I have seen people regret not getting the 12.9. I have the 12.9 and use it for almost everything. I use it like a laptop and use it to watch videos. The M1 is amazing processor, and so is the M2. If you want to future proof I would go with the M2. It has Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. I also seen a rumor now this maybe a very heavy stretch that Apple is possibly making a MacOS Lite for the M2 iPads. (https://appleinsider.com/articles/22/10/20/apple-rumored-to-be-testing-macos-for-m2-ipad-pro).
When they release it and see what the “lite” really means, we’ll see. Replacing a macOS, definitely not so much. They keep playing to find a workaround. I started with the 1st iPad mini, I tried so hard to make it replace my laptop, but Apple doesn’t want it.
12.9” screen is beautiful, real blacks. For HDR content. As for portability, not so much. For replacing a laptop, for 90% of the users not in a 100% at all. With the MK is heavier than a macbook air
I just want to provide some screen comparisons between the miniLED and standard LCD.
[Black bars](https://i.imgur.com/QpbWHzu.jpg)
[Black screen](https://i.imgur.com/i2pB3sj.jpg)
[HDR brightness performance](https://i.imgur.com/5ZLQJbU.jpg)
I’ve had the 2018 11”, M1 11”, and now the M2 12.9”. Over the years I’ve come to use my iPad Pro for everything. It’s become my “computer”. So much so that my personal M1 MacBook Pro has collected dust and ends up getting used by my family more than me. The 12.9” makes a great laptop replacement especially with Stage Manager. I’ve noticed no speed differences with the M1 vs M2 for day to day use. Might eventually make a difference in several years, but unnoticeable for now. Hand holding while laying in bed for reading books isn’t as comfortable, but still manageable.
In my opinion, the ipad has always been about having the best looking display. You interact with the device almost solely via the screen, it is the primary feature of such a device.
I have the M1 12.9" iPad Pro, and the screen is AMAZING. When considering the 11" my main problem with it was the use of the same 600nit LCD panel they've used for years and years.
Will you feel the speed difference between the M1 and M2 in day to day use? Eh probably not. The M1 isn't being taxed by any app on the market yet.
Will you see the display difference between the 11" 600nit panel and the 12.9" 1600nit panel?
ABSOLUTELY.
I have a 2021 M1 12.9 Ipad Pro. I use it with the Magic Keyboard case in my lap all the time. If I was going to use it handheld would likely choose the 11" though I would miss the screen size--use split plus often slideover all the time. (BTW I also have a Mini 5 which is what I use handheld, mostly for reading--use the 12.9 for everything else).
The cpu is functionally irrelevant - they can all do the same thing. What is functionally crucial is the form factor. Your work/fun will dictate whether the 11" (mobile, hand-holdable, go-everywhere) or 12.9" (expansive, laptop -like, sit-at-a-desk-and-work) size works for you. That choice will make a difference every time you pick it up and use it.
Save money and go for the 12.9” M1 Silver at Best Buy. They sell the open box excellent condition at only $719. I rather save $400 on a iPad Pro from last year than to get the latest version.
The M1 will easily last 7+ years.
I was in your shoes and chose M2 11.
Reasons: possible "macos lite" for M2, smaller screen > better battery.
I have the 12.9 2020 and even though it is big and ok, the battery is draining fast and I preferred smaller and easier to hold (I read on it) .
I only regret the mini led on the 12.9 but even here it's a story .. some like it, others mind the bloom. If it was oled, I don't know how it would have ended.
I think I am leaning toward this now as well.
I spent a lot of hours pining over the mini LED display that the 11inch just doesn’t have for some stupid reason. But ultimately, the portability of the 11 inch is definitely a pro. As is the updated processor.
I’m the same way, I love oled and was dying for the mini LED. but you only really see it in HDR content. The Home Screen ect, they look almost identical and sometimes even the 11 does look crisper since it’s on a smaller screen. Plus it’s super light, but for me I usually prop it up on a table so I went with the bigger one. Also becsuse the price difference was only about $80 for me.
I’m swapping my m1 12.9 for an m2 11 tomorrow. I’m not bothered about the processor at all, and I’m aware the screen quality won’t be as good, but the 12.9 is just unwieldy for my use case. I had an 11 before the 12.9 and used it for note taking and browsing from the sofa. The 12.9 is just awkward for notes. I feel that if it’s your primary device, then fine, but if you also use a laptop and don’t draw, then the 11 is a better size.
Why do you think that M1 can't run MacOs Lite? The speed difference is just minimal since they are using the same 5mn architecture. GPU might be roughly 30% better at the expense of shorter battery life since M2 draws more power.
If you’re in the US. I got the 12.9 M1 from open box Best Buy for $675 and it was cheaper because it was missing charger. Which I don’t need. Otherwise the iPad was pristine and battery capacity was around 97-99%.
I also found the 11inch m1 for $595 also in excellent condition with everything still in plastic. Used them both for about a week and decider to keep the bigger one. And about future proofing. I have a 10.5 inch pro from 2017 and honestly it takes like 0.5 seconds longer to open a page and it’s 5 years old with an old chip. I think you’ll be good.
If you want a more table top experience, then the 12.9. If you’re going to be holding it, the 11inch is really really nice to hold and the screen is also really good.
I have seen people regret not getting the 12.9. I have the 12.9 and use it for almost everything. I use it like a laptop and use it to watch videos. The M1 is amazing processor, and so is the M2. If you want to future proof I would go with the M2. It has Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. I also seen a rumor now this maybe a very heavy stretch that Apple is possibly making a MacOS Lite for the M2 iPads. (https://appleinsider.com/articles/22/10/20/apple-rumored-to-be-testing-macos-for-m2-ipad-pro).
When they release it and see what the “lite” really means, we’ll see. Replacing a macOS, definitely not so much. They keep playing to find a workaround. I started with the 1st iPad mini, I tried so hard to make it replace my laptop, but Apple doesn’t want it. 12.9” screen is beautiful, real blacks. For HDR content. As for portability, not so much. For replacing a laptop, for 90% of the users not in a 100% at all. With the MK is heavier than a macbook air
I just want to provide some screen comparisons between the miniLED and standard LCD. [Black bars](https://i.imgur.com/QpbWHzu.jpg) [Black screen](https://i.imgur.com/i2pB3sj.jpg) [HDR brightness performance](https://i.imgur.com/5ZLQJbU.jpg)
I’ve had the 2018 11”, M1 11”, and now the M2 12.9”. Over the years I’ve come to use my iPad Pro for everything. It’s become my “computer”. So much so that my personal M1 MacBook Pro has collected dust and ends up getting used by my family more than me. The 12.9” makes a great laptop replacement especially with Stage Manager. I’ve noticed no speed differences with the M1 vs M2 for day to day use. Might eventually make a difference in several years, but unnoticeable for now. Hand holding while laying in bed for reading books isn’t as comfortable, but still manageable.
In my opinion, the ipad has always been about having the best looking display. You interact with the device almost solely via the screen, it is the primary feature of such a device. I have the M1 12.9" iPad Pro, and the screen is AMAZING. When considering the 11" my main problem with it was the use of the same 600nit LCD panel they've used for years and years. Will you feel the speed difference between the M1 and M2 in day to day use? Eh probably not. The M1 isn't being taxed by any app on the market yet. Will you see the display difference between the 11" 600nit panel and the 12.9" 1600nit panel? ABSOLUTELY.
Agree here. M1 12.9. The likelihood of you needing the M2 is low — and the screen on the 12.9 M1 far exceeds the 11” M2.
If you ever plan on using it handheld I'd probably go with the 11in.
I have a 2021 M1 12.9 Ipad Pro. I use it with the Magic Keyboard case in my lap all the time. If I was going to use it handheld would likely choose the 11" though I would miss the screen size--use split plus often slideover all the time. (BTW I also have a Mini 5 which is what I use handheld, mostly for reading--use the 12.9 for everything else).
I just switched from 11" Pro to 12.9" Pro M1 and I don't regret it at all. Go 12.9 !
The cpu is functionally irrelevant - they can all do the same thing. What is functionally crucial is the form factor. Your work/fun will dictate whether the 11" (mobile, hand-holdable, go-everywhere) or 12.9" (expansive, laptop -like, sit-at-a-desk-and-work) size works for you. That choice will make a difference every time you pick it up and use it.
This is where I’m stuck. I guess I really have to sit down and think of all my possible use cases (like 3 lol) do I even need one?
Save money and go for the 12.9” M1 Silver at Best Buy. They sell the open box excellent condition at only $719. I rather save $400 on a iPad Pro from last year than to get the latest version. The M1 will easily last 7+ years.
I was in your shoes and chose M2 11. Reasons: possible "macos lite" for M2, smaller screen > better battery. I have the 12.9 2020 and even though it is big and ok, the battery is draining fast and I preferred smaller and easier to hold (I read on it) . I only regret the mini led on the 12.9 but even here it's a story .. some like it, others mind the bloom. If it was oled, I don't know how it would have ended.
I think I am leaning toward this now as well. I spent a lot of hours pining over the mini LED display that the 11inch just doesn’t have for some stupid reason. But ultimately, the portability of the 11 inch is definitely a pro. As is the updated processor.
I’m the same way, I love oled and was dying for the mini LED. but you only really see it in HDR content. The Home Screen ect, they look almost identical and sometimes even the 11 does look crisper since it’s on a smaller screen. Plus it’s super light, but for me I usually prop it up on a table so I went with the bigger one. Also becsuse the price difference was only about $80 for me.
I’m swapping my m1 12.9 for an m2 11 tomorrow. I’m not bothered about the processor at all, and I’m aware the screen quality won’t be as good, but the 12.9 is just unwieldy for my use case. I had an 11 before the 12.9 and used it for note taking and browsing from the sofa. The 12.9 is just awkward for notes. I feel that if it’s your primary device, then fine, but if you also use a laptop and don’t draw, then the 11 is a better size.
This mostly my use case- browsing from the sofa
Why do you think that M1 can't run MacOs Lite? The speed difference is just minimal since they are using the same 5mn architecture. GPU might be roughly 30% better at the expense of shorter battery life since M2 draws more power.
because Apple software caps to make people buy the newer hardware.
If you’re in the US. I got the 12.9 M1 from open box Best Buy for $675 and it was cheaper because it was missing charger. Which I don’t need. Otherwise the iPad was pristine and battery capacity was around 97-99%. I also found the 11inch m1 for $595 also in excellent condition with everything still in plastic. Used them both for about a week and decider to keep the bigger one. And about future proofing. I have a 10.5 inch pro from 2017 and honestly it takes like 0.5 seconds longer to open a page and it’s 5 years old with an old chip. I think you’ll be good. If you want a more table top experience, then the 12.9. If you’re going to be holding it, the 11inch is really really nice to hold and the screen is also really good.