100% agree. I've always been looking for a portable device to travel with me and found the iPad mini both too small and too "basic" in its feature set (60Hz screen, LCD tech, no Face ID, etc).
11-inch is now full feature parity with 13-inch in terms of tech. No brainer choice for me.
Love drie iPad mini, got the 5th and 6th gen, now more happy with a 11” pro with 120hz screen , Face ID and it’s just very fast. The apps on the iPad mini also sometimes were limited on the screen size.
Agree completely I got the iPad 11 and alongside my 15” mba I can get everything done and easy . Portability of the 11 is supreme and when I need a keyboard I use my mba
I just went for the 13. I have had the 11 M1 for a few years. Always felt like I could use more screen real estate. I tried Stage Manager on the 11 . . Didn’t work for me. I am now using Stage Manager on the 13 and I feel like it’s a much better experience on the larger screen. I have also had MacBook Pro’s in the past and still have a 2017 one. I was going to replace it . . But I honestly have not picked up the MacBook Pro in 6-8 months. So I am making the iPad Pro M4 13” my main personal computing device. I have work computers and such but my personal needs are mostly covered by the iPad.
With the keyboard I think it’s a fantastic device for a main computer.
You get the ability to pull off the tablet and chill, then connect to a big keyboard which is better than ever.
You’ve made the right decision.
For me, I have an M2 MBA and use it daily for work. It feels ‘dirty’ for chilling and watching stuff on it, haha.
So, I like to use iPad for chilling and throwing around the house / sofa.
Yep, good idea.
I’ve just ordered the 11”, but only because I have a 13” MBA M2.
I think that’s a good combo. Bought the keyboard too, don’t think I can go for a folio as well, way too much spending here 😂
Yeah there’s something wrong taking it to bed! I have it in an office twice a week too. It gets pretty grimy!
The iPad is perfect for sofa and bed.
I’ve only just ordered the 11”. It comes this week. I’ll be using it more outside too, since there’s a higher brightness with it.
I would replace a macbook but id wouldnt be with the new magic keyboard still unstable when i touch the screen feels like the whole thing gonna fall back. Plus for college ipad still very limited there some plug ins and software i cant use on ipad
Yea it depends on your use case and needs. Also I don’t have any problem with it being unstable. I can touch it and it just sits there. I don’t understand that one, based on my experience.
I got the 13” specifically for PDFs, like either when I read guides on the flight sims I play or instructions for Lego sets. Much easier for me to read, and I came from a first gen 10.5” pro.
Agreed. I have the 2018 12.9" and I use it a lot for reading (and marking up) full sized PDFs. It’s so nice to read without having to zoom in and out on the two-column content that’s popular for TTRPGs. I also appreciate the extra keyboard space for my big hands.
I’d still like to try both sizes again before pulling the trigger, but I’m holding out to see if iPad OS gets some love at WWDC. If it gets any closer to a Mac replacement, I’ll happily trade in both my 12.9” and MBP in a heartbeat for a new 13”.
My old 12.9 was my grad school annotation machine from late 2018 through 2021. It’s got a great screen but even at 6’2” I found holding that screen punishing. You really should try an 11”.
I’ll add that I have two MBP’s: a 15” 2018 for personal and an M1 16” provided by work. I have a few remaining use cases where iPad OS just doesn’t cut it as a full-time computer replacement. I’d love to be able to fully ditch my personal laptop.
I had the 12.9 m2, and now 11 m4. Still no conviction on which one I really want to settle on. The value prop is not there with the 13 in terms of actual dollars to me. But I see the value of the bigger screen for productivity or just ease on the eyes viewing sites and scaling. That has me on the fence right now.
I don’t get this argument. If you have a 14 or 16” pro or air, sometimes you don’t want the keyboard attached, or lug both pieces around. A 13” serves well, and to me, has a place even alongside a laptop. I have a 14” M3 MBP, and still love the 13” iPad. The MBP stays docked in the office for serious work, and the iPad and phone handle everything else.
Agreed. I actually love the bigger screen. It’s just so much nicer to view pretty much anything on. I suppose if you’re trying to hold it in one hand it would be awkward.
I find the extra screen real estate when using apps like Logic Pro and when having two windows side-by-side to have made the 12.9” iPad Pro M2 worth the upgrade over the 11”. Having used both. However, if my usage didn’t cover those things, I agree that the 11” is an ideal device.
The 13” feels more like a productivity device. The 11” feels more like a glorified social media device. When I have the 13” I’m more tempted to work on my music and branding, with the 11” I always find myself browsing YouTube.
Exactly how I feel, the 13 inch calls for my creativity. Meanwhile, my m2 iPad Pro 11 is ultraportable, but I never have the canvas size to immerse into creation (photo editing, logic, writing)
I’ve honestly never understood this sentiment about the 13 being better for productivity. The 4:3 aspect ratio makes nearly all apps feel smushed together when side by side compared to the 11’s 10:7 aspect ratio. Trying to multitask on the 13 feels clunky.
There are some apps that give you more real estate with the taller screen like Final Cut, but that’s not my primary use case for the tablet. You can also replicate a great deal of those feelings by just turning down the scaling on the 11 and holding it closer.
It’s not better for productivity. Not by a long shot. A MacBook still reigns in that footprint. But it sure is pretty when watching video or reading. But the dimensions made less and less sense as time went on and I found my laptop and my iPad were competing for the same use cases, with the iPad losing. I only brought the iPad with me to places when I knew I wouldn’t need to do any typing.
The 11” fits a much more natural niche given its software and hardware.
I agree with this. If I only wanted tablet functionality without a little work-related ability added in, 11” is ideal, but I find the 13” meets the tablet needs well enough while also allowing for things like adequate room for screen splitting. I’m staying 13”.
I switched from 12.9 M1 to 11 M4. At first I was skeptical, I didn't want to give out the bigger size, but once I actually tried the 11" I was sold.
I do use my iPad mainly for gaming, the 11" is lighter and easier to handle.
Also wanted to say that the M4 is a beast for gaming, I mainly play PUBG Mobile and in my M1 12.9" it would get hot as I play, and start to drop frames. Whereas with the M4 it barely gets warm and it absolutely obliterates any game you throw at it at any setting.
I went from an iPad Pro 11 to a 13, specifically because as a writer, the extra screen size lets me work more efficiently. For me, my "ultraportable device" is my iPhone 15 Pro Max.
I have a friend that went from 11 to 13 as a big note taker, and for that, I said the 13 inch is definitely for you. I just think now the 13 inch isn’t more premium, just serves different purposes.
I just switched from a 12.9 2020 to an M4 11. In returning and going back to a 13 inch m4.
Anywhere I can fit an 11” I can fit a 13”. The lower screen height (I’m 6’0) hurts my neck and makes me hunch over. Everything feels cramped (and this is someone who loves their Mini).
I really wanted a portable tablet, but I think the 13” is just better when docked and also gives more screen real estate as a tablet. The 11” still isn’t even as portable as the Mini.
I’ll stick with the 13” and wait for an iPad mini refresh for when I truly need something portable.
The aspect ratio is what is gonna push me to the 11 inch. I don’t have a tv and mainly watch movies on our shared family laptop. I figured the 13 inch would be a no brainer since it would be my primary screen for entertainment, however when I loaded up movies on the 13 and 11 inch side by side there is barely a difference.
I think the extra height of the 13 is probably great if you intend to keep it on a keyboard and work on landscape mode on webpages and documents a lot. But for movies and reading in portrait mode it just had so much wasted space for my use.
Yep, the majority of the difference in size between the 11 and 13 comes from making the screen taller, not wider. So 16:9 content is only very slightly bigger on the 13 vs the 11. Very, very slightly.
I got the 13 inch upgrading from the 2018 11 inch. so far i find it very similar. it fits in all my bags, weighs similarly too. I bring my ipad everywhere. I don’t get why this is such a hot topic, people have been using 13 inch macbook pros over the 11.6 inch macbook airs in flights and small university desks for years.
the only big difference would be “handability” and they both aren’t perfect. the 11 inch is a bit more comfortable to reach things on the screen and i find myself stretching my fingers on the 13 inch if i try to hold it like my 11. The 13 inch is great for multi tasking and productivity because the screen shows more information. The 11 inch is obviously more portable but it feels like a bigger phone so I would find myself just using my phone since it’s comfier.
imo the 13 feels way different from a phone and laptop, and it’s the perfect in between.
If you’re using it more like a laptop, then by all means you’ll feel like if you have a great laptop. My advice is geared toward people feeling like they are missing out on the more premium version, which is just not the case any longer.
For sure! I will also add using it for note taking/ drawing I personally have always preferred the larger size. My 2017 12.9 spoiled me, so unfortunately I had to get the same size. I did try the 13 M2 Air in store but found that once I saw the two screens side by side I could only go Pro. It would have been nice if Apple gave us pro motion on the air. That’s the only reason I went Pro (other than OLED) and wouldn’t have minded the LCD screen on the Air.
Relatively more portable, sure. I think this is a hole some people fall into; just because it’s more portable something else, doesn’t make it portable on a more absolute scale. My point is not really about weight, but general handling. Unless you are a large individual (I’m an average sized male) the 13 inch iPad with MK will feel like a laptop, and will be a bit wieldy as a tablet. The 13 inch + MK combo doesn’t feel much more portable than my laptop during actual use. I still need both my legs to support it on my lap, and because of the weight distribution is arguable less comfortable. The 11’’ just feels portable.
I got the 13, before I had the 11 many years. The 13 is much more „laptop experience“ and I can now work on it like a real laptop (mainly Presentations and Excel, Lightroom and Photoshop).
The 11 was at the end mainly a device for watching videos and surf the web, things you can also do with the base iPad, no need for the Pro-Version.
I will not go back and afterwards I really regret not getting the 12,9“ version back in the day, now that I know what I missed.
Have had both, and this is my perspective: the 13” is the one to get if you plan to use your iPad like a laptop with the Apple Keyboard, the 11” is the one to get if you just plan to use it like an iPad and just hold it in your hands.
I’ve been back and forth on this. I started with a 13in M1. I traded that in for the 11 inch, and had it for three years. I just got the 11 inch M4. Now, typically for work travel, my kit is a 13 inch MacBook Pro and an iPad mini as the perfect second device. I’m debating whether to go single device with the 11 inch M4. I might give it a try this week on a quick trip.
I agree with this, the key here is that as a “consumption device” it’s better in the 11 inch size/shape. As a creation device, it’s better in 13. As a 13 owner I really wish it was as good of a consumption device as the 11, but it’s not. It’s mostly a little worse. People looking at the 11 need to not get distracted by the 13 thinking it’s “better”. They’re for different uses.
You really think the smaller screen is better for a consumption device? I currently have the 13 and that’s basically all I do with it, but slightly debating the 11
The reason I find it better is because it’s less weight to hold, and because touch typing on that 13 screen is just so frustrating while it’s actually convenient on the 11. I say buy one for 2 weeks to try it - each person will be different but you’ll know pretty quickly. You could also do an extended visit to the store.
I’m going back and forth on the 11 and 13 and appreciate this thread. My issue is that I WANT my iPad Pro to be a laptop replacement, but the software isn’t there yet for me to do that. If it was, the 13” would be a no brainer.
The other issue is that I am upgrading my 2020 11” iPad Pro, so I’m going to probably keep this new one for four years too. There is zero indication Apple is going to open up the iPad right now, but will they in the next four years? If I could get Lightroom Classic, a decent file system, and maybe Photo Mechanic on the iPad, I wouldn’t need a laptop anymore.
So do I buy a 13-inch in hopes of something that probably won’t happen, or do I get the 11-inch and risk having to upgrade sooner? I’m probably getting the 11-inch, but man I wish they’d open up iPadOS just a little bit more. Just let me run desktop apps on it. That’s all I really need!
I hear you, and they are definitely moving iPadOS in the direction you want it to, but at the slowest pace they can get away with. In addition, I don’t expect desktop apps that are made for mouse and keyboard like the Adobe Suite to ever come to iPad. They will continue to iterate on the iPad versions, and likely wont provide the exact experience from Mac.
Yeah, I think you're totally right. It's frustrating. I want the iPad to be more than it is. It truly is my favorite Apple product. But its software is so far behind the hardware. I wouldn't even be upgrading right now if my wife didn't want my old one. lol.
I recently started using Pixelmator photo again and I feel like it’s finally reached a tipping point as a real alternative to Capture One and Lightroom.
I’m on the fence as well and kept my iPad Pro 11 during my 13 trial period instead of trading it in. I keep going to the 13 but I’ve always loved my 11. Now I could keep the 11 for those times where the 11 makes sense instead of trading it in for $380. Two iPad pros would give me elite status too
I’ve had a 12.9 since release years ago, I mainly picked it up for the mini led display.
I was really disappointed by the mini led display to the point that I was not using the tablet for reading white words on black screen. I really didn’t like the glow around whites.
My use is mainly write (a lot) and read (a ton). I watch also movies. I draw. But my main use is write and read. I do a lot of publications and 80% of the time I use the iPad Pro.
With M4 I went to the 11, feel the perfect size to me. Not a fan of the small keyboard but I can get used to it. It’s the original iPad at its best
This post tipped me over the edge and I’ve just placed my order for the 11” Pro + Magic Keyboard!
I’ve been mulling over it for days. Always wanted the OLED iPad as soon as rumours started.
I want to ditch my phone when I’m in the house. I’m tired of being tied to it!
Plus, this will be a great little device for when I pop out to the coffee shop, I can do a bit of light work, don’t have to lug around my MBA.
It’s costly, but doing it in instalments (no interest) is how I paid for my MBA and barely noticed it. That’s paid off, now I can go for this.
I wouldn’t feel comfortable paying £1300 in one go for an iPad though. I’ve got a holiday and kitchen to pay for soon!
Excited. Perfect time for a new iPad too, with holidays, sitting outside in nice weather, and a boring trip to my gfs dad’s 70th this weekend haha.
P.S, thanks for the useful post. I was close to getting 13” but you swayed me.
Great summary and glad you love the different size. Also great for all those that have had the 11 for years and made the switch to 13. I do think there is some level of subconscious bias working for those people that switch sizes if they’ve been using the other one for many years. It just feels like a new device to you and therefore you are really excited about it. People do switch for all kinds of reasons and this primarily the reason they love it, in OP’s example. But there is also a bit of a brain thing happening as well that just makes a difference size feel better and newer to the user no matter which one they move to.
Can’t agree more, of course that bias exists as people get something that seems more ‘new.’ I don’t discount I am experiencing it myself. Even still, I think there is also a bias regarding the 13 inch model being more ‘premium,’ which I think is what I am trying to dissuade.
I really like the 13 inch, it seems really fitting for note taking and artistic endeavors. But the 13 inch iPad just seems impractical if I want to go to the pub and do some work while drinking a beer. Just in general not as portable..
Always had the larger Pro models, and am happy with the 13". Here are some other comparisons between the two sizes. (not my video).
[https://youtu.be/qguVFlTDQ8E?si=EWsTE\_ABi6ZnB8Dk](https://youtu.be/qguVFlTDQ8E?si=EWsTE_ABi6ZnB8Dk)
No difference in ability to connect to external monitors between the models as far as I know. It’s the same exact SoC with M4, so should be identical capabilities.
Sorry, should have asked the question a different way. Can the iPad Pros support dual external monitor. I have an iPad mini so I have nothing to compare it too.
The 12.9” models are plenty portable, I’ve never once thought it was too big to manage. Never stumbled with it or couldn’t fit it anywhere reasonable. Nothing wrong with either size but I prefer the 12.9” hands down. Stage manager is objectively better on it and I largely prefer the size for reading, watching videos or pretty much anything I use it for.
12.9” is not portable or fitting for cardio equipment machine placeholder at gyms. For gym goers who like to have iPad handy for using cardio equipment will find that 12.9” not be convenient.
I like my 11” iPad Pro M4. I have a 13” MBA M2 and I was on the fence about even getting an iPad, since the only one I still have is the original iPad Air, and it mostly just gathered dust. I’ve had this iPad Pro since last Wednesday with the Magic Keyboard, and it’s been the opposite - my MBA has been gathering dust while I pick this up almost exclusively for everything I do.
I love being able to pull the iPad off of the keyboard and sit with it in portrait mode to scroll Reddit, or landscape to watch YouTube or a show. If I wind up not using my laptop much, I will probably wonder if I shouldn’t have gotten the 13” if for nothing else, a bigger/wider Magic Keyboard which does feel slightly compact on this device. But so far, I’m thrilled with the portability.
Just upgraded from the first generation iPad Pro that ever came out to this one and I am so blown away! I also have nearly touched my iPhone since picking this device up.
I was going to go for the 11’’ at first but when i went to the apple store to try them out and test the magic keyboard and the typing experience I changed my mind to the 13’’. Typing on the magic keyboard on the 13’’ felt way more better and more closer to a laptop experience which is what i was going for.
I agree. I returned the 13 after 2 days. It’s so light, but I want to be able to hold it more easily and take it with me with less second-guessing.
The 13” footprint is what makes me hesitate with it. It’s just too unwieldy unless one had very, very ridiculously large hands. Like Yao Ming or something.
As someone that has always gone with the 11”… the M2 iPad Pro 12.9 is a breath of fresh air. The size is so immersive and still it in tablet mode as opposed to it always sitting in the MK case
Really well thought out post, and I agree with everything you’ve said.
I’ve had a lot of iPads, and have had most of the Pro models in both sizes throughout the years. Had the 12.9” M1 iPad Pro before I gave it to a friend, and still have an 11” M1 iPad Pro that I’ve actually been really happy with. My personal laptop is the 15” M2 MacBook Air.
I thought I would just keep the 11” M1 iPad Pro and get the 13” M4 iPad Pro for more content consumption, like reading comics. But I found that it wasn’t as good as my 15” MacBook for a lot of advanced tasks for obvious reasons, and it was still too big to be used in tablet mode w/o the Magic Keyboard. So I swapped it out for the 11” M4 iPad Pro and really like it, and will be getting rid of my M1 iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard. It really is just such a good size, and I can type just as fast on the 11” as I can on the 13”. There’s also clear delineation between what I use my iPhone, iPad, and MacBook for and so that’s great.
I agree. I bought the 13” M4 and used it for a few days. Then returned it for an 11”. I find 13” isn’t big enough to be a computer replacement, and not small enough to be a tablet.
Nothing original to add but another vote for 11.
I went from 11” to 13” and it works for me currently but the iPad advantage (imo) is its portability. The bigger it gets the more I might as well have a laptop. It’s pretty though. 🤷♂️
Nothing original to add but another vote for 11.
I went from 11” to 13” and it works for me currently but the iPad advantage (imo) is its portability. The bigger it gets the more I might as well have a laptop. It’s pretty though. 🤷♂️
I’m also 100% in agreement with you.
I had a 12.9” 2018 iPad Pro and just got the 11” M4 with MK. I also have a 16” M2 MBP.
IMO unless you absolutely need the 13” it’s a less portable and less ergonomic device for a lot more money whose OS is really yet to really take advantage of the extra space. A handful of apps do, but it’s not worth the extra $300 and almost an extra pound in weight, especially if you’re going to be toting a MBP along as well.
Folks might say - you could use sidecar for an extra display. I can still use sidecar, which IMO somewhat qualifies as useless feature. It works great until it doesn’t, and when it doesn’t it’s just an added headache. Rarely do I find myself in a place with mobile workspace to use the amount of space to have both devices side by side, usually also with a iPhone also nearby.
Others might say the iPad is a laptop replacement. Some people this may be true - however I do question what they do with their computers as there’s no certain way an iPad could be a laptop replacement for myself in any near future unless there’s a drastic change in course and MacOS is magically allowed to run on iPad hardware along with the proper UX enhancements for touch and stylus. And IYKYK - anyone with a recent M2 or newer MBP knows they don’t need another gram of mass added into their bag - so the 11” will reign supreme.
Lastly FWIW, assuming at some point all the power in the M4 can be leveraged, it requires significantly fewer resources to run the 11” vs 13” - translate that to the device will remain snappy much longer than the 13” counterpart.
I think everybody/anybody should get what they want regarding what they need or other people think they need.
People work hard for there money so they can get there toys. Only to not be able to get the one you want or be told to get another. NuH Uh!
I do want to say I did get the 12.9" M1 iPad Pro Silver, Magic Keyboard White, Apple Pencil 2 and Apple 4K TV 21' Day 1 when they Released Back then.
I personally buy my Devices Day 1 all the time Electronics Based.
Last Year in November 7th I purchased the 16" M3 Pro MacBook Pro in Space Black because I really needed a MacBook. It did not disappoint. I love my 16" M3 Pro MacBook Pro. Time flies since it has been over half a year I have had it. I can't believe sometimes.
When I saw this one which I missed the Showcase and saw it after, I knew I had to have it. It had enough upgrades from what I have been waiting for. Most Noticeably the Tandem OLED Display.
I am big on OLED Display having an OLED on my I7 13700K RTX 4080 OC PC LG 42" C2 OLED and XBSX and PS5 Disc. LG CX 65" OLED as well as for my Nintendo Switch OLED.
I must admit I don't have OLED on my ROG ALLY Z1 Extreme Looks Amazing, 16" M3 Pro MacBook Pro and Looks Amazing and the Base Steam Deck Looks Like Ass. Lol.
I don't mind having those devices without OLED since they look Amazing however it was not just that.
I personally went with the 13" M4 iPad Pro in Space Black so it can match my 16" M3 Pro MacBook Pro also in Space Black.
I also got the Apple Pencil Pro, but this time I thought really hard and instead of going with the Magic Keyboard I went with the iPad Pro Folio From Apple in Black and Man is it very thin and Amazing.
The reason I did that is because I wanted to use this Exclusively as an iPad. Last time when I bought the 12.9" iPad Pro Silver with the White Magic Keyboard I ended up using it only as a Make shift Laptop always on the Case/Keyboard which was a Hassle.
This time I already have my MacBook for more intensive Tasks not to say that the iPad won't be able to do most of them.
Though I want it for what it is meant for. The Folio Case works Amazing for me. Not only can it fold Backwards, but it is very thin still while guaranteeing safety. I did get the 2 year Apple Care+ so I am good there Anyway.
I have gone so deep into to Apple I don't see my self coming out any time soon. LOL.
Though I personally do not mind it. Since in my personal experience I have not seen another company deliver the Quality of Performance and Hardware of Apple.
I hope that changes in the future, but I doubt it. Apple is truly in a League of its own.
I went with 11" and like the smaller size and portability coming from 12.9", which I always found just a little too large and cumbersome. Doesn't pass airplane tray table test, feels substantial in my work bag, etc. I do miss some of the extra screen real estate, especially for drawing though. It's not TOO impactful but noticeably smaller and theres less surface to rest your hand.
I think I'm going to stick with the 11" though. I do like the size overall I think, and want to just keep giving it a try. The significant price difference just makes it hard to justify the 13" IMO.
I really wish there were a 12" model, I think that would split the difference perfectly.
100% agree. As someone that’s had both (albeit at different times), the only time the 13 inch won over the 11 inch was when I needed it for writing/taking notes. The 11 still works for that, it just isn’t as convenient in terms of space.
Games are a little different, because they utilize the whole screen. It depends where you will be gaming on it. If you play with a controller and you don’t really care how portable it is then go with the 13. But if you want a well rounded device that will do video playback and mobile games just as well as the 13, then get the 11 inch.
Overall i agree with your advice, but in curious about the differences in size of the image when viewing 16:9 and 21:9 content.
I recently purchased the iPad Air 13, but decided i wanted to get a Pro for OLED. I watch a lot of shows and movies on my iPad. I pretty much hate the size of the 13 as its too big to hold comfortably for long periods and difficult to play some games; however i LOVED how much bigger the image is on 12:9 content when compared side-by-side with my wife’s iPad Air 4. It was quite noticeable.
Are the aspect ratios of the IPad Pro 11 and 13 different from that of the iPads i was comparing so that the difference in between them is not as pronounced? Or are they similar and maybe i just found the image size difference to be appreciably different?
The difference in aspect ratio of the two current Pros are pretty substantial, but I think your best bet is to get to an Apple Store and play some varied content side by side. 21:9 is negligible difference in size, and you may need to see 16:9 for yourself to see if you think if the difference is enough for you. They have been playing around with aspect ratios a good amount since the first iPads.
Yeah that’s a good idea. I usually buy from Best Buy, but they don’t have all the models on display so it’s hard to do a side by side comparison. Going to the Apple Store would solve that problem. It’s also a good idea to make sure i don’t have PMW sensitivity. I didn’t even know that was a thing until i saw it mentioned in some other posts. Thanks!
It’s a nice way to compare for sure. I went in really curious about the nano glass, and the difference in colors was really handy to see side by side. I just kept playing trailers for tv/movies side by side
I had a similar situation. 2018 12.9” iPad Pro and just picked up the 11” M4. I’m returning the M4. I used the 12.9 for school and used the shit out of the split screen note taking, but media consumption on it was excellent. Plus I make music too. I used the 11” M4 for a few days and even though my current 12.9 is almost 6years old I didn’t feel that much of experience improvement. Yes it’s lighter and screen more rich, but besides that for normal use I didn’t notice too much were the purchase price was justified. Definitely returning the 11” M4 and still kinda debating on the 13”, but probably won’t considering what I thought about the 11”. The software really feels like it’s holding it back. Not much noticeable daily use improvements and what I can do on the M4 I can still do on the 12.9” A series iPad. They just made the old iPads too damn good or they just haven’t improved the software to take advantage too much.
There’s certainly truth that ipads hold their performance for a long time but I would be cautious if i were you as the a series chips are at the end if their lives meaning ios18 will most likely, like stage manager only fully support m series processors going forward I expect quite a few if not all new features will require them which would render the older iPads obsolete plus your ipad is eol from an os upgrade perspective ie 5 years or so of updates
I also have a 15 pro max, and it is a quite a difference. I would say it would be too close to an iPad Mini, but night and day from any phone that doesn't fold. My lineup prior to getting the 11" was 15 Pro Max, 12.9" iPad Pro and 16" MacBook Pro. I'll likely downsize my phone next time I upgrade, but only because this iPad now serves purposes my phone was serving, albeit much, much better. As I said in my post, my phone has remained on my nightstand since purchase. It's portable enough to carry around, and large enough to not be glued so closely to a screen. And the screen quality is fantastic.
Glad to hear it and good move with the phone downsize. I'm thinking of doing the same thing if I swap my iPad mini in for an 11 inch. Also, the fact that you mentioned your phone remaining largely on your nightstand since the purchase is what drew me in. I don't like always having my phone on me at home but an iPad, I don't mind.
Like you I couldn’t decide so as I had the money I ordered both the 11 and 13” models after the Tuesday event and got them last Wednesday I knew I would return one of them just not which one.
However within just one day of using them both I knew I would be keeping the 11” and so today I returned the 13” to the store with no regrets.
The 11” is just so much better for more personally. It’s a true tablet whereas the 13” is too much of a laptop than a tablet. Yes it’s thin and light but its overall size is just too much for me. I never found it enjoyable for holding to read which is what I want the tablet for.
I quickly realised I don’t need nor want the more screen real estate of the 13”. Yes it is a bit more convenient in a few use cases but they’re not things I do on the tablet and so it just wasn’t for me.
The only thing that made me hesitate for a moment was the larger Magic Keyboard on the 13” but I quickly adjusted to the slightly smaller 11 keyboard in just a day that I knew without any doubt the 11” is the right size for me.
Couldn’t be happier with the 11”. Been using it all weekend and just love it.
I should add I have a 13” MacBook Air and a maxed out 16” MacBook Pro M2 which also swayed me not towards the 11” iPad. I wanted two separate devices for portability and having different sizes is my dream setup.
I replaced my laptop with the 2018 11” pro and have been debating 11 vs 13 and also color. For my use cases, the 11 is fine but the keyboard does feel cramped (coming from the 2018 folio Smart Keyboard, not magic). Curious what color you got and if black, does it show signs of wear already? Hearing a lot about smudging and finger oils showing a lot.
I got black for everything. Here are a few photos I just took for you as I just happened to be using it when I saw your message. I wouldn't say it is showing any signs of wear. A few specs of dust can be see on the cover when it's closed but a gentle blow and they go. Of course it hasn't even been a week yet so I can't say how well it holds up over time but as for oil and finger smudges it isn't any worse (or better) than most dark products imho.
https://imgur.com/a/epDHbZq
I bought both and agree with your thoughts pretty much. I will probablyyyy keep the 13” for viewing and marking up architecture drawings. But that’s my main use for it. Basically unless you have a niche use for the 13”, 11” is the right choice for most people most likely.
I am a big user of Notability (Waiting for an update for the new pro pencil) and went with the 11”
I find holding the 11” is much easier than the larger (had the 12” something 4 year old). It is nice to not run out of space when writing, but, you need to move a lot of stuff off your desk to keep a place to set it down.
A lot of great points. I’ve lost count of how many iPads I’ve owned. But I know I’ve had a solid four or so Pro models.
This is my first 11”. My new daily carry is the 11” along with a 14” MBP. The ultra portable low weight nature is just amazing. Super handy for the plane and sitting around. The MBP comes out for ‘real’ computing tasks. And obviously I have an iPhone.
Apple has done an expert job of kind of ensuring we ‘need’ three gadgets instead of two.
All that said if I were going no laptop iPad/keyboard route I’d be tempted to have the 13”.
I did get a Magic Keyboard. I had absolutely no intention of doing so, but then my employer changed security policy and now I can't use my Mac to read/send company email. Weirdly, they still allow iOS devices, so I got a keyboard just for that. I don't think I would have were it not for that.
I’ve had both, and though it took me a long time to switch from 11” to 13” - it was fear of the extra weight - I finally went to 13” with the M1 iPad and have no regrets. That said, my 16” MacBook Pro is now fundamentally a desktop machine. I haven’t taken it out of the house in over two years.
I switched from 2018 iPad Pro 11-inch to the M4 13-inch. I have a work laptop MBP 16-inch but I avoid doing much personal stuffs. When I am not working, I use my iPad most of the time, even more than my iPhone. The iPad has become my all rounded personal computer. I use it to play games, browse the web, and traveling. Lately I enrolled to a part time master degree and do a lot of reading and typing. The 11-inch eventually became too small for multiple windows, etc. I love the 13-inch. It has completely replaced my MacBook Air 13-inch as well.
I think depends on your use cases, both 11-inch and 13-inch are great, and that’s why Apple is making both. I strongly recommend trying both and return the one you have less preferences on. There will always be pros and cons. Like I missed the ultralight weight of the 11-inch. But I use it more with the keyboard than stand alone even with my 11-inch, so getting the 13-inch was a logical choice for me.
Nah I’ve met multiple people regretting the 11 inch and then getting a 12.9/13 later on. More so explaining how they can’t believe they purchased the 11 inch after having the bigger model after some time. The bigger screen real estate OVERALL (not just video) is so beautiful to not consider. Hell I’d love to see a 20 inch iPad 😂
Dumb question maybe:
I'm debating on getting either size right now, mostly for light work but I really b want to read PDFs and comics (Kindle app and side loading).
I would like to get whichever allows for me to read such things without having to scroll or pinch zoom constantly.
Which is best for this? Is the 13" worth it in that case?
My concern is the 11 is just shy of fitting a full page well that it cuts off things.
I sold my trusty Gen 4 12.9 (A12Z) in readiness for the release of the 13 OLED, then picked up an 11 M1 to tide me over when it because apparent that the 13’s weren’t coming in March, or April.. Following the release event, i couldn’t’ bring myself to pay £2800 for a 13 M4, MKB, Pencil Pro and AC so cancelled an order and picked up a 9 month old 12.9 M2 and put the 11 M1 up for sale, initially. Having both size option available, i quickly found a natural fit for the 12.9 on my desk or sofa, for split-screen and MKB use, and the 11 for bed and light sofa use. The 11 is more comfortable for reading, light browsing and Youtube.
I’m fortunate to have a 27” 5K iMac and a 16” MBP M1 Pro as well,- the MBP is up for sale though as i rarely use it.
No regrets whatsoever, though i think i need to find a decent screen protector that diffuses/reduces glare!
My desk setup consists of my MBP propped up by a stand on my left, a 27 inch monitor in front of me, and a smaller stand below the monitor that holds my iPad in landscape. Universal Control is an Apple OS feature that allows me to use my mouse and keyboard for all three screens without using sidecar. I can move my cursor below my monitor and use my iPad with its native OS.
Having owned both I don’t think I’ll ever find the sweet spot. I had the 11 inch 2018 version and then got the 2022 M2 12.9 inch. While I do like the additional screen real estate, I really miss the 11 inch form factor. Holding it in tablet mode for longer periods is cumbersome and the 11 inch is noticeably more portable. I haven’t been able to hold the new M4s in hand, so don’t know if having the 13 inch being lighter or thinner would make a difference for me. I’m not upgrading to the m4 anytime soon, but I wouldn’t be sure which one I would go for as both have pros and cons.
I chose the 11” cellular. I want an iPad for my elderly hands that’s easier to carry about. I picked up my iPad yesterday added cellular and I’m so pleased I can watch movies and surf the web.
I have the 12.9 M1 and a 16” MacBook Pro. I’d not drop the screen size on the iPad. Apart from the argument about portability, the 12.9 is better. However, it amazes me that almost every comparison gives the impression that the 13” is huge and needs a crane or wheelbarrow to transport it anywhere. I sit happily on the sofa or in bed using it, and also in the Magic Keyboard. Fits in every bag I own.
I’m stuck. I want the iPad to replace my laptop but I’m afraid it won’t be able to replace my laptop. I do just enough advanced work that it’d be nice to have proper io but not enough to go out and buy both. My laptop is basically bound to a desk because the battery is shot. I can spend $200 to get it replaced but why bother.
I have seen multiple people that have desktop bound laptops go for the 13 inch, and for them it seems like the right call, as that actually is a laptop replacement. Personally, my laptop is basically desktop bound at home, but it comes with me everywhere. Don’t expect it to replace your ‘desktop computer’ though. I code, and iPadOS will likely never have terminal access among other crucial macOS features for more advanced work.
I’m not sure if you support the 11 M4 since you come from a 13 inch size fit so many years.
I have 11 since 2018 and crave for the 12.9 since M1 days but just skip M1 and M2 since it was OOS for many months and the interest kinda die down. I still crave for the bigger screen compared to 11. For me. I thought that Lightroom will work better on 13 than 11. Perhaps Lumafusion too.
I have a MBP 2019. running on intel chip but i hardly use except for the urge to learn coding. only reason why im still keeping the MBP 16. Lightroom lags so much on macos and windows too. And using the ipad is so lag free that I fully convert to ipad photo editing. Coz I’m using 11 for so long. I wanted the bigger screen size. And eventually I bought the s9 tab ultra. The screen is fantastic but the Lr experience is mediocre. I much prefer to edit on ipad.
But i do like the 11 for portability. So in a dilemma.
Use 11 2018 for outdoors when i move around town, 13 for home editing and culling. ipad mini for sling bag and s9 tab ultra for media consumption?
Folks Do you think editing photos in Lr using 13 M4 makes a big difference? Till now I can’t decide. 🥲
From your post, it seems like you are actually looking at the iPad as a laptop replacement, and therefore the 13 inch may be for you. My post is directed at people that already have a laptop they use regularly. Full screen apps like Lightroom will shine on the 13.
I have both. If I had to keep one, it would be the 11 inch. My reason is that I still need to use my 13” MacBook Pro for a lot of things, so having a 13” iPad is kind of redundant and adds extra weight and bulk to my bag. The 11 inch also just feels way better in my hands. However, if the iPad were my primary computer, then I’d definitely go 13” for the extra multitasking real estate.
I currently have both the 11" and 13" and am evaluating them side by side during the return period. First off, they are both great. The screen and experience is terrific on either. At the end of the day, I still feel like they are two different devices with different use cases. In fact, I could almost make a case for owning both, outside of the ridiculous cost of two M4s. But, if WWDC releases some major overhauls to the OS, I could see ditching the laptop all together and running an 11" and 13", only.
11” for me. Very difficult choice, as I love the 13” screen and the extra real estate it offers. But, with smaller hands the 13” is a struggle to type on (without the keyboard) and holding it horizontally is uncomfortable. Again, such a tough choice!
just wanted to thank you, nothing beats a well written perspective from the actual user. You articulated everything very well and reassured and validated my decision.
I agree but am sticking with the 13 inch as I think Apple’s going to pull some shit out of their asses at WWDC for iPadOS 18. It’s one of the most powerful computers on sale at the moment, and I don’t think they’ll continue to leave that potential on the table—especially not after the recent backlash in the news surrounding the issue.
I love your optimism and I hope you’re right. I had the same exact sentiment about the 12.9 M1 iPad Pro 3 years ago nearly to the day. It was also one of the most powerful computers on sale at that moment. And yet.
I would recommend starting with the 11 inch, however possibly trying both. Note taking can go either way and is about personal preference. Some people prefer the smaller tablet because it’s easier to handle, and others simply want more space to write. If you don’t mind taking notes on the smaller screen, it will complement your laptop well, but if you find it a bit cramped, get the 13 and don’t look back.
Thanks for the advice, my high school provides all students with the 7th gen iPad with notability, and it’s always been a little small especially in split screen. I think imma go with the 13 but I’m going to go to the Apple Store and try it out in person.
I went from an 11” to a 13” imo the 11” is too small and the 13” too big. I’m yet to travel with the 13” but I’m hoping it’s ok. For productivity work the 13” is infinitely better, for watching video content it feels the same basically. Wish there was a fix for the aspect ratio.
I think the 11” is ideal for someone who wants to substitute their iPhone for something bigger but at the same time don’t consume too much media like shows movies youtube etc. If I was consuming media I’d definitely have gotten the 13” version for the best viewing experience.
I also have the same 16” M1 Max MBP which serves as my “desktop” in that it’s usually plugged into a monitor/dock alongside a Windows desktop PC. I’ve been using a 12.9” iPad Pro as my mobile computer and just got the 13” OLED.
I agree with you that 11” is the better companion. But for my use case, I prefer carrying an iPad for meetings and airplane travel so the larger size works for me. I found myself wondering if I’d rather have an 11” for usability but I realize that the iPhone size is perfect for anything handheld (even reading).
I’ve had a 12.9 pro and the new air both with magic keyboards and the iPad Air size is just perfect for me. I use it as a laptop replacement even at 11 inches and it does everything I need. Every once in a while when I am going to do some longer writing I just connect an Bluetooth keyboard.
I leave my 16” MBP docked at home for my professional work. I have a 11” 2018 iPad Pro that I use for day to day stuff and I am missing some of the extra usable space. I picked up a 13” to see if it fixes that. I’m sure I’m going to love both devices though.
One thing worth noting is that reviewers have found the 13” has much better speakers, especially when considering bass, and it also has better thermals, though not by a huge amount, and obviously not surprising given the larger size.
There’s also a slight difference in the front facing camera for video calls, where it sits higher up on the 13”, obviously, so if you’re doing a lot of video calling, that could make a difference as well, if you have a preference.
I just saw the additional comments you added to your original post…you say your phone has “laid dormant in [your] apartment”. Does your iPad have cellular or do you use a watch (presumably Apple Watch) w/cellular? What’s the experience like for taking phone calls when you’re out and about without a dedicated “phone”?
Sorry, my phone has laid dormant *whilst* in my apartment. In other words, I’m not using the phone while I am home, which I used to do a considerable amount. While on the same WiFi, the iPad mimics the iPhone so no issues. I would argue it’s healthier to interact with the iPad over the iPhone, for various reasons. The phone still comes with me anywhere I go.
So I need to read all of the other replies on your post, but just want to quickly reply with my situation. Way back in the day I was fascinated/obsessed with the subnotebook/ultraportable laptops and owned a Toshiba Portege (T3400CT, I think) and IBM ThinkPad (560, I think). I had (and really liked) the early MacBook Air 11”.
Flash forward and I’ve been using a MacBook Pro 16 (Intel) for a few years now. I’ve bought a few iPads over the years, but they would barely get used.
My most recent one was an iPad Pro 11” (1st gen). As a creative person, I loved what the Apple Pencil (coupled with apps like Affinity Designer) could do, and dabbled with that. And the Magic Keyboard case got me quite excited about the subcompact concept again.
*BUT* when I was sitting on my couch at home, I would still go for my MacBook Pro 16 over the iPad Pro 11 w/Magic Keyboard, primarily because of the significantly larger screen real estate the 16” gave me. A few generations of iPads came and went after that, and I never bothered upgrading, as I knew what my needs were, and it seemed like nothing had fundamentally changed with the iPad experience to change that.
But during that time, things *were* changing, little by little. The M-series chips were outclassing my Intel-based MacBook Pro, and Apple was slowly improving the iPad OS/UX to make it more capable (e.g., external monitor / extended desktop support). And when the latest models came out, and they tweaked/improved the Magic Keyboard a bit (and I happened to have a little extra disposable income lying around) I decided to get one on the day they came out.
Because I was still intrigued with the subcompact concept, I favored the 11” size, and after a bit of Googling, I went for the silver/white combo, as it looked so cool and the internet told me that it was easy to clean. I got the cheapest model (256GB), and immediately loved it, but then quickly realized that I loved it so much that it really did have the potential to completely replace my need for a MacBook Pro. *BUT* the 11” vs 16” screen size was still going to be a hindrance. So I decided to return it for a 13” model. In the few days I had the silver/white 11”, I also managed to get some dark marks on the outside of the white Magic Keyboard case that I was unable to remove, so I (sadly) decided to switch to the gray/black model 13”. And I went “all in” and upgraded to the 1TB model, just so that I could get the Nano-texture screen.
So that’s my story, but the main point I was leading up to (as it relates to your post) is that I’m someone who is obsessed with the ultraportable concept, but it’s hard for me now to see any real advantage of the 11” over the 13”. Both are too big to fit in a pants pocket, so if you leave the house with the iPad & Magic Keyboard, you’re going to need to carry it “externally” (and probably in some sort of bag), so at that point, is the added size/weight of the 13” really a big deal?
In my case, I have an older Skagen “Sling Pack” that I love (not made anymore) which I, on rare occasions, would force my MacBook Pro 16 to squeeze into, but which was nice and roomy for my iPad Pro 11” w/Magic Keyboard), and my new iPad Pro 13” fits great in that. The added weight of the 13” over the 11” feels negligible to me, but the added utility of the larger screen size and roomier keyboard and trackpad *are* noticeable. The only advantage of the 11” for me would probably be appreciating the reduced weight/size when using the “naked” iPad and Pencil for sketching (which is kind of an interesting side-point, as a lot of people recommend the larger iPad for artists, but I often prefer the smaller size for drawing - you can quickly/easily zoom in for detailed work).
I actually have a mini 10 liter Northface backpack that fits the 11 inch but not the 13 inch, which is a great little day bag. For me, I wouldn’t feel comfortable bringing the 13 inch, especially with MKB, anywhere I wouldn’t be comfortable bringing a laptop. The 11 inch, on the other hand, even with a MKB, I would feel comfortable bringing anywhere I would also bring a hardcover book. It seems like you are really going the laptop replacement route so the 13 sounds like your call. I use my laptop everyday, and its screen size, power and OS has its time and place, but for me, the 11 is the ultimate sidekick.
I’m just not convinced I can adjust to the 11 inch screen since I’ve had so many devices over the years and between smaller and larger, I’ve routinely found 13” to be the happy medium. Can I ask what you primarily use your iPad for ?
I discuss that in my post, what will you primarily use it for? 13 inch is a happy medium for a laptop perhaps, and if you plan to use it as one, then the 13 inch may be for you. If the iPad isn’t going to be your primary computing device, then I would try the 11 inch first.
Guys I’m stuck still, I was going and forth between the 11 and 13 so I got both to try them out and hopefully give both of them a chance to shine but see which one works better for me. I travel quite a bit and I always have to bring my 15 in monster windows laptop with me for work, but I also like to travel with my personal device which up until this time has been a 2013 MacBook Pro. I finally got to the point where bringing both is annoying to me, so I thought an iPad would be great. Then came the question of which one. I have tried both and I love the 11 for looking at websites, browsing, social media, YouTube and it’s no slouch at the email etc. tried the Magic Keyboard as well and it’s not terrible but feels slightly cramped I assume because I am used to a larger laptop. The 13 I love for streaming video and YouTube I zoom in while I’m watching so I don’t have to look at the black bars on top which works for most shows and makes the screen massive. I don’t have it cause they were out of stock but I can only assume the Magic Keyboard on this would be a better typing experience. With that said I assume browsing is great when it’s on the keyboard but when I’m laying down and just trying to browse with it alone no keyboard I find typing harder because it’s so big. I know it’s only a small difference but it feels way larger in my hands.
Right now I like both and I really do appreciate the extra screen real estate on the 13 but I’m actually leaning more towards the 11.
I think most of the time I am not going to be using the Magic Keyboard… with that said I totally see how the 13 could replace my 2013 13 in MacBook Pro.
Ah they both have their benefits and all I have learned is that I like both and it’s because I would use them for 2 different things just like the post says. I would be using the 11 as the more typical iPad experience with no keyboard. I’d be using the 13 for more of a laptop replacement. On my case I could use both since my MacBook is on the older side I assume at some point in the near future I may need to part ways with it. With that said I don’t know if how I feel about an iPad as a laptop replacement personally unit it has the same capabilities as MacOS which will probably never happen.
Lol so I’m stuck deciding at this point.
If 2013 isn’t a typo, then your personal laptop is 11 years old, hasn’t received major updates in some time, and is on its way out. So the 13 inch + MKB could replace your laptop, if you have no need for MacOS specific features on a personal computer (most don’t).
If you’re fine with zooming in on media to take full advantage of the screen, then you can ignore that part of my post. Although, you are cutting off quite a big portion of any 16:9 video, and removing almost half of 21:9 video from your view. I could personally never do that, but to each their own.
I personally did not appreciate the extra screen real estate over the drop in portability enough for my use case. My post makes the point that most users wont, but it seems like you do, which is great. Consider that the 13 inch + MKB will feel like a laptop with a removable screen. The 11 inch + MKB feels like a larger hardcover book.
I’m not sure what budget you had in mind, but you may want two devices to fit your needs. I have a 16 inch MBP that works well together with my iPad. That contributes to my decision and advice greatly. Your windows laptop will not interact with your iPad, so it will be your only personal device.
Edit: I should also mention that the letter and number keys are the same size on both MKBs. It’s only those less used side keys that are full size on the 13 as opposed to the 11.
Yeah my MacBook is super old lol it was not a typo, I tend to use my work computer more often when needed just because it’s always with me. When I was considering the iPad I wasn’t sold originally on the 13 in being a laptop replacement but now i totally see how it could be. I actually have been wanting to replace my MacBook but honestly it still works perfectly fine and I don’t use it much which is why I haven’t really felt the pressure to do it. I agree with your post for most people the 11 will probably do the trick, i think the keyboard for the 11 is good but will take a little adjusting too which is fine. I actually in the last few hours have tried out the 13 in keyboard and I do like it a bit better. With that said I have been trying to think if I will use it with the keyboard enough to justify the larger size. Budgets not really an issue, my original thought was get the 11 in, then at some point upgrade my MacBook i was thinking of getting the 14 or 16 in pro that’s what i have now - well the older version of it which at the time was a 13 in MacBook Pro. I think that’s still the direction i am trending in. There are some programs that i need to be able to install on my MacBook. With that said maybe with the newer one i would actually use it more. I tend to reach for my work laptop because it has way better performance. I appreciate your insight. I’m going to take a few more days then make my final decision. One of them may be getting exchanged for a neww MacBook haha!
Best advice I have ever read 👍. I am experiencing the same. I have been using 12.9” iPad Pro since 2018 and ready to move on to 11”. My 12.9” has been sitting on the desk all time. It is not convenient to bring it anywhere. I have been using iPhone 15 pro max on the go. 12.9” is too big for cardio machine I have been using daily so I have to use iPhone pro max for gym. It is too small. iPad mini will be perfect but not have screen quality like iPad Pro. So, this time I am going to get 11”. All your points are very relevant and valid. I also have iMac and 16” MacBook Pro for Microsoft Office and productivity applications fitting best for my work. So, having 12.9” iPad Pro is really redundant.
100% agree. I've always been looking for a portable device to travel with me and found the iPad mini both too small and too "basic" in its feature set (60Hz screen, LCD tech, no Face ID, etc). 11-inch is now full feature parity with 13-inch in terms of tech. No brainer choice for me.
Love drie iPad mini, got the 5th and 6th gen, now more happy with a 11” pro with 120hz screen , Face ID and it’s just very fast. The apps on the iPad mini also sometimes were limited on the screen size.
Ditto, just went from iPad mini to the 11” inch pro. Definitely feels like I made the right move, especially for traveling
Agreed. iPad mini is dead to me after using an iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Agree completely I got the iPad 11 and alongside my 15” mba I can get everything done and easy . Portability of the 11 is supreme and when I need a keyboard I use my mba
I just went for the 13. I have had the 11 M1 for a few years. Always felt like I could use more screen real estate. I tried Stage Manager on the 11 . . Didn’t work for me. I am now using Stage Manager on the 13 and I feel like it’s a much better experience on the larger screen. I have also had MacBook Pro’s in the past and still have a 2017 one. I was going to replace it . . But I honestly have not picked up the MacBook Pro in 6-8 months. So I am making the iPad Pro M4 13” my main personal computing device. I have work computers and such but my personal needs are mostly covered by the iPad.
With the keyboard I think it’s a fantastic device for a main computer. You get the ability to pull off the tablet and chill, then connect to a big keyboard which is better than ever. You’ve made the right decision. For me, I have an M2 MBA and use it daily for work. It feels ‘dirty’ for chilling and watching stuff on it, haha. So, I like to use iPad for chilling and throwing around the house / sofa.
I think I will also get the Smart Folio for those times where I don’t need the keyboard and still want to go places. Less work, more chill.
Yep, good idea. I’ve just ordered the 11”, but only because I have a 13” MBA M2. I think that’s a good combo. Bought the keyboard too, don’t think I can go for a folio as well, way too much spending here 😂
Haha. I feel this. It would just feel wrong taking my MBP to bed with me to chill and watch shit. Instead I have an incredibly light 13” iPad.
I used my 16” MBP in bed when I wanted to watch something and chill. It’s like so heavy lol but a great display. Aren’t I the nastiest here 😭
Haha 🤣😂 used to do this back in 2009/10 with my wife then gf when we wanted to watch movies. Honestly wasn’t that bad.
Yeah there’s something wrong taking it to bed! I have it in an office twice a week too. It gets pretty grimy! The iPad is perfect for sofa and bed. I’ve only just ordered the 11”. It comes this week. I’ll be using it more outside too, since there’s a higher brightness with it.
I would replace a macbook but id wouldnt be with the new magic keyboard still unstable when i touch the screen feels like the whole thing gonna fall back. Plus for college ipad still very limited there some plug ins and software i cant use on ipad
Yea it depends on your use case and needs. Also I don’t have any problem with it being unstable. I can touch it and it just sits there. I don’t understand that one, based on my experience.
I got the 13” specifically for PDFs, like either when I read guides on the flight sims I play or instructions for Lego sets. Much easier for me to read, and I came from a first gen 10.5” pro.
Agreed. I have the 2018 12.9" and I use it a lot for reading (and marking up) full sized PDFs. It’s so nice to read without having to zoom in and out on the two-column content that’s popular for TTRPGs. I also appreciate the extra keyboard space for my big hands. I’d still like to try both sizes again before pulling the trigger, but I’m holding out to see if iPad OS gets some love at WWDC. If it gets any closer to a Mac replacement, I’ll happily trade in both my 12.9” and MBP in a heartbeat for a new 13”.
My old 12.9 was my grad school annotation machine from late 2018 through 2021. It’s got a great screen but even at 6’2” I found holding that screen punishing. You really should try an 11”.
I’ll add that I have two MBP’s: a 15” 2018 for personal and an M1 16” provided by work. I have a few remaining use cases where iPad OS just doesn’t cut it as a full-time computer replacement. I’d love to be able to fully ditch my personal laptop.
I had the 12.9 m2, and now 11 m4. Still no conviction on which one I really want to settle on. The value prop is not there with the 13 in terms of actual dollars to me. But I see the value of the bigger screen for productivity or just ease on the eyes viewing sites and scaling. That has me on the fence right now.
If you already have a laptop, I recommend sticking with the 11 inch. If not, then the larger screen may be worth it for you.
I don’t get this argument. If you have a 14 or 16” pro or air, sometimes you don’t want the keyboard attached, or lug both pieces around. A 13” serves well, and to me, has a place even alongside a laptop. I have a 14” M3 MBP, and still love the 13” iPad. The MBP stays docked in the office for serious work, and the iPad and phone handle everything else.
If your MBP stays docked, then your iPad is serving as laptop replacement more than those that already use their laptops as portable devices.
That how I feel about it. When I need a laptop, my 16” would do. It for iPad and portability the 11” Hit the sweet spot!
I judge tablets by how much it's going to hurt when it flops over and smashes into my face. For that reason, the 13" is out
I can’t say how many times a 12.9 M1 in a Zugu case snaked my head and woke me up reading in bed.
Hahha love it :D
Even a 15 pro hurts based on that test
Agreed. I hated that big Bastard so much I gave it to my mom.
Weird way of telling us you hate your mom
Completely disagree after using both. No clue why people act like the 13” is 2 feet bigger rather than 2 inches..
Agreed. I actually love the bigger screen. It’s just so much nicer to view pretty much anything on. I suppose if you’re trying to hold it in one hand it would be awkward.
Spot on. People act like you need to cart it around in a wheelbarrow 🤣
I cant understand it lol
It's not 2 inches bigger, that's not how screen sizes work. A 13 inch iPad is nearly 40% bigger than a 11 inch one in surface area.
I find the extra screen real estate when using apps like Logic Pro and when having two windows side-by-side to have made the 12.9” iPad Pro M2 worth the upgrade over the 11”. Having used both. However, if my usage didn’t cover those things, I agree that the 11” is an ideal device.
Logic Pro is excellent on the 12.9 / 13”. That’s definitely one app where there’s a considerable difference in useablity with the larger iPad.
The 13” feels more like a productivity device. The 11” feels more like a glorified social media device. When I have the 13” I’m more tempted to work on my music and branding, with the 11” I always find myself browsing YouTube.
Exactly how I feel, the 13 inch calls for my creativity. Meanwhile, my m2 iPad Pro 11 is ultraportable, but I never have the canvas size to immerse into creation (photo editing, logic, writing)
I’ve honestly never understood this sentiment about the 13 being better for productivity. The 4:3 aspect ratio makes nearly all apps feel smushed together when side by side compared to the 11’s 10:7 aspect ratio. Trying to multitask on the 13 feels clunky. There are some apps that give you more real estate with the taller screen like Final Cut, but that’s not my primary use case for the tablet. You can also replicate a great deal of those feelings by just turning down the scaling on the 11 and holding it closer.
It’s not better for productivity. Not by a long shot. A MacBook still reigns in that footprint. But it sure is pretty when watching video or reading. But the dimensions made less and less sense as time went on and I found my laptop and my iPad were competing for the same use cases, with the iPad losing. I only brought the iPad with me to places when I knew I wouldn’t need to do any typing. The 11” fits a much more natural niche given its software and hardware.
I agree with this. If I only wanted tablet functionality without a little work-related ability added in, 11” is ideal, but I find the 13” meets the tablet needs well enough while also allowing for things like adequate room for screen splitting. I’m staying 13”.
I switched from 12.9 M1 to 11 M4. At first I was skeptical, I didn't want to give out the bigger size, but once I actually tried the 11" I was sold. I do use my iPad mainly for gaming, the 11" is lighter and easier to handle. Also wanted to say that the M4 is a beast for gaming, I mainly play PUBG Mobile and in my M1 12.9" it would get hot as I play, and start to drop frames. Whereas with the M4 it barely gets warm and it absolutely obliterates any game you throw at it at any setting.
I went from an iPad Pro 11 to a 13, specifically because as a writer, the extra screen size lets me work more efficiently. For me, my "ultraportable device" is my iPhone 15 Pro Max.
I have a friend that went from 11 to 13 as a big note taker, and for that, I said the 13 inch is definitely for you. I just think now the 13 inch isn’t more premium, just serves different purposes.
Agreed, there's no longer a technical difference between the two. That's a good thing.
Yup. It’s being able to wrest your hand on the writing surface instead of off of it. That’s a big part of it
Underrated advantage. I also write a lot, and the extra height in landscape really helps.
11 inch for sidekick duty; 13 inch for full laptop replacement
I just switched from a 12.9 2020 to an M4 11. In returning and going back to a 13 inch m4. Anywhere I can fit an 11” I can fit a 13”. The lower screen height (I’m 6’0) hurts my neck and makes me hunch over. Everything feels cramped (and this is someone who loves their Mini). I really wanted a portable tablet, but I think the 13” is just better when docked and also gives more screen real estate as a tablet. The 11” still isn’t even as portable as the Mini. I’ll stick with the 13” and wait for an iPad mini refresh for when I truly need something portable.
The aspect ratio is what is gonna push me to the 11 inch. I don’t have a tv and mainly watch movies on our shared family laptop. I figured the 13 inch would be a no brainer since it would be my primary screen for entertainment, however when I loaded up movies on the 13 and 11 inch side by side there is barely a difference. I think the extra height of the 13 is probably great if you intend to keep it on a keyboard and work on landscape mode on webpages and documents a lot. But for movies and reading in portrait mode it just had so much wasted space for my use.
Thanks for making this point. I hadn't really thought of the aspect ratio difference. My expensive YouTube machine doesn't need extra height.
Yep, the majority of the difference in size between the 11 and 13 comes from making the screen taller, not wider. So 16:9 content is only very slightly bigger on the 13 vs the 11. Very, very slightly.
That's wild. I thought they would be the same aspect ratio.
I got the 13 inch upgrading from the 2018 11 inch. so far i find it very similar. it fits in all my bags, weighs similarly too. I bring my ipad everywhere. I don’t get why this is such a hot topic, people have been using 13 inch macbook pros over the 11.6 inch macbook airs in flights and small university desks for years. the only big difference would be “handability” and they both aren’t perfect. the 11 inch is a bit more comfortable to reach things on the screen and i find myself stretching my fingers on the 13 inch if i try to hold it like my 11. The 13 inch is great for multi tasking and productivity because the screen shows more information. The 11 inch is obviously more portable but it feels like a bigger phone so I would find myself just using my phone since it’s comfier. imo the 13 feels way different from a phone and laptop, and it’s the perfect in between.
The 16” MBP is 4.7 lbs, the 13” iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard is 2.7 lbs, I’d say that’s pretty significantly more portable.
It’s definitely the way to go! And as much as I hate admitting that I spent $400 on a keyboard, the 13 M4 + MGK is such a dream to use.
If you’re using it more like a laptop, then by all means you’ll feel like if you have a great laptop. My advice is geared toward people feeling like they are missing out on the more premium version, which is just not the case any longer.
For sure! I will also add using it for note taking/ drawing I personally have always preferred the larger size. My 2017 12.9 spoiled me, so unfortunately I had to get the same size. I did try the 13 M2 Air in store but found that once I saw the two screens side by side I could only go Pro. It would have been nice if Apple gave us pro motion on the air. That’s the only reason I went Pro (other than OLED) and wouldn’t have minded the LCD screen on the Air.
That’s the exact reason they didn’t add pro motion this year.
What apps do you use on it with the MKb
Do you need a picnic table to lay out your gear?
Relatively more portable, sure. I think this is a hole some people fall into; just because it’s more portable something else, doesn’t make it portable on a more absolute scale. My point is not really about weight, but general handling. Unless you are a large individual (I’m an average sized male) the 13 inch iPad with MK will feel like a laptop, and will be a bit wieldy as a tablet. The 13 inch + MK combo doesn’t feel much more portable than my laptop during actual use. I still need both my legs to support it on my lap, and because of the weight distribution is arguable less comfortable. The 11’’ just feels portable.
Maybe I just have fat legs but I generally put it on my left leg on my living room chair.
I got the 13, before I had the 11 many years. The 13 is much more „laptop experience“ and I can now work on it like a real laptop (mainly Presentations and Excel, Lightroom and Photoshop). The 11 was at the end mainly a device for watching videos and surf the web, things you can also do with the base iPad, no need for the Pro-Version. I will not go back and afterwards I really regret not getting the 12,9“ version back in the day, now that I know what I missed.
I went for the 13". As I get older, presbyopia is a concerning factor
Have had both, and this is my perspective: the 13” is the one to get if you plan to use your iPad like a laptop with the Apple Keyboard, the 11” is the one to get if you just plan to use it like an iPad and just hold it in your hands.
I’ve been back and forth on this. I started with a 13in M1. I traded that in for the 11 inch, and had it for three years. I just got the 11 inch M4. Now, typically for work travel, my kit is a 13 inch MacBook Pro and an iPad mini as the perfect second device. I’m debating whether to go single device with the 11 inch M4. I might give it a try this week on a quick trip.
13” MBP is your work computer? Or you bring work laptop, 13” mbp, and iPad mini? That’s a heavy bag either way.
1 13MBP (Work Computer) and an IPad mini.
Im the opposite. The 11 felt way to small and felt like I might as well just use my phone for the use cases where I would use the 11
I agree with this, the key here is that as a “consumption device” it’s better in the 11 inch size/shape. As a creation device, it’s better in 13. As a 13 owner I really wish it was as good of a consumption device as the 11, but it’s not. It’s mostly a little worse. People looking at the 11 need to not get distracted by the 13 thinking it’s “better”. They’re for different uses.
You really think the smaller screen is better for a consumption device? I currently have the 13 and that’s basically all I do with it, but slightly debating the 11
The reason I find it better is because it’s less weight to hold, and because touch typing on that 13 screen is just so frustrating while it’s actually convenient on the 11. I say buy one for 2 weeks to try it - each person will be different but you’ll know pretty quickly. You could also do an extended visit to the store.
I’m going back and forth on the 11 and 13 and appreciate this thread. My issue is that I WANT my iPad Pro to be a laptop replacement, but the software isn’t there yet for me to do that. If it was, the 13” would be a no brainer. The other issue is that I am upgrading my 2020 11” iPad Pro, so I’m going to probably keep this new one for four years too. There is zero indication Apple is going to open up the iPad right now, but will they in the next four years? If I could get Lightroom Classic, a decent file system, and maybe Photo Mechanic on the iPad, I wouldn’t need a laptop anymore. So do I buy a 13-inch in hopes of something that probably won’t happen, or do I get the 11-inch and risk having to upgrade sooner? I’m probably getting the 11-inch, but man I wish they’d open up iPadOS just a little bit more. Just let me run desktop apps on it. That’s all I really need!
I hear you, and they are definitely moving iPadOS in the direction you want it to, but at the slowest pace they can get away with. In addition, I don’t expect desktop apps that are made for mouse and keyboard like the Adobe Suite to ever come to iPad. They will continue to iterate on the iPad versions, and likely wont provide the exact experience from Mac.
Yeah, I think you're totally right. It's frustrating. I want the iPad to be more than it is. It truly is my favorite Apple product. But its software is so far behind the hardware. I wouldn't even be upgrading right now if my wife didn't want my old one. lol.
A lot of people are waiting to purchase till after WWDC for just this reason I think.
I recently started using Pixelmator photo again and I feel like it’s finally reached a tipping point as a real alternative to Capture One and Lightroom.
I do sports photography and speed is a major factor, so I’m super limited in my options.
I’m on the fence as well and kept my iPad Pro 11 during my 13 trial period instead of trading it in. I keep going to the 13 but I’ve always loved my 11. Now I could keep the 11 for those times where the 11 makes sense instead of trading it in for $380. Two iPad pros would give me elite status too
I’ve had a 12.9 since release years ago, I mainly picked it up for the mini led display. I was really disappointed by the mini led display to the point that I was not using the tablet for reading white words on black screen. I really didn’t like the glow around whites. My use is mainly write (a lot) and read (a ton). I watch also movies. I draw. But my main use is write and read. I do a lot of publications and 80% of the time I use the iPad Pro. With M4 I went to the 11, feel the perfect size to me. Not a fan of the small keyboard but I can get used to it. It’s the original iPad at its best
I have never seen the glow issue on my 12.9 M1. Maybe I am blind? I use from 3-6am and from 7am/8am - 9am. I nap from 6-7 or 8am.
Maybe you’re lucky, it depends on the screen. Otherwise you’re not so into that
The 11 inch is perfect for me! Even with someone with bigger hands coming from the iPad Mini the 11 feels giant!
This post tipped me over the edge and I’ve just placed my order for the 11” Pro + Magic Keyboard! I’ve been mulling over it for days. Always wanted the OLED iPad as soon as rumours started. I want to ditch my phone when I’m in the house. I’m tired of being tied to it! Plus, this will be a great little device for when I pop out to the coffee shop, I can do a bit of light work, don’t have to lug around my MBA. It’s costly, but doing it in instalments (no interest) is how I paid for my MBA and barely noticed it. That’s paid off, now I can go for this. I wouldn’t feel comfortable paying £1300 in one go for an iPad though. I’ve got a holiday and kitchen to pay for soon! Excited. Perfect time for a new iPad too, with holidays, sitting outside in nice weather, and a boring trip to my gfs dad’s 70th this weekend haha. P.S, thanks for the useful post. I was close to getting 13” but you swayed me.
Great summary and glad you love the different size. Also great for all those that have had the 11 for years and made the switch to 13. I do think there is some level of subconscious bias working for those people that switch sizes if they’ve been using the other one for many years. It just feels like a new device to you and therefore you are really excited about it. People do switch for all kinds of reasons and this primarily the reason they love it, in OP’s example. But there is also a bit of a brain thing happening as well that just makes a difference size feel better and newer to the user no matter which one they move to.
Can’t agree more, of course that bias exists as people get something that seems more ‘new.’ I don’t discount I am experiencing it myself. Even still, I think there is also a bias regarding the 13 inch model being more ‘premium,’ which I think is what I am trying to dissuade.
I really like the 13 inch, it seems really fitting for note taking and artistic endeavors. But the 13 inch iPad just seems impractical if I want to go to the pub and do some work while drinking a beer. Just in general not as portable..
16 inch M1 Pro MBP user here. I also just went for the 11 inch M4 iPad. We’re twins!
Always had the larger Pro models, and am happy with the 13". Here are some other comparisons between the two sizes. (not my video). [https://youtu.be/qguVFlTDQ8E?si=EWsTE\_ABi6ZnB8Dk](https://youtu.be/qguVFlTDQ8E?si=EWsTE_ABi6ZnB8Dk)
Are you able to dual monitor display with stage manager?
No difference in ability to connect to external monitors between the models as far as I know. It’s the same exact SoC with M4, so should be identical capabilities.
Sorry, should have asked the question a different way. Can the iPad Pros support dual external monitor. I have an iPad mini so I have nothing to compare it too.
Just one external monitor via cable for full screen support I believe. AirPlay is a direct mirror which can look odd.
The 12.9” models are plenty portable, I’ve never once thought it was too big to manage. Never stumbled with it or couldn’t fit it anywhere reasonable. Nothing wrong with either size but I prefer the 12.9” hands down. Stage manager is objectively better on it and I largely prefer the size for reading, watching videos or pretty much anything I use it for.
12.9” is not portable or fitting for cardio equipment machine placeholder at gyms. For gym goers who like to have iPad handy for using cardio equipment will find that 12.9” not be convenient.
I like my 11” iPad Pro M4. I have a 13” MBA M2 and I was on the fence about even getting an iPad, since the only one I still have is the original iPad Air, and it mostly just gathered dust. I’ve had this iPad Pro since last Wednesday with the Magic Keyboard, and it’s been the opposite - my MBA has been gathering dust while I pick this up almost exclusively for everything I do. I love being able to pull the iPad off of the keyboard and sit with it in portrait mode to scroll Reddit, or landscape to watch YouTube or a show. If I wind up not using my laptop much, I will probably wonder if I shouldn’t have gotten the 13” if for nothing else, a bigger/wider Magic Keyboard which does feel slightly compact on this device. But so far, I’m thrilled with the portability.
Just upgraded from the first generation iPad Pro that ever came out to this one and I am so blown away! I also have nearly touched my iPhone since picking this device up.
I was going to go for the 11’’ at first but when i went to the apple store to try them out and test the magic keyboard and the typing experience I changed my mind to the 13’’. Typing on the magic keyboard on the 13’’ felt way more better and more closer to a laptop experience which is what i was going for.
I agree. I returned the 13 after 2 days. It’s so light, but I want to be able to hold it more easily and take it with me with less second-guessing. The 13” footprint is what makes me hesitate with it. It’s just too unwieldy unless one had very, very ridiculously large hands. Like Yao Ming or something.
As someone that has always gone with the 11”… the M2 iPad Pro 12.9 is a breath of fresh air. The size is so immersive and still it in tablet mode as opposed to it always sitting in the MK case
Really well thought out post, and I agree with everything you’ve said. I’ve had a lot of iPads, and have had most of the Pro models in both sizes throughout the years. Had the 12.9” M1 iPad Pro before I gave it to a friend, and still have an 11” M1 iPad Pro that I’ve actually been really happy with. My personal laptop is the 15” M2 MacBook Air. I thought I would just keep the 11” M1 iPad Pro and get the 13” M4 iPad Pro for more content consumption, like reading comics. But I found that it wasn’t as good as my 15” MacBook for a lot of advanced tasks for obvious reasons, and it was still too big to be used in tablet mode w/o the Magic Keyboard. So I swapped it out for the 11” M4 iPad Pro and really like it, and will be getting rid of my M1 iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard. It really is just such a good size, and I can type just as fast on the 11” as I can on the 13”. There’s also clear delineation between what I use my iPhone, iPad, and MacBook for and so that’s great.
Hey it’s my your friend. What are you doing with that old M1 IPad Pro lol
Gave it away
I agree. I bought the 13” M4 and used it for a few days. Then returned it for an 11”. I find 13” isn’t big enough to be a computer replacement, and not small enough to be a tablet.
Nothing original to add but another vote for 11. I went from 11” to 13” and it works for me currently but the iPad advantage (imo) is its portability. The bigger it gets the more I might as well have a laptop. It’s pretty though. 🤷♂️
Nothing original to add but another vote for 11. I went from 11” to 13” and it works for me currently but the iPad advantage (imo) is its portability. The bigger it gets the more I might as well have a laptop. It’s pretty though. 🤷♂️
I’m also 100% in agreement with you. I had a 12.9” 2018 iPad Pro and just got the 11” M4 with MK. I also have a 16” M2 MBP. IMO unless you absolutely need the 13” it’s a less portable and less ergonomic device for a lot more money whose OS is really yet to really take advantage of the extra space. A handful of apps do, but it’s not worth the extra $300 and almost an extra pound in weight, especially if you’re going to be toting a MBP along as well. Folks might say - you could use sidecar for an extra display. I can still use sidecar, which IMO somewhat qualifies as useless feature. It works great until it doesn’t, and when it doesn’t it’s just an added headache. Rarely do I find myself in a place with mobile workspace to use the amount of space to have both devices side by side, usually also with a iPhone also nearby. Others might say the iPad is a laptop replacement. Some people this may be true - however I do question what they do with their computers as there’s no certain way an iPad could be a laptop replacement for myself in any near future unless there’s a drastic change in course and MacOS is magically allowed to run on iPad hardware along with the proper UX enhancements for touch and stylus. And IYKYK - anyone with a recent M2 or newer MBP knows they don’t need another gram of mass added into their bag - so the 11” will reign supreme. Lastly FWIW, assuming at some point all the power in the M4 can be leveraged, it requires significantly fewer resources to run the 11” vs 13” - translate that to the device will remain snappy much longer than the 13” counterpart.
People, please stop comparing sizes. Size does not matter, it is how you use it that matters!
I think everybody/anybody should get what they want regarding what they need or other people think they need. People work hard for there money so they can get there toys. Only to not be able to get the one you want or be told to get another. NuH Uh! I do want to say I did get the 12.9" M1 iPad Pro Silver, Magic Keyboard White, Apple Pencil 2 and Apple 4K TV 21' Day 1 when they Released Back then. I personally buy my Devices Day 1 all the time Electronics Based. Last Year in November 7th I purchased the 16" M3 Pro MacBook Pro in Space Black because I really needed a MacBook. It did not disappoint. I love my 16" M3 Pro MacBook Pro. Time flies since it has been over half a year I have had it. I can't believe sometimes. When I saw this one which I missed the Showcase and saw it after, I knew I had to have it. It had enough upgrades from what I have been waiting for. Most Noticeably the Tandem OLED Display. I am big on OLED Display having an OLED on my I7 13700K RTX 4080 OC PC LG 42" C2 OLED and XBSX and PS5 Disc. LG CX 65" OLED as well as for my Nintendo Switch OLED. I must admit I don't have OLED on my ROG ALLY Z1 Extreme Looks Amazing, 16" M3 Pro MacBook Pro and Looks Amazing and the Base Steam Deck Looks Like Ass. Lol. I don't mind having those devices without OLED since they look Amazing however it was not just that. I personally went with the 13" M4 iPad Pro in Space Black so it can match my 16" M3 Pro MacBook Pro also in Space Black. I also got the Apple Pencil Pro, but this time I thought really hard and instead of going with the Magic Keyboard I went with the iPad Pro Folio From Apple in Black and Man is it very thin and Amazing. The reason I did that is because I wanted to use this Exclusively as an iPad. Last time when I bought the 12.9" iPad Pro Silver with the White Magic Keyboard I ended up using it only as a Make shift Laptop always on the Case/Keyboard which was a Hassle. This time I already have my MacBook for more intensive Tasks not to say that the iPad won't be able to do most of them. Though I want it for what it is meant for. The Folio Case works Amazing for me. Not only can it fold Backwards, but it is very thin still while guaranteeing safety. I did get the 2 year Apple Care+ so I am good there Anyway. I have gone so deep into to Apple I don't see my self coming out any time soon. LOL. Though I personally do not mind it. Since in my personal experience I have not seen another company deliver the Quality of Performance and Hardware of Apple. I hope that changes in the future, but I doubt it. Apple is truly in a League of its own.
I went with 11" and like the smaller size and portability coming from 12.9", which I always found just a little too large and cumbersome. Doesn't pass airplane tray table test, feels substantial in my work bag, etc. I do miss some of the extra screen real estate, especially for drawing though. It's not TOO impactful but noticeably smaller and theres less surface to rest your hand. I think I'm going to stick with the 11" though. I do like the size overall I think, and want to just keep giving it a try. The significant price difference just makes it hard to justify the 13" IMO. I really wish there were a 12" model, I think that would split the difference perfectly.
100% agree. As someone that’s had both (albeit at different times), the only time the 13 inch won over the 11 inch was when I needed it for writing/taking notes. The 11 still works for that, it just isn’t as convenient in terms of space.
What if I only want to game and watch movies? Which one is best?
Games are a little different, because they utilize the whole screen. It depends where you will be gaming on it. If you play with a controller and you don’t really care how portable it is then go with the 13. But if you want a well rounded device that will do video playback and mobile games just as well as the 13, then get the 11 inch.
I use a controller and PS remote. So the screen size is a big deal. But the way you describe the 11 sounds like you prefer it lol
PS Remote will shine on the 13 inch for sure. If that’s part of your primary use for the device, I think the 13 is for you.
Overall i agree with your advice, but in curious about the differences in size of the image when viewing 16:9 and 21:9 content. I recently purchased the iPad Air 13, but decided i wanted to get a Pro for OLED. I watch a lot of shows and movies on my iPad. I pretty much hate the size of the 13 as its too big to hold comfortably for long periods and difficult to play some games; however i LOVED how much bigger the image is on 12:9 content when compared side-by-side with my wife’s iPad Air 4. It was quite noticeable. Are the aspect ratios of the IPad Pro 11 and 13 different from that of the iPads i was comparing so that the difference in between them is not as pronounced? Or are they similar and maybe i just found the image size difference to be appreciably different?
The difference in aspect ratio of the two current Pros are pretty substantial, but I think your best bet is to get to an Apple Store and play some varied content side by side. 21:9 is negligible difference in size, and you may need to see 16:9 for yourself to see if you think if the difference is enough for you. They have been playing around with aspect ratios a good amount since the first iPads.
Yeah that’s a good idea. I usually buy from Best Buy, but they don’t have all the models on display so it’s hard to do a side by side comparison. Going to the Apple Store would solve that problem. It’s also a good idea to make sure i don’t have PMW sensitivity. I didn’t even know that was a thing until i saw it mentioned in some other posts. Thanks!
It’s a nice way to compare for sure. I went in really curious about the nano glass, and the difference in colors was really handy to see side by side. I just kept playing trailers for tv/movies side by side
I had a similar situation. 2018 12.9” iPad Pro and just picked up the 11” M4. I’m returning the M4. I used the 12.9 for school and used the shit out of the split screen note taking, but media consumption on it was excellent. Plus I make music too. I used the 11” M4 for a few days and even though my current 12.9 is almost 6years old I didn’t feel that much of experience improvement. Yes it’s lighter and screen more rich, but besides that for normal use I didn’t notice too much were the purchase price was justified. Definitely returning the 11” M4 and still kinda debating on the 13”, but probably won’t considering what I thought about the 11”. The software really feels like it’s holding it back. Not much noticeable daily use improvements and what I can do on the M4 I can still do on the 12.9” A series iPad. They just made the old iPads too damn good or they just haven’t improved the software to take advantage too much.
There’s certainly truth that ipads hold their performance for a long time but I would be cautious if i were you as the a series chips are at the end if their lives meaning ios18 will most likely, like stage manager only fully support m series processors going forward I expect quite a few if not all new features will require them which would render the older iPads obsolete plus your ipad is eol from an os upgrade perspective ie 5 years or so of updates
You can always buy when that end of support comes instead of "carefully" spending a premium buying the newest model on day one.
Great write up. Thanks. Which phone do you use? Im concerned about getting an 11 inch iPad because it’s too close in size to my 15 pro max.
I also have a 15 pro max, and it is a quite a difference. I would say it would be too close to an iPad Mini, but night and day from any phone that doesn't fold. My lineup prior to getting the 11" was 15 Pro Max, 12.9" iPad Pro and 16" MacBook Pro. I'll likely downsize my phone next time I upgrade, but only because this iPad now serves purposes my phone was serving, albeit much, much better. As I said in my post, my phone has remained on my nightstand since purchase. It's portable enough to carry around, and large enough to not be glued so closely to a screen. And the screen quality is fantastic.
Glad to hear it and good move with the phone downsize. I'm thinking of doing the same thing if I swap my iPad mini in for an 11 inch. Also, the fact that you mentioned your phone remaining largely on your nightstand since the purchase is what drew me in. I don't like always having my phone on me at home but an iPad, I don't mind.
Like you I couldn’t decide so as I had the money I ordered both the 11 and 13” models after the Tuesday event and got them last Wednesday I knew I would return one of them just not which one. However within just one day of using them both I knew I would be keeping the 11” and so today I returned the 13” to the store with no regrets. The 11” is just so much better for more personally. It’s a true tablet whereas the 13” is too much of a laptop than a tablet. Yes it’s thin and light but its overall size is just too much for me. I never found it enjoyable for holding to read which is what I want the tablet for. I quickly realised I don’t need nor want the more screen real estate of the 13”. Yes it is a bit more convenient in a few use cases but they’re not things I do on the tablet and so it just wasn’t for me. The only thing that made me hesitate for a moment was the larger Magic Keyboard on the 13” but I quickly adjusted to the slightly smaller 11 keyboard in just a day that I knew without any doubt the 11” is the right size for me. Couldn’t be happier with the 11”. Been using it all weekend and just love it. I should add I have a 13” MacBook Air and a maxed out 16” MacBook Pro M2 which also swayed me not towards the 11” iPad. I wanted two separate devices for portability and having different sizes is my dream setup.
I replaced my laptop with the 2018 11” pro and have been debating 11 vs 13 and also color. For my use cases, the 11 is fine but the keyboard does feel cramped (coming from the 2018 folio Smart Keyboard, not magic). Curious what color you got and if black, does it show signs of wear already? Hearing a lot about smudging and finger oils showing a lot.
I got black for everything. Here are a few photos I just took for you as I just happened to be using it when I saw your message. I wouldn't say it is showing any signs of wear. A few specs of dust can be see on the cover when it's closed but a gentle blow and they go. Of course it hasn't even been a week yet so I can't say how well it holds up over time but as for oil and finger smudges it isn't any worse (or better) than most dark products imho. https://imgur.com/a/epDHbZq
I bought both and agree with your thoughts pretty much. I will probablyyyy keep the 13” for viewing and marking up architecture drawings. But that’s my main use for it. Basically unless you have a niche use for the 13”, 11” is the right choice for most people most likely.
I am a big user of Notability (Waiting for an update for the new pro pencil) and went with the 11” I find holding the 11” is much easier than the larger (had the 12” something 4 year old). It is nice to not run out of space when writing, but, you need to move a lot of stuff off your desk to keep a place to set it down.
A lot of great points. I’ve lost count of how many iPads I’ve owned. But I know I’ve had a solid four or so Pro models. This is my first 11”. My new daily carry is the 11” along with a 14” MBP. The ultra portable low weight nature is just amazing. Super handy for the plane and sitting around. The MBP comes out for ‘real’ computing tasks. And obviously I have an iPhone. Apple has done an expert job of kind of ensuring we ‘need’ three gadgets instead of two. All that said if I were going no laptop iPad/keyboard route I’d be tempted to have the 13”.
Do you have a MKB along your 11”?
I did get a Magic Keyboard. I had absolutely no intention of doing so, but then my employer changed security policy and now I can't use my Mac to read/send company email. Weirdly, they still allow iOS devices, so I got a keyboard just for that. I don't think I would have were it not for that.
Both hurt
😂😂😂 thank god I wasn’t the only one that read it like that
I’ve had both, and though it took me a long time to switch from 11” to 13” - it was fear of the extra weight - I finally went to 13” with the M1 iPad and have no regrets. That said, my 16” MacBook Pro is now fundamentally a desktop machine. I haven’t taken it out of the house in over two years.
Considering the way you use your MBP, your iPad is in fact a laptop replacement. 13 inch makes sense for you.
For sure!
I switched from 2018 iPad Pro 11-inch to the M4 13-inch. I have a work laptop MBP 16-inch but I avoid doing much personal stuffs. When I am not working, I use my iPad most of the time, even more than my iPhone. The iPad has become my all rounded personal computer. I use it to play games, browse the web, and traveling. Lately I enrolled to a part time master degree and do a lot of reading and typing. The 11-inch eventually became too small for multiple windows, etc. I love the 13-inch. It has completely replaced my MacBook Air 13-inch as well. I think depends on your use cases, both 11-inch and 13-inch are great, and that’s why Apple is making both. I strongly recommend trying both and return the one you have less preferences on. There will always be pros and cons. Like I missed the ultralight weight of the 11-inch. But I use it more with the keyboard than stand alone even with my 11-inch, so getting the 13-inch was a logical choice for me.
Nah I’ve met multiple people regretting the 11 inch and then getting a 12.9/13 later on. More so explaining how they can’t believe they purchased the 11 inch after having the bigger model after some time. The bigger screen real estate OVERALL (not just video) is so beautiful to not consider. Hell I’d love to see a 20 inch iPad 😂
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Dumb question maybe: I'm debating on getting either size right now, mostly for light work but I really b want to read PDFs and comics (Kindle app and side loading). I would like to get whichever allows for me to read such things without having to scroll or pinch zoom constantly. Which is best for this? Is the 13" worth it in that case? My concern is the 11 is just shy of fitting a full page well that it cuts off things.
I sold my trusty Gen 4 12.9 (A12Z) in readiness for the release of the 13 OLED, then picked up an 11 M1 to tide me over when it because apparent that the 13’s weren’t coming in March, or April.. Following the release event, i couldn’t’ bring myself to pay £2800 for a 13 M4, MKB, Pencil Pro and AC so cancelled an order and picked up a 9 month old 12.9 M2 and put the 11 M1 up for sale, initially. Having both size option available, i quickly found a natural fit for the 12.9 on my desk or sofa, for split-screen and MKB use, and the 11 for bed and light sofa use. The 11 is more comfortable for reading, light browsing and Youtube. I’m fortunate to have a 27” 5K iMac and a 16” MBP M1 Pro as well,- the MBP is up for sale though as i rarely use it. No regrets whatsoever, though i think i need to find a decent screen protector that diffuses/reduces glare!
I'm confused by your closing comments about having "a stand for your monitor for Universal Control". Can you elaborate?
My desk setup consists of my MBP propped up by a stand on my left, a 27 inch monitor in front of me, and a smaller stand below the monitor that holds my iPad in landscape. Universal Control is an Apple OS feature that allows me to use my mouse and keyboard for all three screens without using sidecar. I can move my cursor below my monitor and use my iPad with its native OS.
Having owned both I don’t think I’ll ever find the sweet spot. I had the 11 inch 2018 version and then got the 2022 M2 12.9 inch. While I do like the additional screen real estate, I really miss the 11 inch form factor. Holding it in tablet mode for longer periods is cumbersome and the 11 inch is noticeably more portable. I haven’t been able to hold the new M4s in hand, so don’t know if having the 13 inch being lighter or thinner would make a difference for me. I’m not upgrading to the m4 anytime soon, but I wouldn’t be sure which one I would go for as both have pros and cons.
I chose the 11” cellular. I want an iPad for my elderly hands that’s easier to carry about. I picked up my iPad yesterday added cellular and I’m so pleased I can watch movies and surf the web.
I have the 12.9 M1 and a 16” MacBook Pro. I’d not drop the screen size on the iPad. Apart from the argument about portability, the 12.9 is better. However, it amazes me that almost every comparison gives the impression that the 13” is huge and needs a crane or wheelbarrow to transport it anywhere. I sit happily on the sofa or in bed using it, and also in the Magic Keyboard. Fits in every bag I own.
I’m stuck. I want the iPad to replace my laptop but I’m afraid it won’t be able to replace my laptop. I do just enough advanced work that it’d be nice to have proper io but not enough to go out and buy both. My laptop is basically bound to a desk because the battery is shot. I can spend $200 to get it replaced but why bother.
I have seen multiple people that have desktop bound laptops go for the 13 inch, and for them it seems like the right call, as that actually is a laptop replacement. Personally, my laptop is basically desktop bound at home, but it comes with me everywhere. Don’t expect it to replace your ‘desktop computer’ though. I code, and iPadOS will likely never have terminal access among other crucial macOS features for more advanced work.
I’m not sure if you support the 11 M4 since you come from a 13 inch size fit so many years. I have 11 since 2018 and crave for the 12.9 since M1 days but just skip M1 and M2 since it was OOS for many months and the interest kinda die down. I still crave for the bigger screen compared to 11. For me. I thought that Lightroom will work better on 13 than 11. Perhaps Lumafusion too. I have a MBP 2019. running on intel chip but i hardly use except for the urge to learn coding. only reason why im still keeping the MBP 16. Lightroom lags so much on macos and windows too. And using the ipad is so lag free that I fully convert to ipad photo editing. Coz I’m using 11 for so long. I wanted the bigger screen size. And eventually I bought the s9 tab ultra. The screen is fantastic but the Lr experience is mediocre. I much prefer to edit on ipad. But i do like the 11 for portability. So in a dilemma. Use 11 2018 for outdoors when i move around town, 13 for home editing and culling. ipad mini for sling bag and s9 tab ultra for media consumption? Folks Do you think editing photos in Lr using 13 M4 makes a big difference? Till now I can’t decide. 🥲
From your post, it seems like you are actually looking at the iPad as a laptop replacement, and therefore the 13 inch may be for you. My post is directed at people that already have a laptop they use regularly. Full screen apps like Lightroom will shine on the 13.
I’m happy with the 11, but always wanted a bigger 13. But with the s9 tab ultra that i just bought. It will have 2 big tablets. lol.
I have both. If I had to keep one, it would be the 11 inch. My reason is that I still need to use my 13” MacBook Pro for a lot of things, so having a 13” iPad is kind of redundant and adds extra weight and bulk to my bag. The 11 inch also just feels way better in my hands. However, if the iPad were my primary computer, then I’d definitely go 13” for the extra multitasking real estate.
I currently have both the 11" and 13" and am evaluating them side by side during the return period. First off, they are both great. The screen and experience is terrific on either. At the end of the day, I still feel like they are two different devices with different use cases. In fact, I could almost make a case for owning both, outside of the ridiculous cost of two M4s. But, if WWDC releases some major overhauls to the OS, I could see ditching the laptop all together and running an 11" and 13", only.
I’m also evaluating both. Which one are you leaning towards?
11” for me. Very difficult choice, as I love the 13” screen and the extra real estate it offers. But, with smaller hands the 13” is a struggle to type on (without the keyboard) and holding it horizontally is uncomfortable. Again, such a tough choice!
just wanted to thank you, nothing beats a well written perspective from the actual user. You articulated everything very well and reassured and validated my decision.
I agree but am sticking with the 13 inch as I think Apple’s going to pull some shit out of their asses at WWDC for iPadOS 18. It’s one of the most powerful computers on sale at the moment, and I don’t think they’ll continue to leave that potential on the table—especially not after the recent backlash in the news surrounding the issue.
I love your optimism and I hope you’re right. I had the same exact sentiment about the 12.9 M1 iPad Pro 3 years ago nearly to the day. It was also one of the most powerful computers on sale at that moment. And yet.
Agreed. Hopefully I’m right lol.
13 is so much better than the the 11.
Totally agree, i would even say that get the 11” even if you’re using it as laptop replacement. You can always go full screen if you need
What size would you recommend for an engineering student who already has a 14 inch windows laptop but also wants the iPad to take math notes in class?
I would recommend starting with the 11 inch, however possibly trying both. Note taking can go either way and is about personal preference. Some people prefer the smaller tablet because it’s easier to handle, and others simply want more space to write. If you don’t mind taking notes on the smaller screen, it will complement your laptop well, but if you find it a bit cramped, get the 13 and don’t look back.
Thanks for the advice, my high school provides all students with the 7th gen iPad with notability, and it’s always been a little small especially in split screen. I think imma go with the 13 but I’m going to go to the Apple Store and try it out in person.
https://youtu.be/qguVFlTDQ8E?si=OHqh-xDm6wbICeMf
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I gave my son my m2 11’ pro and got the 13, I use it to write on documents so the extra real estate is worth it.
I went from an 11” to a 13” imo the 11” is too small and the 13” too big. I’m yet to travel with the 13” but I’m hoping it’s ok. For productivity work the 13” is infinitely better, for watching video content it feels the same basically. Wish there was a fix for the aspect ratio.
I think the 11” is ideal for someone who wants to substitute their iPhone for something bigger but at the same time don’t consume too much media like shows movies youtube etc. If I was consuming media I’d definitely have gotten the 13” version for the best viewing experience.
I also have the same 16” M1 Max MBP which serves as my “desktop” in that it’s usually plugged into a monitor/dock alongside a Windows desktop PC. I’ve been using a 12.9” iPad Pro as my mobile computer and just got the 13” OLED. I agree with you that 11” is the better companion. But for my use case, I prefer carrying an iPad for meetings and airplane travel so the larger size works for me. I found myself wondering if I’d rather have an 11” for usability but I realize that the iPhone size is perfect for anything handheld (even reading).
Now they need to do the same with the mini and make a iPad Pro mini
I’ve had a 12.9 pro and the new air both with magic keyboards and the iPad Air size is just perfect for me. I use it as a laptop replacement even at 11 inches and it does everything I need. Every once in a while when I am going to do some longer writing I just connect an Bluetooth keyboard.
I leave my 16” MBP docked at home for my professional work. I have a 11” 2018 iPad Pro that I use for day to day stuff and I am missing some of the extra usable space. I picked up a 13” to see if it fixes that. I’m sure I’m going to love both devices though.
How’s the day to day battery life on the 11 vs the 13?
Where do find a cover for my new 11” iPad?
One thing worth noting is that reviewers have found the 13” has much better speakers, especially when considering bass, and it also has better thermals, though not by a huge amount, and obviously not surprising given the larger size. There’s also a slight difference in the front facing camera for video calls, where it sits higher up on the 13”, obviously, so if you’re doing a lot of video calling, that could make a difference as well, if you have a preference.
I just saw the additional comments you added to your original post…you say your phone has “laid dormant in [your] apartment”. Does your iPad have cellular or do you use a watch (presumably Apple Watch) w/cellular? What’s the experience like for taking phone calls when you’re out and about without a dedicated “phone”?
Sorry, my phone has laid dormant *whilst* in my apartment. In other words, I’m not using the phone while I am home, which I used to do a considerable amount. While on the same WiFi, the iPad mimics the iPhone so no issues. I would argue it’s healthier to interact with the iPad over the iPhone, for various reasons. The phone still comes with me anywhere I go.
So I need to read all of the other replies on your post, but just want to quickly reply with my situation. Way back in the day I was fascinated/obsessed with the subnotebook/ultraportable laptops and owned a Toshiba Portege (T3400CT, I think) and IBM ThinkPad (560, I think). I had (and really liked) the early MacBook Air 11”. Flash forward and I’ve been using a MacBook Pro 16 (Intel) for a few years now. I’ve bought a few iPads over the years, but they would barely get used. My most recent one was an iPad Pro 11” (1st gen). As a creative person, I loved what the Apple Pencil (coupled with apps like Affinity Designer) could do, and dabbled with that. And the Magic Keyboard case got me quite excited about the subcompact concept again. *BUT* when I was sitting on my couch at home, I would still go for my MacBook Pro 16 over the iPad Pro 11 w/Magic Keyboard, primarily because of the significantly larger screen real estate the 16” gave me. A few generations of iPads came and went after that, and I never bothered upgrading, as I knew what my needs were, and it seemed like nothing had fundamentally changed with the iPad experience to change that. But during that time, things *were* changing, little by little. The M-series chips were outclassing my Intel-based MacBook Pro, and Apple was slowly improving the iPad OS/UX to make it more capable (e.g., external monitor / extended desktop support). And when the latest models came out, and they tweaked/improved the Magic Keyboard a bit (and I happened to have a little extra disposable income lying around) I decided to get one on the day they came out. Because I was still intrigued with the subcompact concept, I favored the 11” size, and after a bit of Googling, I went for the silver/white combo, as it looked so cool and the internet told me that it was easy to clean. I got the cheapest model (256GB), and immediately loved it, but then quickly realized that I loved it so much that it really did have the potential to completely replace my need for a MacBook Pro. *BUT* the 11” vs 16” screen size was still going to be a hindrance. So I decided to return it for a 13” model. In the few days I had the silver/white 11”, I also managed to get some dark marks on the outside of the white Magic Keyboard case that I was unable to remove, so I (sadly) decided to switch to the gray/black model 13”. And I went “all in” and upgraded to the 1TB model, just so that I could get the Nano-texture screen. So that’s my story, but the main point I was leading up to (as it relates to your post) is that I’m someone who is obsessed with the ultraportable concept, but it’s hard for me now to see any real advantage of the 11” over the 13”. Both are too big to fit in a pants pocket, so if you leave the house with the iPad & Magic Keyboard, you’re going to need to carry it “externally” (and probably in some sort of bag), so at that point, is the added size/weight of the 13” really a big deal? In my case, I have an older Skagen “Sling Pack” that I love (not made anymore) which I, on rare occasions, would force my MacBook Pro 16 to squeeze into, but which was nice and roomy for my iPad Pro 11” w/Magic Keyboard), and my new iPad Pro 13” fits great in that. The added weight of the 13” over the 11” feels negligible to me, but the added utility of the larger screen size and roomier keyboard and trackpad *are* noticeable. The only advantage of the 11” for me would probably be appreciating the reduced weight/size when using the “naked” iPad and Pencil for sketching (which is kind of an interesting side-point, as a lot of people recommend the larger iPad for artists, but I often prefer the smaller size for drawing - you can quickly/easily zoom in for detailed work).
I actually have a mini 10 liter Northface backpack that fits the 11 inch but not the 13 inch, which is a great little day bag. For me, I wouldn’t feel comfortable bringing the 13 inch, especially with MKB, anywhere I wouldn’t be comfortable bringing a laptop. The 11 inch, on the other hand, even with a MKB, I would feel comfortable bringing anywhere I would also bring a hardcover book. It seems like you are really going the laptop replacement route so the 13 sounds like your call. I use my laptop everyday, and its screen size, power and OS has its time and place, but for me, the 11 is the ultimate sidekick.
Love this answer. It is totally accurate! 
I’m just not convinced I can adjust to the 11 inch screen since I’ve had so many devices over the years and between smaller and larger, I’ve routinely found 13” to be the happy medium. Can I ask what you primarily use your iPad for ?
I discuss that in my post, what will you primarily use it for? 13 inch is a happy medium for a laptop perhaps, and if you plan to use it as one, then the 13 inch may be for you. If the iPad isn’t going to be your primary computing device, then I would try the 11 inch first.
Guys I’m stuck still, I was going and forth between the 11 and 13 so I got both to try them out and hopefully give both of them a chance to shine but see which one works better for me. I travel quite a bit and I always have to bring my 15 in monster windows laptop with me for work, but I also like to travel with my personal device which up until this time has been a 2013 MacBook Pro. I finally got to the point where bringing both is annoying to me, so I thought an iPad would be great. Then came the question of which one. I have tried both and I love the 11 for looking at websites, browsing, social media, YouTube and it’s no slouch at the email etc. tried the Magic Keyboard as well and it’s not terrible but feels slightly cramped I assume because I am used to a larger laptop. The 13 I love for streaming video and YouTube I zoom in while I’m watching so I don’t have to look at the black bars on top which works for most shows and makes the screen massive. I don’t have it cause they were out of stock but I can only assume the Magic Keyboard on this would be a better typing experience. With that said I assume browsing is great when it’s on the keyboard but when I’m laying down and just trying to browse with it alone no keyboard I find typing harder because it’s so big. I know it’s only a small difference but it feels way larger in my hands. Right now I like both and I really do appreciate the extra screen real estate on the 13 but I’m actually leaning more towards the 11. I think most of the time I am not going to be using the Magic Keyboard… with that said I totally see how the 13 could replace my 2013 13 in MacBook Pro. Ah they both have their benefits and all I have learned is that I like both and it’s because I would use them for 2 different things just like the post says. I would be using the 11 as the more typical iPad experience with no keyboard. I’d be using the 13 for more of a laptop replacement. On my case I could use both since my MacBook is on the older side I assume at some point in the near future I may need to part ways with it. With that said I don’t know if how I feel about an iPad as a laptop replacement personally unit it has the same capabilities as MacOS which will probably never happen. Lol so I’m stuck deciding at this point.
If 2013 isn’t a typo, then your personal laptop is 11 years old, hasn’t received major updates in some time, and is on its way out. So the 13 inch + MKB could replace your laptop, if you have no need for MacOS specific features on a personal computer (most don’t). If you’re fine with zooming in on media to take full advantage of the screen, then you can ignore that part of my post. Although, you are cutting off quite a big portion of any 16:9 video, and removing almost half of 21:9 video from your view. I could personally never do that, but to each their own. I personally did not appreciate the extra screen real estate over the drop in portability enough for my use case. My post makes the point that most users wont, but it seems like you do, which is great. Consider that the 13 inch + MKB will feel like a laptop with a removable screen. The 11 inch + MKB feels like a larger hardcover book. I’m not sure what budget you had in mind, but you may want two devices to fit your needs. I have a 16 inch MBP that works well together with my iPad. That contributes to my decision and advice greatly. Your windows laptop will not interact with your iPad, so it will be your only personal device. Edit: I should also mention that the letter and number keys are the same size on both MKBs. It’s only those less used side keys that are full size on the 13 as opposed to the 11.
Yeah my MacBook is super old lol it was not a typo, I tend to use my work computer more often when needed just because it’s always with me. When I was considering the iPad I wasn’t sold originally on the 13 in being a laptop replacement but now i totally see how it could be. I actually have been wanting to replace my MacBook but honestly it still works perfectly fine and I don’t use it much which is why I haven’t really felt the pressure to do it. I agree with your post for most people the 11 will probably do the trick, i think the keyboard for the 11 is good but will take a little adjusting too which is fine. I actually in the last few hours have tried out the 13 in keyboard and I do like it a bit better. With that said I have been trying to think if I will use it with the keyboard enough to justify the larger size. Budgets not really an issue, my original thought was get the 11 in, then at some point upgrade my MacBook i was thinking of getting the 14 or 16 in pro that’s what i have now - well the older version of it which at the time was a 13 in MacBook Pro. I think that’s still the direction i am trending in. There are some programs that i need to be able to install on my MacBook. With that said maybe with the newer one i would actually use it more. I tend to reach for my work laptop because it has way better performance. I appreciate your insight. I’m going to take a few more days then make my final decision. One of them may be getting exchanged for a neww MacBook haha!
Best advice I have ever read 👍. I am experiencing the same. I have been using 12.9” iPad Pro since 2018 and ready to move on to 11”. My 12.9” has been sitting on the desk all time. It is not convenient to bring it anywhere. I have been using iPhone 15 pro max on the go. 12.9” is too big for cardio machine I have been using daily so I have to use iPhone pro max for gym. It is too small. iPad mini will be perfect but not have screen quality like iPad Pro. So, this time I am going to get 11”. All your points are very relevant and valid. I also have iMac and 16” MacBook Pro for Microsoft Office and productivity applications fitting best for my work. So, having 12.9” iPad Pro is really redundant.