, possibly. And yeah, the main reason I'd upgrade is screen size, and it sounds like that's reason enough to upgrade

I have the 9.7" Pro with the pencil. I find it more portable, comfortable and manageable compared to the 12.9 Pro especially for note taking and carrying around. If you are into drawing and art design, perhaps 12.9" would make more sense but for everyday use, 9.7" suits me better. It all depends on your use and choice.

Agreed. I think for someone in school, the 12.9 would be perfect. I have also heard positive things about Apple's keyboard as well. Good luck with your decision @JerTheGeek.

 

[PrettyWings]

Especially for media and movies, the 12.9 Pro is ideal for this. And with the quad speakers.

I've watched only like 2 videos in the week I have had it. Listening to all my music to see if I can hear some stuff I haven't heard before. The speakers sound very full.

 

[44267547]

I've watched only like 2 videos in the week I have had it. Listening to all my music to see if I can hear some stuff I haven't heard before. The speakers sound very full.

I think the quad speakers was brilliant with Apple. Even the stereo speakers sound amazing on the iPhone 7.

 

[JerTheGeek]

I really think the 12.9 would be nice for my uses. My only concern with the Pro is will it be too big.... I know it would be awesome for many uses, but I'm not sure how it would be in certain situations. To those who have it, is it excessively cumbersome to take with you or use around the house/outside?

 

[ericwn]

I think this should be easy for people who already have a device with these dimensions- the screen of the 13" MBP is about the same size as the iPad Pro. I'm currently using a smaller iPad but my next update will be to the bigger screen, for sure!

 

[DNichter]

Nope, not worth it. Apps aren't optimized and it's a whole bunch of wasted space. Blown up iPhone, but even more so than a normal iPad.

 

[bufffilm]

Nope, not worth it. Apps aren't optimized and it's a whole bunch of wasted space. Blown up iPhone, but even more so than a normal iPad.

It's true that Apple does need to do more with iOS to make it better fit on the larger Pro. One can only hope.

But I will buy the Pro 2 12.9" even if unoptimized. Just waiting for the annoucement and then the first $100 sale to appear.

 

[DNichter]

It's true that Apple does need to do more with iOS to make it better fit on the larger Pro. One can only hope.

But I will buy the Pro 2 12.9" even if unoptimized. Just waiting for the annoucement and then the first $100 sale to appear.

Yea and I totally get that some people have specific use cases for the machine, but it just bothers me that it seems so hmm underutilized? A lot of power, beautiful screen, touch input, pen input, but no real innovation from anything that's been done before, by Apple or otherwise. Once they improve the OS and make it thinner and lighter, I'd give it another look.

 

[Newtons Apple]

I have a rMBP 13". I also have an iPad Air 2. I'm not looking to replace the MacBook Pro at all. I don't need the iPad to be Pro. But I may want it to have a really large screen. So is the 12.9" Pro worth it as just a large iPad? That's really all I'd use it for: everything I use my 9.7" Air 2 for now + likely textbooks when I start online classes in January; I don't need or want it to be a pro device, laptop replacement, or content creation device.
Does the form factor get in the way, or is it really great? Is the larger screen worth it, or too much? Is the larger 12.9" iPad worth it to get just as a traditional iPad and not a Pro? I'd appreciate any input, thanks.

I bought one of each size but after a week returned the 12.9 for another 9.7. Bigger screen made little difference to be except add size. Love my 9.7 units.

 

[bufffilm]

Yea and I totally get that some people have specific use cases for the machine, but it just bothers me that it seems so hmm underutilized? A lot of power, beautiful screen, touch input, pen input, but no real innovation from anything that's been done before, by Apple or otherwise. Once they improve the OS and make it thinner and lighter, I'd give it another look.

They don't need to make it thinner and lighter..my greatest wish is for more battery.

I hate that the screen real estate is so badly underutilized for the Pro 12.9", but I'm still in. Hopefully, this is will be addressed in a later release.

 

[sracer]

I really think the 12.9 would be nice for my uses. My only concern with the Pro is will it be too big.... I know it would be awesome for many uses, but I'm not sure how it would be in certain situations. To those who have it, is it excessively cumbersome to take with you or use around the house/outside?

Yes, for some use cases it is definitely too big. It is a no-go on planes, for example. A good rule of thumb is, if you'd have no problem taking/using a 13" Macbook Air in a particular scenario then you should be fine with the 12.9 iPP. (generally speaking, there's probably some exceptions)

I have no problem taking it to work, using it on my desk alongside my company's computer, or taking it to meetings as a notepad/notebook. It's even fine at the coffee shop.

One challenge is the ASK. I love the smart keyboard but there are times when it is a bit unwieldy when unfolding to reposition it. That is why I also have a smart cover. When I know that I won't have a lot of typing to do and want to maximize portability and sleekness, it works well.

They don't need to make it thinner and lighter..my greatest wish is for more battery.

I hate that the screen real estate is so badly underutilized for the Pro 12.9", but I'm still in. Hopefully, this is will be addressed in a later release.

I was sorely disappointed that iOS 10 was little more than Emojipalooza If Apple doesn't come through with an iPad-centric update to iOS then I'll be re-thinking my tablet/notebook/converged device philosophy.

 

[PrettyWings]

I think the quad speakers was brilliant with Apple. Even the stereo speakers sound amazing on the iPhone 7.

Yeah, I am very happy with the speakers.

I really think the 12.9 would be nice for my uses. My only concern with the Pro is will it be too big.... I know it would be awesome for many uses, but I'm not sure how it would be in certain situations. To those who have it, is it excessively cumbersome to take with you or use around the house/outside?

What situations?

 

[44267547]

They don't need to make it thinner and lighter..my greatest wish is for more battery.

I hate that the screen real estate is so badly underutilized for the Pro 12.9", but I'm still in. Hopefully, this is will be addressed in a later release.

Agreed. The iPad is incredibly thin as is. Internal focus is the improvement and will always be. Apple can only make the iPad so thin.