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iPad Bro

macrumors 6502
Original poster
May 2, 2021
393
290
So, here’s the deal.

I ordered a 2021 12.9” 128GB iPad Pro from Best Buy. It arrived on the 26th. I used it a bit and noticed the screen dimming on its own which is documented in another thread I made. I had to send it back for a refund. It’ll be there Wednesday, but it’ll likely take 3-5 business days for my refund. I wanted to get another, but all configurations on Best Buy are backordered except the Space Gray 256GB. I fully expect that to be backordered by the time I receive my refund.

Anyways, I’ll get to my point. If that one is backordered too and Amazon has shipping estimates out for 2 weeks from now or more, should I just go with an 11” instead? HDR was nice, but I don’t watch a lot of movies. Most of what I watch is regular HD programming from SlingTV or anime on FunimationNow or Crunchyroll.

I might miss HDR for movies, but it’s not something I NEED. Having a non-defective iPad Pro that’s reliable is my first and foremost concern. I had an Air 4 earlier this year and besides the speakers, it was one of my favorite iPads that I’ve ever owned. I just needed some of the Pro features, especially the better speakers as I am an avid music lover and I like having the best sound possible when I’m consuming content.

So, what should I do?

I also forgot to mention I purchased a white Magic Keyboard for the 12.9”, so if I got the 11” that would have to be returned too for the 11” size.
 
I think you wanted the 12.9", so if you can wait a little longer that maybe your best option. I appreciate it's very disappointing to get a faulty device and this is amplified if you have to wait even longer - but will you be satisfied with the 11"? If you could get a 12.9" today, would you even consider the 11"?
 
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Get the screen size that you really want. It’s a lot of money to spend regardless of which screen size you get. Spend the money on whichever one you’ll be happier with, even if you have to wait for it.
 
So, here’s the deal.

I ordered a 2021 12.9” 128GB iPad Pro from Best Buy. It arrived on the 26th. I used it a bit and noticed the screen dimming on its own which is documented in another thread I made. I had to send it back for a refund. It’ll be there Wednesday, but it’ll likely take 3-5 business days for my refund. I wanted to get another, but all configurations on Best Buy are backordered except the Space Gray 256GB. I fully expect that to be backordered by the time I receive my refund.

Anyways, I’ll get to my point. If that one is backordered too and Amazon has shipping estimates out for 2 weeks from now or more, should I just go with an 11” instead? HDR was nice, but I don’t watch a lot of movies. Most of what I watch is regular HD programming from SlingTV or anime on FunimationNow or Crunchyroll.

I might miss HDR for movies, but it’s not something I NEED. Having a non-defective iPad Pro that’s reliable is my first and foremost concern. I had an Air 4 earlier this year and besides the speakers, it was one of my favorite iPads that I’ve ever owned. I just needed some of the Pro features, especially the better speakers as I am an avid music lover and I like having the best sound possible when I’m consuming content.

So, what should I do?

I also forgot to mention I purchased a white Magic Keyboard for the 12.9”, so if I got the 11” that would have to be returned too for the 11” size.
I think you had gone with 12.9" initially because you might have preferred it. Go for the screen size you want/prefer. Do not choose the 11" just because the 12.9" takes longer to arrive.
 
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SO, your reason to for the 11" is because you don't have the patience to wait for something you chose in the first place ?
 
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This is sort of off the subject a bit. I looked at both 12.9 and 11 side by side and my 71 year old eyes could not tell the difference. I looked at photos and video side by side and could not see a difference. Anybody else see a difference.
 
This is sort of off the subject a bit. I looked at both 12.9 and 11 side by side and my 71 year old eyes could not tell the difference. I looked at photos and video side by side and could not see a difference. Anybody else see a difference.
I tried them side by side as well. There is a difference but only in certain conditions is it really noticeable. If the room is dimly lit and the scene of a show/movie is dark, the difference is pretty apparent and it really is beautiful. But otherwise, the difference is negligible.
 
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So, here’s the deal.

I ordered a 2021 12.9” 128GB iPad Pro from Best Buy. It arrived on the 26th. I used it a bit and noticed the screen dimming on its own which is documented in another thread I made. I had to send it back for a refund. It’ll be there Wednesday, but it’ll likely take 3-5 business days for my refund. I wanted to get another, but all configurations on Best Buy are backordered except the Space Gray 256GB. I fully expect that to be backordered by the time I receive my refund.

Anyways, I’ll get to my point. If that one is backordered too and Amazon has shipping estimates out for 2 weeks from now or more, should I just go with an 11” instead? HDR was nice, but I don’t watch a lot of movies. Most of what I watch is regular HD programming from SlingTV or anime on FunimationNow or Crunchyroll.

I might miss HDR for movies, but it’s not something I NEED. Having a non-defective iPad Pro that’s reliable is my first and foremost concern. I had an Air 4 earlier this year and besides the speakers, it was one of my favorite iPads that I’ve ever owned. I just needed some of the Pro features, especially the better speakers as I am an avid music lover and I like having the best sound possible when I’m consuming content.

So, what should I do?

I also forgot to mention I purchased a white Magic Keyboard for the 12.9”, so if I got the 11” that would have to be returned too for the 11” size.
Sounds to me like the 11" would be just fine. From what you said, you don't really care about the fancy screen on the 12.9 anyway. Why force yourself to wait for something you already know you don't need to use with Sling etc. Don't force yourself to feel something that isn't there. You already know the answer. Act on it.
 
You’ve had a taste of the mini led beast, no going back now, you’ll be giving up that beautiful display with them oled like deep blacks and amazing contrast.

🚫✋👉 WAIT FOR 12.9” iPad.
 
I think I might just wait for the 12.9”. I’m praying that the 256GB stays in stock at Best Buy until I get my refund. I would happily step up from 128GB to that to get it quicker. Plus having more storage never hurt anybody. Amazon’s shipping estimates aren’t looking as great, but I guess we’ll see what happens. I just hate being without an iPad Pro after I got a taste of the Mini-LED beast. ;)

I feel empty without my iPad Pro, guys. :(
 
OP, glad you decided to stick with the 12.9”. I base the decisions by asking myself if I would regret that decision a month down the line and beyond, and it sounds like you probably would.
 
I never give away or trade in iPads or iPhones unless I already have the replacement in hand. Don't care if the value drops an extra $50-100 during that time as long as I have a working device.
Didn’t have a choice. I would have loved to had a replacement in hand instead of doing without, but I have to get the refund first and then I can get my replacement.
 
Didn’t have a choice. I would have loved to had a replacement in hand instead of doing without, but I have to get the refund first and then I can get my replacement.

You mentioned you had an Air 4, though. I assume you sold that one before getting the M1 12.9.

For me, gotta have the new device up and working first. Then I'll decide what to do with the old one later. iPad is 80-90% of my usage so I really, really, really wouldn't want to go without.

Admittedly my desk's starting to look like this. 🤣🤣🤣

picard-surrounded-by-padds.jpg
 
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