So far with… new iPad Pro 11” and 12.9”

I’m still trying to make the iPad my work machine for 90% of my time.

With that in mind, I took the new 11 inch iPad for a spin (with new keyboard case and Pencil) – and it led me to also try out the 12.9. But more on that later.

11” iPad Pro

• Does the size make a difference?

It feels bigger when I look at it, but in vertical mode, it’s almost more like it has slipped downward. Which can actually be a bit annoying if you have to reach the very bottom of the screen.

I tested the 11 inch model over about a week, frequently swapping back to the 10.5 from last year. And I didn’t really feel great gains for multitasking.

I think the answer is because it’s just wider. Whereas last year’s model added 20% more space with a diagonal spread, this is all at the edges (or top and bottom in vertical.)

This would likely be different if they would allow 2x full size iPad apps side by side in split screen. But for now, you still get the slightly gimped mobile versions.

• Spacebar unlock is great

FaceID obviously works everywhere, but the double tapping the spacebar to get in is a really nice everyday liberation.

• The keyboard case (I refuse to call it a folio) seems worse to me.

Not for typing (I still find it preferable to the new MacBooks, despite the fact it’s almost identical) but for flexibility.

When I’m in consumption mode, I prefer to grab the iPad nakedly, and shed the little bit of weight and unwieldyness. Often this will also be so I can sit it on the little pyramid structure of the keyboard case, propping it up vertically across to sketch notes on.

That’s now not an option. It’s harder to get it quickly out of the case – and when you do, you end up with a useless empty hymn sheet, flapping about on the table.

And worst of all, it’s noticeably heavier. And more expensive.

• The new pencil is a whole load of nothing

It was easy to mock buying a Pencil before (I still argue it’s as much an attitudinal prop as anything) – but the greater price makes it feels lamer.

Yes, it connects magnetically to the side. But what that means is it’s awkward to hold in vertical mode, where it sits in the cup of your hand.

Equally, I’ve actually discovered that the old Pencil actually sticks to the right right of the old Keyboard case when you have it folded behind. I find this slightly MORE convenient and comfortable.

• Are you sitting comfortably?

A remaining concern with this device is posture. If you’re supposed to sit for a decent length of time working on this thing, it’s at completely the wrong height and angle for a human being.

I’ve tried mitigating this with the HDMI dongle and a monitor. I think I could get into this habit. But it’s still a fudge until apps cater for a second output more intelligently.

It must be only a matter of time before these new output modes are formalised can can change what appears on the iPad vs what appears on monitor (as is the case in a few of the first party apps now.)

Actually, the most convenient setup seem to be able to find a shelf or table to work from while standing. Maybe it’s no bad thing for that to be the new default, with you taking breaks to sit and recline to consume content in the gaps.

Going big – the 12.9 inch trial

Feeling underwhelmed, I decided it might be time to go for the bigger model. Especially now that it has slimmed in form.

It almost worked. However, it’s real effect was to further increase my satisfaction and amazement at the quality of experience in the smaller model.

I got the same feeling I got from the iPhone SE vs it’s bigger siblings, or my secret weapon: 11inch MacBook Air with an i7 processor and 8GB RAM (which still benchmarks at about the same as the new MacBook Air.)

I continue preferring to have the smallest possible device that will give me the features of that product.

Conclusion

In the end, I took it all back. Perhaps predictably, buying the entire new setup, just 12 months after getting the first lot, was a big ask for the relatively minimal extra value on offer.

For today, that makes me feel that there are some amazing bargains to be had buying a 10.5 inch second hand, or on Apple refurb – but you still know you’re going to eventually get stung having to buy all new accessories if you continue your iPad journey in future.

The final bit of the puzzle is well covered in this post by Charles Arthur: More than likely, there’s a solid ios 13 update just waiting on the wings, a year late to change the whole equation.

There’s a good chance, the real upgrade lies there, and I look forward to them blowing the dust off it before long.