So I've had my 12.9 pro for a week now, and...

[ssledoux]

I really do love it. However, I am not positive I will really be able to give up my iMac. If I could, I think it would be months before I would make that call.

Sooooo, should I keep the 12.9, 128 gig pro, knowing that if I keep my Mac, my iPad doesn't have to be such a workhorse, OR should I return the 12.9 inch and get the 9.7 in a 32 gig (wouldn't need the storage for just basic iPadding), knowing that I might want to tote it around more often and might want the easier portability?

Bear in mind I HAVE to have LTE because where we live we have ONLY data for internet and I hate always connecting to my phone hotspot - have to have LTE.

Oh and the reason I'm trying to make a decision now is because I'm still in my 2 week return window with AT&T.

WWYD?

 

[TrueBlou]

Well it really depends on your own personal usage scenario. I know people for whom the iPad has completed replaced their desktop/laptop and become their sole computing device. Others just couldn't manage without the flexibility of a traditional computer.

So really it's down to what you'll be using it for.

 

[gobikerider]

I really do love it. However, I am not positive I will really be able to give up my iMac. If I could, I think it would be months before I would make that call.

Sooooo, should I keep the 12.9, 128 gig pro, knowing that if I keep my Mac, my iPad doesn't have to be such a workhorse, OR should I return the 12.9 inch and get the 9.7 in a 32 gig (wouldn't need the storage for just basic iPadding), knowing that I might want to tote it around more often and might want the easier portability?

Bear in mind I HAVE to have LTE because where we live we have ONLY data for internet and I hate always connecting to my phone hotspot - have to have LTE.

Oh and the reason I'm trying to make a decision now is because I'm still in my 2 week return window with AT&T.

WWYD?

Well it depends what lighter use really means. Depending on what you'll use the iPad for the bigger screen might be nice regardless of the frequency of use. Or if you don't care either way you could return it and get a 9.7 inch saving yourself some money.

 

[ssledoux]

Yeah that's my struggle. I think I'm CLOSE to being able to replace my desktop, but maybe a little afraid to do it. The typing on the 12.9 smart keyboard is pretty nice, and I think I could definitely get used to it.

Pretty sure the issue for me is IF I plan to keep my desktop, do I NEED the 12.9, or would I just have an iPad more for entertainment like my Air 2 was? I DO like the pencil for sure, and I'm very much a writer, so I definitely want to go pro - just not sure if I want to stay with the larger pro.

I definitely think the bigger screen would be nicer for ANYTHING one would choose to do on it; guess I just need to determine if it's worth the extra cost when the 9.7 would really be all I'd need if keeping my desktop.

 

[AFEPPL]

i couldn't replace my mac with an iPad.

My workflows are nothing special, but even just small things like typing on a glass screen would mean its a complete no no for me.

 

[ssledoux]

Well I definitely have the keyboard for when I actually need to type anything of length. Of course, I do Disney Travel planning, so the most I ever really have to type is a trip itinerary, or the occasional letter for something personal.

 

[Aluminum213]

The iPad can't replace an iMac unless all you do on the iMac is browse safari and check email

 

[ssledoux]

Really? I see that people do an awful lot of things on their pads, and about the only things I do other than browse the internet and check email are store pictures/videos and type a few documents. I definitely think I could replace my Mac usage with an iPad; just not sure if I want to yet.

 

[wolfedude88]

Really? I see that people do an awful lot of things on their pads, and about the only things I do other than browse the internet and check email are store pictures/videos and type a few documents. I definitely think I could replace my Mac usage with an iPad; just not sure if I want to yet.

I'm about the same as you, I don't necessarily have to have a MacBook Pro and could definitely just use an iPad and be ok. I'm just not sure yet if I solely want to do that or not.

I purchased a used 12.9 anyways last week. I must say I really do like it and actually prefer it to my iPad mini 4 and my old iPad Air 2

 

[paulmeyers42]

You mentioned you want to do basic iPad things on it. I have the 12.9 and recently tried the 9.7 Pro to see how it compared. I don't do "work" on iPads but really got used to the bigger screen. The 9.7 is too small for me for basic (i.e. Personal computing ) iPad things now, and will stick with the 12.9.

 

[npolly0212]

Why not keep it and just buy a refurb macbook?

 

[ssledoux]

I have zero desire to own a laptop.
[doublepost=1461164777][/doublepost]And yeah, that's my biggest concern - I had an Air 2 and went for the 12.9 because I REALLY wanted the pencil and figured why not go bigger. Well now I'm afraid if I go back to that size, I'll be disappointed. At the same time, I figure I could keep my easier portability if I'm not selling the iMac.

 

[sracer]

I really do love it. However, I am not positive I will really be able to give up my iMac. If I could, I think it would be months before I would make that call.

Sooooo, should I keep the 12.9, 128 gig pro, knowing that if I keep my Mac, my iPad doesn't have to be such a workhorse, OR should I return the 12.9 inch and get the 9.7 in a 32 gig (wouldn't need the storage for just basic iPadding), knowing that I might want to tote it around more often and might want the easier portability?

Bear in mind I HAVE to have LTE because where we live we have ONLY data for internet and I hate always connecting to my phone hotspot - have to have LTE.

Oh and the reason I'm trying to make a decision now is because I'm still in my 2 week return window with AT&T.

WWYD?

You don't make any mention of a notebook in the mix. If you can afford to keep both the 12.9 Pro and iMac, I'd recommend that you do.

My 12.9 Pro has replaced both my iPad Air 2 and 11" Macbook Air as my mobile/portable device. Not only is it a superb tablet, but with remote access software (I use TeamViewer) I can have full access to my iMac when I'm away from my home office. The 12.9 screen is terrific for that. When (I believe it is "when" not "if") Apple adds support to iOS for mice/trackpads, the convergence will be complete. Even if mouse support is not forthcoming, remote access still works well.

Something to consider.

 

[TrueBlou]

The iPad can't replace an iMac unless all you do on the iMac is browse safari and check email

You can do quite a bit more than that on an iPad if you want to and use the right apps.

I couldn't be without my Mac, I need it for Xcode and I still use Illustrator and Photoshop and so on. But my need of those on my Mac (other than Xcode obviously) has diminished significantly since getting the 12.9" Pro.

I've never, ever, been productive on any of my iPads but with the Pro that's changed a lot. Apps like Procreate, Graphic, Concepts, Pixelmator and some of the Adobe apps are really good and certainly adequate for getting some work done. There's no shortage of good office apps either.

I'm actually loving using the Pencil for doing my app assets, there is just something so satisfying about the accuracy and easiness of the Pencil rather than using the Magic Trackpad. I've even started drawing for pleasure again, something I've not done in a long, long time.

Obviously we're all different, and I clearly couldn't be without my Mac. But I manage to do a large portion of the artwork, write multi-page product reviews, feedback reports for hardware I test for various companies and I write code on the iPad and transfer it into Xcode when I get in front of my Mac and a whole lot more.


So from my experience, and of course it's just a personal view, I think the Pro is far, far more than just an internet slab as you seem to suggest it to be.

I'll grant you there's no way on gods green earth I'd be able to do it on the 9.7", I tried that with the Air 2 and the screen is just too small, the keyboards were too cramped and none of the many, many styli I wasted money on really lived up to the job.

The iPad Pro, the 12.9" at least has completely transformed how and where I can work and I have no doubt (largely because i know people who have and my experiences with this iPad) that people with less demanding needs can easily use an iPad, as their sole computing device.


And another thing, I desperately need a coffee

 

[Ludatyk]

I have zero desire to own a laptop.
[doublepost=1461164777][/doublepost]And yeah, that's my biggest concern - I had an Air 2 and went for the 12.9 because I REALLY wanted the pencil and figured why not go bigger. Well now I'm afraid if I go back to that size, I'll be disappointed. At the same time, I figure I could keep my easier portability if I'm not selling the iMac.

As @sracer pointed out if you can afford to keep both the iPP & iMac then go that route.

If your really into the 12.9" go with it, but if all you cared for is the pencil then yeah perhaps you should settle with the 9.7". I went for the 12.9" primarily for the screen the accessories was just icing on the cake. I have a iMac & iPP... And although I would like to just use iPP alone, there are some things that iMac can't do or perhaps the iMac does it better.

I don't think you'll be disappointed with the 9.7"... Has a awesome screen and the camera is superb if your into iPad picture taking.

 

[Tallgrass]

You can do quite a bit more than that on an iPad if you want to and use the right apps.

I couldn't be without my Mac, I need it for Xcode and I still use Illustrator and Photoshop and so on. But my need of those on my Mac (other than Xcode obviously) has diminished significantly since getting the 12.9" Pro.

I've never, ever, been productive on any of my iPads but with the Pro that's changed a lot. Apps like Procreate, Graphic, Concepts, Pixelmator and some of the Adobe apps are really good and certainly adequate for getting some work done. There's no shortage of good office apps either.

I'm actually loving using the Pencil for doing my app assets, there is just something so satisfying about the accuracy and easiness of the Pencil rather than using the Magic Trackpad. I've even started drawing for pleasure again, something I've not done in a long, long time.

Obviously we're all different, and I clearly couldn't be without my Mac. But I manage to do a large portion of the artwork, write multi-page product reviews, feedback reports for hardware I test for various companies and I write code on the iPad and transfer it into Xcode when I get in front of my Mac and a whole lot more.


So from my experience, and of course it's just a personal view, I think the Pro is far, far more than just an internet slab as you seem to suggest it to be.

I'll grant you there's no way on gods green earth I'd be able to do it on the 9.7", I tried that with the Air 2 and the screen is just too small, the keyboards were too cramped and none of the many, many styli I wasted money on really lived up to the job.

The iPad Pro, the 12.9" at least has completely transformed how and where I can work and I have no doubt (largely because i know people who have and my experiences with this iPad) that people with less demanding needs can easily use an iPad, as their sole computing device.


And another thing, I desperately need a coffee

Agree, it's in the apps. The iPad Pro 12.9 has replaced my computer. With Microsoft Word, Excel, OneNote, Dropbox, and now the Apple Pencil I can conduct all of my office work on my IPP. This is not a device I consider a toy. Cheers

 

[ssledoux]

Thank you all for the input. As I sit here and type on my Smart Keyboard at my kitchen table, I realize this iPad probably can go the distance for me, whereas I don't know if the 9.7 could. So I'm going to keep this one, and if I phase out the iMac, so be it. If I don't, I'll have a really nice space for storing all my extras. ;-p

 

[Jasmynp]

Really? I see that people do an awful lot of things on their pads, and about the only things I do other than browse the internet and check email are store pictures/videos and type a few documents. I definitely think I could replace my Mac usage with an iPad; just not sure if I want to yet.

Probably the iPad Pro 9.7 if it makes more sense for your workflow.

I used my husband's 12.9 pro so much he got me one on eBay. I took it out for the first time today and found that the size didn't bother me. I type great directly on the screen - even longer emails. So my mini is on eBay and I gave up my MacBook Air years ago. Now I'm using an iMac for heavier work tasks and my 12.9 pro for everything else.

 

[AVBeatMan]

I had the 12.9 Pro since launch but on Friday I bought the 9.7, loved it so much (especially the True Tone feature) that on Monday I sold my 12.9. My main reason for doing this was that the bigger Pro was a bit heavy to carry around and also when using in bed. Another reason was that I thought it was a little too close to my 15" rMBP. My only thing I'm now considering is if I should of gone for the 256 GB (I have the 128 GB). I've always managed with 128 GB ever since it's been available but......256?.....mom.....what do you think?

 

[Azzin]

Agree, it's in the apps. The iPad Pro 12.9 has replaced my computer. With Microsoft Word, Excel, OneNote, Dropbox, and now the Apple Pencil I can conduct all of my office work on my IPP. This is not a device I consider a toy. Cheers

Exactly the same for me.

 

[alecgold]

Thank you all for the input. As I sit here and type on my Smart Keyboard at my kitchen table, I realize this iPad probably can go the distance for me, whereas I don't know if the 9.7 could. So I'm going to keep this one, and if I phase out the iMac, so be it. If I don't, I'll have a really nice space for storing all my extras. ;-p

A bit late to the game perhaps, but here are my 0.02
I've got a iPP that does 99% of my work. Just the regular office work, nothing special. Writing notes, minutes, concept and draft reports, mail, Safari, reading and annotating hundreds of PDFs a week. Only thing I really can't do is OCR (1,5Gb) PDF files and one thing I still prefer on my MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt Display is editing large spreadsheets.
So at the moment I've still got my Thunderbolt Display connected to my MacBook Pro, but I'm thinking of selling my MBP and connecting the Thunderbolt Display to a Mac mini I've got hanging around. As it is a mid 2015 MBP it could still fetch a nice price.

 

[vsp]

The deciding factors for me on why my iPad can't replace my computer:

1. Difficult to impossible to work with RAW photo files on the iPad
2. Ergonomics

Using an iPad as my main machine would require some trade-offs, of course, but I think it would be doable. My back, neck, and wrists would be unhappy though.

It's wonderful as a portable device, however. Much easier to work in crowded airplanes than a laptop -- very easy to use at a moment's notice wherever I am.

Don't discount the ergonomics. You may not feel it directly when working at the machine for a long period of time, but it will have an impact. It's a solvable problem -- use the keyboard detached from the iPad...have a stand or riser to bring the iPad up to a good height for your neck, etc -- but one most people just ignore.

 

[ssledoux]

My plan if I ultimately eliminate my iMac will be to use the Smart Keyboard when I'm mobile, and downstairs at home reading forums, etc., but have a stand and a separate Bluetooth keyboard (I have one nearly identical to my iMac keyboard that I purchased for $13 on Amazon) set up on my desk upstairs for extended use.

I LOVE the Smart Keyboard though - the more I type on it; the more I love it. I like that I barely have to touch the keys. It's really an awesome accessory and I am very glad I wound up purchasing it.

 

[eyeseeyou]

I'm still getting used to the size and "portability" of the 12.9 I originally had the 9.7 pro and switched.

Still not 100% sure what will work best for my needs.

 

[Pspressart]

I am in a mixed environment. My desktop is an HP Envy running Windows 10 (I have used Windows since it first came out, so please don't diss me for that), but I also have an iPhone 6s and an iPad Pro 12.9. I use the iPad mostly for consumption, but I also have some apps related to my work, like Logmein for remote access to the server and work computer at my office.
I like my iPad Pro for the size. I have 66 year-old eyes and they like bigger. The screen and speakers are great for video (Acorn TV for the British programs) and reading in the Kindle app. The Smart Keyboard is a great tool with the iPad Pro.
I would not be able to use the iPad Pro exclusively. I am an accountant and the tax preparation software I use only runs on a Windows machine. I also have the investment in Windows software, like Photoshop and Lightroom and Quicken that would not work in the same manner on an iPad. I use whatever is best for the particular situation and enjoy them all.